One of the joys of Christmas shopping is stepping into a store that instantly feels like the holidays – the kind with twinkling lights, cinnamon-spiced air, overflowing toy aisles, and that unmistakable “this is where Christmas lives” energy. It’s the reason people make special trips to places like Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Michigan or wander the festive floors of Macy’s in New York or Arizona’s most jolly storefronts, just to soak up the magic. This year, MarketBeat, a financial media company, wanted to uncover the most “Christmassy” stores in every state through a nationwide survey, asking 3,022 shoppers which local shops or national retailers give them the strongest holiday spirit.

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Arizonans’ top 2 choices were:

#1 Feliz Navidad Sedona, Sedona
This shop in Tlaquepaque blends Sedona’s artsy style with a playful festive spirit. The themed trees and Southwestern touches make it feel a little different from the usual Christmas store, and visitors say it’s one of those rare places where you walk in for an ornament and come out feeling lighter and more cheerful.

#2 Copper Canyon Christmas, Jerome
Perched in Jerome’s hillside historic district, this small shop has creaky floors, warm lighting, and the charm of an old mining town leaning fully into Christmas. People love how personal it feels — every ornament is tucked somewhere unexpected, and browsing through it becomes part of a day out in Jerome each December.

Interactive map showing the most popular Christmas spots for shopping across the country

Beyond naming the most Christmassy stores in each state, the survey also dug into what actually creates that festive feeling for shoppers – from movie-set ambience to childhood nostalgia.

One of the biggest questions was which type of store makes people feel like they have “stepped into a Christmas movie.” The results revealed a perfect split:

  • 36% said a large department store,
  • 34% said a small independent shop,
  • 16% chose a garden centre or winter market, and
  • 14% pointed to a big-box retailer.

When choosing where to shop during the holidays, price still matters – but Arizona shoppers aren’t purely practical. While 41% picked price as their top priority, a notable 15% said the atmosphere and vibes matter most, even outranking convenience:

  • Price: 41%
  • Product variety: 18%
  • Atmosphere/vibes: 15%
  • Convenience: 14%
  • Supporting local businesses: 12%

Nostalgia also plays a major role. When asked which stores give them the strongest childhood Christmas feeling:

  • Department stores topped the list at 40%,
  • followed by toy stores (36%),
  • craft stores (15%),
  • and bookstores (9%).

Shoppers were also asked which type of Christmas display impresses them most. Miniature villages and detailed scenes were the clear favourite:

  • 38% picked miniature displays,
  • 32% preferred giant trees and big showpieces,
  • 19% favoured handmade or artisan decorations, and
  • 11% chose interactive displays and photo spots.

Finally, the survey identified the store categories that feel the least Christmassy, even when decorated – and two tied for the top spot:

  • Pharmacies: 31%
  • Grocery stores: 31%
  • Electronics stores: 20%
  • Clothing chains: 18%

“What stood out in the data is just how emotional holiday shopping still is”, says Matt Paulson, founder of MarketBeat. “Price matters, of course, but the atmosphere of a store can completely shift someone’s experience. People want to feel like they have stepped into a Christmas movie – and the stores that lean into that nostalgia are the ones shoppers remember most.”