CT Place Among 'Most Magical Christmas Towns In The U.S.'

ESSEX, CT — It comes as little surprise that Connecticut, home to nearly every Hallmark Christmas movie production, is represented on Country Living's new list, "The 30 Most Magical Christmas Towns in the U.S."

And while there are many deserving candidates, Essex was named the state's best and ranked No. 7 nationwide.

Here's what Country Living had to say: "There are plenty of reasons to visit Essex at Christmastime. Ride the North Pole Express, then keep things locomotive-themed at the annual Holiday Train Show, or do some Christmas shopping at the holiday village where you can also catch a stunning light show. Have dinner or even stay at the historic Griswold Inn for the perfect New England holiday."

Unfortunately, if your Christmas dreams include riding the world-famous North Pole Express, you'll have to wait until next year as tickets are sold out.

But Essex still has plenty to offer around the holidays including the upcoming Annual Essex Holiday Stroll on Dec. 10, featuring horse and carriage rides with Santa, caroling, and more.

No. 1 in Country Living's rankings was Middleburg, VA, which offers an old-fashioned Christmas experience and plenty of holiday shopping opportunities.

Other New England places on the list included Sturbridge and Cape Cod in Massachusetts and Woodstock, VT.

The list includes everything from fabulous light displays and shoppable Christmas markets to Yuletide parades. While classic towns with traditional winter weather are well-represented, so are warm-weather locations like Delray Beach, FL and Solvang, CA.

Check out the most magical Christmas towns at Country Living.

See related: Everything You Need To Know About Hallmark's 'Mystic Christmas' Movie