26 Towns for INCREDIBLE Christmas Spirit

Are you ready to travel this holiday season, but want to stay in the spirit?

These travel writers put together a list of 26 places with amazing and unusual holiday events and traditions. Whether you are ready to catch a flight or jump in the car for a road trip you are sure to find the perfect holiday trip!

North American Towns

European Towns

12 North American Towns to Find Christmas Spirit

Asheville, North Carolina

Contributed by Victoria of Southern Trippers

If you’re looking for one of the cutest Christmas towns in the world, then Asheville, North Carolina is the perfect place for you. 

See, this idyllic mountain oasis comes alive with holiday cheer at this time of year and is easily one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in North Carolina. 

So, expect a bit of old-world holiday charm as you explore the lavish Biltmore Estate during either a daytime or evening tour. 

In fact, this historic estate was originally built by the Vanderbilt family in the 1800s and is now an incredible place for you to visit that features stunning garland, massive Christmas trees, and exquisite holiday decor spread throughout the property.   

Also, don’t leave without sampling some special white and red Christmas wines as part of a  free wine tasting at the Antler Hill Village & Winery. 

Next, check out stunning holiday lights displays at the annual Winter Lights event at the North Carolina Arboretum. 

Kids, in particular, will love the mesmerizing light show before checking out all the awe-inspiring gingerbread houses on display at the Omni Grove Park Inn. 

After all, elaborate gingerbread creations from The National Gingerbread House Competition fill the lobby. There’s even a  life-size gingerbread house that doles out festive holiday fare here too.

Durango, Colorado

Contributed by Jenifer of The Evolista

If you’re looking for a picture-perfect Christmas town, look no further than Durango, Colorado.  The charming downtown is the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping this year and one of the best places to visit in December. With its quaint shops and historic buildings, you’re sure to find that special something for your loved ones. 

And when you’re done shopping, take the Polar Express train ride through the rocky mountains to the North Pole to pick up Santa! It’s an unforgettable experience that will bring the magic of the holiday season to life.

If you’re more of a winter sports enthusiast, Purgatory Resort is the place for you. With its great skiing and snowboarding conditions, it’s a mecca for winter sports lovers. There are also a handful of other resorts in the area, all of which have garnered Durango the title of One of America’s top 10 Ski Towns.

For a romantic outing, take a sleigh ride through the snow-covered countryside. Cuddling under a blanket with your sweetheart is the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of nature. Additional snowy adventures can be found snowshoeing, snowmobiling, snow tubing, fat biking and dog sledding.

Whatever you choose to do, Durango is a storybook winter wonderland that is sure to give you those Hallmark holiday feels!

Key West, Florida

Contributed by Victoria of Florida Trippers

While not a conventional holiday destination, Key West, Florida really is one of the cutest Christmas towns in the entire world. 

And to soak up the most holiday cheer possible, start your visit to Key West in December with a trip to Duval Street. 

Not only does this vibrant street extend all the way from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, but it’s filled with incredible shops, restaurants, and stores that are just waiting to be explored. 

So, feel free to do a bit of holiday shopping and admire the unique tropical holiday decor that pops up at this time of year. 

Plus, if you stop by early in December you can catch Santa ride through town as part of the annual Key West Holiday Parade. 

And then, during that same weekend, the Southernmost Car Club hosts a free, Holiday Classic Car Show at the Historic Seaport. 

So, admire some stunningly beautiful cars before witnessing the awesome annual lighted boat parade. 

Stand in awe as local sailboats bedazzled in holiday lights cruise through the waters of the Key West Bight. 

Then, take in some of the historical architectural grandeur of this amazing town during a Historic Inns Holiday Tour.

Because throughout the holiday season, many bed and breakfasts adorn their vast interiors with incredible holiday decor and then open up their establishments to patrons as part of guided tours on two separate days during the month.

That’s why, if you really want to get into the holiday spirit then look no further than Key West, Florida.

St. Augustine, Florida

Contributed by Kita Roberts of Romanticweekendgetaways.com

Rich with culture, food, and architecture, St Augustine is one of America’s oldest cities. With enchanting cobblestone streets and historic buildings, it’s picturesque to stroll through, especially for the holidays. 

Come winter; the entire city lights up with a dazzling spectacle of millions of sparkling Christmas lights on the facades of almost every building. 

The celebration, called Nights of Lights, runs from mid-November through January for the duration of the holiday season. The dazzling pops of bright white lights come on as dusk settles over the city and will leave you enchanted as you still over the Bridge of Lions into the heart of the historic town and its stunning Spanish Colonial architecture. Or grab tickets to a guided trolly or boat tour where fun hosts point out all the sights and facts as you cruise. If you’re lucky, you’ll grab the trolly tickets where Santa or the Grinch are even riding along to add to the Christmas magic!

St Augustine is an easy drive from the Jacksonville or Orlando airport with tons of boutique or chain hotels to stay in. Because the event runs for over two months, finding a few days to visit to avoid crowds is easy. 

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Contributed by Samantha Hamilton of New England Wanderlust

Nantucket is an island just off the coast of the Cape Cod region of Massachusetts, and while it feels like a storybook seaside town year-round, it’s even more magical during the Christmas season.

This little New England island kicks off their Christmas festivities by installing dozens of decorated Christmas trees throughout their cobblestone-lined streets of downtown, which all turn on at dusk each night. Around town, you’ll also see people decorating their historic homes with garlands, beautiful window boxes and gorgeous wreaths. Nantucket’s most famous lighthouse, Brant Point, also gets special holiday treatment with a giant Christmas wreath decoration, which makes for the perfect Christmas photo location. 

The most exciting time to visit Nantucket at Christmas is during the island’s Christmas Stroll event, which takes place the first weekend in December each year. Visitors can enjoy Santa’s arrival to town, craft fairs, special shopping events with snacks and drinks, live music and shows by local community members. 

For a fun indoor event, be sure to tour the Whaling Museum, where over 50 Christmas trees that have been decorated by local artists and businesses will be on display for the perfect, winter wonderland walk. 

And lastly, don’t forget to walk by Easy Street to see the famous Dory boat, donning a special Christmas tree decoration for the season. 

Getting to Nantucket in December requires taking a ferry from Hyannis, MA, and makes for a wonderful day trip or festive weekend getaway in December. 

Solvang, California

Contributed by Janelle Axton of Make the Trip Matter

Solvang is a charming Danish village located in the Santa Ynez Valley of California. The town was founded in 1911 by a group of Danish-Americans who were looking for a place to practice their traditional culture. Due to the charming European flare, the whole town looks like it was built to be a Christmas village – complete with quaint buildings, a windmill, decorated trees, and colorful lights during the holiday season. In fact, Time Magazine even named Solvang one of the “Most Christmassy Towns in America”!

From November 27th to January 1st, you can experience Solvang’s annual “Julefest Christmas Celebration.” Highlights include the Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Julefest Parade. Throughout this time there will be caroling, live entertainment, and Santa’s Village, along with plenty of great food, beer, wine, shopping, and music.

Visiting Solvang is a must at any time of the year. The bakeries are incredible – you’ll find authentic Danish pastries as well as American favorites. Plus, there are some great restaurants serving up both traditional Danish cuisine and more modern dishes. 

For wine lovers – there are plenty of vineyards in the area offering superb wine tastings. Additionally, the shopping is excellent – you can find everything from holiday-inspired souvenirs to stylish clothes and home decor.

To visit Solvang, you can stay in one of the boutique hotels or cute Inns in town. Or, many people simply visit Solvang as a day trip while staying in Santa Barbara, as the Danish town is just a one-hour drive to the north. 

Whistler, British Columbia

Contributed by Nicole of Go Far Grow Close

Whistler, British Columbia is located 120 km north of Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada. It regularly ranks as offering the best skiing and snowboarding in North America. Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains are each approximately 7300 feet high (2200 metres) with 8,171 acres (3307 hectares) of skiable terrain. However, it is at the base of the mountains, in Whistler Village, where Christmas magic truly happens. 

By Christmas, the Village is surrounded by white snowy mountains. Everywhere you look, there are Christmas lights. Seemingly every tree and lamp post is engulfed in thousands and thousands of lights. In the evening, after a fresh snowfall, when snow covers the roads, sidewalks, and the pedestrian walking zone, you feel like a child once again, excited that it is Christmas time.  

To fully engulf yourself into the experience, consider renting skates and skating for free in the outdoor skating rink next to the Olympic Rings. If chilly, head indoors to the Telus Conference Centre which every year hosts Santa, Christmas crafts, and other games for children of all ages.All winter long, Whistler offers many winter activities in addition to skating, skiing and snowboarding. A highlight is watching the Fire And Ice Show from Whistler Village. Every Sunday and other special holiday dates, professional skiers and snowboarders flip and twist through burning rings of fire in the darkness. 

New York City, NY

Contributed by Sam Opp of Find Love and Travel

New York is one of the most magical places to experience Christmas in the United States. From incredible decorations and the Rockefeller Christmas tree to Ice Skating and Christmas Markets, NYC in December has so much to offer for those looking for the ultimate Christmas vibes.

During a visit to New York City, some of the best things to do include seeing the Christmas decorations at Cartier, Radio City, and the Hudson Yards. Each put up incredible decorations each year!  There is also the famous Saks 5th Avenue light show that displays throughout the night. New York City is also known for its extravagant Christmas Window displays. Some of the best window displays to see are Macy’s, Bloomingdales, and Bergdorf Goodman. 

You of course must visit the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and even consider ice skating under the tree. If you love ice skating, you should also add ice skating in Central Park to your list. While you’re in Rockefeller Center, consider seeing the Rockettes perform at Radio City. 

If all of that wasn’t enough, another place in NYC to give you all the Christmas feels is at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. They hold a wonderful Christmas Market, tons of delicious food vendors, ice skating, and more!

Helen, GA

Contributed by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett of Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide

If you’ve never been to the cute, quirky town of Helen GA, Christmas is the perfect season to visit.

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia and surrounded by the Cherokee-Oconee National Forest, Helen is a popular tourist town all year round. With its Bavarian-style architecture, German restaurants, quaint shops, and myriad family-friendly attractions, it’s one of the most unique places to visit in Georgia. 

But Christmas in Helen GA is truly a magical time, mixing traditional European charm with homespun Southern hospitality. The tiny mountain town truly looks like a Winter Wonderland, with the streets and buildings lined with twinkling lights and filled with holiday cheer.

 In fact, the town has been rated the “Top Christmas Town in America” by MSN.com and was named one of Southern Living‘s Best Christmas Towns in the USA. 

The annual celebrations kick off with the Lighting of the Village ceremony in Riverside Park the day after Thanksgiving. This is when the downtown Helen Christmas lights are turned on for the first time, with the local community coming out to hear live music by local choirs, and Santa and Mrs. Claus making their debut in the town square.

Helen’s Christkindl Traditional German Market is also on Thanksgiving weekend, with lots of local vendors selling innovative arts and crafts and other unique handmade gifts. The annual Helen Christmas Parade takes over the streets of downtown in early December, with costumed characters and festive floats led by Santa Claus and his team of reindeer. 

While you’re there, browse the incredible array of Christmas decor at The Christmas Shoppe and Christmas & More, grab a bite at the lavishly decorated Cimmi’s Courtyard Cafe (which has been featured in several Christmas movies on Hallmark and Lifetime), and check out the Victorian Christmas at the Hardman Farm State Historic Site. 

Georgetown, TX

Contributed by Sierra Schmidt of Very Truly Texas

The sweet town of Georgetown, Texas is one of the prettiest Christmas towns in the US. It’s southern hospitality adds to its holiday charm, and visitors are sure to love the historic buildings, lively streets, and beautiful holiday décor.

Georgetown kicks off their holiday season with a Lighting of the Square in front of the historic courthouse the last weekend of November. The first weekend of December, the streets are filled with joyous visitors at the annual Christmas Stroll. Events take place all afternoon with live performances and tasty food trucks, an interactive Bethlehem Village, and plenty of booths featuring local crafters. Don’t forget to have dessert and a dance party with the Grinch! Brungot Farms will fill Santa’s Village with live Christmas trees available for purchase.

Children will enjoy visiting Sweet Eats Farm which is just a short drive from downtown. The entire farm is filled with family-friendly activities like petting zoos, tractor rides, apple cannons, face painting. The property is completely overhauled for the season with festive décor and visits with Santa and his live reindeer included in the price of admission.

Walking around downtown is an enjoyable activity in itself as it has been titled the “Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas.” Merchants go all out with hundreds of holiday lights, wreaths, and multiple Christmas trees to make it a charming wonderland.  Lark & Owl Booksellers and BiG Shop are perfect places to start your gift shopping, and all the window displays are sure to be filled with nutcrackers, snowflakes and holiday villages. Whatever you do, don’t miss the holiday caramel apples from Sugar Mommy Bakery!

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Contributed by: Trijit Mallick from Budget Travel Buff

If you wish to spend Christmas in Florida, Fort Lauderdale—often referred to as the “Venice of America”—might be a good option. Here, winter is a truly great time of year. Fort Lauderdale is one of the most beautiful Christmas towns in Florida. The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is a must-see if you’re in town during the winter. You must not overlook the exquisitely painted boats of all sizes. Just north of Sunset Boulevard, in the Grandstand Viewing Area, you may see the procession. Lights, music, and celebrities deck the private yachts, enormous showboats, and corporate yachts.

Family-friendly events take place over the Christmas weekend to celebrate Christmas in Fort Lauderdale. Christmas is about spending time with friends and family as well as shopping for the season.

Christmas on Las Olas is a free Winter Wonderland family event held on Las Olas Boulevard. Both choirs and trampolines are available to maintain the holiday atmosphere. Of course, the 75-foot snow mountain on the way is impossible to miss. For Hanukkah, there will be a beautifully lighted menorah centerpiece on display in addition to the dazzling Christmas lights adorning the boughs of the Boulevard’s palm trees.

Winter Wonderland at the Plantation Historical Museum is an additional historical holiday event. Beautifully decorated trees, a train village, and Hanukkah and Kwanzaa decorations are all on show during the event. Everyone will enjoy this special holiday treat!

Celebration, Florida

Contributed by Keri of Bon Voyage With Kids

One of the most picturesque Christmas Towns to visit in the USA is Disney’s famed town of Celebration, Florida. Just a mere 5 minutes from Walt Disney World, a visit to this quaint town built by Disney is one of the best things to do with kids in Orlando.

This lovely small town is a site to see at Christmas, and in fact has been the setting for movies and even TV shows like “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” Not only can you stroll around and take in gorgeous holiday lights.  But the town center becomes a winter wonderland as it “snows” nightly, has a large Christmas tree in the town center, an ice skating rink, a Santa Claus Grotto, train rides, carriage rides, and more.  It looks and feels like you have stepped into a Christmas movie.   

It’s a perfect setting to go on a “sleigh ride” in your car to see the beautiful Christmas and holiday lights. Be sure to check out Jeter Bend Road for some of the more famous lit-up homes.  It is renowned for being the street of lights during the holidays! 

While this town was built by Disney, it is no longer managed by the company. It is a real town, with residents, schools, shops and restaurants, in a beautiful picturesque setting.  But they keep many of the traditions started years ago by Disney, including the holiday celebrations.  Visitors and residents alike love walking in the winter wonderland and enjoying the festive feeling of this town, aptly named Celebration. 

Leavenworth, WA

Contributed by Jessica Schmit of Uprooted Traveler

For a Christmas town straight out of a Hallmark movie, check out Leavenworth, Washington, a teeny village, tucked away in the Cascade Mountains.

Not only does Leavenworth get totally decked out in over half a million Christmas lights, come Thanksgiving weekend, but the town itself is adorable. All of the buildings and their decorations are Bavarian in style and look like they’d be more appropriate to be in the Alps or the Sound of Music, as opposed to the grungy Pacific Northwest. 

Leavenworth, in fact, is not Germanic in heritage at all. Instead, it was a logging town through the 1930s, which, due to losing its rail station, was slowly dwindling down to a ghost town. The town’s leadership decided to do something about it and decided to create a “themed” alpine town, with plenty of annual festivities to attract tourists. The plan worked, with this town, of just under 2,500 residents, receiving over 200,000 visitors each year for Christmas alone!

Christmas in Leavenworth is pure magic- the streets are full of carolers, you can pick up Glühwein or chestnuts literally being roasted over an open fire, and you’ll even be able to meet Santa himself! There’s a variety of events here celebrating the holiday season from Black Friday lasting all the way through Valentine’s Day.

To kick the holiday season off, the town typically hosts a Bavarian-style Christmas market, with plenty of food, live music, and local arts and crafts. Throughout the rest of December, the town is alive with Christmas spirit, with displays of gingerbread houses, stations to write letters to Santa, and Christmas-themed characters wandering around the street. Each night, the aforementioned lights theatrically twinkle on, creating a true winter wonderland in the Cascade Mountains.

San Antonio, Texas

Contributed by Angela of FittinginAdventure.com

Whether you want to quietly roam the Missions of San Antonio or stroll the Riverwalk the city offers you an unmatched holiday experience.

The Riverwalk will kick off the holiday season with a Parade of Lights followed by luminarias throughout the area. Meanwhile, the weather is perfect for biking/walking the Missions Trail to see all the historic structures.

And yes, margaritas are the perfect holiday drink!

12 European Towns to Find Christmas Spirit

Heidelberg, Germany

Contributed by Cassie of Cassie’s Compass

Today, Christmas markets can be found across the globe. However, they are believed to have originated in Germany in the Middle Ages. What better place to experience the magic of Christmas than in the very country where these markets started!

Heidelberg is a university town located in southwest Germany that is rich in history and culture. And the Christmas market in Heidelberg is one of the most beloved in the country, attracting visitors from all over the world. The market is located in the picturesque Old Town, which is full of charming medieval buildings. There are over 100 stalls selling traditional Christmas goods, such as gluhwein (mulled wine), handmade wooden toys, and delicious bratwurst. Just walking these cobblestone streets will make you feel like you stepped straight into a Hallmark movie. Visitors can also enjoy live music and take a spin on the ice rink that sits beneath a 13th-century castle. Pretzels are a must-try at any German Christmas market, and Heidelberg’s are some of the best! So if you’re looking for a festive and authentically German Christmas market experience, Heidelberg is the perfect place to visit.

Edinburg, Scotland

Contributed by Moumita & Sankha from Chasing the Long Road

Magical at any time of the year, the Scottish capital city of Edinburgh is particularly special during the festive winter months. Christmas spirit takes over the entire city, and there are plenty of amazing things to do in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh’s Christmas market mainly takes place in the Princes Street Gardens at the heart of the city centre with beautifully decorated chalets and fairy lights. There you will find traditional Christmas foods like German Sausages, potato skewers, hot mulled wine and chimney cake to classic Christmas items like wooden nutcrackers, ornaments, and candles.

You can take part in many fun activities, like taking a ride on the gigantic Big Wheel and the Star Flyer to admire the spectacular view over the city. If you are a fan of ice skating, you would enjoy taking a spin on the cosy Alpine ice rink. Younger visitors would love the Christmas Tree Maze, Santa’s Grotto and Nativity Carol Concert. Kids will also enjoy riding the Victorian carousels. Rides and events are individually priced, but the markets are free to roam around to take in the festive spirit.

Hogmanay is an integral part of the Edinburgh Christmas Celebration. It is a three-day annual celebration from 30th December to New Year’s Day. Hogmanay includes a torchlight procession, spectacular fireworks displays from Edinburgh Castle and a great street party. Also, you might participate in a candlelit concert and cosy traditional Scottish dance (Ceilidh).

Vienna, Austria

Contributed by Nadine Maffre of Le Long Weekend

There are few places in the world more quintessentially Christmassy than the capital city of Austria. The Vienna Christmas markets are well regarded as being among the best in the world, but the magic doesn’t begin and end there. Every square, palace and city street lights up with festive cheer come winter, when the already stunning city is transformed into a fairytale. Twinkling lights adorn the alleyways, beautifully decorated trees stand centre stage, storefronts are awash with creatively wrapped gifts, and carols ring out to spread Xmas cheer.
Wooden huts sell homemade trinkets and treats at the many markets (there are over 20!) throughout the city, and food and drinks stands are ready to thaw out frosty fingers with warm mugs of spicy punch, or the local speciality of “soup in bread”. Head along to the Viennese Dream market located in front of the Rathaus City Hall for the ice skating, children’s rides, and colourful gift stalls, or wander over to Maria-Theresien-Platz for a more sophisticated affair. For the ultimate Vienna experience, don’t miss out on visiting one of the grand palaces at Christmas time. Both Belvedere and Schönbrunn look resplendent, dressed up in their festive best and decorated with Christmas huts, lights, and shimmering trees.

Barmouth, Wales

Contributed by Paulina of UK Every Day

If you would like to spend Christmas at one of the best beaches in Wales, look no further than Barmouth. This coastal town is set in picturesque scenery with views of Snowdonia National Park and river Mawddach.

A walk across Barmouth Bridge decorated with Christmas lights while admiring tall mountains and the blue sea is an unforgettable experience. This Grade II listed structure which is 820 meters long offers an amazing winter walk on Wales’ longest timber viaduct.

When the Christmas lights switch on, you will hear Carol Singers and Church bells ringing in the town. You can try mulled wine and fantastic food in one of the restaurants just a short walk from the dunes.

Walking around the town full of history with charming stone buildings and colorful shops will make your Christmas day even more magical. From yellow, and green to blue facades of the buildings, this town does not even need Christmas decorations to fall in love with.

And who wouldn’t want to try a hot drink during winter in Ebeneezer’s Coffee Shop and Restaurant? This hidden gem in Barmouth is an amazing place to visit where you can also buy some unique Christmas gifts for your friends and family. 

Bolzano, Italy

Contributed by Lori of Travelin Mad

The Christmas season is a magical time with different countries all having their own historical traditions for celebrating this special time of year. If you’re looking for a cute Christmas town to experience something new for the holidays, look no further than Bolzano, Italy.

Located in the South Tyrol region in northern Italy, the charming alpine town of Bolzano has the largest Christmas market in Italy. Just 100 miles from the border with Austria, Bolzano is easily reached by car. For a more relaxing trip, train service is available from major Italian cities in the north like Bologna and Florence.


The Christmas market starts in late November when twinkling Christmas lights appear, and the main town square, Piazza Walther, comes alive with vendors and special Christmas foods and treats. Standing watch over the Piazza is the beautiful Assumption of our Lady Cathedral, softly lighted and decorated for the season.


The best way to catch the contagious Christmas spirit in Bolzano is to explore the town on foot. Boutique shops and small cafes lining the narrow lanes are inviting and hang ornaments and lights from every window and door. People here are friendly and will smile when you try to chat with them in whatever bits and pieces of Italian you can muster.

But it’s at night when the market turns into that quaint small-town seasonal event. There’s Christmas music, the tall Christmas tree with its decorations, and the aromas of cinnamon, sweet pastries, and spicy mulled wine filling the air.

If you get lucky on your visit, it might even snow!

Turin, Italy

Contributed by Livguine

If there’s one country that does Christmas well, but is often forgotten at this time of year, it’s Italy. Italians adore the Holiday period and there are plenty of Christmas markets, dazzling lights, and preseppe or Nativity Scenes dotted around the boot. One town that stands out, particularly for its Christmas charm, however, is Turin. 

Nestled in the most Northern region of the country, Piedmont, Turin is like a storybook example of Christmastime with the matching frosty air, spectacular Christmas lights strung up all over town, mulled wine on the streets, and snow if you’re lucky! This regal and elegant Northern Italian town boasts a fantastic Christmas market right in the very city centre in Piazza Castello. As the name suggests, the market takes place literally right outside the opulent Palazzo Reale (or Royal Palace of Turin) and the Palazzo Madama. 

In Piazza Vittorio Veneto, there is a giant advent calendar struck up, contributing to the Christmas cheer and further afield in Piazza Carlo Alberto there is a giant Christmas tree made of sparkling lights. Do as the locals do and line up outside Pasticceria Ghigo for a Torinese treat known as ‘La Nuvola’ or the cloud. Like a pandoro but better, this one is coated in buttercream and icing sugar. Delicious!

Looking for more ideas on how to spend your time here? Have a read of Livguine’s blog post on how to spend 48 hours in Turin.

Riquewihr, France

Contributed by Laura from Laure Wanders

With its cobblestone streets, colorful half-timbered houses, and
charming alleys, Riquewihr is argued to be one of the most beautiful villages in France. This little town is located in the Alsace region, near the German border, and it’s a 12-km ride from Colmar.

If you visit Riquewihr around Christmas, you will find it adorned with beautiful decorations. From huge teddy bears and gigantic gingerbread men to sparkling lights and big candy canes. Walking through the village’s little streets is truly magical at this time of the year.

Apart from stunning decorations, you will also find a beautiful Christmas market in Riquewihr. This is the perfect place to try some regional delicacies, drink Glühwein and shop for gifts for friends and family.

It’s good to know that Riquewihr is surrounded by vineyards and other charming (Christmas) towns like Ribeauvillé, Eguisheim, and Kaysersberg. If you have the time, these are worth stopping by too.

All in all, Riquewihr is one of the cutest Christmas towns out there. It’s a charming destination that will make you feel as if you were walking through a fairy tale and on top of that, the food here is delicious. So don’t forget to taste the Alsatian food.

York, England

Contributed by Cristina of My Little World of Travelling

York is one of the prettiest cities in northeast England, and it holds a magical Christmas Market, called St Nicholas Christmas Fair, from the middle of November until the 23rd of December every year.

York Christmas Market is set up in Parliament Street where you will find a wide variety of alpine-style stalls with artisan products, Christmas gifts and delicious food and drinks in the Shambles Food Court.

If you are a foodie, you will love the range of local and international dishes you can eat – from Thai to Mexican and Moroccan.

Wandering the Christmas market is magical – the beautiful Christmas lights, the smell of irresistible food and mulled wine, and the lively atmosphere makes it so special.

In addition to the Christmas Market, don’t miss the opportunity to visit two incredible Christmas shops in York: Nutcracker Christmas Shop and Käthe Wohlfahrt. They have beautiful Christmas decorations which make you feel like you are in a movie.

Apart from all the Christmas-related activities, there are many things to do in York for everyone – from visiting the iconic Gothic cathedral, known as York Minster, and JORVIK Museum to having an afternoon tea at Betty’s.

Overall, if you are after a special Christmas city break, York is a fantastic option.

Rattenberg, Austria

Contributed by Paul of PaulMarina

Rattenberg is a little unknown gem in the Austrian alps. This place is also known as Austria’s smallest city. It’s a walled medieval town with a castle ruin towering over the few residents of the city. Colorful houses and small paved roads invite one to discover Rattenberg. Surrounded by the Austrian alps and located right next to the river Inn, this city has a lot of history on its back. The signature specialty and handcraft is artisan glass and handmade glass pieces. During the advent season, you will find a special Christmas market in Rattenberg. Candles and fire pits illuminate the inner-city walls taking visitors back into time. A glass of red spiced mulled wine while enjoying some original themed performances will be a good reason why one will want to discover Rattenberg in winter. Discover the former abbey of the city and the handicraft museum to learn more about the culture and its people in the Austrian alps. The view from the castle ruins will remind you of a fantasy movie or story, with snow-covered peaks and crystal clear air inviting you to breathe in a piece of this wonderfully magical place in the mountains. Discover more things to do in Rattenberg.

Colmar, France

Contributed by Stephanie of The Unknown Enthusiast

The village of Colmar is an absolutely adorable Christmas town on the eastern edge of France. It’s in a region of France (Alsace) that changed hands between France and Germany a few times, so there is a lot of German influence in town, particularly in the architecture and cuisine. Half-timbered homes and wurst mingle with cheese and fantastic bread, creating an inviting atmosphere. Wrap that in Christmas cheer and you have magic!

The Colmar Christmas Markets open in late November and go until late December. The village features 6 different markets, each with a slightly different theme. 

For example, one market is entirely dedicated to handmade craft items, another is entirely composed of gastronomic cuisine. Others are designed around a toy theme or a nativity theme. There are decorated Christmas trees all throughout the village, and you can go ice skating or get drinks from the Carousel Bar at Place Rapp.

While the markets in Colmar are lovely, the real draw of the town at Christmas is just the town itself. The timbered homes are decorated with garland, stuffed animals, and lights all over town. Little squares have little fountains, and there is a canal running through the “Little Venice” part of town, where the buildings are very colorful. 

If you’re looking for charming Christmas villages that feel like they came straight out of a Hallmark movie, Colmar is the place for you!

Prague, Czech Republic

Contributed by Veronika of Travel Geekery

You could hardly find a cuter town to celebrate Christmas in than Prague. Prague in winter and especially in the time leading up to Christmas is all dressed in pretty festive lights, there are Christmas markets both big and small and, if you get lucky, it might even snow and make everything look like sprinkled with sugar.

Even though Prague is the Czech capital and a metropolis by Czech standards, its wider city center is beautifully compact and fully walkable. There’s nothing more magical than walking the streets in the late afternoon once dusk set in, ideally with snow falling from the sky and cracking under your feet. You stroll through the small winding streets of the Old Town and perhaps get a bit lost in the Castle district, where, if you turn from the beaten path, you may run into an odd local or two but otherwise you can have the streets to yourself. Views of snowcapped roofs and spires of Prague will melt your heart – that’s guaranteed! One such charming viewpoint is just by the Prague Castle at Castle Square (Hradčanské náměstí).

Prague is dotted with Christmas markets throughout December. The oldest one takes place at Old Town Square. While it is beautiful, with all the stalls, the giant tree, the Astronomical clock, and all the historical merchant houses surrounding it, it often gets too crowded. As a local, I can highly recommend the Prague Castle market – there’s hardly a better setting for an enchanting Christmas market than within the Prague Castle complex. Come later in the day, e.g. at 4 pm, to experience the least amount of people.

Keswick, England

Contributed by Daniel of Layer Culture

When looking for cute Christmas towns you can’t forget about the Lake District in Cumbria. With so much to see and do in the lakes, where do you start? Keswick is known as one of the best towns to stay in the Lake District and where else will offer that Christmas charm that everyone dreams of during the winter months? This small town is home to a handful of historic landmarks and offers a seasonal range of activities for all types of visitors. With more than 30 charity stalls selling a mixture of homemade Christmas produce, festive food, drinks and gifts, the town has plenty of events to keep the whole family entertained. The Christmas lights in Keswick get switched on in late November and are usually greeted by hundreds of people as the market square becomes crowded with locals and people from afar. See everything from Santa’s Grotto to live music to fancy dress and other seasonal street performers. The Market Place & Packhorse Court in the town centre turn into a nativity scene and children have the chance to meet Father Christmas himself as well as see his live reindeer. All in all, as you wait for the big day, it’s the cosy country pubs paired with the bustling atmosphere that make Keswick a magical place to visit during Christmas time.

Bruges, Belgium

Contributed by Sarah Vanheel of CosmopoliClan

For a fairytale European Christmas, medieval Bruges is the place to be. The city’s meandering canals and cobbled streets form the most enchanting decor for this wintry celebration. A light and experience trail takes visitors from the train station to the magically lit old town of Bruges. There are actually two Christmas markets to discover. The main one can be found at Markt square, framed by its gingerbread houses and towering Belfry. A more intimate market can be found at the Simon Stevin square, where you can find a selection of unique and handmade gifts. The idyllic ice-skating rink, located on a pontoon in one of the city’s most romantic locations called Minnewater, is another highlight. A lively winter bar completes the festive picture. After all, the magical Bruges Christmas market is a feast for all senses. Watching the twinkling lights that lead the way, listening to the click-clacking of the horse-drawn carriages, following the scent of Belgian waffles and indulging in a mouth-watering local treat. There’s an array of delicious specialties to try, from speculoos biscuits over bûche de Noël to Christmas beer. And let’s not forget about the famous Belgian chocolates, wrapped in the most joyful gift boxes. Celebrating Christmas in Bruges guarantees a heart-warming and cozy experience in one of Europe’s most captivating towns.