This destination was just ranked as the coziest city for a Christmas getaway

North Pole, Alaska offers plenty of Christmas cheer.

By Amanda Teague Published November 13, 2024

North Pole Alaska — Explore Fairbanks

If you’re dreaming of a truly cozy Christmas escape, look no further than North Pole, Alaska, recently crowned the coziest city for a Christmas getaway in a study by BetMGM Casino. The study ranked 19 of America’s most popular holiday destinations based on factors like snowfall, festive events, chilly temperatures, natural beauty, and accommodations that evoke that traditional Christmas charm.

North Pole, Alaska, a small town just outside Fairbanks, took the top spot thanks to its snowy landscapes, chilly temperatures, and Christmas spirit that shines year-round. With candy cane-striped streetlights, holiday-themed streets like Kris Kringle Drive and Mistletoe Lane, and the Santa Claus House, the town is straight out of a Christmas movie. You can even stay in the Santa Suite at the Hotel North Pole and soak up the holiday spirit all night long!

Recommended Videos

Park City, Utah, came in second, offering its own snowy magic with two major ski resorts, Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort, that transform the city into a winter wonderland each year. Denver, Colorado, Kennebunkport, Maine, and Asheville, North Carolina, also made the top five, each boasting unique festive events and cozy winter appeal.

When it comes to the least-cozy city in the United States, Las Vegas takes the cake. With a low 7.71 cozy Christmas score, Las Vegas is not the ideal place to go to spread the holiday cheer.

The full list of the coziest cities for a Christmas getaway

North Pole Alaska — Travel Alaska

North Pole, Alaska
Park City, Utah
Denver, Colorado
Kennebunkport, Maine
Asheville, North Carolina
New York, New York
Branson, Missouri
Seattle, Washington
Newport Beach, California
Nashville, Tennessee
Alexandria, Virginia
Charleston, South Carolina
Washington, D.C.
Chicago, Illinois
St. Louis, Missouri
New Orleans, Louisiana
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Dallas, Texas
Las Vegas, Nevada

Topics

Destinations

Contributor

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…

Travel

The best time to go to Nashville: Top seasons for music, great weather, and more

When should you head to Music City?

Nashville

I love Nashville. Growing up with a music-obsessed dad, we'd take a family road trip to this iconic city at least once every few years. It became our tradition – cranking up the country tunes as we crossed the state line and stepped into a city that felt alive with energy. We've been to Nashville for Fourth of July celebrations, Christmas shows, and springtime adventures, and every season brings something special. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned Nashville traveler, figuring out the best time to go to Nashville can really shape your experience.

The beauty of this city is that it's packed with things to do year-round. But depending on what you're looking for, whether it's catching live music, exploring unique destinations, or just soaking in great weather, timing is everything. Let’s dive into the top seasons for music, perfect temperatures, and those unforgettable things to do in Nashville.
The best time to go to Nashville for amazing weather

Travel

Indulge in Downtown Portland’s dining scene with these standout spots

Be ravenous in the Rose City

Portland, Oregon

Portland has long been known for its food scene. It's a circuit worth salivating over, but downtown, especially as of late, has mostly been left out. And to overlook the Rose City's central area is to forego truly exceptional meals, as capable as some of the best restaurants in America.

By all means, check out the city's vast number of neighborhoods — all with scores of esteemed eateries. But don't leave out downtown Portland restaurants, because while it may feel like other cities on the surface — the buildings, the chain establishments, the occasional unsavory character — there's too much flavor not to visit.

Travel

Kayak under starlit skies and glowing fireflies in Okinawa’s Yambaru Park

Discover the Island's Glow

Halekulani Okinawa

As noctourism gains momentum (with 62% of travelers seeking dark-sky destinations in 2025) luxury hotel Halekulani Okinawa is offering an unforgettable way to experience nature after dark. Their exclusive Discover the Island’s Glow experience invites guests to explore the UNESCO-listed Yambaru National Park by kayak, guided by a local naturalist.

Drifting through the park’s serene mangroves, visitors are surrounded by fireflies and a beautiful starlit sky. With half of Japan’s 50 firefly species found in Okinawa, the spectacle is both rare and mesmerizing. This immersive nighttime adventure showcases the park’s beauty, offering a tranquil and almost otherworldly way to connect with Okinawa’s rich biodiversity.
Discover the Island’s Glow