Mixbook surveyed 3,000 families to find out what cities in the United States are the best to visit for Christmas. Only one city made it from Utah and I don’t think most people in the beehive state would even think of this place. They would probably pick temple square in Salt Lake City for Christmas displays. Here’s from their website. 

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:   

Number one on the list is Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This is a great place to visit any time of year. Next was Durango, Colorado followed by Lake Placid, New York. Further down the list was Bethlehem, Pennsylvania followed by North Pole, Alaska. I would have thought those might be higher and I didn’t even see Santa Claus, Indiana on the list. 

So, what was voted the best Christmassy town in Utah? Coming in at #66 is Midway, Utah. What?  This is the town by Heber and Park City. Probably not the first town you thought of in Utah when it comes to Christmas.  

Maybe this is why...

Ultimate Christmas Train Ride Is In Utah Mountains

If you love Christmas, this may be the year you take the North Pole Express in Heber. I have taken a ride on the train through the Heber Valley, but not during Christmas. If you have cookies and milk in your blood, this should probably be on your bucket list.  

From the website, this looks like a lot of fun: 

A family favorite, this 90-minute round trip to the North Pole includes hot cocoa and Mrs. Claus' famous chocolate chip cookies. You'll sing along to new and traditional Christmas favorites on the way and be entertained by our hosts, elves cocoa chefs, and special guests. When we reach the North Pole Santa will join us for the return trip and greet each child and present them with a special gift. 

You may want to dress as Tom Hanks in a conductor uniform and spirit your kids off in the middle of the night. When they see the train lit up with lights, it could make a very memorable year. Of course, this may become a tradition for years to come. 

This historic operating railroad is owned by the State of Utah. The tracks were built in 1899 and the passenger cars go back to the golden age or railroading in the 1920’s. About 450 people can ride each time the train departs.  

You will pass lighted villages and trees and finally end at the North Pole. This would set the bar pretty high. If you are in competition to be the favorite grandparent, just sayin’.