Blink as you look around Leavenworth, Washington, and you might think you’re in Bavaria. Nestled in a valley surrounded by the Cascade Mountains, the former fur, gold, and timber boom town was bypassed by a new railroad route in the 1920s. After decades of decline, Leavenworth remade itself into a Bavarian Village—and now attracts more than 2 million visitors annually.

Home to one of the largest decorated boat parades in the U.S., Newport Beach, California, welcomes hundreds of ships every December. Decorated vessels of all sizes, from yachts to canoes, compete for awards in a parade viewed by more than 1.5 million people.

Everything’s bigger in Texas—and holiday celebrations are no exception. What the Lone Star State lacks in snow, it makes up for in lights displays, parades, and an indoor Christmas tree forest. Located 5 hours west of Dallas, Big Spring goes all out during the holidays.

Home to the only post office in the world with Santa Claus in its name, Santa Claus, Indiana, takes its holiday status very seriously. Every December the town receives more than 400,000 pieces of mail and enlists a team of volunteer elves to respond. Some people route their holiday cards through Santa Claus to receive a holiday-themed postmark, which changes every year.

The small town, located an hour-and-a-half north of Detroit, really comes alive during the holiday season. Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, a 7.35-acre holiday emporium, claims to be the “World’s Largest Christmas Store,” and the Frankenmuth Fudge Kitchen serves up a rotating selection of seasonal sweets, including Buddy the Elf’s Hot Cocoa fudge and Santa Crunch Caramel Corn.

Kevin McCallister might not have been thrilled to spend the holidays in a tropical climate, but plenty of people prefer to celebrate the holiday season in shorts and flip flops. Walt Disney World is magical at any time of the year, but after Halloween, the theme parks are decked out for the holidays with dozens of decorated trees and thousands of lights. Kids can visit with Elsa, Olaf, and other beloved characters, take a “Jingle Cruise,” or play putt-putt with Santa and his elves.

After Thanksgiving, parks and other public spaces in New York City transform into ice skating rinks and pop-up holiday markets featuring local artisans and sweet treats. Residents and businesses string lights on stoops, balconies, and scaffolding throughout the city—but for the best light displays, head to Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights.

Newport’s mansions are breathtaking year round, but they really sparkle during the holidays when the grand halls of select homes are decked with dozens of trees, poinsettias, wreaths, and garlands. No fireplace, mantel, or staircase at The Breakers, The Elms, or Marble House is left unadorned.