6 Christmas Villages that are destined to bring holiday cheer to your winter travels.

With only 12 weeks to Christmas, I thought this might be the perfect time to start thinking about where we're going to hang our stockings this year.

Nothing can get you in the holiday spirit more than a trip to a "Christmas Village!" So, pack your winter woolies, and bring a cup of good cheer as I break down 6 magical Christmas Villages to visit!

Europe is home to many enchanting Christmas markets, yet few enchant the senses or boast a fairytale ambiance like Colmar in France's Alsace region.

In the center of town, no fewer than six themed markets are connected by a network of brightly lit streets, with cute wooden chalets nestled close to one another, creating an extraordinary spectacle of cozy winter ambience.

Colmar town center is essentially pedestrian, and comprises numerous architectural treasures such as monuments, churches, museums and alleys, full of imposing buildings dating from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.

The whole town is decorated, as in a fairytale, turning the old center into a veritable open-air theatre where the warm Christmas mood envelops the heart of the town.

On Wednesdays and Saturdays, as the clock strikes 5 p.m., a children's choir graces the local canal, "Petite Venise", or Little Venice, with carol singing, adding to the festive holiday joy.

Colmar Christmas markets are open from November 26th through December 29th.

Nobody does Christmas quite like Strasburg, France. Dating back to 1570, Strasbourg’s Christmas market is the oldest one in France and one of the oldest in Europe.

At the Strasburg Christmas market, the ambiance is truly unique. The facades and streets are beautifully decorated, the shop windows sparkle, the smells of cinnamon and spices waft through the air, bringing back childhood memories, and Christmas carols ring out from churches.

Throughout December, Strasbourg is one of the most illuminated cities in Europe. The streets, houses, windows and balconies twinkle with lights and decorations each year more innovative than the last. Every year, a thirty-meter-tall Christmas tree is brought to Place Kléber and decorated with colorful ornaments and shimmering lights. The tree. the symbol of “Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas” is also the most highly regarded Christmas tree in Europe.

Visitors can get in the Christmas spirit by purchasing original gifts and unique items to decorate their Christmas trees at home and enjoying traditional treats, such as the little Christmas biscuits called bredle, and mulled wine. (a favorite of mine!) A magical and enchanted setting with a fairy-tale atmosphere that enchants every one that visits!

Strasburg Christmas market is open November 24th through December 24th. After Christmas village open until January 1.

As the holiday season begins, the city transforms into a romantic storybook heaven. The Reiterlesmarkt, nestled between the town hall and St. Jakob, is heralded as one of Germany's most enchanting Christmas markets.

Situated in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the Reiterlesmarkt traditionally unfolds across the main market square, green market, church square, and the town hall's atrium. Moreover, the entire old town sparkles with festive lights throughout all of Advent.

The Alt-Rothenburger Reiterlesmarkt stands out as THE quintessential Christmas market in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, attracting crowds as one of Germany's beloved Advent markets. Hosting 54 stalls, it welcomes visitors daily from the Friday preceding the first Advent until December 23rd. Local brass ensembles perform daily on the Green Market stage, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Discover the enchanting winding streets of the town, and enjoy mulled wine, while waiting for an appearance of the Rothenburg “Reiterle” (Little Horseback Rider) The “Reiterle” is the namesake of the market and his origin goes all the way back to pre-historic times. The “Reiterle” was believed to be an envoy from a different world, who visited regularly in winter. He would be seen riding through the air, carrying the souls of the deceased ones. The image of this mystical figure has, however, changed throughout the centuries. In the past, people feared this eerie character, but today people of all ages are looking forward to his appearances at the “Reiterlesmarkt.”

Open Friday 29th December to December 23.

Every December, in La Grand-Place, the “Plaisirs d’Hiver” festival transforms the city into a winter wonderland. The event takes place in the open areas around the Bourse stock exchange, including the Place de la Monnaie, the Place Sainte-Catherine, and the Marché aux Poissons. Featuring over 200 wood chalets, a covered ice rink, a Ferris wheel, and a captivating light and sound show projected onto the Grand-Place, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Treat yourself to crispy fries with mayonnaise, tartiflette (a French potato casserole), Belgian chocolate (of course), and waffles dotted with pearl sugar, followed by some Christmas shopping at the numerous stalls offering locally made and artisanal products.

The Christmas markets in Brussels definitely have more of a "festival" feel, and less of a small-town market feel, so if a quaint market experience is what you're after, this certainly isn't it.

This market, although suitable for the whole family, would suit teenagers and young adults, due to the fact there is a lot of entertainment here, with the ice rink, Ferris wheel and light shows.

I especially have good memories of this Christmas market, as I lived in Belgium for a couple of years in my youth and would visit often during the holiday season. The captivating aroma of fries, and waffles while rugged up in warm parkas browsing the stalls will forever be etched in my memory.

Open from 26th November through to 5th January.

Bruges is without a doubt one of the most enchanting Christmas markets. The picturesque medieval town transforms into a magical fairytale setting as the holiday season draws near. The delightful aroma of freshly made waffles wafts through the Bruges Christmas market, while the streets are adorned like adorable gingerbread houses with festive fairy lights shimmering in the canal. Bruges is simply enchanting, and moreover during the holiday season. Enjoy a snowy carriage ride along the cobblestone streets or explore one of Europe's most delightful Christmas markets. Bruges Christmas market celebrations are known as ‘Winter Glow’, Which includes the two Bruges Christmas markets, ice skating, the light experience trail and light decorations throughout the city. It’s an inclusive celebration, open to all religions and brings the whole city together.

As Bruges is a small city, you won’t find the big fairground attractions that you would at the Brussels Christmas market. But you will, however, find in Bruges the most Christmassy, cozy and intimate atmosphere of all the Belgium Christmas markets.

The primary Christmas market in Bruges is located in Grote Markt, featuring charming wooden chalets surrounding a sparkling ice rink. Another smaller Christmas market can be found near the tree-lined Simon Stevinplein in Bruges. However, due to the abundance of alluring chocolatiers and cozy cafes along the way, the brief stroll may end up taking longer than anticipated.

Open from November 22 through to January 5.

Prague is a magical place to visit at Christmas. In December, Christmas markets spring up around the city, shops and hotels are adorned with festive decorations, and add in a dusting of snow, and Prague becomes one of the best cities to visit in Europe during the holiday season.

You can find the two main Christmas markets in Old Town at Wenceslas Square, as well as at the nearby Havel’s Market at Republic Square, all located within the city of Prague,

The two main markets are just a short walk apart and are exceptional and truly capture the festive spirit of the city. The stunning Gothic architecture and the enticing aroma of mulled wine add to the magical atmosphere.

Indulge in traditional dishes such as fish soup, langoš (flatbreads) with cheese, and smoked meat dumplings. Make sure to try the delicious roast ham, followed by the trdelník, the popular chimney cake rolled in cinnamon and sugar and cooked over a grill.

The Prague Christmas Markets feature brightly adorned wooden stalls, filled with regional handicrafts along with the traditional Christmas delicacies

Items on display at the markets include pottery, jewelry, glassware, delicate lace, wooden toys, candles, holiday decorations, cozy winter accessories, and puppets and dolls dressed in traditional costumes.

The main markets run from November 30th through to January 6th. (There are several smaller squares with slightly different market dates)

So, there you have it, six magical Christmas Villages that are sure to get you in the Holiday spirit. While this is by no means a comprehensive list, I think it's a great starting point to get you in the mood for your own magical family Christmas adventure.

If you've been to a Christmas village that isn't on the list here (and trust me, there are literally thousands of them dotted throughout Europe and the UK!) Comment below so that I can check it out for another blog post!

Happy (almost) Holidays!

Fallon xo