The holliest, jolliest time of year is just around the corner! With that comes all the wonderful winter activities that are best that time of year. One time-honored tradition is gathering your best chorus and tunes and going door-to-door caroling.
We at Glass Doctor know that experiencing these festive moments in all their glory often starts right at your own window. That's why we were curious to find out which U.S. cities are the best for caroling. We crunched the numbers — from neighborhood ratings to the number of local choirs — to identify top cities across the country where caroling traditions create a magical holiday atmosphere. Read on to see where your city stacks up!
Key Findings
- Jackson, Mississippi, ranks as the best U.S. city to go caroling, followed by Dayton, Ohio, and Bridgeport, Connecticut.
- Colorado Springs, Colorado, ranks as the most difficult U.S. city for caroling, followed by Phoenix, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Residents of Utah had the most search interest in Christmas carols, making Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Provo the cities with the most Christmas spirit on our list.
The Best U.S. Cities to Go Caroling
If you’re getting your “fa la las” ready, you’re in luck — there are great cities for carollers all across the country!
Jackson, MS, reigns supreme in our rankings with an impressive score of 78.2, thanks largely to its top-rated neighborhoods and suburbs. This city, steeped in Southern charm, transforms into a caroling paradise during the holidays. A notable stat that adds to Jackson's ranking is its staggering 146.63 church choirs per 100,000 residents, a testament to its vibrant musical culture.
Not far behind is Dayton, OH, scoring 76.2. Dayton is renowned for its community spirit, especially during the festive season. The city's strong sense of community and enthusiasm for holiday festivities makes it a prime destination for those looking to experience heartfelt caroling. In fact, 82.7% of Dayton is suburban, meaning finding a neighborhood to listen to your tunes shouldn’t be too tough.
Bridgeport, CT, with a score of 74.6, captures the quintessential New England holiday scene. The city’s scenic beauty, accentuated by snow-covered landscapes and classic architecture, provides an enchanting backdrop for caroling. Bridgeport residents are actively searching for caroling, suggesting a high interest in the activity.
Birmingham, AL, with a score of 74.1, adds to the Southern representation. Known for its cultural vibrancy, Birmingham comes alive during the holidays. The city's unique blend of traditional and contemporary holiday songs echoes through its festive streets, offering a caroling experience that is as warm and welcoming as its community.
Finally, St. Louis, MO, scoring 73.5, presents a harmonious blend of historic charm and modern holiday spirit. St. Louis's varied caroling scenes, ranging from classic to contemporary, ensure a memorable holiday experience for every visitor. You won’t have to worry about hiking up hills while caroling, as St. Louis has relatively flat ground.
The Best Cities to Go Caroling, According to Data
For those eager to dive deeper into the festive data, check out the above interactive table, where you can explore and see how your city compares in the caroling rankings.
We've categorized the ranking factors into two main groups: logistical and caroling-specific. Logistical factors include physical aspects that impact the caroling experience, such as yard size and elevation change. For instance, a smaller yard size is considered better as it allows carolers to move more efficiently from door to door, enhancing the joy of spreading holiday cheer. Similarly, cities with less elevation change are favored, as flatter terrain makes it easier for carolers to navigate neighborhoods and reach more homes without the challenge of steep hills.
Click through the table above to discover how these and other factors contribute to creating the perfect caroling environment in cities across the U.S.
I’m Dreaming of a… Cozy Winter
As our exploration of America's best caroling cities comes to a close, we're reminded of the joy and warmth that this time-honored tradition brings to the holiday season. Whether you're participating in the singing or enjoying the melodies from the comfort of your home, the spirit of the season is alive and well in these communities.
With Glass Doctor, you can ensure your home is not only warm and cozy but also offers a clear, picturesque view of winter's beauty. Freshly installed, top-notch windows are essential for appreciating all that the season has to offer, from watching snowflakes gently fall to admiring the twinkling lights and the joyous procession of carolers. Reach out today to make sure your windows are ready for the holiday season!
Methodology
To find the best cities to go caroling, we started with a list of the 100 most populous cities in the U.S. and ranked them 1 to 100 based on factors that would be important to Christmas caroling. We broke those factors down into two categories: logistical and caroling quality. We then assigned weights to each factor depending on how important it would be to Christmas caroling. Based on those weights, each city we analyzed was given a score out of a possible 100.
|
Ranking Factor |
Ranking Factor Category |
Weight |
Source |
|
Walk Score |
Logistical |
3.50 |
|
|
Elevation Change (in ft) |
Logistical |
3.50 |
|
|
Yard Size (in acres) |
Logistical |
1.75 |
|
|
% of Suburban Population |
Logistical |
1.25 |
|
|
No. of Church Choirs (per 100K) |
Caroling Quality |
2.00 |
|
|
Christmas Carol Interest Score |
Caroling Quality |
2.00 |
Google Trends |
|
Top Rated Neighborhood within the City |
Caroling Quality |
1.25 |
|
|
Top Rated Suburb within the City |
Caroling Quality |
1.25 |