Feel like you're in a fairy tale as you wander around the cobblestone streets of Europe’s best-preserved medieval city, which oozes charm especially during the holidays.

Stroll around Bruges' storybook architecture of step gables, ornate brickwork, and fascinating weather vanes decorated especially for the festive season and nose around the Grote Markt. At the same time, visitors skate arm in arm under the shadow of the Bruges Belfry.

Don't miss following the Winter Glow light trail. This classic trail has stops at 10 installations through the historic part of the city centre, including lights at the Church of Our Lady Tower and a projection at Gruuthuse.

Where to Stay

Located canal side and a short stroll from the Belfry of Bruges, Hotel Van Cleef is a small luxury boutique hotel in a neoclassical mansion. It's also family-owned to abet the feel of being in a home away from home for Christmas.

Don't miss: Home Tour: A Modern European Home in Penang

Is there anything more romantic than spending Christmas in Edinburgh? As the end of the year draws near, its hilly streets, medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town are decorated in anticipation of Christmas and Hogmanay.

'Tis the merriest season here, whether you're sipping on whisky and hot toddies, skiing at Pentland Hills Regional Park, ice skating at St Andrew Square or immersing yourself in the city's Christmas market, which took the top spot on the list of the most-loved festive markets in Europe this year.

Best of all, the festivities continue as Christmas is followed by the Hogmanay Festival, a three-day bacchanal ushering in the New Year with outdoor concerts, fireworks, and dancing Scots.

Where to Stay

The Balmoral, with its views of the Old Town and Edinburgh Castle, is an excellent choice. This was also where JK Rowling finished the final book in the Harry Potter series, The Deathly Hallows.

Don't miss: 7 Architectural Marvels in Qatar

An elegant city which sparkles with holiday spirit during the Christmas season, Vienna is a magical wonderland of lights and annual snow.  

Known for its Christmas markets or Krippenmarkt, Vienna offers an array of choices, with the largest and best-known being the Wiener Chriskindlemarkt und Weihnachtstraum in front of the Neo-Gothic Rathaus (town hall). Also, soak in the atmosphere among the holiday tree at Rathausplatz and nearby Nativity Trail and Tree of Hearts.

When you're in Vienna, try to catch a performance of the famous Vienna Boys Choir, which traditionally performs in its hometown during the holidays.

Where to Stay

Cosy up in Hotel Sacher, the only family-run top-class luxury hotel in Vienna. Located in the historical centre, it's still a symbol of 19th-century European high society boasting a legacy of impeccable service.

Don't miss: Mood Board: How Cristina Celestino Designs Spaces With Stories To Tell

One of the oldest cities in North America, Quebec City's colonial French architecture exudes a decidedly European feel. This charm is amplified during the festive season when lights, decorations, and snow create an enchanting setting.

Traipse through the Old Town's cobbled streets, where quaint shops and delicious bistros will be decked out for the holidays, and spend some time at the German Christmas market, a delightful village of wooden huts packed with seasonal wares. 

One of the city’s oldest traditions is the Au 1884 toboggan run by Château Frontenac, where you can zoom down icy tracks overlooking the town, reaching speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. 

Where to Stay

Known as the most photographed hotel in the world, The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is located at the heart of this Unesco world heritage site. They take Christmas seriously here, with festive programmes starting in November.

Don't miss: Home Tour: A Modern French Penthouse in Kuala Lumpur Designed for an Art Lover

Nowhere in the world are Christmas markets more festive than in Germany, with Cologne drawing four million visitors each winter.

Rightly known as the king of Christmas markets, Cologne has an astounding 15 different ones all over the city, but if this is your first time, the must-visit is the Cathedral Christmas market.

Once you've finished visiting all the markets, enjoy the merry sights from the KölnTriangle observation deck. This tower, directly opposite the cathedral on the Rhine, offers a bird's eye view of the gothic monument.

Where to Stay

Get into the mood at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst, opposite the Cologne Cathedral, which has been open since 1863. With a reputation for being the city's most luxurious hotel, the best shopping is also within walking distance.

Don't miss: Take A Look Inside Lufthansa’s £325 Million Party Plane

The myth of a New York Christmas is strong, thanks to the many movies, TV shows, and songs that have romanticised the Big Apple and all that it offers.

But the real thing is even more magical, whether it's ice skating at Rockefeller Center, shopping on Fifth Avenue or enjoying the lights in Washington Square Park.

Special performances are plentiful, but if you only had to pick one, get a ticket to the Christmas Spectacular to watch the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall.
 
Where to Stay

Have a classic NYC holiday experience at The Plaza like Kevin McCallister in Home Alone 2.

NOW READ

Christmas 2022: The Ultimate Beauty Gift Guide

Countdown to Christmas: 5 Advent Calendars For Beauty Lovers

5 Most Envy-Inducing Holiday Homes in Malaysia