This Florida city considered one of America’s top 10 Christmas shopping destinations

This Florida city considered one of America’s top 10 Christmas shopping destinations

December 5, 2024

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Over holiday shopping online or at dying shopping malls? Nothing beats completing your Christmas list along a scenic downtown street.

Present.com surveyed 3,000 people to uncover the best main streets for Christmas shopping in America, with one of Florida’s towns making the top 10.

“Main streets are the heart and soul of communities, especially during the holiday season,” Sanjit Sandhu of Present.com said.

“Our survey highlights the many charming and unique main streets across the country, all of which offer a memorable shopping experience for the holidays that simply can’t be replicated. These main streets remind us to support local businesses as we make holiday memories that last a lifetime.”

What makes some main streets better for holiday shopping than others?

The survey revealed some insight into what makes small-town main streets so special during the holiday season, highlighting factors residents care about when shopping.

They found that over 36% of those value unique and locally made gifts, indicating people prefer one-of-a-kind finds that carry a personal touch. Holiday atmosphere came in a close second at 34%.

The survey also found respondents appreciated customer service, scenic ambiance, and convenient parking.

Present.com’s survey found certain elements add to the overall holiday shopping experience on main streets. Light displays and festive decorations were the clear favorite at 46%, demonstrating their power to create a magical environment. Winter markets and seasonal pop-ups were also popular, offering shoppers something different they wouldn’t get at any other time of year.

Other appreciated elements included warm indoor spaces to relax in, horse-drawn carriage rides, and street musicians or carolers performing holiday music.

What is the best main street in Florida for holiday shopping?

You’ll have to head to Central Florida to do your final holiday shopping, with the survey placing Winter Park’s Park Avenue in its 10th slot.

“The tree-lined streets feature many beautiful independent stores, and outdoor coffee shops so you can sit and soak up the sunshine in between purchases,” the survey said.

Other Florida towns that made the list include:

  • Donnelly Street, Mount Dora (18) – Mount Dora’s Donnelly Street is a holiday wonder, with boutiques, vintage shops, and twinkling lights that make it feel like a Christmas village perfect for gift hunting.
  • Market Street, Apalachicola (21) – Apalachicola’s Market Street offers a festive coastal vibe with unique shops, holiday decor, and a relaxed setting that makes Christmas shopping special.
  • Woodland Boulevard, DeLand (22) – Woodland Boulevard in DeLand is a holiday delight, with boutique shops, festive decor, and local crafts that create a warm Christmas atmosphere.
  • Centre Street, Fernandina Beach (28) – Centre Street in Fernandina Beach offers a cozy holiday shopping experience with historic charm, local crafts, and seaside views decorated in festive style.

What are the top main streets in US for holiday shopping? See top 10

Taking the top spot, New York’s Aurora is considered the top main street for holiday shopping. During the festive season, it sparkles with twinkling lights, while lampposts are clad in wreaths, which makes for a truly magical destination for holiday shoppers.

“Locals described it as a ‘quaint escape brimming with historic charm and holiday spirit’ – think the kind of street you might find in one of the scenes of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ Nestled in the Finger Lakes region, its boutique shops and artisan stores are the perfect places to find those unique, one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts.”

See the top 10 best main streets in America:

  • Aurora, New York
  • Cooperstown, New York
  • New Hope, Pennsylvania
  • Mystic, Connecticut
  • Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
  • Skaneateles, New York
  • Nevada City, California
  • Lake Placid, New York
  • Tarrytown, New York
  • Winter Park, Florida