1. Bamberg, Germany
Bamberg is a medieval city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The northern Bavarian city is famous for its smoked beer and sprawling Christmas markets.
The 14th-century Altes Rathaus is located on an island in the Regnitz River. Crossing the bridge to the Town Hall feels like stepping into a medieval fairy tale, surrounded by half-timbered houses, the Romanesque Bamberg Cathedral and countless palaces, courtyards and alleys.
From November to December, visitors should visit the traditional French Christmas market at Maximiliansplatz and the surrounding streets. After wandering around the Christmas market, visit a traditional beer house and enjoy a few glasses of Rauchbier (smoked beer) - a very famous local specialty.
2. Timisoara, Romania
Set in the mildest climate in the country, the small city of Timisoara boasts a picture-perfect old town, a romantic river winding through a central park, great dining and nightlife options and chic cafes.
In winter, Timisoara is blessed with a vibrant Christmas market that stretches across the main squares. It is a great place to enjoy the unforgettable taste of tuica (a traditional Timisoara brandy made from plums).
Timisoara also has great cosy guesthouses at very affordable prices and has an airport with direct flights to major cities like Munich and London on low-cost airlines, making it very convenient for tourists to travel.
3. Bergen, Norway
In winter, Bergen comes alive with tree-lined streets, colorful cafes, and vibrant craft shops and galleries.
The Festival of Lights will be held here, with thousands of Berger people gathering with flaming torches around the lake Lille Lungegårdsvannet. They come to admire the Christmas tree lighting, sing songs and watch the fireworks light up the sky.
The nearby Fløibanen funicular offers easy access to the top of Mount Fløyen for panoramic views of the city. The descent paths, on the other hand, are well-lit in the evenings and perfect for tobogganing. When there is enough snow, you can conveniently ski straight into the city centre.
4. Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a great getaway, especially in winter. You can visit markets and museums by day and jazz clubs by night. You can even go skiing up Mount Vitosha and return to the city the same day.
Every year, the Ariana Lake in Borisova Gardens becomes the Balkans’ largest outdoor ice rink. You can see and buy traditional handicrafts at the Christmas market and try rakia (a traditional grape wine) in this beautiful city.
Sofia offers a variety of free city tours, including the Balkan Bites food tour and the Trabant sightseeing tour. Don’t forget to visit Sofia’s most iconic landmarks: the National Palace of Culture, St. Sofia, Independence Square and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
5. Brno, Czech Republic
Forget Prague, spend your winter break in Brno, a vibrant city in the south of the Czech Republic. Brno is packed with history, art and bars that will leave you spellbound. There is something for everyone, from medieval castles and towers to modern architecture and the delights of Brno wine tasting.
During winter the city can be covered in snow which makes the old town even more magical. The bars are the best place for visitors to warm up and meet the locals.
The list of things to do in Brno is long. If you only have a few days in town, you should visit Špilberk Castle, Tugendhat Mansion and the Old Town Hall. In the evening, start your merrymaking at the Ktery Neexistuje bar, then head to Super Panda Circus for a spectacular cocktail.
If you have more than three days in Brno, venture out to the South Moravia region for castles, wineries and underground rivers.
6. Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Rain, wind or snow, Dublin is a great city to explore. Visit the city’s historic library system, including Trinity College, Chester Beatty Library and Marsh Library; enjoy Irish food such as the legendary soup and waffles at Simon Hay Place (George Street Entertainment District); explore Graffitinevin Cemetery or take the DART to Howth for a seaside walk and market. You can also buy Christmas gifts at Brown Thomas department store.
From late November, you can see the O'Connell Street Christmas tree aglow as you wander into one of Dublin's pubs like Dublin 750, The Confession Box. If you're a fan of Irish music, you shouldn't miss the shows in Temple Bar during TradFest.
7. Cagliari, Sardinia
Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, is increasingly becoming an attractive tourist destination with many tourists at different times of the year.
Winters in Cagliari are mild, with only the occasional cold snap and little rain. This makes walking the narrow streets of Cagliari’s historic quarter very pleasant.
Cagliari has many attractions, visitors can visit beautiful religious buildings such as the Cathedral, beautiful archaeological sites, such as the Roman theater, see the galaxy points (located on the hill) and walk in the old town.
Cagliari has a vibrant cultural life and great food. During Christmas time, Cagliari becomes awash with bright lights, while the crowds and Christmas markets dotted around the city add to the lovely atmosphere.
8. Lisbon, Portugal
Located on the western edge of Europe, Lisbon is one of the warmest places in the Old Continent in winter and that is why so many tourists visit here.
There's plenty to love about the colder months here, including spectacular Christmas light displays, the Time Out markets (a foodie haven) and snuggling up in cosy local pubs.
Stop in for a ginjinha (warm cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup) and head to Park or Lost In – two always-packed rooftop bars – and check out Lisbon's museums, of which MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) is one of the newest.
9. Berlin, Germany
Even though Berlin is a popular summer destination, the city comes alive in winter.
There’s no better way to spend a chilly winter than with a mug of glühwein and some hearty sausages at an outdoor Christmas market. And even with the gloomy weather, Berlin’s legendary nightlife never stops, with the city’s clubs always offering warmth.
Berlin also has many venues for exciting winter festivals and events such as the Transmediale Arts and Culture Festival and the Berlinale International Film Festival - one of the best film events in the world.
10. Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi is located in the North of Finland. It is a place that many children are excited to visit because it is the place where Santa Claus, with his sleigh and reindeer, sets off on his great journey around the world at Christmas. Rovaniemi also has an Elf school, a place that offers abundant hot berry juice and a traditional Christmas market, which is one of the city's biggest attractions.
