The List Of Amazing Towns To Visit In New Year
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge is a popular ski resort that turns into a pretty Victorian Christmas town during the holidays. It begins with Breckenridge’s lights on the first weekend of December, and throughout the holiday, guests can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, plenty of shopping, and the chance to feel like they’ve stepped in into an old-fashioned holiday picture.
Arctic, Alaska
As you can imagine, the North Pole is the coolest Christmas town in the United States. Here in this community of 2,200 people, Christmas is always filled with Christmas decorations 365 days a year.
You can drive on streets like Kris Kringle Drive, Mistletoe Lane, or Santa Claus Lane and even spend the night at Santaland RV Park.
It’s all about Santa here. In December, the North Pole really comes to life with the annual Arctic Christmas competition, which attracts ice sculptors from around the world. The national news is also regularly broadcast live from Santa’s house.
Comar, France
Colmar is a well-preserved 13th-century village, often referred to as “Little Venice” because of the waterways that wind through its medieval streets.
The lighting that connects the city’s many Christmas markets will light your way through the maze of narrow streets lined with centuries-old timber-framed houses.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, located at the eastern end of Washington State’s Cascade Mountains, is a Bavarian village that turns into a magical Christmas snowball during the holidays. The Christmas Lights Festival is packed with old-school carols, Christmas characters, and an almost endless supply of bright lights. On Fridays, St. Nikolas greets the children with songs and fruit.
Riga, Latvia
The Old Riga Christmas Market awaits you in its unique architectural setting, the charming Town Hall Square.
There are a number of special events for children, such as the popular wooden carousel, horse-drawn ponies and horse-drawn carriages, and an animal corner with sheep and rabbits.
The Cat House features live cats from the local animal shelter. Visitors of all ages can enjoy delicious glazed gingerbread as well as local handicrafts such as handmade warm socks, wooden candlesticks, Latvian honey, and patterned gloves
Valkenburg, Netherlands
If you want to do some Christmas shopping and buy some unique gifts like traditional Polish crafts, marl products, etc., there is no better place than Valkenburg Christmas Market. F
This is the oldest and largest underground Christmas market in Europe, set in the labyrinth of cave passages that lie beneath the city. The cave features 18th-century chapels and sculptures, as well as preserved wall paintings from Roman times.
The market opens in mid-November and lasts until just before Christmas, with the entire town transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland. Children will be especially delighted to learn that the caves even feature Santa Claus, as well as his sleigh and reindeer.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Although it can be a little chilly, doesn’t that make Christmas even closer? Iceland’s capital offers a big Christmas celebration in the town of Yule and a variety of rather unique holiday traditions, such as the 13 “Yuletide Lads,” or the scruffy Santas who bring presents to the little ones’ good child for 13 nights before the big day.
The Yule Town Christmas Market is filled with rows of quaint little tents where locals and visitors alike can shop for great gifts, holiday decorations, and snacks. Every day you will find something different as some artisans and artisans set up their stalls in just one day.
Of course, the highlight of a winter trip to Reykjavik is the chance to see the brilliant Auroras twinkling in the night sky along with the snow-covered city and dazzling Christmas lights.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is doing well with the legend of Sinterklaas ever-growing, including illuminated 16th- and 17th-century houses in early December.
This Dutch capital doesn’t just have a Christmas market – visitors can browse or shop at more than 25 different markets. Many offer additional attractions, such as Leidseplein with its skating rink.
You can also try the delicious Dutch or olibollen donuts. Not only are they particularly delicious, but Dutch tradition says they help ward off evil spirits.
Malmo, Sweden
Malmo is a Swedish city old and new, home to countless Christmas markets, holiday concerts, and twinkling pines.
Here you can shop for contemporary designs or handcrafted decorations at Sodertull while stopping to warm up with a delicious cup of glogg, or Swedish mulled wine. Head to Katrinetorp Manor for poinsettias, festive treats, and antiques, or Good July for vintage and recycled Fair Trade gifts.
To cap off the day, put on your skates and have a lap on the outdoor ice rinks at Folkets Park or Raoul Wallenberg.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
A short ferry ride takes you to this quaint island town of just 500 people, where people celebrate the holidays as they did 100 years ago.
Here, people walk, cycle, or cart because motorized vehicles have been banned for a century.
At Christmas, Santa Claus visits each child to wish them Christmas and they also hold an annual Christmas market on the island where unique crafts and decorations are filled with green, red, and many colors. More of lilac – a favorite color of the locals.
Grindelwald, Switzerland
The village of Grindelwald lies at the foot of two spectacular peaks in the Swiss Alps. It is so picturesque that it has been used as a backdrop for several movies, including ‘The Golden Compass’.
This remarkable winter resort destination stands out from the rest thanks to its atmosphere that is especially charming during the holidays – so much so that it might make you believe in Santa all over again.
You’ll find beautiful decorations along the streets and giant Christmas trees on every corner, as well as mulled wine and plenty of produce to buy from the market stalls in Grindelwald.
