Sprinkle in some romcom with a healthy dash of Christmas, and you’ll wind up with a Hallmark Movie. These perennial favorites have become a holiday staple that’s right up there with milk and cookies.
Hallmark Christmas movies are the ultimate in cozy holiday charm — snowy towns with twinkling lights, festive markets, and heartwarming moments make the whole family feel warm and toasty inside.
And we at Roadtrippers got to wondering what sort of road trips we could take to make us feel like we were right in the movies. Here are the treks we found all over the country that’ll make you feel like you’re a star in a Hallmark flick.
Hallmark Movie Road Trips in The Northwest
From mountains to majestic oceans, this region has all the ingredients for Hallmark-y road trips.
Seattle to Leavenworth, Washington
Washington’s Bavarian-inspired village goes all out for Christmas and features all the Hallmark things like snow-capped mountains, raging fires, and hot cocoa on tap.
On the Way: From Seattle, head east through snowcapped peaks, stopping in Snoqualmie for a brisk hike or hot cocoa with views of the roaring waterfall. Cle Elum offers small-town charm with quaint holiday shops.
In Leavenworth: Picture yourself in A December Bride as you wander the festively lit streets, sip glühwein, and shop at Kris Kringl, a store dedicated to all things Christmas. The village’s Lighting Festival, complete with carolers and sleigh rides, seals the deal on its holiday charm.
Portland to McCall, Idaho
This trip takes you through rugged Northwest beauty to a snowy mountain town that feels plucked right out of Amazing Winter Romance.
On the Way: Wind through Oregon’s wilderness, stopping in Baker City to explore its holiday-decked historic downtown and enjoy a cup of spiced cider.
In McCall: McCall boasts snow and festive cheer during its Winter Carnival. Ice sculptures, torch-lit parades, and cozy lakeside cabins finish the scene for a Hallmark-inspired romance.
Bozeman to Bigfork, Montana
Bigfork’s Christmas Village is renowned region-wide for its holiday charm, cheerful people, and cozy cabins. This road trip through Big Sky Country will make you feel like you’re a star in Hallmark’s Christmas In Montana.
On the way: Road trip through the Flathead National Forest for a wintry wonderland packed with snow-capped peaks, christmas’y trees, and plenty of wildlife.
Stay: Bridge Street Cottages are a cozy riverside retreat. The Timbers Motel is another local favorite.
In Bigfork: Take in a Christmas show at the nationally acclaimed Bigfork Playhouse and enjoy the lights and garland strung all along the center of town.
Hallmark Movie Road Trips in The Southwest
The southwest may be known for its desert-scapes, but its mountain scapes ain’t to shabby either. They’re quite Christmas-y too. Here are some trips to get your Hallmark on:
Los Angeles to Big Bear Lake, California
Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains transforms into a picturesque alpine escape during the holiday season, brimming with activities and charm that’ll make you feel like you’re living out scenes from A Christmas Love Story.
On the Way: From Los Angeles, stop in Lake Arrowhead to explore Santa’s Village at SkyPark, where you can meet Santa, decorate cookies, and go ice skating. Continue into Lake Arrowhead for a cozy lakeside walk and holiday shopping in the beautifully decorated village.
Stay: Mallard Bay Resort is a popular cabin resort nestled in the woods right along the lake. Given how many cabins play center stage in Hallmark Christmas movies, it’s a fitting place to stay.
In Big Bear: This town twinkles with holiday lights and snow-covered trees. Attend the annual tree lighting ceremony, ride in a horse-drawn carriage, and browse the Christmas shops. For adventure, go snow tubing at Alpine Slide or skiing at Snow Summit.
Denver to Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge’s stunning mountain views and historic downtown become a holiday wonderland each winter, reminiscent of Rocky Mountain Christmas.
On the Way: Start your journey in Denver and head to Georgetown for its famous Christmas Market. Stroll through the old-timey streets as costumed carolers sing, or take a ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad.
Stay: Beaver Run Resort, nestled at the base of Breckenridge’s ski slopes, combines luxury with convenience. Its on-site spa, outdoor hot tubs, and cozy fireplaces create a winter retreat perfect for relaxing after hitting the town.
In Breckenridge: Breckenridge’s Main Street shines with garlands and lights. Race in the zany Race of the Santas, enjoy holiday performances, and savor a warm cup ‘o cocoa at a local café.
Phoenix to Prescott, Arizona
Prescott, known as “Arizona’s Christmas City,” combines historic charm with festive holiday traditions that could easily belong in A Joyous Christmas.
On the Way: From Phoenix, take the scenic route through Wickenburg, a cowboy town where holiday lights give a unique Southwestern twist to the season.
Stay: The Grand Highland Hotel in downtown Prescott is a convenient and very comfy place to stay.
In Prescott: Prescott’s Courthouse Plaza dazzles with over a million lights and festive events like the Christmas Parade. Stroll around downtown to feel like your a star in your own holiday flick. Check out the Sharlot Hall Museum, a must in Prescott any time of the year.
Hallmark Movie Road Trips in The Midwest
The midwest is packed with small towns and snowscapes, making it perfecto for re-creating a Hallmark movies.
Chicago to Galena, IL
Known for its preserved 19th-century architecture and rolling hills, this small town could be plucked straight from the silver screen. Festive decorations transform this river town into a charming Christmas setting reminiscent of A Godwink Christmas.
On the Way: From Chicago, stop in Oak Brook to visit the Christmas lights display at Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic. Further along, enjoy a cozy meal in Rockford, where you can also admire the holiday displays at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens.
Stay: DeSoto House Hotel, Illinois’ oldest operating hotel, offers timeless elegance in Galena’s picturesque downtown.
In Galena: Attend the Night of the Luminaria & Living Windows, where candle-lit streets set the stage for enchanting displays in shop windows. Stroll through snow-dusted streets, shop for handcrafted gifts, and savor holiday treats at cozy bakeries to feel like you’re right on set.
13 stops along the Great River Road from Illinois to Iowa
Kansas City to Hermann, MO
Hermann’s is one of the most ‘German’ towns in the country, so it’s little wonder that it’s a hotspot for Christkindle Markets, Glühwein, and more festive fun. It’ll make you feel like you stumbled into the shoot for Christmas in Evergreen.
On the Way: Check out Boathenge in Columbia and stop for a wine tasting in Rocheport.
Stay: The Inn at Hermannhof offers elegant, historic charm with cozy fireplaces and scenic views of the Missouri River. Its proximity to downtown Hermann makes it an ideal base for holiday exploration.
In Hermann: Hermann’s Kristkindlmarkt features handmade crafts, German treats, and live holiday music. Tour the historic district, visit the wineries for mulled wine, and take in streets decked to the halls.
Indianapolis to Shipshewana, Indiana
This Amish Country town comes alive during the holiday season, offering timeless traditions and snowy landscapes reminiscent of Small Town Christmas.
On the Way: On your way from Indianapolis, check out the Wild Zoo Wonderland at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Make another stop in Goshen to try places like Olympia Candy Kitchen and Goshen Brewing Company.
Stay: The Old Carriage Inn is a family-run bed and breakfast that’ll put you next to all the Christmas action.
In Shipshewana: Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy drive-through display illuminates the town with more than two million lights. Explore the Christmas market for handmade Amish goods and snag a scrumptious treat at JoJo’s Pretzels.
Hallmark Movie Road Trips in The Southeast
Southern charm is a regular feature in Hallmark movies. Live it out in the place where it all began.
Nashville to Bardstown, Kentucky
Known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” Bardstown transforms into a small-town winter wonderland with a charm that feels straight out of My Southern Family Christmas.
On the Way: Make a pit stop in Bowling Green, KY to explore its festive downtown lights and grab a treat at Boyce General Store, famous for its holiday pies. Then swing by Elizabethtown to grab a donut at Etown Donut before checking out the town’s Christmas décor.
Stay: The Bourbon Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn is the only bourbon-themed inn in the country. It offers fireplaces, festive decorations, and even bourbon-infused holiday treats for a unique seasonal experience.
In Bardstown: Bardstown’s historic Main Street shines with twinkling lights and southern holiday spirit. Visit My Old Kentucky Home for candlelit tours and carolers, shop for unique holiday gifts in artisan boutiques, and take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic district.
Atlanta to Thomasville, GA
With its canopy of live oaks and historic downtown, Thomasville’s festive atmosphere mirrors the beautiful scenes in Christmas Everlasting.
On the Way: Begin your journey in Macon with a stop at the dazzling Christmas Lights Extravaganza. Then visit Albany, where Chehaw Park and Zoo offers a unique holiday-themed wildlife experience.
Stay: The Paxton is a boutique spot with charming holiday décor, cozy fireplaces, and luxurious rooms, making it a perfect Hallmark-inspired stay.
At the Destination: Thomasville shines during its Victorian Christmas Festival, showcasing horse-drawn carriages, costumed carolers, and delicious seasonal treats. Wander the beautifully lit streets, browse unique local shops, and sip mulled cider by a roaring fire to feel like you’re right in Hallmark-Town.
Birmingham to Fairhope, AL
Nestled along Mobile Bay, Fairhope’s scenic beauty and Southern charm feel like the setting of The Sweetest Christmas.
On the Way: Stop by Montgomery to visit the Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s holiday performances. In Mobile, enjoy the spectacular Christmas Nights in Lights drive-through display.
Stay: Away At the Bay is a cozy BNB that’s close by all the Christmas festivat-ing that’ll be happening.
At the Destination: Fairhope sparkles with holiday lights along its iconic pier and downtown streets. Take a stroll along the water’s edge to soak in the small-town magic.
Hallmark Movie Road Trips in The Northeast
With cobblestone streets and snowy peaks, the northeast sets a perfect stage for reliving Hallmark movie magic.
Boston to Woodstock, VT
Woodstock’s snowy streets and historic charm make it a perfect stand in for Christmas in Evergreen.
On the Way: Begin your journey with a stop in Concord, NH, to visit its quaint downtown decorated with lights. Further north, enjoy a hot cocoa and scenic views in Hanover, home to Dartmouth College.
Stay: The Woodstock Inn & Resort offers luxurious accommodations, fireplaces to cozy up by, and holiday-inspired amenities that transport you straight into a Hallmark set.
In Woodstock: Woodstock shows off its holiday chops with its annual Wassail Weekend. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, traditional music, and a parade through the snow-lined streets and covered bridges. Shop at the unique local boutiques for handcrafted gifts and enjoy a holiday feast at The Prince and The Pauper Restaurant.
New York City to Bethlehem, PA
Known as “Christmas City,” Bethlehem lives up to its name with a festive spirit straight out of A Christmas Duet.
On the Way: Plan a pit stop in Princeton, NJ, to enjoy its illuminated downtown and holiday ice skating rink. Visit Easton, PA, where the Crayola Experience offers family-friendly holiday fun.
Stay: The Historic Hotel Bethlehem features elegant, holiday-themed rooms, twinkling lights, and a grand Christmas tree in its lobby, evoking the warmth of a Hallmark film.
At the Destination: Bethlehem hosts Christkindlmarkt, a German-inspired holiday market filled with artisan goods, food, and live music. Wander through the beautifully lit streets, tour the Moravian Book Shop, and take a horse-drawn carriage ride.
Philadelphia to Lititz, Pennsylvania
Lititz, a charming town in Pennsylvania’s Amish Country, feels like the setting of Holiday Hearts.
On the Way: Stop in Lancaster to explore its holiday-themed Dutch Wonderland amusement park and seasonal shopping at Kitchen Kettle Village. After that, enjoy a festive dinner at the Strasburg Railroad’s Christmas Train.
Stay: The Alden House offers a home-like stay in the heart of town complete with holiday decor.
In Lititz: Don’t miss the Mission Gift Shop to pick up a Moravian Star. Enjoy hot cocoa by the Lititz Springs Park and sip on some holiday spirits at Stoll and Wolfe Distillery.
Mix up a bit of holiday cheer, pack up the car, and set out on the road for one of these Hallmark Movie road trips around the country. No matter what neck of the woods you live in, you’re bound have one nearby.
And if you want to build your own Hallmark inspired road trip, check out our Autopilot trip planner.
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