Fairytale Christmas villages and markets to visit this winter

When the air fills with the scent of cinnamon, mulled wine, and freshly baked gingerbread, and the first snowflakes catch the glow of festive lights, the world seems to lean into the most enchanting time of year: Christmas. In this season, small towns and villages turn into living winter tales, each corner steeped in warmth, cheer, and a shared sense of celebration.

Christmas villages are places that feel like stepping into a card from another era. You hear carols, see rooftops glittering with snow and lights, taste roasted chestnuts at marketplaces, and catch the kind gaze of Santa himself. These magical corners are for anyone longing to dive into Christmas spirit, feel the glow of tradition, and draw inspiration from the holiday’s quiet magic.

This story is a journey through fairytale Christmas villages—places of bright lights, comforting treats, and moments that linger long after the season ends. You’ll find where the holiday feels most authentic and why these destinations have become seasonal icons for travelers around the world.

On the itinerary: Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland; Strasbourg and Colmar in France; Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Nuremberg in Germany; Grinchville in the United States; Val Gardena in Italy; Salzburg in Austria; Santa Claus Village in Alaska, United States; and Zermatt in Switzerland.

Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is widely regarded as Santa Claus’s official hometown and one of the world’s most storybook Christmas villages. Tucked beyond the Arctic Circle, the city breathes holiday spirit all year, but in December it becomes a true winter wonderland.

The headline draw is Santa’s Village, where visitors—young and not so young—meet Santa in person. In Santa’s House, guests can share wishes and take photos, while the Santa Claus Main Post Office lets you send mail stamped with the Arctic Circle postmark.

The Arctic Circle line runs right through the village. Crossing it is a small ritual—one many commemorate with a certificate marking their step into the Arctic.

Reindeer sleigh rides channel old Lapland travel, husky safaris dash through snowbound forests, and snowmobile tours open up the raw beauty of the north.

Lodging here can be an experience in itself: ice hotels where even the furniture is carved from snow and ice. And when the night sky cooperates, the northern lights add an unforgettable flourish.

Shops in the village sell Lapland-made gifts—reindeer leather goods, wooden toys, and traditional sweets—perfect souvenirs of a place that takes Christmas seriously.

For families, couples, and anyone craving pure holiday magic, Rovaniemi delivers. Here, the landscape, the snow, and the carefully tended atmosphere make the season feel disarmingly real.

In Santa’s Village, Christmas becomes tangible—nature and tradition do most of the storytelling, and the rest is easy to believe.

Strasbourg, France

Set on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is among the most atmospheric Christmas destinations anywhere. The city’s half-timbered houses, narrow lanes, and canals seem made for December’s glow.

Europe’s oldest Christmas market, Christkindelsmärik, debuted here in 1570 and has attracted visitors ever since. During the season, more than 300 wooden chalets spread across the historic center, each square dressed in lights and festive decor. The largest market anchors Place Kléber beneath a towering, lavishly decorated tree. Other essential stops include the markets on Place Broglie and Place Gutenberg, each with its own mood and finds.

The Gothic cathedral becomes a focal point. Light projections dance across its facade, while inside, organ concerts and Christmas services add solemn beauty. The square in front fills with chalets selling candles, toys, ornaments, and keepsakes.

In the Petite France quarter, garland-draped timber houses, bridges, and canals form a glittering maze—irresistible at dusk when the lights come on.

Storefronts transform into tiny stage sets; every street seems to tell a different seasonal story. Ice rinks pop up in the center, inviting an easy way to slide into the spirit.

Strasbourg suits romantics and families alike—those who want tradition served with warmth and a gentle sense of theater.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a medieval time capsule—a small Bavarian town where half-timbered houses and cobbled lanes create instant atmosphere. In December, the place can feel like walking into a fairy tale.

Rothenburg doesn’t just celebrate Christmas; it lives it. The city is home to the Christmas Museum and the Käthe Wohlfahrt store, a year-round gateway to the season.

Inside the museum and store, you find ornaments, traditional German crafts, carved figures, and pyramids. The shop’s range stretches from glass baubles to music boxes—tempting even for minimalists.

The market on the main square traces its roots back to the Middle Ages. Expect stollen, gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, and steaming mulled wine, served alongside locally made decorations, candles, and artisan gifts.

The market takes its name from a legendary Rider, a figure woven into German lore—his spirit animates parades and theatrical performances.

Alleys and towers sparkle with garlands and lights. Around the Town Hall on Marktplatz, most of the action unfolds, while window displays become small artworks in their own right. Even outside December, the city keeps a festive undercurrent thanks to its museum and specialty shops.

Rothenburg is made for families, couples, and anyone eager to stand at the heart of a Christmas story and stay there a little longer.

Grinchville, USA

Grinchville is a playful twist on the classic holiday village, inspired by the green mischief-maker who once tried to steal Christmas. In South Carolina, the destination blends tradition with a wink—lighthearted, a touch sardonic, and undeniably fun.

This isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a themed adventure for anyone craving something different. Humor meets family-friendly cheer, and it works because the heart of the season still leads the way.

The annual parade stars the Grinch in signature green, his loyal dog Max, and other familiar characters. The Grinch’s antics keep crowds laughing. A reimagined mountaintop house—complete with an anti-tree and quirky decor—invites visitors to poke around and even help “return” stolen gifts.

Stage performances bring the story to life, including the moment the Grinch learns what the holiday truly means. Markets sell tongue-in-cheek souvenirs in Grinch green, playful hats and costumes, plus themed sweets like Grinch cupcakes and a vivid take on mulled wine.

All over town, oversized props—his boot, the famous sack of gifts, and cheerfully offbeat trees—double as photo stops.

Grinchville is for anyone who wants their Christmas with a twist. It’s spirited and original, but the message lands softly: the holiday is about friendship, warmth, and joy more than presents.

Colmar, France

In Alsace, Colmar turns into a cinematic set once the lights go up. Its narrow lanes, timbered facades, and canals give the city an instant romance, and the holiday season heightens every detail.

Colmar is known for its themed markets, glowing installations, and intimate feel—a picturesque maze where each corner has its own little story.

At Place des Dominicains, stalls brim with handmade crafts and decorations. At Place de l’Ancienne Douane, the market unfolds amid half-timbered houses and traditional Alsatian dishes. At Place Jeanne d’Arc, tastings highlight local wines and regional specialties.

Each market has its own style and selection, so browsing becomes a gentle treasure hunt.

Lights wrap the houses and span the bridges, with canals catching the reflections. The historic center feels like an open-air museum, and in Little Venice, the displays along the water are especially striking.

Colmar also sits on the Alsace Wine Route, and winter brings tastings of local whites—think Riesling and Gewürztraminer—at welcoming wineries.

Families, couples, and lovers of classic European Christmas will find Colmar both cozy and unforgettable.

Val Gardena, Italy

Set in the heart of the Dolomites, Val Gardena balances mountain drama with soft, timeworn traditions. Its three main villages—Ortisei (Urtijëi), Santa Cristina, and Selva—glow with lights, wreaths, and carved wooden figures come December.

Heritage here runs deep: woodcarving, snowy vistas, and a genuine sense of craft. During Christmas, those strengths stand out even more as villagers decorate streets and squares, and artisans bring their skills into the open.

In Ortisei, the market showcases wooden crafts, ornaments, candles, and handmade souvenirs, with sweet strudels, holiday cookies, and hot wine to match. Santa Cristina’s smaller market is praised for its authenticity and good food. In Selva, chalets set against snowy peaks sell souvenirs and classic Alpine goods.

All three villages dazzle with lights and wooden sculptures—angels, shepherds, and nativity figures. Workshops reveal how the pieces are made, and nativity scenes take pride of place in squares and churches.

For skiers, Val Gardena is a dream, from its long runs to the famous Sella Ronda circuit around the Dolomites. Holiday events include night skiing and light shows, plus seasonal processions led by Santa and locals.

Horse-drawn sleigh rides glide through forests and villages, while mountain views turn simple walks into memories.

It’s a destination that suits families, couples, and anyone who wants both tradition and adventure in the mountains.

Salzburg, Austria

In Salzburg, Christmas lives in the details. Mozart’s hometown, with its baroque skyline and snow-dusted Alps, feels purpose-built for December: lights, the scent of mulled wine, and choral music floating through narrow streets.

The city is known for classic markets, musical traditions, and an atmosphere that pairs coziness with ceremony. Views of Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Old Town set the scene.

On Residenzplatz, one of the region’s oldest markets offers handmade ornaments and candles, along with strudels, gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, and steaming mugs of punch or mulled wine.

Near the fortress, another market casts its spell with city-and-Alps vistas and evening choir performances under twinkling lights.

Salzburg is also the birthplace of the carol Silent Night, which is performed widely in December. Classical concerts and organ recitals in the cathedral deepen the mood. Garlands and wreaths dress the Old Town, and horse-drawn carriages add a gentle rhythm to the streets.

The Krampus tradition takes the stage too—horned figures who accompany St. Nicholas put on a show that’s uniquely Austrian—while live nativity scenes unfold on city streets.

Salzburg suits families, romantics, and anyone drawn to time-honored rituals wrapped in elegance.

Santa Claus Village, Alaska, USA

In the small city of North Pole, Alaska, Christmas reigns year-round. Santa Claus Village is a rare place where the holiday’s magic feels constant, complete with visits to Santa, seasonal postmarks, and a glow that draws travelers from far and wide.

The town leans into its name: streets called Snowman Lane and Kris Kringle Drive, and lampposts styled like candy canes. In December, everything shines brighter—lights, events, and a festive rhythm that’s hard to resist.

The main attraction is Santa’s giant house, where visitors chat with him, take photos, and browse a shop full of ornaments, gifts, and keepsakes. At the post office, mail goes out with an official North Pole postmark; children from across the world send letters here, and many receive replies from Santa himself.

At the entrance, a towering Santa statue serves as the village’s emblem and a favorite photo stop. Holiday light displays feature snow-tipped trees, reindeer figures, and storybook scenes.

There are reindeer-drawn sleigh rides straight out of a fable, plus parades, processions, and concerts throughout December. An annual ice sculpture festival showcases delicate works carved from solid winter.

For families and anyone chasing childlike wonder, this village delivers the feeling people travel a long way to find.

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg, a Bavarian city with a rich past, turns into one of Europe’s most evocative Christmas settings. Its famed market, time-honored customs, and snug streets make it a natural choice for the season.

The city’s star attraction in December is the Nuremberg Christmas Market, among the oldest and best known, with roots going back to 1628.

On Hauptmarkt, more than 180 decorated wooden stalls offer ornaments and gifts, spicy gingerbread, candied almonds, the city’s signature sausages, and mulled wine served in painted ceramic mugs.

The market’s opening is led by the Christkind, a Christmas angel who welcomes visitors with a festive address. The role is played by a local girl chosen through a competition and remains a presence throughout the season.

A separate children’s market serves the youngest visitors with carousels, mini-trains, craft workshops, and a small enchanted forest where they can also meet St. Nicholas.

Each December, a lantern procession lights up the Old Town—one of the most touching sights of the season.

Nuremberg charms shoppers and culture seekers alike—come for the markets, stay for the warmth and the food, and leave with the sense of a city that knows how to celebrate.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Nestled beneath the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a high-Alpine retreat where the absence of cars lets silence and crisp air take over. In winter, the village becomes a Christmas scene—snow-laden roofs, warm chalet light, and a sense that time slows just enough to notice it all.

Here, nature and tradition mesh into a distinct holiday experience. White peaks frame twinkling streets, and the village’s understated charm does the rest.

On Bahnhofstrasse, a cozy market sets up with timbered chalets selling Swiss souvenirs, woolens, ornaments, and local treats.

Garlands and wreaths dress the lanes, while the Matterhorn’s silhouette turns every view into an Alpine postcard.

Zermatt’s ski terrain is first-rate, with special night descents and competitions in the festive period. Off the slopes, sledding and snowy forest walks offer a quieter pace.

Churches host organ concerts and carols—especially moving in the Alpine Church of St. Mauritius. In the days before Christmas, Santa appears on skis or in a sleigh, much to the delight of children.

The cable car to Klein Matterhorn climbs to a sweeping viewpoint over the Alps. After dark, the village lights below make the scene feel otherworldly.

For families, couples, and winter-sport fans, Zermatt blends activity with intimacy—a combination that makes the holiday linger, long after the snow.