Though there’s no place like home for the holidays, this storybook Adirondack village just might rival NYC’s festive spirit. If you’ve ever watched a cozy Hallmark movie and wished you could step right through the screen, you’re in luck. A new study analyzed towns and cities across the U.S.–ranking everything from decorations and events to winter charm–and revealed the destinations that truly capture the magic of Christmas, making you feel like you’ve wandered onto a real life Hallmark movie set.
According to the study Lake Placid, New York has been named one of America’s most Hallmark-like Christmas cities, joining a cozy lineup of snow-drenched, fireplace-filled winter towns across the country. And the best part for New Yorkers? It’s just about a five-hour drive from the city, making it a dreamy long weekend escape when you’ve had your fill of Midtown crowds and Fifth Avenue window displays.
🎄 Lake Placid – one of the most Hallmark-like Christmas towns in the U.S.
To find the places that feel the most like a Hallmark holiday movie set, Betway analyzed towns and cities across the U.S., ranking them on a number of “festive factors” including Christmas-related Google searches per 1,000 people, holiday rentals with indoor fireplaces, average December snowfall, and number of local cafés
Basically, they were seeking out snow, fireplaces, cabins, and cozy coffee shops–the exact makings of a Hallmark plot! In the final ranking, Lake Placid landed at #7 in the entire country, with:
- 189 festive Google searches per 1,000 people
- 291 holiday rentals with indoor fireplaces
- Nearly 12 inches of average December snowfall
- Chilly December temps around 21°F
- 240 cabin rentals
- 11 cafés perfect for steaming mugs of hot chocolate
❄️ A real life snow globe in the Adirondacks
If Lake Placid sounds familiar, it’s probably because this tiny mountain village has been racking up endless accolades lately:
- Named one of the best mountain towns in the country
- Home to one of the best downtowns in America
- Boasts the most walkable Main Street in the U.S.
- Recognized as one of the most beautiful small towns in the world
In winter, all of those honors collide, turning the town into a real life snow globe.
Main Street stretches along the edge of Mirror Lake, with mountains rising in the background and shops that glow with wreaths, garlands, and warm lighting. You can wander from indie bookshops to Adirondack gift stores to chocolate shops, then step right out onto the frozen lake to skate, walk, or take in stunning views.
⛷️ Olympic history meets Hallmark-level charm
And Lake Placid isn’t just pretty–it’s legendary. The village has hosted two Winter Olympic Games (1932 and 1980), including the iconic “Miracle on Ice” hockey win.
That Olympic legacy still runs through the heart of town in winter, where visitors can visit the Lake Placid Olympic Museum and Olympic Center, watch ski jumpers soar at the Olympic Jumping Complex, skate on the Olympic Speedskating Oval, or try a bobsled run at nearby Mt. Van Hoevenberg.
It’s the rare place where you can spend the morning enjoying adrenaline-inducing winter adventures and then stroll into town for cocoa, shopping, and lakeside views without losing that Hallmark-like vibe.
🗻 Whiteface Mountain is just a short drive away
If your ideal Hallmark plot includes at least one skiing adventure, Lake Placid certainly delivers.
Just outside the village, Whiteface Mountain offers some of the most impressive ski terrain in the East, including the region’s largest vertical drop.
Here, you can ski legendary Olympic runs, cruise long intermediate trails with sweeping views, and pair your ski day with an evening of après on Main Street, where bars and restaurants sit right along Mirror Lake.
In other words, you can come for the Hallmark aesthetic but stay for the unbeatable skiing. It is, after all, among the best ski destinations in the U.S. for 2025.
🏂 Why New Yorkers will love Lake Placid as a winter escape
Lake Placid is perfect for NYC residents because though it feels far away, it’s actually not. From the city you can get there via:
- 🚗 5 hours by car (up I-87 North to Exit 30, then Route 73 straight into town)
- 🚆 Train + shuttle via Amtrak to Westport, then a connecting shuttle into Lake Placid
- 🚌 Direct bus via Trailways from NYC to downtown Lake Placid
And just like our city, Main Street is super walkable. The cozy road is lined with:
- Cafés like Origin Coffee and Farmhouse Café
- Cozy restaurants like Smoke Signals and Black Bear Restaurant
- Sweet spots like Emma’s Lake Placid Creamery and Adirondack Chocolates
- Local shops, gear stores, and indie boutiques
It’s the kind of place where you can check into a lakeside resort, walk everywhere, and let each day unfold like you’re in your very own Hallmark movie.
✨ A Hallmark holiday, minus the script
From its Olympic heritage and mountain scenery to its frozen lake, Main Street cafés, and cozy cabins, Lake Placid truly earns its spot among America’s most Hallmark-like Christmas cities.
If you’re craving a winter getaway that feels like stepping into a snow-dusted movie scene–but still want it to be within road trip distance of NYC–this Adirondack village is the perfect backdrop to your own holiday moment.
Consider this your sign to trade the Hallmark channel for the real thing this winter! See the full study on Betway’s website.
