Looking for christmas getaways on the east coast with pretty lights, decorated streets and a little holiday sparkle? These pictures have plenty to save, from snowy village scenes to a lighthouse dressed up with red bows.
You can go big with a city break or keep things smaller with a seaside stay.
If your search for christmas vacation destinations east coast needs a starting point, take a look below. Some locations are recognizable, while others are visual inspiration rather than confirmed destinations. Check current holiday schedules before planning around a particular display.
Christmas getaway inspiration worth saving
red bows in Woodstock
We’re starting off strong with these pretty houses in Woodstock, Vermont. I love the red bows against the gray and green fronts.
The snow-covered steps and dark shutters make this such a lovely little Christmas scene.
If you want a quieter getaway, use this as inspiration for a village stay with time to wander rather than a packed itinerary.
a lane full of Christmas trees
How gorgeous is this tree-lined street? There are lights all the way toward the tall church tower, with red ornaments tucked into the greenery.
The location isn’t confirmed here, so keep this one as inspiration for the kind of decorated pedestrian street you’d like to find. I’d leave an evening free for a stroll somewhere like this.
Read also: 20 Places to Visit in Georgia and Pretty Stops to Inspire Your Trip
a lobster-trap Christmas tree
Who says a Christmas tree has to look traditional? This one stacks lobster traps into a tree shape, with greenery, red bows and bright red buoys all over it. The lobster on top is my favorite part!
For a coastal getaway, look for a town with a confirmed lobster-trap tree display. It’s a fun detail to build a waterfront afternoon around.
a grand holiday staircase
I am obsessed with this staircase. The decorated tree is gorgeous, but that enormous white floral sphere overhead is just as hard to miss.
If this is your kind of Christmas, consider a historic-house visit during your trip. Check the venue’s holiday admission details first rather than assuming a decorated interior is open to everyone.
snowy Central Park views
This New York view may just be one of my favorites here. I love the snow-covered branches framing the Plaza and the taller buildings behind it.
There’s so much city scenery in one little park view.
Leave some daylight for Central Park if you’re planning a Manhattan Christmas break. Snow isn’t something you can count on, but the skyline gives you plenty to look at.
drummers and doorway wreaths
Looking for something beyond another Christmas tree? This scene pairs red-coated drummers with a group in green capes outside a wreath-covered doorway.
The red bows are such a pretty finishing touch.
A living-history destination could be a lovely direction for your trip. Look up its seasonal performance calendar before planning around music or costumed events.
a trolley under the lights
How cute is this red-and-green trolley? The house behind it has lights tracing the porch, windows and roofline.
Even the front of the trolley gets a wreath.
If you like the idea of seeing decorations this way, look for a verified holiday trolley tour at your chosen destination. Check the route and booking details before adding it to your evening.
a lighthouse with red bows
Don’t want to go all out with busy streets and giant displays? This little lighthouse offers a different kind of holiday inspiration.
I love the simple wreath on the white tower and the garland beneath the lantern.
A coastal walk could be a lovely addition to your plans. Just confirm public access before choosing a lighthouse stop.
a snowy sled outing
Those dogs are quite literally leading the way here! The sled crosses a snowy stretch in front of a building with balconies and wreaths.
It’s a very different getaway idea from the city scenes.
If a dog-sled excursion interests you, research the operator’s animal-care practices and weather requirements. The picture alone doesn’t confirm the resort or what you can book there.
village lights and mountain slopes
I love the garland wrapped around these streetlamps. The white storefronts and snowy mountain backdrop bring together two lovely winter-trip ideas: village browsing and time near the slopes.
Treat this particular view as inspiration rather than a verified resort scene. Choose your ski-town stay using confirmed maps, trail information and current conditions.
garlands on a grand porch
This is such a pretty way to do Christmas without snow. Long swags of greenery run between the white columns, with red ribbons hanging beside the pale green shutters.
If you’re drawn to Southern architecture, consider a Charleston getaway and leave time for a neighborhood walk. This porch is the kind of decorating detail worth slowing down to notice.
a sparkling little entrance
If you are looking for an all-out Christmas display, then this one is for you. There’s a tree above the entrance, a nutcracker beside the steps and a huge red bow on the light-covered arch.
I love how much decoration fits into this small space. For a dining stop like this, confirm the location and current opening hours before making it part of your trip.
Biltmore at sunset
This Biltmore view is absolutely gorgeous. The glowing trees in front of the house are beautiful on their own, but that orange-and-purple sky makes the whole scene even prettier.
Consider Asheville if a mountain-area holiday trip appeals to you. Check Biltmore’s current Christmas ticket options before deciding when to visit.
Philadelphia after dark
Why choose between pretty architecture and Christmas lights when you can enjoy both? This view of Philadelphia’s City Hall has colorful light across the building and golden strands wrapped around the trees below.
I’d save this part of a city visit for after dark. Confirm the current holiday market and lighting schedules if those are your main reasons for going.
skating on Boston Common
I love this view of the Frog Pond rink on Boston Common. The skaters, colorful tree lights and skyline give you plenty of holiday inspiration in one picture.
If skating is on your wish list, check the rink’s current sessions and rental information. Leave a little time afterward to enjoy the decorated park rather than rushing straight to your next stop.
a wreath above the shop door
This little shopping street is just too cute. A large wreath hangs above the open doorway, with a colorful Christmas tree beside it and brick paving stretching down the lane.
If you want a low-key afternoon, look for a walkable town center with independent shops. Give yourself room to browse instead of scheduling every stop.
a glowing harbor square
There’s so much to love in this harbor scene, from the huge central tree to the little stalls around it. I especially like the strings of lights running along the street toward the boats.
This image doesn’t establish a real East Coast location or market, so save it as visual inspiration only. Find a confirmed waterfront holiday event before building travel plans around this idea.
a snowy village crossroads
Don’t want every part of your trip to revolve around a big attraction? This snowy crossroads is a lovely reminder to leave room for smaller moments.
The tree beside the red building is my favorite detail.
For a village getaway, choose a central place to stay if you’d like to explore on foot. Check walking routes rather than assuming every picturesque road has a sidewalk.
Annapolis at dusk
This Annapolis view has such pretty evening color. The illuminated State House dome rises above the rooftops while the streets below have glowing trees and decorated shopfronts.
If you like waterfront towns with plenty to see on a walk, put Annapolis on your list. I’d leave time for the downtown lights after sunset.
Hershey Sweet Lights
Last but definitely not least, we have this bright entrance to Hershey Sweet Lights. I love the red-and-gold lettering against the dark sky!
The illuminated figures beyond the arch give you a little peek at the display.
For a Hershey holiday getaway, check the attraction’s current dates, admission details and entry instructions before you go.
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And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Emily