If you've always considered booking a getaway over the Christmas period but New York seems done to death and you can't really justify hunting down Father Christmas in Lapland, then take a look at these magical cities - they might just inspire a trip.
1. Bruges
Located just over the French border, Bruges is Belgium’s fairytale city. With its medieval buildings, cobbled streets, canals and horse-drawn carriages, you will feel as if you've stepped right into a Disney-esque dreamland, complete with Belgian chocolate that has been carved into anything and everything (and we mean everything).
In Belgium the big night of festive celebration is Christmas Eve, and on December 25th restaurants and pubs are open. So, rather than spending your Christmas Day splayed across the sofa in a food coma, why not glide around the ice rink in Bruges’s Burg Square, or meander around the picturesque lanes with a frozen yoghurt in hand, exploring the markets, patisseries and boutiques.
To get your culture fix, climb the medieval Belfry of Bruges which is one of the city's most celebrated symbols, and we really do mean climb, as the belltower has 366 steep winding steps that take you 272 feet above ground. The view from the top is worth every stride, though.
2. Bath
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Sometimes it just isn't viable to travel far and wide for a weekend break; our budgets and busy schedules might not allow us to jump on a plane and globe-hop (although it would be lovely), but there are places to 'staycate' right here in the UK that are truly special over the winter period.
Located just over two hours driving distance away from London, Bath is a picturesque city set in the rolling hills of the Somerset countryside, and is one of the most enchanting places to visit come Christmas time. Its beautiful Georgian architecture lights up when the Christmas market arrives in town; cobbled streets adorned with stalls selling bespoke jewellery, crepes and home-made candles, while a local choir singing Christmas melodies sets the soundtrack to your trip.
Get a cinnamon bun at Sally Lunn's, or dip in and out of candle-lit pubs and get cosy with mulled wine by the fire, or even take a dip in the Thermae rooftop pool. Bath is also a great place to do your Christmas shopping as it offers many luxury shops all within walking distance.
3. Budapest
Budapest is undeniably visually spectacular. Once two cities, Buda and Pest divided by the Danube river, it is Hungary’s capital city. It boasts impressive art nouveau architecture, and the views of the Royal Palace and Parliament buildings from the bridges that are dotted along the Danube river are breathtakingly romantic - even more so when the city has a dusting of frost encasing it.
Budapest is famous for its Turkish hot springs and pool parties, both indoor and open air, especially during the winter period. Visit the Szechenyi Thermal Baths which were built back in the 16th century. Or, get your skates on in Budapest City Park and glide in the shadows of the iconic Vajdahunyad Castle.
Budapest also offers an impressive Christmas market where you can experience Hungarian delicacies in the form of chimney cake, strudel and crepes.
4. Vienna
Austria's capital Vienna is aglow with lights at Christmas time. It is the home of the snow globe, so naturally the whole city is dressed from head to toe with Christmas decorations over the festive period. Get into the Christmas spirit by going to one of Vienna's magnificent concerts in St. Stephen's Cathedral to enjoy the classic works of Mozart, Bach and Schubert as well as popular carols.
Make sure to bring your camera to Vienna, as the city boasts 18th century Rococo architecture which is a wonder to behold in itself - you'll want to capture every moment. The Museumsquartier district is one of the great marvels of Vienna. It is the eighth largest cultural area in the world as it is packed with the most renowned museums and art galleries, including the Leopold Museum.
5. St Petersburg
In Russia the Orthodox Christmas period typically spans from New Years Eve to Janurary 10th, with Christmas being celebrated on January 7th. This means that December 25th is a working day, so shops and restaurants will be open (perfect for us). New Year's Eve as we know it is a big occasion for Russian's as well as us; every year thousands of St Petersburg residents gather in Palace Square to watch the fireworks and welcome in the new year.
Full of stunning aesthetics and architecture, visitors of St Petersburg should take a trip to the State Hermitage Museum, Sheremietev Palace, Pavlosk Palace or Mariinsky Theatre, where the Nutcracker had its world premiere in 1892. St Petersburg even has 200 ice rinks, so there is no excuse not to pack your skating get-up.
6. Dresden
Dresden may not be Germany’s best-known city, but it was once recognised as ‘the Florence of the north’. Positioned immediately south of Berlin, the city’s profile consists of a display of the spires, towers and domes of the impressive 18th century palaces that have stood there for centuries. Dresden was bombed heavily in 1945 but has since been completely rebuilt and so bears a wealth of history. Fans of Wes Anderson’s film The Grand Budapest Hotel will recognise a couple of Dresden’s iconic buildings, especially the mesmerising Zwinger Palace.
Dresden is also home to Germany’s oldest Christmas market, Striezelmarkt, which has 582 years worth of charm to offer visitors, and kicks off in late November.
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