Brand new research has ranked the most romantic states for Christmas

Coming out in the top spot is Washington, followed by Pennysylvania and Wisconsin - so you know where to head if you're hoping to recreate your own Hallmark Christmas movie romance this winter.

Christmas is often regarded as one of the most romantic times of the year, where families come together, and couples get to spend their December exploring festive Christmas markets while drinking mulled wine, snuggled up in thick winter coats. It’s no surprise then that festivity and romance go hand in hand with one usually enhancing the other.

In the US Christmas takes on a whole new meaning with each state competing to be the most festive. Houses are decorated with Christmas lights, gardens with decorative ornaments, each state has its own version of Christmas markets and ornate Christmas trees are erected in the name of merriment.

Civitatis created the US Festive Romance Index, looking at the US states and ranking them on factors such as Christmas spirit, romance, how much it snows each year and which states have the most beautiful scenery to determine which states are best to visit for couples looking for a romantic getaway during the Christmas holidays.