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6 Spirited Holiday Destinations to Visit this Season

Indiana

Tennessee

Ohio

West Virginia

Family Fun

From a small community where every day feels like Christmas to a light installation that has wowed families since 1985, here are six spots that are sure to make spirits bright.

The world’s only Santa Claus post office and its signature Santa-themed postmark are found in America’s Christmas hometown of Santa Claus, Indiana. If you’re looking for other holiday-themed attractions for maximum cheer, visit a New York museum dedicated to a classic Christmas film or a Tennessee theme park filled with more than 5 million lights this season.

Oglebay Resort’s Festival of Lights

Illuminated trees and path at Oglebay Resort’s Festival of Lights in Wheeling, West Virginia (courtesy of Oglebay Resort)

Since 1985, this seasonal attraction in Wheeling, West Virginia, has wowed families with its 6 miles of dazzling installations.

Holidays at Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park

Person walking over illuminated suspension bridge at sunset at Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park (photo courtesy of Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park)

This attraction in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, sits on 70 acres and boasts opportunities for dining and shopping, a mountain coaster and a treetop walk.

Winterlights at Newfields

Illuminated trees, garden and mansion at Winterlights at Newfields in Indianapolis, Indiana (photo courtesy of Newfields)

This 152-acre cultural campus in Indianapolis, Indiana, transforms into a holiday destination brimming with twinkling lights and seasonal charm.

Dickens Victorian Village

Life-size figures on bench at Dickens Victorian Village in Cambridge, Ohio (photo courtesy of Cambridge/Guernsey County CVB)

More than 90 scenes featuring 180 life-size figures in vintage attire are set up at each lamppost and bench along Wheeling Avenue in Cambridge, Ohio.

Christmas at Dollywood

Holiday decorations at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge Tennessee (photo by Curtis Hilbun/Dollywood)

Country music singer and actress Dolly Parton’s theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, shines during the holidays with over 5 million lights.

America’s Christmas Hometown

America’s Christmas Hometown in Santa Claus, Indiana (photo courtesy of santaclausind.org)

Celebrate the holiday season in Santa Claus, Indiana, where every day feels like Christmas and the Jolly Old Elf is found around every turn.

Story: Kelly Powell
Issue: Weekend Guides

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Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (photo by Becky Thurner)

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Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls, Ontario (photo by Rob Anzit)

Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

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It’s A Wonderful Life Museum in Seneca Falls, New York (photo by Henry Law)

It’s A Wonderful Life Museum

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America’s Christmas Hometown in Santa Claus, Indiana (photo courtesy of santaclausind.org)

America’s Christmas Hometown

Celebrate the holiday season in Santa Claus, Indiana, where every day feels like Christmas and the Jolly Old Elf is found around every turn.

Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania (photo courtesy of The Hershey Co.)

Hershey’s Chocolate World

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Apple River Fort State Historic Site in Elizabeth, Illinois (photo by Matt Haas)

Apple River Fort State Historic Site

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