Once Upon a Christmas: Storybook Towns that Come to Life in December
As winter sets in and festive lights begin to glow, some destinations feel like scenes plucked straight from the pages of a storybook. This December, travelers are searching for places that spark their imagination and immerse them in scenes worthy of a classic tale. In fact, 30%* of travelers say they plan to use AI to find books related to a specific destination, blending their love of stories with real-world adventure. With the magic of the festive season in the air, now is the perfect time to experience towns where snow-dusted rooftops, twinkling lights, and centuries-old traditions create truly enchanting getaways. From Alpine villages to riverside hamlets painted in candy colors, Tripeden.com shares destinations that invite travelers to write and live the wonder of their own festive scene before the year draws to a close.
Hallstatt, Austria
Nestled between Lake Hallstatt’s calm, mirrored surface and snow-capped Dachstein Alps, Hallstatt is the kind of place that inspires fairy tales, and specifically the fairytale of two frozen sisters. Come November, the entire village transforms into a winter wonderland, with icicles glinting from the eaves of 16th-century houses and the scent of gingerbread wafting through its narrow, cobbled streets. The Christmas market in the Marktplatz, which can be visited on this festive walking tour around the city, is a highlight where stalls brim with handmade ornaments, spiced wines, and local pastries, while the sound of carolers echo off ancient stone buildings. Beyond traditional festive cheer, culture lovers can explore the Hallstatt Salt Mine − one of the world’s oldest − or visit the Ossuary, also known as the Bone House, famous for its extraordinary collection of human skulls and bones. For those who love the outdoors, winter hiking trails wind through snow-laden forests, and nearby Dachstein West offers excellent beginner, intermediate and family skiing. As dusk falls, the town’s softly lit streets invite leisurely strolls, with every corner revealing another postcard-perfect scene.
Where to stay: Loft am See is a contemporary lakeside retreat sure to bring the fairytale-feeling to life. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking snowy views, while sleek interiors and a cozy fireplace provide the perfect place to unwind. After a day of exploring, relax on the private terrace, sip mulled wine, and watch snowflakes drift across the lake.
Shirakawa, Japan
Tucked into the snowy mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage site where tradition and tranquility reign. In December, the village’s famous gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with their steep thatched roofs, look like something out of a Japanese folktale, especially when draped in fresh snow and illuminated by lanterns at night. Visitors can wander the peaceful streets, admiring centuries-old homes and discovering tiny shrines hidden among trees. Try a hand at local crafts or savor a bowl of steaming soba noodles in a cozy eatery. Winter festivals bring villagers together for music, storytelling, and the sharing of traditional Japanese rice cakes called Mochi, while nearby viewpoints offer breathtaking panoramas of the snow-blanketed landscape. Don’t miss the chance to soak in an onsen (Japanese hot spring) after a chilly day outside, or to join a traditional tea ceremony for a moment of quiet reflection.
Where to stay: Wake to mountain views and the peaceful hush of falling snow at Onyado Yuinosho, just steps from the village’s storybook streets. Guests can enjoy an authentic ryokan experience featuring tatami-mat rooms, private hot baths, and home-cooked meals prepared with local ingredients. With popular attractions of Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village and Takayama Station located nearby, travelers are perfectly situated to explore local culture and history within captivating mountain village settings.
Leavenworth, Washington, USA
Deep in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth transforms into a Bavarian-style village that wouldn’t be out of place in one of the German brothers' famous storybook collections. The town was reinvented in the 1960 in Bavarian style to help boost tourism, taking inspiration from the surrounding Cascade Mountains and their resemblance to the Bavarian Alps. Towards the end of the year, the town is ablaze with over half a million lights, while the famous Christmas Lighting Festival draws visitors from near and far. Carolers dressed in old-world finery fill the air with song, while nutcrackers of every size stand guard in shop windows. Wander through the open-air Christkindlmarkt for unique gifts and sweet treats, or lace up skates for an afternoon at the town’s outdoor ice rink. Active travelers seeking a true winter wonderland experience can hit the slopes at nearby Stevens Pass or embark on a snowshoe adventure along the Wenatchee River. Warm up with a mug of glühwein, German mulled wine, by the fire in a traditional beer hall, or sample gingerbread and bratwurst at one of Leavenworth’s many festive eateries. The magic of the season is everywhere, from lantern-lit walks to impromptu sing-alongs beneath the stars.
Where to stay: Experience alpine-inspired hospitality in the heart of the village, where rooms brim with Bavarian character, complimentary breakfasts are serenaded by live alphorn music, and a heated pool provides the perfect retreat after a day in the snow. Just a short drive away from the slopes and Wenatchee National Forest, Enzian Inn makes an ideal base for travelers eager to explore Leavenworth’s natural beauty and vibrant city life.
Colmar, France
Set in the heart of France’s Alsace region, Colmar is a vision of pastel-painted houses, flower-draped balconies, and glimmering canals. In December, the town comes alive with the magic of Christmas, with five themed markets spilling into cobblestone squares, each one a feast for the senses with spiced gingerbread, mulled Alsatian wine, and hand-crafted treasures. Stroll through Petite Venise’s illuminated lanes, listen for the sound of choirs singing carols in front of the Gothic St. Martin’s Church, or hop on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the old town. Art lovers can step into the Unterlinden Museum, while foodies will want to sample local specialties including tarte flambée, a thin pizza topped with crème fraîche, onions, and lardons, or baeckeoffein, a meat and potato stew in a cozy winstub, a traditional Alsatian restaurant. For a sweet treat at the end of the day, travelers won’t want to miss a visit to choco-story, The Chocolate Musuem, where they can enjoy an interactive demonstration from master chocolatiers and sample delicious chocolates along the way.
Where to stay: Looking for a romantic retreat to experience your storybook happily ever after? Hotel Restaurant Le Maréchal is the perfect destination. Nestled along the canal, this enchanting four-star hotel seamlessly blends 16th-century charm with modern comforts. Ornate rooms, gourmet dining, and picturesque views of Colmar’s magical waterways create the ideal setting for an unforgettable festive escape. Here, lovebirds can relax and unwind in style after a day spent exploring the city’s charm.
Bariloche, Argentina
On the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi and ringed by the snow-capped Andes, Bariloche brings European charm to the heart of Patagonia. December here brings a unique blend of summer sunshine and festive spirit. The town’s chalet-style buildings along Mitre Street are decked out with garlands and glow with lights, while music and laughter spill out into the Centro Cívico square. Shop artisanal Christmas markets for handcrafted chocolates and Patagonian woolens, or take a scenic stroll along the lakefront promenade. Adventurers can hike or bike in the surrounding national park, paddle in the crystal-clear waters of Lago Gutiérrez, or ride the cable car up Cerro Otto for panoramic views. Sample rich hot chocolate or regional wines at a mountain-view café as carolers perform on the plaza. As evening falls, don’t miss catching an outdoor concert or joining locals for a festive parade beneath the stars.
Where to stay: Surrounded by five hectares of forest, hills, and gardens, and overlooking the breathtaking Lake Nahuel Huapi, Huinid Bustillo Hotel & Spa is a haven of comfort with classic alpine style. Elegant rooms offer serene lake or mountain vistas, while the on-site spa invites travelers to unwind after busy days. Toast the season in style in inviting lounges, all while immersed in the natural beauty of this exceptional setting.
*Research was commissioned by Tripeden.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who had taken a leisure trip in the last 12 months with an overnight stay and plan to travel in 2025. The sample comprised 32,106 respondents across 32 markets surveyed in January 2025. USA N=2,000, Canada N=800, Spain N=800, Italy N=800, France N=1800, UK N=1800, Germany N=1800, Netherlands N=800, Denmark N=500, Sweden N=500, Croatia N=501, Switzerland N=800, Belgium N=800, Ireland N=504, Austria N=500, Portugal N=800, Mexico N=1,800, Colombia N=800, Brazil N=1,800, Argentina N=800, India N=1,800, China N=800, Hong Kong N=500, Thailand N=800, Singapore N=800, Taiwan N=500, Vietnam N=800, South Korea N=800, Japan N=1,800, UAE N=500, Australia N=1,800, New Zealand N=500.