Winter holidays in Europe: markets, snow and a warm sea

Winter is one of the best times to travel in Europe: markets and lit-up cities, snowy mountains, and prices below summer's. Here are three ways to spend it differently.

Christmas markets

From late November to late December Europe's cities fill with markets: wooden stalls, mulled wine, souvenirs and Christmas trees on the squares. The best known are in Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Berlin, Munich and Cologne. The markets usually run from morning to late evening and are prettiest after dark.

Snow and skiing

In the Alps, Cortina d'Ampezzo and Garmisch-Partenkirchen start winter with snow and ski runs. Zakopane, the Tatra town in Poland, costs less and suits beginners. Ski hire and equipment are bought on the spot and are not in the tour price.

A warm winter

If you don't like the cold, Cyprus (Paphos and Limassol) is often sunny and mild even in December, and in Athens winter is gentle with almost no queues at the sights. Too cold for swimming, but a good time for walking and seeing the city.

New Year

New Year's Eve in a European city is a show of its own: fireworks, concerts on the squares and a street party. Flights and hotels for those days get dear fast, so book early.

Good to know

Winter days are short: in many places it is dark by 16:30, so plan museums and sights for the morning. Take warm shoes and an umbrella. On 24 and 25 December many shops and some museums close.