Two Illinois Towns Named ‘Most Christmassy’ Towns In The U.S.

We're just a few days out from Santa's big day: Christmas 2023. A new study shows which towns are giving off the most Christmas vibes.

Photo book brand, Mixbook, surveyed 3,000 families to create a list of the most "Christmassy" towns in the U.S., and two Illinois towns made this prestigious list.

Santa Claus, Indiana

You would think a town with a name like that would crack the top 5, or at least the top 10. No, Santa Claus, IN barely got in the top 20, landing at number 18.

Full of festive shopping experiences, holiday activities, annual events, and Christmassy lodging, the town of Santa Claus is the place to be during the holidays, especially with a name like that.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Beating out other really well-named Christmassy towns is the town of Pigeon Forge, TN. Pigeon Forge is surprisingly the most Christmassy town in the U.S., according to the families that were pulled by Mixbook.

"Despite its southern location, it captures the holiday spirit with its festive allure and Appalachian warmth. During the holiday season, this picturesque town transforms into a winter wonderland, draped in millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations," said Mixbook.

Pigeon Forge is home to Dollywood, Dolly Parton's famed theme park, which features its own spectacular holiday celebrations, complete with seasonal music, performances, and traditional crafts.

Durango, Colorado

Durango comes in second and is celebrated as one of America's most charming holiday destinations, offering a unique and enchanting Christmas experience.

A highlight of the season is the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Polar Express train ride, which brings to life the magic of the classic Christmas story, delighting both children and adults.

Illinois has two towns included in the top 75 most ‘Christmassy’ towns.

#49 Galena

The 3,000 families surveyed by Mixbook did a great job putting this northwestern Illinois town on the list. Here is how OnlyInYourState describes Galena during Christmas:

"A Galena Illinois Christmas is really something special, and it’s complete with an enchanting main street that comes to life with lights and festive displays... Galena is a charming resort town in northwest Illinois that just about everyone in the state has at least heard of before. For those who are familiar with the town's allure, it won't be a surprise that it has the most enchanting main street in the state."

#58 Naperville

Making this prestigious list is Naperville. With attractions like Reindeer Road, Naperville, IL deserves to be among the 75 most 'Christmassy' towns. This is what OnlyInYourState said about Naperville during Christmas:

"Naper Settlement is hosting a Holly Jolly Days event on select dates in December. Take a trolley tour in downtown Naperville to see the holiday lights. Participate in the Holiday of Cheer - House Walk, Holiday Market, & Tea event to visit four homes all decked out for the season... In early December, you can also see your favorite storefronts come to life with holiday lights and displays. If you're looking for things to do at Christmas in Illinois, Naperville is the place to visit."

To see what towns made the top 75, click here.