TRAVEL LEAVENWORTH, WASHINGTON:
Bavarian-Style in Cascades Nestled in Washington’s Cascade Mountains, the Bavarian-style
town glows under more than half a million lights strung across rooftops, evergreens, and shopfronts. The display begins after Thanksgiving and stays up through
February, giving visitors plenty of time to take it in. During the Christmastown celebration, which runs from late November through Christmas Eve, carolers gather around the gazebo, local choirs perform in the snow, and families sip cider while watching costumed performers stroll by. Horse-drawn carriage rides, cookie decorating, and visits with Santa complete the scene.
BRANSON, MISSOURI:
Ozark Mountain Glow The Ozark Mountain Christmas celebration transforms this
entertainment capital into one of the brightest places in America, with more than 6.5 million lights decorating theaters, parks, and downtown streets.
Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas festival anchors the
season, complete with a five-story LED tree, nightly parades, and live performances of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Across town, visitors can drive the two-mile Trail of Lights or
join a candlelight service at one of the city’s many churches. It’s festive, family-friendly, and proudly patriotic.
FRANKENMUTH, MICHIGAN:
Year-Round Festival This Bavarian-style village in central Michigan celebrates
the season year-round, thanks to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store. But when December arrives, the entire town transforms. Garlands and wreaths adorn every gabled rooftop, and the Frankenmuth Christmas Experience fills downtown with
light displays, carolers, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Visitors can skate under the stars, watch the Singing
Christmas Tree performance, or tour the Silent Night Memorial Chapel — a replica of the Austrian church where the beloved carol was first sung.
Snowbirds 101 Where to go, how
to pay for it. :: BY BECCA BLOND
W
hen the first frost hits and the sidewalks
turn slick, many retirees start looking south. Escaping winter for a few months isn’t new, but the modern snowbird wants more than sunshine: They want value, flexibility, and in many cases, an investment that works year-round.
RIGHT DESTINATION Florida remains the top draw, but prices in hot spots have pushed many to explore smaller towns. On the Nature Coast,
places like Crystal River and Homosassa offer milder winters, affordable housing, and fewer crowds. The Panhandle, from Destin to Panama City Beach, has also become a favorite destination for its unique blend of Southern hospitality and stunning Gulf views. Texas is another strong
contender. Communities along the Gulf, such as Rockport, Port Aransas, and South Padre Island, combine patriotic small-town charm with no state income tax and reasonable property prices. Arizona appeals to those
who prefer dry heat and mountain vistas; Tucson, Green Valley, and Mesa
90 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | DECEMBER 2025
are long-established havens for winter residents. And the Carolinas and
Georgia are also becoming increasingly popular. Towns like Beaufort, Bluffton, and St. Simons Island deliver temperate weather and slower living at a fraction of Florida’s cost.
BUY OR RENT? Buying offers stability and potential income. Buying a small home or condo in a desirable winter destination can become a source of passive revenue when listed on Airbnb or VRBO during the months you’re not there.
Many retirees find that
rental income covers property taxes and maintenance, and sometimes even turns a profit. Some Florida counties and
Arizona cities limit the number of nights a home can be rented or require specific permits. For those not ready to
commit, renting remains practical and flexible. Monthly vacation rentals, extended- stay hotels, and furnished apartments can offer good value once you factor in utilities and internet.
Another emerging option
is TrustedHousesitters, where travelers stay for free in exchange for caring for a homeowner’s pets or property. It’s not a way to
settle for months, but it’s ideal for retirees
©ISTOCK
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