Towns can be like people, some more Christmas-loving and others more grinchy. And if you are like the former, you’ve probably dreamed of experiencing a fairytale Christmas, where the streets have fairy lights, festivals brighten up the nights, the cold completely disappears with a hot chocolate and everyone seems to be under a spell of constant joy.
As unreal as it may seem, these places do exist. Maybe you’re not lucky enough to live in a city that looks like something out of a Christmas card, but you can certainly enjoy them from a distance through your social networks. Or, even better, after seeing the list of towns we bring for you, you could plan a trip to one of these charming places next year.
Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
This is the official village of Santa Claus, which means that for obvious reasons it has to be on the list. Rovaniemi is located a few kilometers from the Arctic Circle and is characterized by always having snow in winter, which contrasts with the Christmas lighting.
In the village, tourists can visit Santa, see reindeer and send letters stamped with North Pole postmarks.
Cologne, Germany
Cologne is considered the capital of Christmas markets and has a total of seven throughout the city. In the cathedral market — the largest and most important of the markets — there is a huge Christmas tree and a central stage where folk groups perform.
In another part of the city, in Rudolf Square, there is a Santa Claus market, where children go to ask Santa for their presents.
The whole city is dressed with Christmas lights and Christmas carols are heard in the streets, making it one of the most joyful cities to visit.
Strasbourg, France
This city has one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe and is located in a French region where they celebrate Christmas in a special way.
The markets attract tourists from all over the world, who stroll through the streets from late November. The beautiful decorations and lights and the 30-meter Christmas tree are a must-see for every tourist.
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North Pole, Alaska, United States
In this village it’s Christmas all year round, with Christmas decorations and lights even in summer. The streets have festive names and some of the residents are volunteers who sort and answer the letters they receive from children.
Winter temperatures can reach -40 degrees Celsius, but the Christmas spirit balances out the cold.
Montreux, Switzerland
Montreux is one of the best cities to spend Christmas in. There, Christmas begins in the last days of November and lasts for a month.
Its residents and tourists can enjoy Christmas markets, visit Santa Claus’ house, have unique views of the city from the Ferris wheel, taste the delicious gastronomy, see the elves’ village and, most impressively, witness Santa Claus flying around the city in his sleigh.
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Santa Claus, Indiana
This town had to change its name in order to have a post office and the inhabitants decided to call it Santa Claus. Since that happened, it receives a large number of tourists throughout the year who visit its attractions —and the residents are delighted with the attention they receive.
Tallinn, Estonia
This city has a historic Christmas tradition that includes a Christmas tree, of course. Its market has been named one of the best in Europe and as visitors browse the stands they can eat traditional foods, drink mulled wine or try a Vana Tallinna, which is like a thick rum.
The old town of this city is covered in snow, making it a magical experience at this time of year.
Riga, Latvia
Tourists can wander through Riga’s network of narrow streets and then enjoy the Christmas market in the Cathedral Square. It was one of the first European cities to use the Christmas tree and today several are placed throughout Riga.
Bruges, Belgium
This city has a great charm and the atmosphere in the streets is one of the best you can find. The Christmas market is open from the end of November until January 8, which makes it one of the longest lasting.
During the holidays, you can enjoy the ice-skating rink and a trail of lights that makes tourists walk through much of the city enchanted by its beauty.
Image: Timo Newton-Syms