© Shutterstock

North Pole, Alaska -

Along the Tanana River lies North Pole, a city named by a local real estate development company to attract holiday business. Founded in 1953, North Pole features year-round Christmas decorations and an annual winter festival.

© Getty Images

Rudolph, Wisconsin -

Founded in 1960, the tiny town of Rudolph isn't actually named after the reindeer, but instead for a boy who was born there. However, the red-nosed holiday icon is still important to the community, as he's featured on a stamp and elsewhere around the city. The town also hosts the annual Rudolph's Country Christmas event, which pays tribute to the most famous reindeer of all!

© Shutterstock

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania -

Two hours north of Philadelphia lies the city of Bethlehem, which calls itself "Christmas City, USA." Founded in 1753 as a Moravian settlement, the community was christened Bethlehem on Christmas Eve of its first year. Today, it hosts the annual Christkindlmarkt, a European-inspired Christmas market.

© Getty Images

Eggnog, Utah -

Eggnog, Utah, is located in Garfield County and is believed to be named after the beverage that was served to ranchers there.

© Getty Images

Wintergreen, Virginia -

Home to the Wintergreen Resort, this jolly town offers events like Santa on the Slopes and story time with Mrs. Claus during the holiday season.

© Getty Images

Christmas Cove, Maine -

Located on the coast of Maine, the small town of Christmas Cove is believed to be named for John Smith's landing there in December 1614.

© Shutterstock

North Pole, New York -

Located in the Adirondack Mountains, North Pole in New York is a small town that's home to Santa's Workshop, one of the first American theme parks. The town was founded in 1949.

© Shutterstock

Noel, Missouri -

The small town of Noel is located in the southwest corner of Missouri. Noel bears the nickname "The Christmas City" because of its special holiday postmark, created by the town postmaster in the '40s. To this day, tens of thousands of people send season's greetings through the town's post office each year.

© Shutterstock

Snowflake, Arizona -

Named after Mormon leaders Erastus Snow and William Jordan Flake, the small town of Snowflake is a three-hour drive from Phoenix. Although winters don't get white in Arizona, Snowflake residents still get into the holiday spirit with a 12 Days of Christmas event.

© Shutterstock

Christmas, Michigan -

Located on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Christmas was named in 1938 when Julius Thurson started a holiday-themed toy factory, which he also called "Christmas." The factory was destroyed by a fire only two years later, but the town still embraces its festive spirit.

© Shutterstock

Dasher, Georgia -

Dasher wasn't actually named after one of Santa's reindeer, but rather the Daescher family who settled on the land. Regardless, the town celebrates with traditional Christmas festivities.

© Shutterstock

St. Marys, Georgia -

The costal city of St. Marys probably won't give you snowflakes, but you can still get into the spirit of the season. Its annual Christmas in the Park event features free stockings for children!

© Getty Images

Mount Holly, North Carolina -

Although the city was originally named for the Mount Holly Cotton Mill, residents still celebrate with an annual Christmas parade, craft market, and a visit from Santa.

© Shutterstock

Evergreen, Alabama -

Founded in 1819, this town was named for its abundant foliage. Evergreen hosts an annual holiday market and parade.

© Shutterstock

Nazareth, Pennsylvania -

Like Bethlehem, Nazareth is another Pennsylvania community founded by Moravian missionaries. To celebrate the season, the local Moravian Historical Society hosts an annual Christmas event that features storytelling, crafts, traditional treats, and decorations.

© Getty Images

Joy, Illinois -

The town of Joy has a post office that thrives during the holiday season. More than 12,000 cards worldwide are sent through every December to receive its special holiday postmark.

© Shutterstock

Christmas, Florida -

A short drive east of Orlando, every December thousands flock to the festively decorated post office in Christmas, Florida, just so their holiday mail can receive the town's special Christmas postmark.

© Shutterstock

Santa Claus, Georgia -

Located west of Savannah, the streets of Santa Claus features names like Candy Cane Road and December Drive. Plus, Santa himself greets visitors on a sign marking the city's entrance.

© Shutterstock

Christmas Valley, Oregon -

Christmas Valley in central Oregon was named after nearby Christmas Lake, which was in turn named after pioneer Peter Christman. But the non-festive origin of the town didn't stop residents from celebrating the holiday with an annual parade, holiday floats, and caroling.

© Shutterstock

Bethlehem, North Carolina -

Located on Lake Hickory in North Carolina, residents of this town organize a Christmas in Bethlehem drive-through. Local churches and volunteers put on dozens of nativity scenes that visitors can explore by car.

© Shutterstock

Mistletoe, Kentucky -

Mistletoe was named for the plant, which is native to the area. It's the same vibrant mistletoe used as a holiday decoration, encouraging people to kiss.

© Shutterstock

Winter Park, Florida -

Located north of Orlando, Winter Park was originally founded in 1887 as a resort to escape frigid northern temperatures. Today, the town's Christmas event includes man-made snow, an ice-skating rink, a tree-lighting celebration, and a visit from Santa.

© Shutterstock

Santa Claus, Arizona -

A ghost town located in the Mojave Desert, the town's Santa's Land attraction was once a popular year-round holiday stop. However, operations ceased in the mid-1970s.

© Shutterstock

Sugar Land, Texas -

While Sugar Land is actually named for its connection to the sugar industry, the city celebrates Christmas with events in Sugar Land Town Square, including photos with Santa, caroling, and a huge Christmas tree.

© Shutterstock

Holly Springs, Mississippi -

Founded in 1836, the festive city celebrates the holiday with the annual Historic Homes tour, an event where visitors can walk through beautifully decorated historic homes.

© Shutterstock

St. Joseph, Michigan -

Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, the town of St. Joseph hosts events like Window Wonderland, a tour of Christmas-decorated storefronts.

© Shutterstock

Santa, Idaho -

Founded in 1894, Santa is home to yet another post office that's popular during the holiday season for its postmark.

© Shutterstock

Santa Claus, Indiana -

Founded in 1854, this town was originally called Santa Fe, but changed its name to Santa Claus. It was once even home to a decorative sleigh manufacturer. The post office is now the only one bearing the name Santa Claus, and gets thousands of letters to Santa each year.

© Shutterstock

Garland, Texas -

Although it gives us the images of holiday greenery, this Texas town was actually named after Gen. Augustus Hill Garland. 

Sources: (Stacker)

See also: The best Christmas light displays around the world 

© Shutterstock