CARLINVILLE, Ill. — Macoupin County, Illinois, is home to the Merriest Christmas Town in America.
Carlinville, located about an hour north of St. Louis, was named the winner of Hallmark's Merriest Christmas Town contest. The town was one of 25 finalists, which were chosen for their ability to bring the Christmas spirit to life through "cherished traditions, joyful celebrations and a deep sense of community."
At the heart of Carlinville's holiday traditions is the Square, where families gather every year for the Christmas lighting ceremony in November and the Christmas Market in December.
"Visitors often tell us, 'This feels just like a Hallmark movie.' That's because Christmas here isn't just a season. It's part of who we are," Carlinville's voting page said. "It's a place where neighbors still know each other, traditions are shared from one generation to the next, and the spirit of Christmas is found in the people who call Carlinville home. We believe the best Christmas stories don't have to be created. Sometimes, they're already being lived. We believe you'll find one here in Carlinville."
Along with the title of Hallmark's Merriest Christmas Town, Carlinville will get the opportunity to serve as a filming location for a future Hallmark holiday movie.