Magical Christmas Towns Around the World

Christmastime is a magical time of year, but some places make the holidays feel extra special.  From the North Pole to the Netherlands, here are the most magical Christmas towns around the world.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
One of the most magical towns at Christmastime is Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany.  The medieval town, with its snow-covered cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, looks magical at Christmas.  Germany is known for its traditional Chrismas markets, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber has a Christmas market that has been going on since the 15th century.  You can sample all the mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and German sausages you can handle, as well as purchase local handicrafts at the Rothenburg Christmas Market.  The original Rothenburg Snowball, a fried pastry dough, is also a must.  Rothenburg ob der Tauber is also home to the German Christmas Museum.

Colmar, France
This quaint, small town located in the Alsace region of France along the border with Germany ensures visitors will be having a joyeux Noël.  Colmar hosts five different traditional Christmas markets in the town with local artisans selling their goods.  The whole town is decked out with Christmas lights and decorations, carolers singing classic Christmas carols, a carousel, roller coaster, and ice-skating rink.

North Pole, Alaska
It doesn’t get much more Christmas than the North Pole.  You can visit a real town called North Pole in Alaska, about 15 miles outside of Fairbanks.  North Pole, Alaska brings Christmas to life year-round with its resident Santa and Mrs. Claus and Santa Claus House that serves as a store, post office, and gift shop.  The town is also home to the world’s largest Santa statue and streets named Snowman Lane and Kris Kringle Drive.  At Christmastime, this magical Christmas town holds an annual Winter Festival with Santa’s sleigh and reindeer, an ice carving contest, and other fun festivities for the holidays.  

Bath, England
Another magical town at Christmas is Bath, England.  This historic town hosts the annual Bath Christmas market with over 150 chalets selling unique wares, Christmas trees decorated in the style of classic Christmas carols, plus wreath-making and an ice-skating rink. Kids can also enjoy carousel rides and Santa Claus sightings. 

Williamsburg, Virginia
Voted one of the best Christmas towns in America, Williamsburg, Virginia harkens back to its colonial past to make the holiday magical.  During Christmastime in Williamsburg, traditions dating back to the Founding Fathers are kept alive, such as each home in the town lighting a candle in their window, Christmas caroling by torchlight, and a gun-salute display.  The Busch Gardens Christmas light display is also the largest in North America and you don’t want to miss the Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Market Square.

Montreux, Switzerland
The Swiss town of Montreux is famous for its Christmas Market that overlooks the beautiful Lac Léman.  Montreux transforms into a winter wonderland, with over 170 chalets, selling handmade gifts, local delicacies, mulled wine, and much more.  The Montreux Christmas Market features family-friendly attractions such as a giant Ferris Wheel ride, Santa’s flying sleigh, and lots of costume characters including Santa’s elves.  You can also take a cogwheel train up the mountainside to visit Santa’s House.

Deventer, Netherlands
Each year for a weekend in December, the Dutch town of Deventer brings classic Charles Dickens characters to life.  Performers dress up as characters from classics like “A Christmas Carol” and “Oliver Twist” and sing Christmas carols, and the town also hosts a Christmas market selling all sorts of holiday gifts.

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