LACROSSE, Wisconsin — River Travel Magazine is announcing the 2021 Best Holiday River Town Contest winners at rivertravelmagazine.com
This survey focused on the best Holiday Towns along all rivers in the United States from the Mississippi River to the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest to Missouri River and the Rio Grande to the south, to the Ohio River in the east, and everything in between.
Over 80 river communities throughout the US were voted on in the final round spread out between eight categories based on population.
Three of the towns are in the River Region: Prairie du Rocher, Red Bud and Chester, all in Illinois; and Red Bud came in as the third best among all river towns entered in the contest.
Based on the votes, river communities were ranked first place through fifth place for the Best Holiday River Towns in each category.
River Travel Magazine is excited to congratulate these river communities on their first place ranking and designation as the Best Holiday River Towns nationwide!
Best Holiday River Town (Below 500 Pop)
The holidays in Prairie du Rocher means La Fete de Noel. The kids can make holiday crafts and write letters to Santa, and everyone can enjoy the horse and carriage rides, raffles, historic home tours and holiday shopping.
Best Holiday River Town (1,001-5,000 Pop)
During the holidays Red Bud turns into Santa’s Village! Picture a beautiful historic downtown decked out with lights, visits with Santa at his house, tasty treats and drinks, horse drawn carriage rides, festive holiday music, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and more!
Best Holiday River Town (5,001-15,000 Pop)
Going on their 33rd Annual Christmas on the River celebration, Chester, Illinois has had plenty of holiday seasons to perfect their holiday traditions. They host a lighted Christmas parade, a reindeer games’ tournament, a holiday family scavenger hunt, Santa’s official letter mailbox, and much more!
Best Holiday River Town (Overall)
During the holidays Red Bud turns into Santa’s Village! Picture a beautiful historic downtown decked out with lights, visits with Santa at his house, tasty treats and drinks, horse drawn carriage rides, festive holiday music, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and more!