IL spot & St Louis suburb among best small towns to visit for Christmas, HGTV says
Home improvement network HGTV recently named an Illinois town and a suburb of St. Louis among its “50 Favorite Small Towns to Visit for Christmas.”
The 50 best Christmas towns list, published Nov. 17, lauded Galena, Ill., and St. Charles, Mo., for their festive Christmastime celebrations.
“Practically every American town celebrates Christmas in some way, but these small towns all across the country stand out for holiday traditions and vibes that are worth a trip with the family,” the HGTV article reads.
Galena is no stranger to recognition, appearing in a number of publications for its “charming downtown,” being among the “most beautiful small towns” and for being a great place to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.
The popular small town has just 3,308 residents, according to 2020 U.S. Census Bureau data, and is located about 165 miles northwest of Chicago.
If you’re looking to attend a Christmas festival closer to home, St. Charles is less than an hour’s drive from Belleville and offers photos with Santa, a gingerbread village, a holiday history trail, chestnut roasting and more.
Some of the other destinations to make HGTV’s list for best Christmas towns include McCall, Idaho; Santa Claus, Ind.; Pella, Iowa; and Lindsburg, Kansas.
While no metro-east towns were mentioned in HGTV’s write-up, there’s plenty to do locally to celebrate the holidays, including strolling through Christmas light displays. There’s also a chance Belleville residents could get to enjoy a white Christmas this year – although the historical probability is relatively low. The metro-east has received more snow than usual so far this year, and the trend may continue.
Here’s what else to know about visiting Galena and St. Charles this Christmas.
Visiting Galena, Illinois
There’s no shortage of festive things to do in Galena in December, including holiday concerts, strolling through Main Street and enjoying the Christmas lights, seeing fireworks and more. Those visiting the small town can check out a holiday cookie walk, Santa meet-and-greets and an “ugly sweater food tour,” as well.
“As residents, we know the magic of Galena during the holiday season. This is a charming city with wonderful events,” Galena facilities manager Hillary Dickerson wrote in an emailed statement to the News-Democrat. “From the annual Holidaze festival to fireworks shot off from Grant Park to Living Windows and Luminaria, the downtown goes all out to make these celebrations possible. None of this would happen without many dedicated volunteers. We love welcoming visitors for all the holiday fun.”
If you catch some milder weather during your Galena trip, you can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as biking the river trail or foraging with goats.
Visiting St. Charles, Missouri
In addition to the city’s Christmas festival, historic Main Street in downtown St. Charles boasts many local businesses, including an independent bookstore, fan-favorite Grandma’s Cookies and more.
“I was delighted, though not surprised, to see St. Charles named by HGTV as one of the 50 Best Christmas Towns in the United States,” Elizabeth Phelps, assistant director of the Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau, wrote in an emailed statement to the BND. “As many of us here know, historic Main Street truly transforms in late November and December: brick-paved sidewalks, historic buildings draped in pine roping, lights, handmade bows, and the gentle glow of gas lamps set an atmosphere that feels both timeless and magical.
“For 51 magical seasons, the Saint Charles Christmas Traditions® Festival draws crowds from all over; families, couples, and holiday-seekers who come to stroll Main Street, sip hot cocoa, enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides and Victorian carolers, and soak in the old-fashioned charm that makes St. Charles so special,” she continued. “For folks in the Metro East and throughout the region, this recognition should serve as a reminder: you don’t have to travel far to experience a true Christmas-town feeling. Whether you come for a weekend stroll or make it a full holiday tradition, St. Charles offers a festive, welcoming getaway that celebrates community, history, and the spirit of the season.”
St. Charles is also home to a portion of the Katy Trail and the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Museum.
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This story was originally published December 15, 2025 at 9:18 AM.
