No matter the time of year, it's always Christmas at these festive themed destinations
Maybe you really wish, as the song goes, that it could be Christmas every day. Well, in some parts of the world, that's entirely possible. Scattered across the globe, there are entire cities and towns that radiate serious Christmas energy, no matter what time of year you visit.
Some of these magical places are dedicated specifically to all things Christmas, with year-round celebrations and festive activities. Others are simply destinations that naturally feel and exude a very, very Christmassy atmosphere. Either way, in the world's brightest Christmas cities and towns, you can guarantee you'll feel the seasonal vibe every time you visit. Here are the best and most festive.
Christmas towns you can visit around the world
North Pole, USA
Drive 15 minutes east of Alaska's state capital, Fairbanks, and you'll find North Pole: a town with candy canes painted on the streets and festive parades during the summer months. It's also home to the gift shop Santa Claus House and the world's largest fiberglass Santa Claus statue. Before you get carried away, know that this isn't the real North Pole—that one's about 1,700 miles further north.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi calls itself "Santa Claus's Official Hometown," and it's hard to disagree. The main population center of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi is best known for its spectacular amusement park. Santa Claus Village, which features Santa Claus himself (yes, the real one). It's open year-round, but it's basically always a white Christmas here—the edge of the Arctic Circle is only five miles away—so winter brings plenty of opportunities for sleigh rides and overnight stays in igloos.
Colmar, France
Thanks to the charm of traditional half-timbered buildings, much of the eastern French region of Alsace exudes a distinctly Christmassy atmosphere. But nowhere is this atmosphere more intense than in the city of Colmar, with its picture-perfect old town, narrow cobblestone streets, and slightly surreal layout. It's not hard to imagine elves running through the town's gingerbread-style streets. While a cheerful place year-round, Colmar is at its most festive during the winter.
Santa Claus, USA
Where better to start than in a place literally named Santa Claus? This Indiana town is Christmas-themed all year round, with themed amenities ranging from a Santa Claus Museum and a fun attraction called Santa's Candy Castle to a post office that receives—and responds to—thousands of children's letters to Santa every year. There are several towns in the US named Santa Claus (the others are in Georgia and Arizona), but Indiana's is by far the most Christmassy.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
A fairytale-like cove located halfway between Frankfurt and Munich, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of Germany's best-preserved walled cities—and a great place for a Christmas-themed holiday, no matter the season. Not only visually magical, Rothenburg is also home to the German Christmas Museum, which offers a comprehensive overview of the holiday's history and traditions. And if you visit during the Christmas period, the annual Reiterlesmarkt is among the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Christmas, USA
Sunny Florida may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Christmas, but the southern US state has an entire town named after the holiday—and, as you might imagine, it's very Christmassy. While it boasts a tree and decorations year-round, Christmas, Florida, is particularly popular during the festive season. After all, what could be nicer than receiving a card with a Christmas postmark?
Lucas Wanderlust has a tireless spirit of adventure, always seeking new travel experiences. Fascinated by the world and the possibility of exploring unknown destinations, he fell in love with the sense of freedom and self-discovery that traveling alone provides. With a backpack on his back and a heart open to the unknown, Lucas embarks on exciting journeys, where each destination becomes a unique chapter in his life story. He gives himself body and soul to the magic of solo travel, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps and discover themselves through adventure.
