15 Christmassy Places That Even Grinches Will Want To Travel To

Mulled wine optional but highly recommended.

1. Rovaniemi, Finland

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This village in Finland has to be the most Christmassy place in the entire world. First of all, it's the official hometown of Santa Claus. You can actually visit him every day of the year, but in December the town turns into a Christmas wonderland. Take dogsled rides, hang out with reindeer, go ice-skating, and drink hot chocolate by the fire all day long. If you're lucky and the weather's right, you might even be able to see the northern lights.

2. Bruges, Belgium

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While many cities all over Europe hold Christmas markets, the ones in Bruges might be the most picturesque. The main square is lined with cute and colorful gingerbread-like houses that get adorned with lights and decorations. The whole thing feels like a fairy-tale village, and it's the perfect place to stroll through while sipping on mulled wine. You can even visit the Bruges markets as a day trip from London if you're short on time.

3. Bethlehem, West Bank

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I guess you can't really get anywhere more Christmassy than the actual birthplace of Jesus. It's a meeting point for many different denominations, with services and processions taking place in churches and in Manger Square. Orthodox Christmas is in early January, so the "Christmas season" lasts even longer in Bethlehem. Also, the food here is amazing.

4. Montreal, Canada

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If you want a European Christmas without having to leave North America, Montreal is the place to be. They host a huge French Christmas festival each year, with a Santa Claus parade, fireworks, and market fairs. Oh, and of course there are plenty of festive French foods to keep you full and your taste buds happy.

5. Grindelwald, Switzerland

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A small village in the Swiss Alps, Grindelwald is the perfect place if you want a cozy, low-key Christmas destination. The town is surrounded by mountains and often covered in snow, and the Christmas lights and decorations turn it into a true winter wonderland. It's primarily a ski destination, though there's enough going on in town to entertain even non-skiers.

6. Vienna, Austria

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Even the grinchiest of grinches will be enchanted by Vienna at Christmastime. Some Christmas markets feel like the same six stalls over and over, but Vienna's are full of unique and wonderful things that'll keep you entertained for hours, even when it's freezing out. The city's amazing Gothic architecture is a perfect backdrop for it all.

7. North Pole, Alaska

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It's Christmas all year round at this small community in the north of Alaska. The town (and its name) started as a marketing gimmick, but has ended up just being a wholesome, super-cute Christmassy town. With holiday-themed street names, a huge winter festival, and Santa's house, it's a very festive place to visit in December.

8. New York City, United States

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Everyone knows how magical Christmas is in New York. There's the giant Rockefeller Center tree, ice-skating in Central Park, lights on every building, and the iconic Rockettes performance at Radio City Music Hall. Be sure to also travel out to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn to see some of the most extravagantly decorated houses in the country.

9. Medellín, Colombia

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Every December, Medellín hosts a huge lights festival, with Christmassy light displays held all over the city. Each year has a different theme, and huge installations bring the city alive with light and color. It's pretty amazing to see with your own eyes. It's also a good option for a warm holiday, with December temperatures hovering around 75ºF.

10. Cologne, Germany

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If you're a fiend for Christmas markets, then put Cologne on your list ASAP. This city has seven different markets, all with a different vibe. Some are old traditional markets that date back to the 1700s, while others are themed, like the nautical markets near the harbor. Also, this city invented mulled wine, so you know it's going to be good.

11. Woodstock, Vermont, United States

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Each December, the Wassail Weekend comes to Woodstock. This festival celebrates old Norse traditions, with a horse parade featuring costumes and old music. Visitors can take sleigh rides and enjoy a huge feast, then wander around the town that's fully decked out with holiday cheer.

12. Tallinn, Estonia

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Even outside of the Christmas season, Tallinn's historic old town looks straight out of a storybook. It's a UNESCO-protected area with cute cobblestone streets, old-timey lamps, and tall pointy roofs dusted in snow. During December the main square is home to a giant tree decked out in lights. In fact, legend has it that this is where the first public Christmas tree was erected, back in the 1400s.

13. London, England

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London is a classic Christmas destination. There's the huge Winter Wonderland extravaganza that takes over Hyde Park, with stalls, rides, food, drink, and everything in between. You can go ice-skating at the beautiful Natural History Museum, or just wander the city streets admiring the lights. Take a trip to Hamleys, the historic toy shop that gets a fun Christmas makeover each year.

14. Solvang, California, United States

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This small Californian city started as a Danish settlement and is known for its unique architecture and nearby wineries. It might not get any snow, but it does host a big Christmas festival each year. For a little taste of Europe in the US, visit Solvang to take in their Christmas lights, quaint Danish buildings, and monthlong festive celebration.

15. Valkenburg, Netherlands

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The Christmas markets in this southern region of the Netherlands are special for one reason: They're underground. In a giant ancient cave, the wide, long corridors are filled with stalls, lights, and decorations for a really unique experience. It's also a great way to keep warm on a cold winter night!

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