If you’re willing to rug up against the cold, heading to Europe in winter means you can dive into its culture, adventure, and attractions without the heaving crowds. It’s simply a magical time of year! Here are our picks for where to go.

Lapland, Finland

Lapland is a haven for Christmas enthusiasts and adventurers alike, especially if you’re travelling with children. At Santa Claus Village, the festive spirit is alive year-round but it’s extra special between October and May when there’s plenty of snow around. Your kids will love meeting Santa and they can send postcards to their friends back home from the Santa Claus Post Office.

Remember how we said you’ll need to rug up? It’s a must if you really want to make the most of Arctic experiences like staying in an ice-crafted Snowhotel or gliding through snowy forests on a dogsled or reindeer safari.

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing offer other, more tranquil ways to explore the vast, pristine landscapes and there’s a good chance you’ll see the northern lights during your visit – they’re visible about 200 nights of the year here, with skies darkest between August and April.

Dog sledding in Lapland.

Switzerland

Switzerland’s alpine charm and world-renowned ski resorts come alive in winter. In Zermatt, skiers of all levels can zip down the slopes before indulging in apres-ski fun, while non-skiers can revel in the beauty of snow-dusted villages like Grindelwald – its traditional houses sit at the foot of the gigantic Eiger mountain (and we do mean gigantic – it’s 13,015 ft/3,967 m high).

Adventure seekers will want to head to Grindelwald Glacial Gorge to clamber on the spiderweb net suspended over the roaring Lütschine River – if they’re game.

To really take in the stunning mountain scenery, book a seat on the Glacier Express – this train journey through the Swiss Alps delivers unforgettable views through panoramic windows designed for the experience.

London, England

If you avoid crowded Tube stations in peak hour, London in winter is a dream. With its festive markets, ice skating, and rides, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is a seasonal highlight, while a windowshop along Regent and Oxford Streets, all decorated for the holiday, will get you into the festive spirit. If you’re heading to London in December, ice-skating under the stars at Somerset House and Hampton Court Palace is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip.

In February, Chinese New Year celebrations bring colour and energy to the city, with parades and performances in Chinatown. Winter is also a wonderful time to explore the city’s iconic museums and galleries without the usual crowds. Refuel afterwards with a traditional pub meal for the full London experience. Chips and gravy, anyone? Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding? Yes, please!

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague’s medieval architecture takes on a magical quality in winter, with snow-dusted spires and cobblestone streets setting the scene. Explore the Christmas markets in the Old Town Square, where mulled wine and traditional Czech pastries make it extra inviting or take refuge from the cold in one of the city’s historic cafes.

Be sure to make your way to Vyšehrad, a hilltop fortress offering panoramic views of the city, and take in an opera or ballet performance at the grand, internationally renowned Prague State Opera for an evening to remember – you’ll want to dress up.

The old town square of Prague during the Christmas Market.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam’s canals sparkle during the annual Light Festival, where creative installations transform the waterways into a winter art gallery. Cosy up in a cafe to play some board games, stroll the streets past shops adorned in twinkling lights, or devour some hearty Dutch fare in a toasty restaurant. In winter, Amsterdam is brimming with gezellig. Pronounced ‘he-zell-ick’, this word encompasses anything that gives you the warm fuzzies, and you’ll hear the word bandied about a lot at this time of year by locals and tourists alike.

Winter also means quieter museums, making it a great time to visit the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. There are markets galore to explore, and be sure to try oliebollen, a Dutch winter treat sold at street kiosks. On National Tulip Day in January, Museumplein is filled with vibrant blooms and the chance to pick your own.

Iceland

Iceland’s landscape is so otherworldly that you’ll find yourself wanting to get out and explore, even in icy temps. Like Finland, Iceland is a prime place to see the northern lights, with guided tours taking you to the best viewing spots. When it’s time to warm up (or thaw out, depending how long you’ve been outside), Iceland’s geothermal hot springs are like manna from heaven. The healing waters of the Blue Lagoon and lesser-known Secret Lagoon are both sensational.

Winter is also the time to explore Iceland’s frozen waterfalls, striking volcanic beaches and famous ice caves. With their translucent blue walls, these glacial formations are incredible.

Gazing at the Northern Lights in Iceland.

Paris, France

If you think Paris is fabulous in summer, it’s high time you visited in winter. Stroll along the Seine in peace or explore the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay at a leisurely pace. Without the crowds, Paris isn’t just quieter, it’s more authentic somehow and holds just as much allure. Ice skating rinks pop up across the city in winter, including the stunning Grand Palais rink, just a stone’s throw from the Champs-Élysées. At 24,490 sq ft (3,000 sq m), it’s the largest indoor ice rink in France.

Winter also offers just the excuse you need to Indulge in treats like galette des rois (a pastry filled with almond-flavoured custard, traditionally eaten on the Twelfth Night of Christmas) and rich hot chocolate in chic cafes. Art lovers will delight in a self-guided walking tour around Montmartre, where artists ranging from Picasso to Van Gogh created some of their masterpieces, including Toulouse-Lautrec’s famous posters commissioned by the Moulin Rouge. Speaking of the Moulin Rouge, if you’ve packed some glamorous evening wear, why not go for dinner and a show?

Travel insurance

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