10 Most magical Christmas towns of the world (+ VIDEO)
For many families, Christmas is the most magical time of a year. People celebrate Christmas Day in many ways. Many people decorate their homes, get and give presents. However, not everyone around the world celebrates one of the most beloved American holidays the same. There are many different traditions. Read some steps on how to celebrate Christmas in some countries.
1. Leavenworth, Washington
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Leavenworth – is a village of lights. Various performers sing the Christmas carols every day. On Fridays, St. Nikolas himself welcomes children with song and fruit. Plus there are concerts, horse drawn sleighs, shops stuffed with exotic wares and more restaurants and cafes than any other town of similar size. Leavenworth is a famous city because there are festivals such as Oktoberfest, Autumn Leaves Festival, Spring Fest, etc.
2. Grindelwald, Switzerland
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This notable winter resort destination stands apart from the rest. It is a well-known fact that the atmosphere is absolutely wonderful here. Doubtless, you can buy a lot of goods. Moreover, you can drink mulled wine. You won’t be able to deny the warm festive feeling when you arrive in resort to your first glimpse of the crisp white mountain sides and snow laden twinkling trees. This picturesque Swiss ski resort offers a good range of skiing and non-skiing activities and a relaxed atmosphere.
3. Breckenridge, Colorado
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First and foremost it is a famous ski town. Enjoy the songs of carolers dressed in Victorian clothing and the quaint wreaths and decorations. Visit this city early in December for the Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas, where you can see hundreds of Clauses running down the snow-covered streets. It is undeniable that you can buy a lot of gifts.
4. Prague, Czech Republic
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The first thing that needs to be said is that there are Christmas markets at historical squares. Moreover, the city is festively decorated. One should note here that Christmas Markets at the Old Town Square are very popular. The variety of food and beverages sold at the market is very generous. Also you can buy confectionery, glass-work ware, wood-carved toys, etc. The entire scene is animated by music, lights, animal stables, and nativity scenes.
5. Reykjavik, Iceland
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There are unique holiday traditions, like the 13 “Yuletide Lads”, or scruffy Santas, that bring gifts to kids who’ve been good for the 13 nights leading up to the big day. Doubtless, you have a chance to see the brilliant northern lights flash across the night’s sky with the city covered in snow and Christmas lights. There is a Yule Town Christmas market on Ingolfstorg. Here, visitors can pick up colorful Christmas gifts, decorations and treats.
6. North Pole, Alaska
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In December, North Pole really comes alive with its annual North Pole Christmas In Ice Contest attracting ice sculptors from across the globe. Moreover, you can send your postcards from Santa’s official zip code so that friends and family get them from North Pole, Alaska.
7. Riga, Latvia
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Riga is an amazing place to spend Christmas. Doubtless, you can enjoy it in Riga, in the big dome with concerts, restaurants, enjoy the shops, Christmas markets. Also you can choose a quiet countryside and enjoy skiing, skating, Christmas markets here. The Christmas programs are filled with concerts and all types of cultural events.
8. Strasbourg, France
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For the great majority of people Christmas in France has an unforgettable atmosphere. A charming UNESCO-listed Old Town is very magic here. You’ll definitely love the delightful Marchés de Noël set up across Strasbourg’s historical plazas. Besides, Strasbourg offers Christmas villages that transform the city into a fantastic wonderland of holiday sights and gastronomic delights. Moreover, every village offers different types of food and wines for visitors.
9. Nuremberg, Germany
As we know, Nuremberg – is the most famous Christmas spots of the country. There is a Nuremberg Christmas market (Christkindlesmarkt) here.
It is one of most beautiful German Christmas markets and probably the most famous one. You can see a giant carved wooden Ferris wheel, old-fashioned carousel and a steam train, etc. Also you can buy traditional handmade toys and Christmas goods here. These are very good presents for your friends or relatives. Moreover, you can enjoy Nuremberg spicy gingerbread and mugs of mulled wine. Kids will love the Toy Museum as well as the magnificent two-tiered carousel based on old originals – completed with reindeer and Father Christmas sleighs.
10. Vienna, Austria
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From mid-November to Christmas, Vienna’s prettiest squares transform into magical Christmas markets. One of the most well-known Christmas Markets is the traditional “Vienna Magic of Advent”, which turns the City Hall Square into a shining fairytale land.
Moreover, you can drink a glühwein, eat sausages, and freshly baked pastries here; go ice skating on Rathausplatz; pay a visit to the Snow Globe Museum in the 17th District; or attend one of the legendary Christmas concerts held in the city’s sumptuous churches.
Watch the magical Christmas video:
Have you ever celebrated Christmas in another country? Where do you want to spend your Magic Christmas this year?