2 FL Cities Named Best Christmas Towns In America

FLORIDA — If you're looking for a place close to home to get into the holiday spirit, two Florida cities are among the best Christmas towns in the United States.

The writers at Travel + Leisure released a list last week highlighting the 25 most charming towns to visit during the holidays. From Maine to California, the list includes cities from all corners of America.

In Florida, Travel + Leisure writers think Orlando and Santa Rosa Beach are worth visiting during the holidays.

Here's what the publication had to say about Orlando:

"The country's theme park capital is, unsurprisingly, one of the most festive places to visit over the holiday season. At Walt Disney World, you can attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, an event on select days from early November to late December that includes a Christmas-themed fireworks show and classic attractions like the Jungle Cruise and Space Mountain decked out in festive cheer. Meanwhile, at Universal Orlando, there's nowhere dreamier than The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Christmastime, when the scenery is topped with a layer of (manufactured) snow and the butterbeer is best served hot."

The other Florida destination comes with a beach vibe; the writers also believe Santa Rosa Beach is a place to find some holiday charm.

This is what Travel + Leisure said about Santa Rosa Beach:

"Visit Florida's 30A in the off-season to get white-sand beaches practically to yourself. With daily highs in the 60s throughout December, you could easily forget it's Christmas. You would be reminded, however, at the Seaside Holiday Market, which happens to be the perfect place to shop for unique gifts. For more one-of-a-kind finds for under the tree, stop by Kitchen Garden Books and Antiques, which calls its own selection 'odd' and 'unusual.'"

See the full list of best Christmas towns on Travel + Leisure's website.