Prague, Czech Republic

In December, Prague’s Old Town Square goes from quaint to full-on festive, with a Christmas tree towering over gingerbread-scented stalls. The vibe here is pure winter fantasy, with the shadow of Prague Castle and Gothic churches adding a touch of medieval mystery. Treat yourself to a hot trdelník (a rolled dough pastry loaded with sugar and cinnamon) and a cup of spiked grog, the Czech Republic’s answer to mulled wine. For a warm, luxurious stay, Four Seasons Hotel Prague puts you right by the Charles Bridge, giving you easy access to all the gorgeous lights and holiday action.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin goes all out for Christmas with over 80 markets, from the sprawling Spandau to the picturesque Gendarmenmarkt. Head to Winter World at Potsdamer Platz if you’re up for tobogganing and ice-skating. For something a bit different, try out the Scandi-themed Lucia Market, where you can sip Finnish glögi or Icelandic jolagløgg by wood fires. Stay at Hotel de Rome on Bebelplatz, where you can spot remnants of its former life as a bank while lounging by the indoor pool or taking in views of the city’s twinkling lights.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh doesn’t just stop at Christmas; the city holds onto the holiday spirit all the way to New Year’s Eve with Hogmanay, a legendary three-day celebration. Princes Street Gardens turns into a Christmas carnival, where you’ll find a dizzying amount of rides, a Christmas tree maze, and the star of the show: mulled Irn Bru, Scotland’s uniquely orange fizzy drink, heated up for a holiday twist. Just across the way is The Balmoral on Princes Street, the city’s iconic hotel where you’ll find all the comforts you could ever want after a long day of festivities.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest puts on one of the more dramatic holiday displays with a 3D light show projected on St. Stephen’s Basilica. Vorosmarty Square hosts stalls packed with handmade ornaments, toys, and all kinds of Hungarian treats like chimney cake and bread-bowl goulash. Once you’re full of festive cheer (and food), head back to The Ritz-Carlton Budapest, with its classic architecture and a skylit lobby that feels straight out of a fairytale. Try breakfast under the stained-glass cupola before heading out for a festive day.

Vienna, Austria

With snow-dusted streets and imperial architecture, Vienna in the winter is like stepping into a snow globe. Rathausplatz fills up with holiday lights and stalls serving giant pretzels and roasted chestnuts to snack on as you explore. At Schönbrunn Palace, local artisans set up shop, offering everything from handmade toys to carefully crafted ornaments. Right in the thick of it all is Rosewood Vienna, a stylishly restored 19th-century bank building overlooking Petersplatz, steps from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. End your day at Neue Hoheit, the hotel’s rooftop brasserie, where sweeping views of Vienna's rooftops make a holiday toast feel even merrier.

Basel, Switzerland

Switzerland’s Christmas markets never disappoint, and Basel’s is one of the best, with over 150 stalls spread across Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz. You’ll find plenty of Swiss goodies here, from raclette to läckerli (a local gingerbread), and the smell of melting cheese fills the air – impossible to resist. As for where to stay, Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois sits right by the Rhine and has been welcoming guests since 1026 (although the building’s had a few revamps since then!).

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens look like a holiday postcard come to life with twinkling lights, wood cabins, and holiday treats. Danish gløgg (spiced wine) and aebleskiver (warm pancake puffs) are local must-tries as you wander through. Nimb Hotel is a striking Moorish-style palace right inside Tivoli – you quite literally couldn’t find a better spot for exploring the markets. Each room is home Danish design touches and a log fire, perfect for cosying up and looking at the sparkling lights of Tivoli Gardens.

Brussels, Belgium

Brussels’ Winter Wonders festival gives the entire Grand-Place a Christmas makeover with a massive tree and light show. Stalls cover the nearby squares and streets, with sweet Belgian waffles, spiced speculoos cookies, and hot chocolate at every turn. If you want to be near it all, Steigenberger Wiltcher’s on Avenue Louise is a stylish pick, with marble floors and elegant rooms. It’s close enough to pop in and out between holiday snacks and shopping sprees.