Thirteen of the World's Best Christmas Cities That Will Turn the Holidays into a Fairytale

In December, the world's best Christmas towns are transformed into winter wonderlands. Worldwide Schooling tells about the most magical places for the perfect vacation.

These places offer an unforgettable Christmas celebration: festive markets, colorful events and small-town charm.

Rye, UK

Rye is a beautiful medieval town in East Sussex, England. It is one of the best Christmas towns in the world. Steeped in British elegance, Rye is a stunning place to visit all year round. It really comes alive on Christmas Eve. ChristmasThe city hosts the annual Rye Christmas Festival.

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During the festival, Rye is decked out in festive decorations, vendors line the streets, and live music performances are held throughout the city. The city has many attractions, including the Rye Castle Museum, Mermaid Street, and the Rye Heritage Museum.

Leavenworth, Washington, USA

Leavenworth is a small Bavarian-style town in the heart of Washington's Cascade Mountains. It's one of the best Christmas towns in the world if you want to see the German Alps during the holiday season without leaving America.

This small but impressive city is famous for its Bavarian architecture, traditions, beer and, most importantly, Christmas.

At Christmas, this picturesque town offers a festive atmosphere. Expect Christmas lights, decorations, parties, shows and more. Leavenworth has a grand Christmas market with arts and crafts, as well as food and drink stands. Be sure to buy German beer and bratwurst. Famous attractions and events include the Village of Lights, a holiday concert and the Nutcracker Museum.

Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA

Hershey, a small town in Pennsylvania, is famous for its Christmas markets, light shows and chocolate. The town may not be the most famous place in the world to celebrate Christmas, but he is certainly one of the best.

It's a great place for a family holiday at Christmas. You can meet Santa Claus, pet the reindeer, ride the roller coaster while eating festive treats and buying gifts for your family. If you want to stay in the festive atmosphere longer, you can stay at Hershey Lodge, Hotel Hershey и Hersheypark Camping Resort.

Selfoss, Iceland

Outdoor enthusiasts who prefer to spend Christmas exploring nature and observing the Northern Lights should visit Selfoss. This is a small town in the south of Iceland on the banks of the Olfus River. Of course, the Christmas celebrations in Selfoss are not as grand as in other towns, but you can easily explore the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland.

The town is decorated with colorful lights and Christmas trees, and locals celebrate the switching on of the lights on the tree. It’s a short drive to Reykjavik, where you’ll find a bustling Christmas market, shopping streets, and Christmas-themed parties. Be sure to visit attractions near Selfoss: Selfoss Waterfall, Kerid Crater, Skyrland, and Thingvellir National Park.

Niseko, Japan

Niseko is a picturesque town located in Shiribeshi Prefecture in Hokkaido, Japan. It is one of the best Christmas towns in the world to celebrate Christmas. Thousands of tourists visit the town every December to enjoy its breathtaking surroundings, outdoor activities, and festive events. December marks the start of the ski season in Niseko.

In addition to the incredible scenery and snowy skies, Niseko is a popular destination at Christmas time, with several events held there. Popular activities include meeting Santa Claus, weekly fireworks, parades, drinking at an ice bar, and dog sledding.

Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is a great city to visit at Christmas if you are looking for a combination of natural beauty, traditions and exciting Christmas entertainment. This picturesque Alpine town in Austria's Salzkammergut region is located on the western shore of Lake Hallst.

The city center is filled with fascinating traditional architecture that begs to be explored. You’ll likely spend your time in Hallstatt wandering the narrow streets, strolling along the lake, and taking photos of the stunning scenery. However, you’ll definitely want to take the time to explore the traditional Christmas market, sample the festive cuisine, and admire the beautiful decorations.

Banff, Canada

Banff is best known for its stunning natural landscapes, towering snow-capped peaks, lush forests and turquoise lakes. The town has much to offer at Christmas, including a wonderful Christmas market that captures the magic, tradition, romance and heritage of a European Christmas in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

At the Banff Christmas Market, you can find a special gift, enjoy delicious holiday cuisine, listen to live entertainment, and relax in the open fire room. Kids will love meeting Santa Claus and taking part in exciting activities at Santa's House and Workshop. There are a variety of holiday events throughout the town.

Celerina, Switzerland

In Celerina, travelers can explore a winter wonderland with ski slopes, Christmas markets, and snow-capped mountains. Celerina is a small town in southeastern Switzerland, not far from St. Moritz. Situated in the Engadine, the town is famous for its spectacular natural scenery. The town’s Christmas market is sure to steal your heart.

If you're not into hiking or skiing, enjoy the festive atmosphere at the fair. Explore the lovingly decorated stalls, sample local delicacies, and meet Santa Claus himself. Take the ski lift from the city center up into the mountains or visit the Ruina Chastlatsch and Reformierte Kirche San Gian.

Oban, UK

Oban is a coastal town in the Argyll and Bute region of Scotland. It offers travellers a great mix of outdoor adventures, Scottish traditions and Christmas fun. In Oban, you can spend your Christmas holidays wandering around the festive market, listening to live music and enjoying the winter festival.

The festival includes Santa's house, fireworks, a Christmas market and live music. The town is beautifully decorated with bright lights, festive decorations and Christmas trees. Oban has a great stretch of coastline to explore, traditional British pubs and a beautiful harbour.

Colmar, France

The historic centre of Colmar combines craft shops, markets, Christmas decorations and colourful traditional architecture to put you in the Christmas spirit. It is a magical place to celebrate Christmas.

Colmar's medieval cobbled streets are lined with several Christmas markets. Spend your days sipping mulled wine, shopping, sampling local cuisine, and admiring the breathtaking architecture. Explore the markets, enjoy a romantic stroll along the River Loch, and visit popular attractions like La Petite Venise and the Collégiale Saint-Martin de Colmar.

Woodstock, Vermont, USA

Woodstock, a picturesque town in Vermont, has everything you need for an epic Christmas vacation. It boasts stunning scenery, rich history, and breathtaking architecture. If you're lucky, it might even snow during your vacation.

Woodstock knows how to celebrate Christmas. From late November until New Year's, you'll find plenty of fun Christmas events. Once you've gotten your fill of Christmas cheer, check out iconic attractions like Woodstock Christmas at the Farm, Wassail Weekend, and Woodstock Christmas Market.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

In Rothenburg ob der Tauber, you can become a fairy tale hero surrounded by breathtaking medieval architecture and impressive Christmas decorations. Or better yet, explore one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. All this makes Rothenburg ob der Tauber one of the best cities in the world for Christmas.

Each quarter offers visitors beautiful narrow cobbled streets with quaint shops and cafes decorated with colorful decorations. Explore the city's top attractions, such as the Castle Garden, St. Jakobskirche, and the Medieval Crime Museum.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi is the perfect place for Christmas. It is known as the official hometown of Santa Claus. You can explore the Santa Claus Village, meet Santa himself and send letters from his official post office.

Rovaniemi offers exciting activities, such as reindeer sleigh rides or dog sledding. If you are lucky, you will see the northern lights in the evening. Rovaniemi is one of the most magical Christmas cities in the world.