5 Beautiful World Heritage Cities to Celebrate Christmas and New Year with Classic Fairy Tale-Style Accommodations

A collection of five international travel destinations during Christmas and New Year that look like scenes from fairy tales, along with recommendations for romantic-style accommodations. Tags: Christmas travel, New Year destinations, fairy tale towns, romantic accommodations, international travel

As the cold wind blows alongside sparkling lights, many are searching for year-end trips that fulfill their imagination like classic fairy tales. Booking.com revealed a survey showing over 32% of Thai travelers now use AI to find trips connected to stories from books. Today, Thairath Online takes you to five magical cities where snow gently falls and festive charm makes this Christmas more special than ever.Tags: winter travel, AI travel search, magical cities, Christmas festivals, Thai travelers

1. Hallstatt, Austria: A classic lakeside villageTags: Hallstatt, Austria, lakeside village, Christmas destination

When it comes to a city as picturesque as a painting, Hallstatt ranks first in many hearts. Nestled among the snow-covered Alps, its December highlight is the Christmas market in the town square, filled with handmade crafts and the aroma of hot mulled wine (Glühwein).Tags: Hallstatt, Christmas market, Alps, winter destination, crafts, Glühwein

• Recommended activities: private Christmas tours, visiting the historic salt mine, exploring the Bone House.Tags: Christmas tours, salt mine, Bone House, Hallstatt activities
• Recommended accommodation: Loft am See, a modern lakeside stay featuring large windows where you can sip wine and watch the snow fall over the lake from your bed.Tags: Loft am See, modern accommodation, lakeside hotel, romantic stay

2. Shirakawa, Japan: The charm of thatched-roof houses amid snowTags: Shirakawa, Japan, UNESCO World Heritage, thatched roofs, winter village

This UNESCO World Heritage village in Gifu province is a favorite among Thai travelers. The Gassho-zukuri houses with steep roofs resembling praying hands look especially beautiful covered with thick snow. The quiet atmosphere feels like stepping back in time.Tags: Shirakawa, Gassho-zukuri, UNESCO village, snow, traditional houses

• Recommended activities: soaking in onsen hot springs to warm up, viewing the village from high vantage points, participating in traditional tea ceremonies.Tags: onsen, tea ceremony, village views, Shirakawa activities
• Recommended accommodation: Onyado Yuinosho, a luxurious ryokan with tatami mats offering an authentic Japanese experience and snowy mountain views.Tags: Onyado Yuinosho, ryokan, Japanese lodging, mountain views

3. Leavenworth, USA: A Bavarian village in AmericaTags: Leavenworth, USA, Bavarian village, winter lights

Few would expect a German-style village in Washington state! This town was transformed into a Bavarian-style village in the 1960s and during winter is decorated with over 500,000 lights, becoming one of the liveliest Christmas lands.Tags: Leavenworth, Bavarian style, Christmas lights, Washington state

• Recommended activities: ice skating in the town center, tasting bratwurst sausages, walking through the outdoor Christmas market.Tags: ice skating, bratwurst, Christmas market, Leavenworth activities
• Recommended accommodation: Enzian Inn, a lodging filled with the magic of the Alps and the sound of alphorn music greeting you in the morning.Tags: Enzian Inn, Alpine lodging, alphorn, romantic hotel

4. Colmar, France: The model fairy tale town of Beauty and the BeastTags: Colmar, France, fairy tale town, pastel houses, canals

This old town in the Alsace region is famous for its pastel-colored houses and canals flowing through the "Little Venice" district. During Christmas, the entire town lights up with decorations, like stepping inside a beloved storybook.Tags: Colmar, Alsace, Little Venice, Christmas lights, pastel houses

• Recommended activities: horse-drawn carriage rides through the old town, tasting tarte flambée, visiting the Unterlinden Museum.Tags: carriage rides, tarte flambée, Unterlinden Museum, Colmar activities
• Recommended accommodation: Hotel Restaurant Le Maréchal, a 16th-century riverside hotel offering the ultimate romantic atmosphere for couples.Tags: Le Maréchal, historic hotel, romantic stay, riverside hotel

5. San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina: The Europe of South AmericaTags: San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, Swiss-style town, South America

Ending with the town nicknamed "Switzerland of South America," located by Lake Nahuel Huapi and surrounded by the Andes mountains. Bariloche stands out with its chalet-style wooden architecture and is a chocolate lover’s paradise.Tags: Bariloche, Andes, chalet architecture, chocolate, lake town

• Recommended activities: cable car rides up Cerro Otto, buying handmade chocolates, boat trips on Lake Gutiérrez.Tags: cable car, handmade chocolate, boat tours, Bariloche activities
• Recommended accommodation: Huinid Bustillo Hotel & Spa, a luxury stay surrounded by forest and lake views with world-class spa facilities.Tags: Huinid Bustillo, luxury hotel, spa, lake views

Whether you choose the tranquility of Japan or the festive bustle of European Christmas markets, the most important part of any trip is creating new memories with your loved ones. These fairy tale-like journeys are no longer just dreams.Tags: travel memories, family trips, Christmas travel, fairy tale journeys