1 Of Most 'Christmassy' Towns In US In Hudson Valley

RHINEBECK, NY — Most of those living in the Hudson Valley know how special many places are in the area. But it’s nice when there’s recognition from others. Travel Market Report came up with a list of “The Ten ‘Most Christmassy’ Towns in the U.S.” and while the usual holiday suspects — such as Santa Claus, IN and New York City — are on the list, so is the Village of Rhinebeck in Dutchess County.

Rhinebeck made the Top 10 list along with Frankenmuth, MI that claims to have the world’s largest Christmas store and Santa Claus, IN with Christmas on display every day of the year.

Rhinebeck features the oldest inn in America — the Beekman Arms — and boasts of a quaint candy store co-owned by actors Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. And thousands of people flock to Rhinebeck every August for the Dutchess County Fair.

Travel Market Report singled out a centuries-old festival — Sinterklaas — which was just celebrated Saturday, Dec. 2, with its 4th-century bishop who happens to sport a long, white beard. The charming shops and eateries make spending a day in Rhinebeck a pleasure.

Other towns that made the Christmassy cut include Las Vegas, NV for its Las Vegas Christmas Town; Red Wing, MN with its annual Holiday Stroll and Williamsburgh, VA with the seasonal attraction of Christmas Town in Busch Gardens.

Read the complete Travel Market Report article here.

Photo caption: Beekman Arms. Photo credit: Google Maps.