Unexpected City Topples Traditional Favorites in 2025 List of America’s Best Christmas Celebrations
In a surprising twist, the city of Asheville, North Carolina, has been named the best city to celebrate Christmas in 2025, according to a report released by WalletHub. The report, which analyzed 100 of the largest U.S. cities, took into consideration several factors including traditions and fun, observance, generosity, shopping, and costs. The picturesque city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains managed to outshine traditional favorites like New York City and Chicago, which have historically dominated the Christmas celebrations list.
The report comes as a revelation, highlighting the growing appeal of smaller cities that offer unique, localized experiences over the commercialized festivities in larger cities. “Asheville presents a charming blend of traditional and innovative celebrations that have captured the hearts of both residents and visitors,” said Jill Gonzalez, an analyst at WalletHub.
Asheville’s Winning Aspects
Asheville, known for its vibrant arts scene and historic architecture, scored high in traditions and fun, and observance categories. The city’s annual ‘Winter Lights’ at The North Carolina Arboretum, an outdoor holiday light exhibit set in the botanical gardens, was cited as a key factor for its top ranking. The event attracts thousands of visitors each year, with its dazzling displays and family-friendly activities. 
The city also ranked high in the generosity category due to its numerous charity events during the holiday season. One of the most notable is the ‘Asheville Holiday Giving Tree’, an annual event where residents donate gifts to underprivileged children in the community.
Asheville’s shopping scene, which comprises a vibrant mix of local artisans, antique stores, and boutique shops, also stood out in the report. The city’s holiday markets are a treasure trove of unique gifts, making it a shopper’s paradise during the holiday season. WalletHub’s report lauded the city’s concerted effort to support small businesses and promote sustainable shopping.
Costs: The Final Deciding Factor
Perhaps the most unexpected factor in Asheville’s favor was the cost of celebrating Christmas. While the city offers an array of festive experiences, the overall expenditure is relatively lower compared to larger cities. Affordable accommodation rates, reasonable prices for meals and festive experiences contributed to its high ranking in the cost category. The city’s affordability, combined with its distinctive festive offerings, makes it an attractive destination for a memorable and budget-friendly Christmas celebration.
Notably, Chicago and New York, despite their grand celebrations, fell behind due to their high costs. “While larger cities offer an unmatched grandeur in their holiday celebrations, the associated high costs can be a deterrent for many,” Gonzalez added.
Shifting Trends in Holiday Celebrations
The results of WalletHub’s 2025 report reflect a broader trend of Americans preferring more intimate and local experiences over grand, commercialized events. This shift towards smaller cities, with their unique charm and lower costs, is changing the landscape of holiday celebrations.
However, this isn’t to say that traditional favorites are losing their charm. Cities like New York, with its iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and holiday window displays, continue to draw massive crowds. Yet, WalletHub’s report underscores that there is more to holiday celebrations than just grandeur, with factors like cost, local traditions, and community involvement playing an increasingly important role in defining the best Christmas experiences.
As America continues to diversify its Christmas celebrations, perhaps the charm of cities like Asheville will inspire other smaller cities to redefine their holiday offerings and join the ranks of the best places to celebrate Christmas in America.
