The average American city jump-starts the holiday season with the usual kind of merry-making activities: Tree-lighting festivals, the opening of ice skating rinks and holiday concerts beckoning celebrants to get in the spirit.
But then there are cities and towns where the very name of the place conjures visions of sugar plum fairies, elves and reindeer 365 days a year. From Christmas Cove, ME to Saint Nicholas, PA and, of course, North Pole, AK, it’s hard not to adopt the yuletide glow.
Here’s a roundup of some of the most seasonal cities.
North Pole, Alaska
History: The naming of this northern town was no accident. According to a National Geographic profile on the tiny city, the town council renamed it North Pole in 1952 (from “Davis Homestead”), “hoping that toy manufacturers would come for the “Made in North Pole” bragging rights despite its inconvenience … as a manufacturing site.” No companies came for the manufacturing rights, so North Pole remains as a bedroom community for nearby Fairbanks, which is located 14 miles away.
Holiday tradition: The North Pole’s claim to fame, of course, is its responsibility regarding children’s letters to Santa. Every year, North Pole middle and high school students respond to the letters that pour in.
Rudolph, Wisconsin
History: Although this Wisconsin dairy community was not inspired by the red-nosed reindeer, it incorporated Rudolph in many seasonal festivities. The small town was actually named for the first male born in the community — Rudolph Hecox.
Holiday tradition: Like North Pole, AK, thousands of Christmas letters are sent to Rudolph each year. Other letters are directed through the village post office to get the postmark with Rudolph the Re
d-Nosed Reindeer. The town also features Rudolph on all of its street signs.
Santa Claus, Indiana
History: The birthplace of good ol’ St. Nick? According to RoadsideAmerica.com, Santa Claus, IN was originally named Santa Fe and was asked by the postmaster in 1856 to change the name. At the time, the community couldn’t think of anything other than Santa Claus. Today the town completely capitalizes on its moniker with holiday-themed streets and St. Nick statues.
Holiday tradition: The Post Office is busy here too, postmarking over a half-million holiday cards and processing about 10,000 letters from children.
Christmas, Florida
History: It’s an unusual city name, but this town’s history is rather basic. On December 25, 1837, at the height of the Second Seminole Indian War, American troops built a fort 20 miles east of Orlando. They named it Fort Christmas, which was later adapted into the small town’s name.
Holiday tradition: The city celebrates all year long with an enormous lighted and decorated tree display. The town’s postal staff also works overtime each season postmarking holiday cards.
Snowflake, Arizona
History: You may not think snow when you picture Arizona, but this small town is nestled
just north of the White Mountains and gets an occasional dusting. The town wasn’t named for the winter weather, but rather for its two founders: Erastus Snow and William Jordan Flake.
Holiday tradition: Twelve Days of Christmas that culminates in a grand parade where the city serves up to 1,000 cups of hot cocoa.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
History: Bethlehem, PA is by no means the only Bethlehem in the U.S. There are several scattered throughout the states, and nearly all are named for the ancient city in the Middle East.
Holiday tradition: The city wraps its downtown in 5,500 strands of lights every year — not as many as Clark Griswold – but, long enough to stretch two miles.
Evergreen, Alabama
History: Like Evergreen, CO, Evergreen AL. was named by its greenery. The small town is located in central Alabama, about midway between Montgomery and Mobile.
Holiday tradition: In honor of the town’s name, Evergreen residents line their main street with over 30 decorated trees for the duration of the season.
Source - Zillow.com
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inment across the Colonial City and the campus of the College of William & Mary.
with the guests who will soon arrive. Because, after all, even the most cheerful host can turn grinch-like.
