As the carols chime in and the streets are beautifully adorned with twinkling lights, there is nothing more rewarding than spending this year’s miraculous occasion in one of the best Christmas towns in the world.
Let’s take a tour of the world’s Christmas destinations, where the magical festivity is well celebrated throughout the year.
8 Best Christmas Towns in the World
Time Out shares the best Christmas towns in the world, including France’s Strasbourg, Finland’s Rovaniemi, and other astounding places as follows:
1. Rovaniemi – Finland
Crowned as one strenuous character of the best Christmas towns in the world, Rovaniemi prides itself as the ‘Official Hometown of Santa Claus’ for its renowned Santa Claus Village amusement park. When winter arrives, the Christmas spirit becomes especially magical in the heart of Lapland. With the edge of the Arctic Circle just five miles away, the white Christmas town promises joyous days calling for sleigh rides.
2. Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Germany
Do you know that there is a dreamy neighborhood nestled between Munich and Frankfurt? Widely known as one of Germany’s best-preserved walled towns and home to the German Christmas Museum, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is worth every penny spent. The town’s December present is a Christmas-themed vacation for all visitors.
If you venture far enough into the town, you will meet one of Europe’s best Christmas markets, the Reiterlesmarkt, where you can treat your taste buds to a bite of the iconic Rothenburg Schneeballen.
3. North Pole – U.S.
Dreaming of a Christmas ambiance in the middle of summer? The United States has you covered with the existence of the North Pole, just a 15-minute drive from Alaska’s Fairbanks. While the painted candy canes all along the street fascinate you beyond wonder, take a few more steps into the town and pay a visit to the Santa Claus House Gift.
4. Strasbourg – France
Perhaps much of France should make the list of the best Christmas towns in the world for the magical feelings they exude. Not only do they glow during the winter holy month, but their festivities buzz all year round with the presence of the town’s cobbled lanes. Above all, are you in for the holiday set on the 17th-century facades?
5. Colmar – France
As a testament to France’s ecstatic atmosphere, another nominee for best Christmas town in the world comes from the nation. Colmar, the eastern region of Alsace, features a uniquely traditional architectural style around its surreal landscape. To get the best of the vibes, it is recommended to visit the city during wintertime.
6. Gdask – Poland
Nestled on the Baltic Sea, Gdask lives up to its white winter title all year round. The city is also home to open-air markets that offer everything the festive season. So, if your families are on the lookout for some Christmas cheer, take a mini tour of Poland’s late-Renaissance buildings.
7. Santa Clause – U.S.
As the name suggests, Santa Claus town does not wait for the folklore character to come in December. Rather, Santa stays throughout the year, presenting big festive-themed celebrations, from a Santa Claus Museum to Santa’s Candy Castle. To your amazement, the town also has a post office that receives thousands of letters from children sent to Santa Claus.
8. Christmas, U.S.
Another proud American city, Christmas, concludes the list of the best Christmas towns in the world. Named after the holy holiday, this Florida town has a decorated tree standing out all year, even during the sunniest days of summer. What makes it even more popular is the Christmas postmark that appears on every greeting card.
From enchanting markets to lighted streets, the best Christmas towns in the world invite you to experience the holiday in its most vibrant and memorable form. So, pack your bags, let the carols guide you, and step into a world where Christmas dreams do come true. Don’t miss the opportunity to include the best Christmas markets in Europe in your itinerary.
