PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvanians are proving that holiday magic is worth the mileage, with a new national survey showing shoppers are willing to drive hours out of their way for the right Christmas atmosphere — and three Pennsylvania Main Streets rank among the country’s most “drive-worthy” festive destinations.
A survey of 3,004 shoppers commissioned by CashforCars.com found that 77 percent of Americans would travel to a town purely for its Christmas ambiance, favoring twinkling lights, historic storefronts, and independent shops over the convenience of big-box malls. New Hope, Jim Thorpe, and Lititz earned spots on the national list, underscoring Pennsylvania’s reputation for storybook holiday towns.
Main Street in New Hope ranked highest among Pennsylvania destinations, landing at No. 30 nationally. Respondents said they would drive nearly four hours to experience its riverside views, eclectic boutiques, and holiday energy shared with neighboring Lambertville, New Jersey. Broadway in Jim Thorpe followed at No. 46, drawing shoppers with its Victorian architecture, mountain backdrop, and seasonal markets that transform the town into a winter postcard. Main Street in Lititz placed No. 72, praised for its classic small-town charm, historic buildings, and inviting holiday glow.
Nationally, the survey crowned Market Square in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, as the most travel-worthy Christmas shopping street in the country, with shoppers willing to drive up to six hours for its 18th-century architecture and festive atmosphere. Other top destinations included Hanover, New Hampshire; Fargo, North Dakota; and Bar Harbor, Maine.
The findings highlight why shoppers are hitting the road in December. Overall holiday atmosphere ranked as the top factor in choosing a festive shopping town, followed closely by food and drink options and independent local shops. High prices, large crowds, and bad weather were cited as the biggest deterrents, though distance ranked lower — a sign that charm can outweigh inconvenience.
For Pennsylvanians, holiday traditions run deep. More than a third of respondents said they visit the same festive town every year, and 77 percent said Christmas shopping simply feels better in a small-town setting. When forced to choose, 68 percent said they would rather travel farther to a magical Christmas town than shop at a nearby but charm-free mall.
CashforCars.com said the results reveal how emotional connections and nostalgia are driving holiday travel. Shoppers cited family tradition, unique shops, and the “movie set” feeling of decorated Main Streets as key motivations for their seasonal pilgrimages.
As the survey suggests, in Pennsylvania and beyond, Christmas shopping is no longer just about buying gifts — it’s about chasing a feeling, even if it means a few extra hours on the road.
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