Best Holiday River Towns

River Travel Magazine has opened the Survey to all US Rivers inviting the public and river town locals to share what makes their towns so special during the holidays. LEARN MORE.

Now – November 5 – Nominate your Best Holiday River Town(s)
Nov 12 – Dec 3  – Top nominees move forward
December 8 – Winners Announced

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2020 Best Holiday River Towns

In 2020, 75+ River Towns from 10 states were nominated for the Best Holiday River Town, see the top 3 winners below! The survey was open to the public and included towns located in bordering communities, counties, and parishes on the Mississippi River!

Photo by Peggy’s Christmas Haus of Kimmswick

Best Holiday River Town (Below 500 Pop)

1. Kimmswick Missouri

2. Stockholm Wisconsin

3. Clarksville Missouri

Photo by S&B Vonlanthen

Best Holiday River Town (501-1000 Pop)

1. Prairie du Rocher Illinois 

2. Alma Wisconsin

3. Grafton Illinois

Photos by Santa’s Village in Red Bud, Illinois

Best Holiday River Town (1001-5,000 Pop)

1. Red Bud Illinois

2. Trempealeau Wisconsin

3. Ste. Genevieve Missouri

Photos by Christmas on the River

Best Holiday River Town (5001-15,000 Pop)

1. Chester Illinois

2. Lake City Minnesota

3. Prairie Du Chein Wisconsin

Photo by Bethalto Christmas Village

Best Holiday River Town (15,001- 30,000 Pop)

1. Alton Illinois

2. Natchez Mississippi

3. (Tied) Paducah Kentucky | Red Wing Minnesota  | Winona Minnesota

Photo by Historic Glenn House

Best Holiday River Town (30,001- 60,000 Pop)

1. Cape Girardeau Missouri

2. La Crosse Wisconsin

3. Bettendorf Iowa

Photo by Christmas in St. Louis

Best Holiday River Town (70,000+Pop)

1. St Louis Missouri

2. (Tied) St. Charles Missouri | Saint Paul Minnesota

3. New Orleans Louisiana

Photo by Kelly Sikkema

Best Holiday River Town (Overall)

1. Chester Illinois

2. Red Bud Illinois

3. Trempealeau Wisconsin

Congrats to all the communities along the Great River Road!