Places with a real Christmas spirit: where to go instead of Lapland

The place where the true spirit of Christmas lives is considered to be Finnish Lapland, a region beyond the Arctic Circle. It is here that the main residence of Santa Claus is located in the town of Rovaniemi, and it is here that Christmas lovers flock every year.

Of course, all this has led to a significant increase in the price of a holiday vacation in Lapland and has become unaffordable for many. However, the spirit of Christmas in the atmosphere of northern landscapes can be found not only here. The Mirror has offered four great options. The advantage of each of them is that a trip here will cost significantly less than a tour to Lapland.

Korvatunturi, Finland

You'll be surprised, but according to Finnish folklore, the Christmas character Jollupukki lives right here in the hills of Korvatunturi. It is here that his secret workshop is located, where he prepares gifts for children all year round. This is a rather secluded area where there are 12 times more reindeer than people. On the southern side of Korvatunturi is a picturesque village, through which the path to Jollupukki's workshop runs. Letters to the Christmas grandfather from the local post office arrive almost instantly. Given the village's remote location, it is also a great place to watch the northern lights.

Himmelpfort, Germany

This village is only a couple of hours away from Berlin by train. It is home to one of the world's most famous "Christmas angel post offices". Its employees are dressed in matching costumes. They answer more than 300,000 children's letters every year. Each letter receives a personalized response. Of course, on Christmas Eve, the whole of Himmelpfort turns into a wonderland with decorated houses and a traditional Christmas market selling souvenirs, local delicacies and, of course, mulled wine.

Halstatt, Austria

An alpine village consisting of old wooden houses, covered with fluffy white snow every winter. A nearby mountain offers a stunning view of a frozen mountain lake. Here you can visit the wonderful traditional Mountain Christmas Market, meet Santa Claus, go ice skating, and even visit the Silent Night Museum to learn more about the history of the famous Christmas song.

Gothenburg, Sweden

Every year, the city of Gothenburg in Sweden hosts one of the largest Christmas markets in Scandinavia. Here you will find a market for organic products, a vegan market, and even a market in an art school. Of course, the city has its own Santa's residence. He lives in the Liseberg amusement park. Skate to your heart's content at the local ice rink or have fun on the open-air carousel. You will definitely not freeze in the atmosphere of Swedish Christmas.

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