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Anne Erickson

Michigan Town Named #8 Most ‘Christmassy’ in America – And It’s Not Frankenmuth

Author Anne Erickson
Getty Images / eyegelb

The Christmas season is here, and some towns are just more “Christmassy” than others. This time of year, maybe you want to take a trip to a town that really embodies and captures the essence of the Christmas holiday. Plenty of cities across America do it up big for the holidays, and for some, being festive just comes naturally. Well, you don’t have to travel too far to find Christmas. One Michigan town has been named one of the most “Christmassy” in America.

The study comes from Mixbook.com. “These towns, with their rich traditions, embody the essence of the holiday season, making them popular destinations for families and holiday enthusiasts,” they state. “To help you decide how your family can get into the festive spirit this year, we conducted an extensive survey of 3,000 families to discover just which of these popular festive destinations families would most like to visit this season to spark that Christmas joy.”

Before we get to our state, No. 1 on the list is Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. I’ve never heard of that city, but it’s apparently very Christmassy. “During the holiday season, this picturesque town transforms into a winter wonderland, draped in millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations, creating a magical atmosphere that captivates visitors of all ages,” Mixbook.com states. No. 2 is Durango, Colorado, with Mixbook.com stating, “What sets Durango apart during the festive season is its blend of natural beauty and historic charm.”

Michigan Town Named #8 Most ‘Christmassy’ in America

So, which Michigan city made the cut? We have one fairly high on the list, as Holland is No. 8. “Holland, Michigan, renowned for its Dutch heritage, transforms into a festive holiday haven during the Christmas season. The town’s unique charm is highlighted by the Kerstmarkt, a European-style Christmas market, offering Dutch treats and artisan gifts,” they explain. While not as high on the list, Frankenmuth did make the cut at No. 20. Find the full list of the most Christmassy towns in America here.

Stores and Restaurants Open on Christmas Day

  • CVS

    While many CVS stores operate 24/7, it’s important to note that their hours are shorter on Christmas. Typically, running from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., CVS remains one of the few stores open on holidays to accommodate those needing to pick up medications.

  • Walgreens

    Most Walgreens locations are open on Christmas Day, with some maintaining their usual 24/7 schedule. Meanwhile, others, which are not typically open around the clock, may have limited hours from 8 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This is convenient for those requiring prescription fills or over-the-counter medications.

  • Denny's

    Denny’s has your back on Christmas Day, as their locations are open. Their Facebook post assures, “Denny’s is open 24/7, and that means Christmas too! Come on in and feel the cheer; we’ll be waiting for you.” However, some locations are corporate stores, and others are franchises, and not all franchises may honor these hours, so check in advance before making the trip.

  • IHOP

    If you’re craving pancakes on Christmas Day, IHOP is an option. However, be sure to check your local IHOP’s hours, as they can vary. Some locations operate 24 hours, most maintain regular hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Others may open with reduced holiday hours (around 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

  • Starbucks

    Enjoy a holiday drink or grab last-minute gifts like coffee mugs at select Starbucks locations open on Christmas Day. Verify your local cafe’s hours using the Starbucks app as a recommended way to find a store, check hours, and order ahead. “This holiday season, Starbucks store hours vary by location and stores may occasionally adjust their hours based on business and customer needs,” said the coffee shop website.

  • Dunkin'

    Dunkin’ locations will generally be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but you should check to confirm your local store’s specific hours. Dunkin’ spots within grocery stores and gas stations will follow the host store’s schedule. For instance, if it’s a location within a Walmart that’s closed, that Dunkin’ store will be closed.

  • McDonald's

    McDonald’s typically stays open on Christmas, but it’s best to check with your local franchise, as each operates independently. Given that 93% of McDonald’s restaurants are run by independent owners, hours can vary. It’s not a guarantee that your local branch will be open.

  • Wendy's

    Craving a 10-piece nugget combo or a Baconator on Christmas? Wendy’s has you covered, as the fast-food chain is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check with your local store to confirm their hours. Wendy’s suggests using their location finder, whether you plan to walk in, drive-thru, or opt for delivery.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.

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