Few things ignite the imagination like a fairy tale — the scenes of grand castles, charming villages, and enchanting forests can often sweep us away to magical land. But if you know where to look, you can experience these storybook wonders in real life. From the Fairy Pools of Scotland to a Slovenian castle built into the side of a cave, these 10 places look like they belong in the pages of a fairy tale. 

Rakotzbrücke – Germany

It’s hard to believe that a place referred to as the “Devil’s Bridge” could be so beautiful. But Rakotzbrücke, located in the Rhododendron Park Kromlau in Gablenz, Germany, is one of the most breathtaking scenes in all of Europe. The medieval-style, 19th-century stone bridge features thin rock spires at both ends and arches up in a near-perfect semicircle. On a clear day with calm wind, visitors will witness the illusion of a full circle in the Rakotzsee lake’s reflective water below.

Rakotzbrücke isn’t the only Devil’s Bridge in Europe. The name was given to several bridges with local legends behind them. In the case of Rakotzbrücke, it’s said that the bridge’s designer consulted with the devil when coming up with its gravity-defying shape.

Predjama Castle – Slovenia

It’s hard to tell where the Predjama Castle ends and its surrounding cave begins. Originally constructed in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 15th century, the Renaissance-style fortress was built directly into the face of a dramatic, 400-foot-tall, Slovenian cliffside. Surrounded by beautiful greenery, the location was chosen to make access difficult — and escape easy. Hidden behind the whitewashed stone façade, secret passageways lead into underground caves (including the nearby famous Postojna Cave) and out onto the top of the cliff.

The castle’s fantastical elements only lend to its mysterious past. One of the castle’s most enduring legends is that of Erazem Lueger, a Robin Hood-esque baron who once hid out in the castle but continued to steal from the rich by sneaking out through a secret passage behind an unassuming stone wall. He was eventually caught, but Lueger is said to still haunt the castle to this day.

Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia – Turkey

The unusual rock formations of Cappadocia’s famous “fairy chimneys” might look like something out of a storybook, but they’re the result of a natural phenomenon. The spires that stretch high from the grounds of Turkey’s surreal Göreme National Park formed from volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The ash later formed into a rock sediment called tuff; the soft stone was shaped by years of erosion into the whimsical hoodoos, rock formations, and valleys.

While the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia are a geological wonder, the resourceful way humans have used the formations throughout history is perhaps even more extraordinary. As Christians fled persecution during the Roman Empire, they congregated in Cappadocia — excavating the soft tuff of the fairy chimneys to create safe harbors. The caves were used as modest homes, expanding the network into underground cities that sheltered thousands in need over centuries. 

Today, the refuge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination that offers hot-air balloon rides and unique accommodations within the caves themselves where guests can enjoy the comforts of a boutique hotel room (complete with cozy fireplaces and unparalleled views) while surrounded by millions of years of history.

Tunnel of Love – Ukraine

It began as a Cold War decoy and is still an active industrial railway today, but the Tunnel of Love in Klevan, Ukraine, is also one of the most beautiful sites in the country. The nearly two-mile stretch of tracks is covered with a lush arch of vegetation. The romantic feature was sculpted by the trains transporting plywood panels from a nearby factory that travel the route up to three times a day.

Couples are especially fond of the tree-covered trail thanks to the local legend, which posits that they will be granted a wish after walking its length (as long as their intentions are pure, that is). History buffs are also fond of the spot where the railway forks and leads to a hidden military base in the forest. The bending trees that now define the tracks were reportedly planted during the Cold War era in order to cover up the transport of military hardware to and from the camouflaged base.

Mont Saint-Michel – France

The stately Mont Saint-Michel, nestled just off the coast of Normandy in northwest France, is a tidal island village anchored by a medieval abbey that’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in France. Mont Saint-Michel is only completely surrounded by water once every month or two; otherwise, the tides recede, leaving the island surrounded by sand. The island’s stark surroundings only add to its utopian appearance, giving the otherworldly illusion that it could be floating in the clouds.

Mont Saint-Michel’s Gothic-style abbey and spires are so whimsical that the location famously served as a real-life inspiration for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, as well as Rapunzel’s parents’ castle in the Disney movie Tangled. The island is home to only about 40 full-time residents, but is visited by over 3 million people each year.

Neuschwanstein Castle – Germany

This might be as close as it gets to a real-life fairy tale location. Perched high on a steep, rocky hill above the village of Hohenschwangau in southwest Bavaria, Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle was built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who was also known as the “Fairy-tale King.” The stunning structure has since become one of the most recognizable castles in the world, not only for its own impressive presence, but for the magical place it inspired.

Before he built Disneyland, Walt Disney took a trip to Europe that included a stop at the magnificent fortress. He adapted the castle’s turrets and towers for the centerpiece of his theme park (the very first Disneyland) in Anaheim, California, using Neuschwanstein as the model for Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Just as the Disney princess’ castle is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the U.S., Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most beloved and visited tourist destinations in Europe, welcoming more than 6,000 visitors on a busy day.

Castello di Miramare – Italy

Castello di Miramare, with its brilliant, whitewashed, Gothic-style exterior and dazzling seaside surroundings, looks more like the setting for a soap opera than it does a 19th-century Italian castle. Located just outside of the beautiful coastal city of Trieste, Miramare was originally built for Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian.

The elegant edifice looks straight out of a storybook. Situated on a cliff above the famously blue Adriatic Sea on a lush, 54-acre park, the castle was designed by the archduke himself and was custom landscaped to feature tropical trees and plants. While it’s hard to pick just one standout feature of Miramare and its surroundings, one highlight is undoubtedly the gorgeous terraces that encircle the castle. With unparalleled views of the sprawling park and the Adriatic, the scenery is definitely fit for a princess.

Fairy Pools – Scotland

Isle of Skye is a breathtaking place in the Inner Hebrides, an archipelago off the west coast of Scotland. From majestic, medieval castles to picturesque villages and magnificent seaside views, the landscape offers no shortage of sightseeing adventures. But one of the most memorable is the magical Fairy Pools, a cluster of small waterfalls, rugged rocks, and pools of crystal-clear, teal water that inspired some of the best fantasy fiction ever written.

Located on the River Brittle at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountain range, the pools are fed spring water from a series of waterfalls in the adjacent mountains. Though they may look inviting, the springs are bone-chillingly cold — tempting only the most adventurous swimmers to take a dip. Given Scotland’s penchant for folklore and legends, it’s somewhat surprising that the pools themselves don’t have any major myth attached to them (other than being named after fairies, of course), but that doesn’t take away from the sense of wonder found on Skye.

Kawachi Fuji Gardens – Japan

The Japanese cherry blossom might be the national flower of Japan, but the elegant, vining wisteria plant is the star of one of the dreamiest places in the country. Located in the Kawachi Fuji Gardens in Kitakyushu (about a six-hour drive from Tokyo), the wisteria tunnel features 300 feet of pretty, pastel-colored blossoms The plant’s vines easily adapt to their surroundings, wrapping their stems around anything they come into contact with. The result is about 150 wisteria plants, spanning 20 different species of the flower, gracefully climbing and dangling from the tunnel’s overhead in a floral fever dream of white, blues, purples, and pinks.

The walkway isn’t the only place to take in the flowers’ romantic splendor. An overlook provides a perfect view of the tunnel’s expansive blossoming roof. The wisterias are at peak bloom in spring, and while it’s typically tough to secure a ticket among the thousands of other tourists, it doesn’t mean you can’t daydream about having the tunnel to yourself for the perfect bridal shoot, romantic walk, or solitary stroll to find peace in nature.

Glowworm Caves – New Zealand

The wondrous glowworm (officially known as arachnocampa luminosa) emits an unmistakable iridescent, blue-green light. Bioluminescent marine life lives around the world, such as in the famous reefs of the Maldives’ shimmering Sea of Stars, but glowworms are unique to New Zealand, and create a magical subterranean phenomenon in the country’s many caves.

As thousands of glowworms dangle from the caves’ limestone ceilings, the gentle glow resembles a serene, starry wonderland — creating an illusion that feels otherworldly. The Waitomo Caves, located about 125 miles from Auckland in the village of Waitomo, offer one of the most magical viewing experiences in the country. Glowworms can also be found in other damp and overgrown areas like lakes and rivers, although these dwellings pale in comparison to the ambience of the enclosed caves.

There’s nothing like the anticipation of a new year and new beginnings. In the United States, New Year’s Eve is often celebrated with Champagne, dancing, loved ones, and watching the ball drop in Times Square, but the holiday takes on many different forms in different cultures. From breaking plates when the clock strikes midnight to ringing bells 108 times, here are seven unique new year traditions around the world. 

Spain – Eating 12 Grapes

If you’re traveling to Spain to celebrate New Year’s, make sure you have some grapes on hand. While some people exchange a New Year’s Eve kiss for good luck, as the clock strikes midnight in Spain, it’s customary to eat 12 grapes. The superstitious tradition is said to prevent bad luck in the coming year — by eating a grape for every stroke of midnight once the New Year rings in, Spaniards believe they’re setting their luck for the 12 months ahead. The “miraculous grapes” must be eaten quickly within those first 12 strokes, so if you take part, beware of choking hazards. Though Spain is credited for the tradition, the custom is also common in many Latin American countries, which use other round fruits instead of grapes.

Scotland – Hogmanay

In Scotland, December 31 is Hogmanay, a time to celebrate the final day of the year and usher in the new one. In addition to enormous torchlit processions, Scots get the New Year off on the right foot with the tradition of first-footing. Traditionally the luckiest “first foot” to cross the door after the stroke of midnight should be a dark-haired male (perhaps in response to those blond Viking invaders). Today, friends or family who cross the door can bring luck. If the Hogmanay hangover the next day is crushing, join a thousand or more costumed Edinburghians for Loony Dook, where the hearty partiers throw themselves into the frigid waters of the Firth (estuary) of the River Forth.

Denmark – Breaking a Glass or Plate

If you wake up in Copenhagen to a pile of smashed pottery on your doorstep New Year’s Day, congratulations are in order. The Danes consider smashing crockery to be good luck, and go out throwing plates to bring New Year’s blessings on their friends and family. Just grab a broom and watch your step. No one is precisely sure how this tradition originated, but one guess is it involved akvavit (a type of strong liquor) — and lots of it.

Japan – Eating Noodles and Ringing Bells

Japan has a wealth of traditions welcoming the New Year, a celebration known as Ōmisoka, but toshikoshi-soba (buckwheat noodles) are by far the tastiest. “Year-crossing noodles” are long, symbolizing longevity, but also easily cut, symbolizing cutting ties and letting go of the past year. In Japan, Buddhist temples also ring their bells on New Year’s Eve 108 times. This annual tradition is known as Joya-no-Kane. In the Buddhist religion, there are 108 potential sins that you can commit, so ringing the bells is a way of cleansing yourself of those sins as you enter the new year.

Austria – St. Sylvester Feast

December 31 is the feast day of St. Sylvester, and the Austrians celebrate the 33rd Pope (who ruled in the early fourth century CE) by feasting on pork. Specifically, they prepare Sylvesterabend, or roast suckling pig. Cute marzipan (almond paste) pigs decorate tables, and a toast of mulled wine is raised in honor of the saint. Across the cities in Austria, all church bells ring at midnight. In Vienna, a glittering ball is held at the Imperial Palace, and outdoor concerts and dances bring in the New Year.

Estonia – Eating Seven Meals

Pack your comfy pants for New Year’s Eve in Estonia, a time for “lucky meals” — typically seven or more in a single day. Tradition says that each meal one eats that day gives the strength of seven, or nine, or even twelve men for the coming year. These numbers are considered especially auspicious (as long as you aren’t counting calories). Popular items include wild boar and marzipan. Since you should also leave something on the plate for spirits and ancestors, perhaps you won’t walk away from the table too full.

Uruguay – Burning of the Strawmen

Getting fresh apparel is a popular way to celebrate many holidays in many cultures, but South Americans make it even more festive by putting old clothes on straw figures — and then setting them alight. To add an extra layer of amusement, the faces of unpopular people (politicians are a favorite choice) are painted on the figures before they’re burned. It makes for a festive blaze — unless, of course, you’re one of the unfortunate effigies.

Have you ever traveled to Suomi? What about Nippon? As Americans, we know most countries around the world by their English names, but many of these countries are called something quite different in the local language. Discover 10 country names in their native languages.

Before You Go

Before you visit a foreign country, it’s helpful to not only know its local name, but it can also be incredibly useful to learn some of the language to get around. That’s where Babbel can help. Their lessons can help you master languages such as French, Spanish, or German in as little as 10 minutes a day. See how fácil it is to learn a new language, with Babbel.

Sakartvelo – Georgia

If you ever visit Sakartvelo, you’d find yourself in a nation that stretches from the eastern shoreline of the Black Sea across the Caucasus Mountains. To much of the world, this country is known by its western name of Georgia, but to Georgians themselves, it is Sakartvelo. This native name translates to “Land of Kartvelians” and refers to the people who inhabited the country’s central region of Kartli. One of the first documented uses of Sakartvelo was found in the ancient Georgian Chronicles; by the 1200s it referred to the entire unified medieval Kingdom of Georgia.

So why is the country widely known as Georgia? Some argue that it derives from Gurgan, the Persian demonization for Georgians, while others say that it represents the native people’s enthusiasm for St. George, or that it comes from a Greek word that means “tiller of the land.” Throughout much of the former Russian Empire, the country goes by the name Gruziya.

Suomi – Finland

Tune into the Olympics or watch an international ice hockey match and you might see uniforms with the word Suomi. The word is the Finnish name for Finland, the Northern European country known for thousands of lakes, the northern lights, and wilderness of Lapland. 

The word’s origins are unclear, but there are a number of hypotheses. One suggests that it comes from suomma, which translates to “swampland” and could relate to an ancient belief that the nation’s lakes were once swamps. An alternate theory considers the word suomo (“fish scale”) and implies that the Finish people made clothes from fish skin. Some linguists speculate that the words Suomi and Sami — which refer to the native peoples of Finland, Norway, and Sweden — are derivations of zeme, a Proto-Baltic word for land or territory.

Travel to Finland and you’ll hear most Finns proudly refer to their nation and language as Suomi. In fact, Finland wasn’t a name invented by the Finnish; instead, it likely comes from the Old English word finna, once used to describe Scandinavian people. Interestingly, the letter “f” didn’t even exist in the Finnish alphabet and was introduced through words borrowed from other languages.

Bhārat – India

India has an immense population, the second-highest in the entire world with a mind-boggling 1.34 billion people. The Indian people are spread across the country’s diverse geographic regions, which can be roughly divided into three main areas: a mountainous northern region, an agricultural plain, and the central and southern plateau region.

Cultural variance is also the norm in India. The region includes Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and other religious practices. Also, the people speak 22 officially-recognized languages other than English, which is often used for commercial and political purposes. These languages include Hindi (the most popular), Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, and Tamil.

With all of this language variation, it makes sense that India would go by many names. It is called Bhārat, Bharôt, Bhāratadēsam, the Republic of India, and Bhāratam. India is also part of the nickname for Sri Lanka, which is called the “Teardrop of India” due to its location and shape.

España- Spain

Spain is another country with a rich cultural swirl of languages. While most people are familiar with Spanish as a language, a significant portion of the 47 million inhabitants of the country speak something else as their primary language. Catalan is the official language of Catalonia and the Valencian community (though the language itself has a different name and is called Valencian by these speakers). The people of Galicia speak Galician. The Basque region also has its own eponymous language.

Each of these languages has a slight variation on the name of their country, and none of them call it Spain. The Spanish translation is España, and the Catalan version is Espanya. Meanwhile, the Basque language refers to the land as Espainia.

Hayastan – Armenia

Armenia is a small country with a complicated history. In many ways, both geographically and politically, it can be aligned with either Europe or the Middle East. With a land area smaller than the state of Maryland, Armenia is a landlocked country home to only around 3 million people.

The official language of Armenia is Armenian, and it has near-universal status due to 97.9% of the population using it. Armenians would not refer to themselves as Armenians, however. They call themselves Hayastani. The familiar Persian suffix “-stan” simply means “place” or “land” and is a common ending for many country names, including Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Afghanistan. The name pays homage to a legendary folk hero, Hayk. Legend has it that Hayk rebelled against a repressive ruler to return to his homeland in Ancient Armenia. His descendants are the Hay people, and Hayastan is the “Land of the Hay.”

Dhivehi Raajje – The Maldives

Maldivians call a group of islands in the Indian Ocean their home. The entire country is only slightly larger than Washington, D.C. Known for its white sandy beaches and tropical weather, the Maldives is a bucket-list tourist destination for many travelers. As the world’s flattest country, the highest point in the Maldives is only eight feet above sea level.

The official language of the country is Dhivehi, which is a dialect derived from a mixture of Arabic, English, Hindi, Sinhalese, and Urdu. In Dhivehi, the name of the country is Dhivehi Raajje, which means simply the “country of the Dhivehi people.”

Nippon – Japan

The country known as Japan in English is certainly not called that by its native speakers, but there is some dispute over the “correct” pronunciation of the local name. Japan has a population of 126 million people. It is among the least ethnically diverse countries, with 98.1% of its population identifying as Japanese. Japanese is, understandably, the national language.

Native speakers refer to the country as either Nippon or Nihon. Nippon is the older of the two names and is widely considered the original name. However, 61% of Japanese people surveyed admit to reading it as Nihon, and the younger crowd favors it disproportionately. So, it looks like Nippon may be on its way out.

Why is the name so different in English? Blame Marco Polo. He heard about the name from people he met in China, and the dialect of the region had them pronounce “Rìběn” (the name the Chinese then used for Japan) as “Jipen.” His mistranslation morphed and spread.

Éire – Ireland

The official language of Ireland is English, and it’s generally used throughout the land. However, about 40% of the population also speaks Irish. In regions along Ireland’s western coast, Irish (or Gaelic) is the most prominent language in use.

The Irish word for the country’s name is Éire, and the term is even written into the constitution for the nation. The same document makes both Ireland and Éire interchangeably acceptable terms for the country. The name of the country has been a source of some dispute, as the British have — at some points in history — refused to recognize “Ireland” as an acceptable term. The country, after all, does not inhabit the entire “land” of the island since Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom. After a long dispute, though, the country has claimed both Éire and Ireland as its own.

Han-guk – South Korea

South Korea is home to about 51 million people, and the official languages include both Korean and English. We, again, have Marco Polo to thank for our English-language version of this country’s name. Korea came into use during the Silk Road dynasty and was a transliteration from the word Goryeo, which was the name of the dynasty in Korea at the time. South Koreans refer to the entire undivided region as Han-guk. The North Koreans call the undivided region Choson.

Hellas – Greece

Greece is home to almost 11 million people, and Greek is overwhelmingly the most common language of the country. The native term for the country is Hellas. This word should make sense to English speakers as the word Hellenic means “something Greek.” How did the English language version come to be? It’s a Latin translation. “Greece” comes from the Latin word “Greacus.” All the way back in the days of Aristotle, the inhabitants of the land were referred to as “Graiko.” Today, the people of Greece still refer to their country as Hellas.

Does Santa live at the North Pole? Turns out, not all the time. Santa Claus is a recognized figure in many cultures around the world, going by names such as Sinter Klaas, Kris Kringle, Père Noël, Babbo Natale, or Father Christmas. And since Santa can travel around the world in a single night, it makes sense that he has more than one “home.” From Scandinavia to central Michigan, here are eight of St. Nick’s residences around the globe.

Rovaniemi, Finland

In Finland’s Lapland region, the Santa Claus Village in the city of Rovaniemi celebrates Christmas 365 days a year. Entry to the massive complex is free of charge, with plenty of Christmas and winter-themed attractions to choose from, including the official post office of Santa Claus and Santa’s Workshop, where visitors can send letters to friends and family around the world. (If you can’t visit, you can send Santa a letter — he receives 500,000 letters annually at this P.O. address.) Visitors can also see Santa in person at his personal office before meeting Mrs. Claus at her Christmas cottage.

In addition to Santa’s residences, the village offers ample snow-themed activities during winter, such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, and reindeer sleigh rides. Kids will love Snowman World, a frosty playground featuring ice slides, snow tubing runs, and an ice skating rink.

Akureyri, Iceland

Located on a fjord in northern Iceland, the Akureyri Christmas House doubles as Santa’s workshop and a holiday gift shop. Santa Claus is often there to greet guests, even during summer. Inside, the Scandinavian-style workshop features decorations from around the world and sells handmade, Christmas-themed gifts from Icelandic artists. Outside, the Christmas Garden contains a miniature replica of an Icelandic church and the Wishing Well of Unborn Children, where guests are asked to make wishes for future generations.

The Akureyri Christmas House also pays homage to several Icelandic holiday traditions, such as the Yule Lads — 13 mischievous Santa Clauses who take turns visiting Icelandic children on the 13 nights leading up to Christmas Day. The Christmas House is also home to a cave that houses Grýla, a character from Icelandic folklore who gave birth to the Yule Lads, as well as an oversized advent calendar painted with scenery from fairy-tales.

North Pole, Alaska

Although North Pole, Alaska, is not the actual North Pole, Santa still uses it as a residence. The town’s Santa Claus House is open year-round, and since it’s only 20 minutes from Fairbanks, it’s an easy day trip any time of the year. In fact, many summertime visitors to Alaska make special trips to North Pole to buy Christmas decorations, ornaments, artisan-made gifts, and children’s toys from the available 9,000 square feet of retail space.

In addition to sending Santa letters from North Pole, visitors can purchase a deed to one square inch of North Pole property. The town’s 50-foot-tall statue of Santa Claus allows people to take photos with Santa year-round, and there are even opportunities to meet his reindeer at the nearby Antler Academy. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the Santa Claus House also features an ice sculpture contest with artists from around the world, making it a popular destination for families in December.

Drøbak, Norway

A mere 20 miles from Oslo, the town of Drøbak, Norway, is home to Tregaarden’s Christmas House, or “Julehus” in Norwegian. Open year-round, Tregaarden is the place to shop for anything Christmas-related, including napkins, tablecloths, candles, ornaments, and “Nisse” figurines — an elf-like mythological creature associated with Nordic Christmas.

During winter, Santa Claus’ cousin (Uncle Tom) often lives at Tregaarden, monitoring the mail and posing for photos. (Obviously, the real Santa Claus is way too busy in December to be lounging around taking photos.) Interestingly, the town of Drøbak is the only place in the world with government-designated traffic signs warning people to watch out for Santa’s sleigh.

Mora, Sweden

Just outside Mora, Sweden, Tomteland is a 45-acre interactive theme park dedicated to Christmas fairy-tales. An interactive experience for children and adults, Tomteland produces musicals and outdoor plays, made even more magical by the presence of fairytale-like creatures who mingle with guests. Much of Tomteland revolves around Santa, whose workshop also doubles as a restaurant that serves Swedish fare to hungry patrons.

In addition to Santa and his reindeer, Tomteland is dedicated to Swedish folklore, which includes the likes of gnomes, trolls, witches, and snow monsters. Guests to Tomteland are able to choose from a wide variety of themed activities, including strolling through the elf forest, making crafts in the gnome village, or learning how to speak troll.

Midland, Michigan

The small city of Midland, Michigan, is home to one of the most prestigious Christmas schools in the world — the CWH Santa Claus School. Founded in 1937 by Charles W. Howard, the school was created to combat the onslaught of mediocre Santas that often pop up around the holidays. Since then, the Santa School has offered a competitive program for aspiring Santas and Mrs. Clauses.

As the longest continuously operated Santa Claus school in the world, Midland’s Santa Claus School provides annual education for over 200 Santas to learn the tricks of the trade. Offering workshops on singing, dancing, and child psychology, the school teaches aspiring Santas what they need to be successful, from basic sign language to how to curl beards (synthetic and otherwise). Alumni of the CWH Santa School are the real deal.

Minnedosa, Manitoba, Canada

Canada has a robust Santa letter program, and it all began in Minnedosa, Manitoba. During the 1970s, a local shopkeeper had a small mailbox for Santa letters in his store. In an effort to emulate the generosity of Santa Claus, the shopkeeper’s wife, Verna Green, began replying to each letter. Word eventually spread that Santa was answering letters in Manitoba, and Green began receiving — and replying to — hundreds of Santa letters every year.

In the 1980s, the tradition was handed over to Canada Post, becoming the official Santa letter program of Canada. To send a letter to Santa, children can use the following address: “North Pole, H0H H0H, Canada.” In order to receive a reply, domestic letters must be sent by December 10, 2021, while international letters have varied deadlines.

Myra, Turkey

Before he was called Santa Claus, Father Christmas was simply known as St. Nicholas. Born thousands of years ago in modern-day Turkey, St. Nicholas was buried in a tomb near the ancient town of Myra. Over time, his posthumous popularity spread throughout Europe, and he became known as the protector of children and sailors. Eventually, the name Santa Claus was derived from the Dutch translation of St. Nick (Sinter Klaas) — and the rest is Christmas history.

To visit the tomb of the original St. Nick, travelers can make the journey to St. Nicholas Church in Myra. Although the church where St. Nicholas presided as bishop is no longer standing, the existing St. Nicholas Church was built at the same site in 520 CE and then restored by Tsar Nicholas I in the 1800s.

It’s almost impossible not to get in the holiday spirit at the sight of twinkling lights. Across the world, communities come together to celebrate the season, but in recent years, holiday light displays around the world have gotten even more creative, elaborate, and high-tech. Check out seven epic holiday light displays around the world and the history behind these dazzling installations.

Tivoli Gardens – Copenhagen, Denmark

This historic theme park first opened its doors in 1843, and its decorative lights have become a beloved winter tradition in Copenhagen. Tivoli is especially magical during December, and once you’ve experienced it, it’s hard to imagine the holiday season without it. The scent of pine hangs in the air as a million LEDs glitter throughout the park. At Tivoli’s Christmas market, charming wooden huts sell handmade ornaments, trinkets, toys, cocoa, delicious Danish pastries, and other treats. Over a thousand Christmas trees with twinkling lights and baubles line the snowy park pathways. Sip a glass of gløgg — what Danes call mulled wine — as you take in the spectacular scene.

Rockefeller Center – New York, New York

The sight of white angels framing the view of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York is as iconic as the adjacent ice rink. But how much do you really know about the Big Apple’s world-famous holiday nexus? It all began in 1931, when the very first tree, a small balsam fir decorated with garlands of dried cranberries, paper chains, and a few tin cans, stood in front of what was once a construction site. Since then, a 75-foot-tall Norway spruce typically from upstate New York or other nearby states has been unveiled — although the 1966 tree came from Canada and the 1999 tree measured a whopping 100 feet tall.

Once the lights on the tree go dark, the Rockefeller tree is salvaged. In 1971, it was recycled for the first time — mulched and spread across nature trails in upper Manhattan. Since 2007, the tree has even featured energy-efficient LED lights, and has been cut into lumber, which is donated to Habitat for Humanity to build homes.

Fête des Lumières – Lyon, France

The tradition of the Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights) in Lyon has roots that trace to the winter of 1852. It had been a turbulent year with social unrest, so when rain threatened the unveiling of a statue of the Virgin Mary at a church on Fourvière Hill, determined locals marked the occasion by placing candles in their windows instead.

That tradition has continued ever since but has evolved into an extraordinary festival that takes place each December. The event embraces creativity and encourages originality with an array of mesmerizing light shows that use the city’s many historic buildings and traboules (hidden covered passageways) as a stage.

Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Each December, residents of Rio de Janeiro eagerly await the lighting of the city’s iconic Christmas tree, which floats on Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. The tradition began in 1996, and was the brainchild of Roberto Medina, a Brazilian entrepreneur best known for staging the Rock in Rio concert. In 2007, the tree earned a Guinness World Record as the world’s largest floating Christmas tree, measuring an impressive 278 feet tall and covered in almost 3 million individual lights.

Trafalgar Square and Regent Street – London, England

London’s famous Christmas tree, a gift from Norway, is the star attraction in Trafalgar Square each December. A tree has been felled and shipped across the North Sea since 1947, as a present that expresses Norwegian gratitude for Britain’s help during World War II. Impressive though this is, the most stylish and sophisticated lights in the British capital can be found a mile away on Regent Street.

This street was the first place in central London to put on such a display — the first lights were installed back in 1954. In 2021, nearly 300,000 individual bulbs light up 45 angels as part of the street’s largest ever display, entitled “The Spirit of Christmas.” If that’s not enough, the dazzling gold stars of Oxford Street and the kaleidoscopic neon butterflies of Carnaby Street are only a short stroll away.

Christmas Wonderland – Singapore

As night falls year-round, colored lights accentuate the dramatic beauty of the Supertrees at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay. These artificial, tree-shaped structures act as vertical gardens and host thousands of succulents and bromeliads. Unveiled in 2012 as part of Marina Bay’s redevelopment, the trees quickly became one of Singapore’s most recognizable and most photographed landmarks. So, it’s only fitting that the display becomes the backdrop for an additional nine magical light displays that comprise “Christmas Wonderland.”

The centerpiece is the Spalliera. Standing almost 70 feet tall, the structure was inspired by the Gothic-style cathedrals of Europe. A spectacular light tunnel called the Walk of Stars and the dazzling Enchanted Bridge further enhance these beautiful gardens. While you’re there, take a ride on a Venetian carousel, shop for gifts at Mistletoe Alley Market, and grab a selfie with Santa.

Amsterdam Light Festival – Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Artists from around the world are invited to submit ideas for Amsterdam’s annual Light Festival. For nearly a decade, the festival has incorporated the selected designs into light displays that often use water to produce exquisite reflections and illuminate the city’s historic canalside buildings. While it’s possible to walk or bike along the art trail to view these illuminated pieces, the displays are best appreciated via boat tour, which allows you to listen to commentary about the artists’ objectives.

Everyone loves the festive season — the twinkling lights, the comforting foods, the caroling and other beloved traditions — but some towns take it to the next level. From unbelievable light displays to historical reenactments and other festive affairs, these 10 places are some of the most festive cities and towns in the U.S.

McAdenville, North Carolina

You don’t get a nickname like “Christmas Town U.S.A.” if you don’t go all out for the holidays. In 1956, the McAdenville Men’s Club decided to use red, white, and green lights to decorate the trees all around the McAdenville Community Center, and since then, the town has made it a group effort to bring as much adornment and cheer to the season as possible. The town decorates more than 300 live trees, which range in height from 6 feet to upwards of 90 feet, and feature as many as 5,000 lights on a single tree. Residents get in on the fun as well, decorating their homes with vibrant displays. As spectators stroll along the town’s lake to take in the lights, they’ll also hear the seasonal sounds of carols from the nearby historic bell tower that sits in the charming town center.

North Pole, Alaska

It’s only fitting that the small Alaskan town that shares the name of Santa Claus’s hometown pulls out all the stops for Christmas. Located 14 miles outside of Fairbanks, this North Pole celebrates Christmas year-round, with parades in July and nostalgic red-and-white candy cane stripes splashed across the city streets. In the town center, you’ll find the Santa Claus House, a one-time post office turned holiday shop. You can visit live reindeer, shop for Christmas gifts, take a photo with the world’s largest Santa statue, and say hello to the man in red himself. Perhaps best and most spirited of all, a resident who is legally named Santa Claus serves on the North Pole city council — long white beard and all.

Branson, Missouri

Kicking off celebrations in early November and carrying through the New Year, Branson is known as “America’s Christmas Tree City.” The city in the Ozarks features a trail of more than 700 trees, ranging from traditionally decorated evergreens to mechanically designed light shows — and even eccentric original creations made from wine bottles, library books, and go-kart tires. If the tree trail doesn’t give you your festive fill, there are several other light shows to take in, including the “Let There Be Lights!” drive-through light display, “Branson’s Lights of Joy,” and the awe-inspiring “An Old Time Christmas” festival at the town’s Silver City amusement park. For an extra dose of holiday whimsy, hop aboard the Polar Express train ride, a beloved Branson tradition inspired by the popular movie of the same name.

Big Spring, Texas

When you think of the holidays, a white winter wonderland is likely one of the first images that comes to mind. But snow certainly isn’t a requirement for having lots of Christmas spirit — just ask the people of Big Spring, Texas. Residents take pride in their temperate southern city being known as the “Lighted Poinsettia Capital of Texas.” The title comes from the stunning illuminated displays in the annual Comanche Trail Festival of Lights, a beloved local spectacle that features more than a million lights — including larger-than-life twinkly poinsettia creations. For an extra dose of Texan Christmas coziness, check out Big Spring’s historic Hotel Settles and its festive lobby adorned with a massive Christmas tree every year.

Duluth, Minnesota

Duluth’s holiday celebrations are an annual winter highlight for many Minnesotans. The season starts with the Christmas City of the North Parade, a celebration now in its sixth decade of elaborate floats, marching bands, dancers, and regular appearances by Santa Claus himself. From there, holiday revelers can climb aboard the decked-out Christmas City Express for a scenic train ride to Lake Superior with hot chocolate, cookies, and classic holiday tunes. But Duluth’s Christmas spirit really kicks into high gear with the Bentleyville Tour of Lights, America’s largest free walk-through light display, featuring intricate themed displays made up of more than 4 million brilliant lights.

Natchitoches, Louisiana

Natchitoches is so serious about Christmas that preparations for the annual Christmas festival begin in June. Each year, more than 300,000 lights and 100 individual displays cast the town (and the Cane River running through it) aglow as locals celebrate not only the season, but also their Creole heritage. Over the years, the celebrations have grown to include a parade, fireworks, live music, a “Miss Merry Christmas Queen” pageant, and holiday eats galore. The small Louisiana city of 18,000 people has proudly outfitted its town in twinkling lights since 1927, making it one of the oldest community-based holiday celebrations in the country.

Newport Beach, California

Newport Beach’s coastal waters light up during the annual Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights celebrations. More than 100 boats (including some with V.I.P. guests like Santa and Mrs. Claus) plaster their decks with hundreds of lights as they sail around Newport Harbor and spread colorful Christmas cheer for five consecutive nights. Alongside the boat parade, which includes everything from yachts to canoes, residents of Newport’s Balboa and Harbor Islands decorate their houses to the nines for the Ring of Lights home-decorating competition.

Santa Claus, Indiana

A town named after Christmas’ most famous figure would be remiss if it didn’t celebrate the holidays in style, and that’s just what this one does. Santa Claus, Indiana, proclaims itself “America’s Christmas Hometown,” dedicating much of the year to Christmas-themed shops and attractions, and the town works extra hard during the holidays to make sure not only locals, but also kids all over the world, have a joyous season. The post office receives thousands of letters to Santa each year, and since the early 1900s, a group of volunteers has worked to make sure every letter gets a reply from Santa.

St. Augustine, Florida

Christmas in sunny St. Augustine is known for its award-winning Nights of Lights display, a massive undertaking that features millions of tiny white lights creating a warm and festive glow all throughout America’s oldest city. Locals and visitors alike revel in the shimmer of the bayfront installations, while the iconic Plaza de la Constitución Christmas is surrounded by mountains of gifts. Nights of Lights, which runs from mid-November until the end of January, has its origins in the traditional Spanish practice of placing a white candle in a window during the Christmas holidays.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg fancies itself the “Best Christmas Town in America,” and with their unique take on the holiday, history buffs would be inclined to agree. Each year, in the historic Colonial Williamsburg district, holiday traditions from the 17th and 18th centuries are celebrated with authentic costumes (worn by local participants) and era-appropriate, hand-crafted decorations. If the other Colonial holiday traditions, such as caroling by candlelight or drum corps marches and gun salutes, are too old-fashioned for your tastes, you can always head to the holiday experience at Busch Gardens amusement park. Its awe-inspiring displays — made up of more than 8 million lights — are a local favorite.