Christmas is the perfect time to take a break and appreciate what you have; you can either spend it in your hometown with your loved ones, travel to a festively decorated place, or maybe do a little of each! After planning the best party theme, delicious festive cocktails, classic cookies, and plenty of engaging games and activities, you still have a lot of time, don’t you?
If you wish, you could celebrate the holiday season, Christmas, all year long, then set off on a merry trip to add an extra layer of excitement to your holidays. Here is a list of worldwide Christmas village destinations featuring traditional markets, stunning light displays, vintage shops, and festive treats that look like a Santa Claus storybook. You didn’t trust us? Find on your own!
- Leavenworth, USA
- Rovaniemi, Finland
- North Pole, Alaska
- Vienna, Austria
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Woodstock, Vermont
- New York City, USA
- Colmar, France
- Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
- Natchitoches, Louisiana
- Bonus- Santa Claus, Indiana
- Bonus- Quebec City, Canada
1. Leavenworth, USA:
Leavenworth, a tiny Bavarian-style village nestled between Washington’s Cascade Mountains, shines bright among the top 10 Christmas villages in the world! With its timber-wood buildings and a towering, snow-dusted Christmas tree, the festive atmosphere is truly magical. Two major holiday festivities are held here;
- Christmastown greets visitors with almost 50,000 lights shining along 21 miles of streets. It stays open from Thanksgiving through the end of February. Plus, you can enjoy these light works for free.
- Head to the bustling Christkindlemarkt to find handmade gifts and crafts, and check out the impressive Nutcracker Museum showcasing 9,000 nutcrackers from 50 different countries.
Enjoy the popular Krampus parade, where St. Nicholas rewards gifts and sweets to well-behaved children, while the Krampus in demonic costumes punishes the naughty ones with sticks. During three weekends leading up to Christmas, guests can expect traditional carols, harp music, and live hand-bell performances. Snap pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the vintage photo booths or browse through the gingerbread house exhibition and reindeer farms.
Mountain biking, dog and horse sleigh rides, sledding, snowshoeing, and snow tubing are among the outdoor activities offered to adventure seekers. Foodies can sample spicy Glühwein, luscious apple strudels, and juicy bratwursts. As a result, Leavenworth is the ideal setting for a fantasy Christmas with Bavarian flair, devoid of any dull moments.
2. Rovaniemi, Finland:
Rovaniemi, the only town on the world’s list of Christmas village destinations that pairs holiday events with the captivating aurora. Located in Finland’s Arctic Circle, this is the sole hometown of bearded Santa Claus and features a snowy setting, ice figures, antique log cottages, and streets adorned with LED lights. Dig into authentic Lappish delicacies like cloudberry sweets, smoked reindeer, and creamy salmon soup.
Take a trip to Santa Claus Village or SantaPark to see Santa Claus, prepare cookies with Mrs. Claus, join Elf School to learn a few Finnish words, chat privately with Santa and his elves in his office, send messages at the post office, or experience reindeer and husky safaris through the pine forests.
And who wants a standard hotel room when you can sleep in an igloo and brag about it? As you stay in a 360-degree glass-roofed igloo, your eyes will be glued to the green and pink Northern Lights glowing in the sky after 2 pm. From learning the native Sami cultures in the Arktikum Science Museum to the hot tubs and saunas, this dreamland would make even Elsa from Frozen jealous.
3. North Pole, Alaska:
Just 15 miles away from Fairbanks, North Pole is a city of 2,200 residents with festive decorations and holiday vibes throughout the year. The Santa Claus Lane, Mistletoe Lane, and Kris Kringle Drive welcome you with sparkling lights, oversized candy cane lamps, and vibrant ornaments. You can chat with a Santa-named mayor along with his reindeer at the “Santa Claus House,” and this is where live broadcasts happen.
During the summer months, Santa and Mrs. Claus appear in parades. An “ice contest” that gathers ice sculptors from all around the world is held in the Christmas month. Dog sledding, ice fishing, snowboarding, and the majestic Northern Lights transform frosty Chena Lake into a playground. For a complete trip, check out the biggest fiberglass Santa in the world as well as the yearly winter festival presenting fireworks and candle lighting.
Ranked among the best Christmas villages, don’t pass up the chance to wet your palates with hot chocolate and reindeer sausage for true Alaskan flavors. Visitors can enjoy activities like mailing cards from Santa’s official zip code at the post office and crafting ornaments in Santa’s workshop. Who needs expensive gifts when you’ve got friendly locals spreading joy!
4. Vienna, Austria:
Welcome to Vienna, a city whose Christmas spirit is as grand as the historic buildings! This premier Christmas destination in Austria is ideal for holiday shopping. Take a leisurely walk through the 3 traditional Christkindlmarkts by the beautiful Rathausplatz, all while sipping Glühwein. Grab some handmade presents, ornamental items, and fresh wreaths from the 150 wooden stall booths.
And if you’re fortunate enough to arrive on December 5th, you might come across St. Nicholas and his demonic counterpart, Krampus, prowling the streets. Browse Schönbrunn Palace to learn more about the Habsburgs and the empire for an insight into history. From ice skating at the Rathaus (city hall) to savoring regional specialties like fluffy potato pancakes, there are loads of activities to partake in.
Starting from mid-November until Christmas, make time for the Snow Globe Museum, the Advent Vienna Boys’ Choir concerts, and the carousel rides. With the tree of hearts stealing the show, who can resist the charm of Vienna’s magical Christmas village?
5. Prague, Czech Republic:
Holding the title of Christmas village in the world, Prague doesn’t hold back when it comes to decorating the streets with holiday vibes. The main Christmas markets, with a giant Christmas tree and stables of sheep and donkeys, are hosted in Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square.
To keep both history buffs and adventurers engaged, there’s a myriad of activities. Go ice skating at Václavské náměstí, find unique handcrafted gifts at the artisan stalls, attend the National Theater’s ballet, stroll along the iconic gas-lit Charles Bridge, watch an opera at the State Opera, or check out the astronomical clock and the 9th-century Prague Castle.
The aroma of sizzling klobása (sausages), svařák (spiced wine), and traditional trdelník (hot and sweet pastry) tempts all who pass by. With its cobblestone streets of majestic Gothic and Baroque architecture, Prague is a dream holiday destination providing a blend of past and present.
6. Woodstock, Vermont:
Known for its quaint boutiques, farm-to-table restaurants, and snow-capped bridges, Woodstock is the pinnacle of small Christmas places with a hint of elegance. Two major events took place in this historic New England town.
- A pre-Christmas tradition known as Wassail Weekend is celebrated to guarantee a bountiful harvest. Over fifty equestrians in festive costumes and adorned wagons parade through the streets.
- The Billings Farm & Museum is a treasure that stands out for its farming, history, and enjoyment. Here tourists can experience the pleasant rural life of bygone eras, and daring souls can try cross-country skiing over the snowy pastures.
Get lost in interactive activities like browsing vintage ornament stores, touring ancient homes, ice skating on the frozen ponds, riding horse-drawn sleds, listening to live carols, and witnessing the Christmas tree lighting and traditional Yule log ceremony.
When hunger hits, Woodstock serves up a family-style feast at the seasonal markets, comprising everything from maple-glazed bacon to the flakiest apple pies and fiery wassail punch. As time seems to slow down in Woodstock, this would be your perfect getaway from the hustle-bustle of modern life.
7. New York City, USA:
Despite the fact that New York City is not a small town, this spectacular spot is vital to any list of Christmas destinations globally. During the Christmas season, you can visit markets at Grand Central Terminal, Columbus Circle, and Bryant Park for budget-friendly handmade things.
You can also enjoy the festive window displays on Fifth Avenue and the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden. With minus-degree temperatures and muzak playing in the background, savor some seasoned wine, fried chestnuts from street sellers, and luscious hot chocolate from local coffee shops.
The world’s largest Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center and the outdoor ice skating below will astound onlookers. If you are planning a long trip, stay at The Plaza, one of the luxurious hotels. Additionally, take part in a guided walking tour organized by natives. This Christmas, create lasting memories by visiting the incredible Big Apple!
8. Colmar, France:
Hidden in the epicenter of Alsace, the 13th-century Colmar is a merry mix of picturesque alleyways, nostalgic half-timbered residences, and organic floral decors. Every year, tourists from every corner of the globe swarm to this festive haven to soak up the lively holiday spirit. On specific evenings, enjoy the sight of children’s choirs sailing in boats at the Petite Venise canal while singing festive carols.
Visitors have a wide range of activities to choose from: six Christmas markets with cozy stalls selling quality handmade ornaments, toy exhibitions with 19th-century toys, a wine-tasting event, a giant letterbox for dropping letters, and classic Alsatian treats like hot apple juice, apple fritters, and pretzels.
Anyone looking for a little adventure, ice-skating rinks, cheerful performances, horse carriages and carnival rides, guided trips, workshops, and carol singers are available in the town. As one of the world’s most attractive Christmas villages, here visitors can experience the magic of Christmas in its purest stage.
9. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania:
If you believe there’s a better destination to celebrate Christmas than Bethlehem, then you are missing a lot of information. With your hectic schedule, this city is a holiday paradise that literally gleams with festive joy. The Goundie House has an active advent calendar that starts on December 1st and lasts until Christmas, an 81-foot-tall steel star that lights up the entire city, and more than 150 artists’ shops at the European-style Christkindlemarkt are just a few of the breathtaking attractions.
You can sip on a mug of hot cocoa by the fireplace, dive into a maze of lights, or get on your skates. To keep your energy levels up, indulge in some traditional German bratwurst and gooey marshmallow s’mores at the bustling eateries. Enchanting events like handicraft workshops, Santa’s spectacular arrival, tree lighting ceremonies, exquisite fireworks that flood the night sky, and a hilarious walking tour called the “Christmas City Stroll” are all available at this famous place.
Christmas is elevated to a sacred level with carol singing sessions in the Old City and Manger Square, a visit to the site of Christ’s birth, a service at Shepherd’s Field, and midnight worship at St. Catherine’s Church. Why are you still waiting? Head to Bethlehem!
10. Natchitoches, Louisiana:
A Christmas celebration in the oldest city of Louisiana, Natchitoches, sounds great! Titled after its native population, the city’s holiday preparation begins from the month of June every year. Remarkably, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival has been conducted since 1927 as a way to honor the season and the city’s Creole history.
From Thanksgiving to the start of January, the night is illuminated by almost 3,00,000 striking lights and 100 sets of pieces. Take advantage of family-friendly events like, Christmas shopping at Mistletoe Arts & Crafts Market or Louisana’s oldest general store, dance to live shows, and get frothy eggnog daiquiris at Maggio’s Package Liquors.
You can also enjoy the town’s infamous gumbo, peppermint lattes, and hot meat pies, take a carriage ride through historic structures, watch fireworks over Cane River Lake, and enjoy a holiday kids’ feast. The star shows feature a 5K race, which has been organized for optimum fun and to support the Natchitoches Cancer Center and Women’s Resource Center.
Another tradition is the town’s waterway boat parades, where local boat owners display their finest nautical Christmas decorations. Let the enchantment of Christmas in Natchitoches to enchant you!
11. Bonus- Santa Claus, Indiana:
How could anyone end their holiday celebration without this year-round Christmas spirited Indiana town? Named after Christmas grandpa, this place would look like the North Pole’s branch office!
There’s an annual parade with festive concept, Santa’s Candy Castle offering nostalgic treats, a 1.2-mile light show of Santa’s Land of Lights, relax at the warm lakeside cottages, boutiques with Christmas-themed items, a Santa Claus Arts & Crafts Show featuring handmade products from more than 100 vendors (entry is free), and sample German-inspired sauerkraut from Das Nikolaus Fest.
Don’t miss the Santa Claus Museum & Village, where each year thousands of kids send letters to Santa and receive responses from volunteer Elves. If you are young at heart, Santa Claus Village is the ultimate Christmas destination to experience the festive aura.
12. Bonus- Quebec City, Canada:
400-year-old Quebec City is transformed into an appealing Christmas village during the festive season. This picturesque city is always bustling with events and activities, whether purchasing items at the Old Port Christmas markets or touring the Merry Montreal’s charming boutiques that serve winter favorites like maple taffy and savory poutine.
Be sure to attend the exciting music and dance of the Festival d’été de Québec, and the traditional feast, Réveillon, which is held before Christmas or New Year’s Eve. Adventure seekers can try out Au 1884, Dufferin terrace’s toboggan sliding, ice skating at Place d’Youville, and many more. If you’re an explorer, Quebec City is a location not to be missed!
To wrap it up:
A popular festival that unites diverse cultures and people in holiday spirits is undoubtedly Christmas. Even though there are several places to celebrate the season, these top 10 Christmas village destinations in the world feature special traditions, local crafts, and seasonal events that touch the soul before the mind. Also these spots are ideal, whether it’s a family trip, a romantic vacation, or a thrilling adventure.
Now, it’s time to kick off the adventures!
Which Christmas village is beckoning you this year? Tell us your selection in the comments!
