Dreaming Of A Tacky Christmas: Vegas Tops NYC In Holiday Ranking

NEW YORK CITY — There's a reason why "Miracle On 34th Street" isn't set on the Las Vegas Strip.

But New York City's yuletide magic that made the 1947 film a classic apparently wasn't enough to propel it to the top spot in WalletHub's ranking of "2021's Best Christmas Cities."

The Big Apple snagged the ninth spot on the list. The top three slots went to Atlanta, Orlando and Las Vegas — a trio of very warm cities not traditionally considered top Christmas destinations.

WalletHub's study, however, used a variety of factors beyond "traditions and fun" — of which New York City ranked first — to compile its list. Shopping was a factor where all three cities fared better than New York, the study found.

"But beyond ensuring its affordability, a successful holiday also hinges on a location’s Christmas-friendliness," the study states. "Typical Christmas activities include shopping, dining out and attending holiday events, so the availability of such options can make all the difference."

Las Vegas, by WalletHub's reckoning, ranked first in terms of shopping and seventh in traditions and fun.

New York City grabbed third in terms of generosity and, Macy's notwithstanding, seventh in shopping. It scored dead last — 100th — in cost.

Here's the top 10 best Christmas cities, according to WalletHub:

1. Atlanta, Georgia
2. Orlando, Florida
3. Las Vegas, Nevada
4. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
5. San Francisco, California
6. Seattle, Washington
7. Los Angeles, California
8. Cincinnati, Ohio
9. New York, New York
10. Portland, Oregon

Read the full study here.