KS has one of the best small towns to visit for Christmas, HGTV says. Here’s why
A small city about an hour’s drive from Wichita was recognized by popular home improvement network HGTV as being the best in Kansas to visit for Christmas.
Lindsborg, with a population of more than 3,700, won Kansas’ top spot in the Nov. 17 write-up, with HGTV calling it “the perfect destination for holiday revelers.”
“Visitors can witness traditional Swedish Christmas celebrations like Luciafest, dance to the songs of traditional Swedish folk dances and find Scandinavian Christmas crafts, confectionaries and holiday snacks in its charming shops,” the HGTV article reads.
A group of Swedish immigrants settled in Lindsborg in 1869, and the city maintains strong ties to its Swedish roots and is often referred to as “Little Sweden USA.” HGTV specifically highlighted Lindsborg’s Dala Horses, Swedish, hand-carved horses that are painted in holiday colors all around town during the Christmas season.
“We are honored that Lindsborg has been selected by HGTV as the best small to visit in Kansas during the holidays,” Holly Lofton, the director of Lindsborg Convention and Visitors Bureau, told The Eagle via email.
Lofton said the city takes the holiday season seriously.
“Our community begins celebrating in earnest in early November, and the festivities continue until King Knut’s Day in January,” she wrote. “Among the many traditions that make Lindsborg shine, none is more cherished than the Lucia Festival — celebrated here just as it is in Sweden.”
Lindsborg’s St. Lucia festival will take place Saturday, Dec. 13 this year and feature folk dancing, a church service, holiday treats and more.
“This recognition from HGTV highlights the magic, heritage, and heartfelt hospitality that make Lindsborg a truly unforgettable holiday destination,” Lofton concluded.
Other popular Lindsborg spots include their Hemslöjd gift shop, the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum, the Blacksmith Coffeeshop and Roastery, Red Barn Studio Museum and more.
Just outside Lindsborg sits Coronado Heights castle, a popular Kansas attraction that is believed to have been a lookout spot for Francisco Vasquez de Coronado and his men. According to the city’s website, a Spanish armor chain mail has been found on the property, as well as Spanish coins, a bridle and lead bars. The castle is considered one of the eight wonders of Kansas geography.
HGTV’s best Christmas towns for 2025
If you’re wanting to visit other Christmas towns, here are some spots in neighboring states, from HGTV:
- Breckenridge, Colo.
- St. Charles, Mo.
- Nebraska City, Neb.
- Guthrie, Okla.
This story was originally published December 13, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "KS has one of the best small towns to visit for Christmas, HGTV says. Here’s why."
