New Study Finds the 5 'Coziest' Christmas Getaways — and N.Y.C. (Shockingly) Didn't Make the Top of the List

Mar. 15, 2025

Rockefeller Center Tree during the Christmas season in 2022.Photo: SARAH YENESEL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

New York Cityis not considered to be the “coziest"Christmasgetaway spot, according to anew study.

In findings fromBetMGM Casino, the online platform evaluated the “coziest cities” for a holiday vacation across the United States.

There, it found that the East Coast destination, known for its lavish and exciting celebrations during the most wonderful time of the year, did not make the top 5.

Instead, North Pole, Alaska, took the top spot, while Park City, Utah; Denver, Colo.; Kennebunkport, Maine and Asheville, N.C. followed behind. New York City, meanwhile, took the sixth spot overall.

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A wintry village.Getty

Getty

BetMGM Casino’s study utilizedCondé Nast Traveler’s “The Best Places to Spend Christmas in the U.S.” to select the 19 cities best known for their “Christmas appeal.”

After collecting data between Oct. 21 and Oct. 26, the company then chose six key factors associated with a cozy Christmas atmosphere — snowfall, accommodation availability, festive events, venues, nature and temperature.

Snowfall marked “the average amount of snow during December to set the scene for a magical atmosphere,” while accommodation highlighted “the amount of cabins and bed & breakfasts still available for booking during December,” per BetMGM Casino.

Festive events, the company added, accessed “the amount of cozy theater shows and Christmas markets to fill your calendar with during December,” venues signified “the amount of ice skating rinks, cozy coffee shops, and shopping centers, perfect for gift hunting or warming up with a hot chocolate,” nature determined “the number of parks for snowy strolls where the crunch under your boots just screams Christmas” and temperature examined “how chilly it is during December, bundling up in scarves and gloves only enhance that cozy, festive feeling.”

Cities were then ranked based on their scores, with the highest ones being the best cities for a cozy Christmas getaway.

source: people.com