Many cities take on a different character and really come alive over the Christmas period. Even places you might be very familiar with throughout the rest of the year can be transformed into winter wonderlands that make them well worth the return trip.
While some peoples' ideas of a Christmas getaway are mainly about escaping the cold weather of home and visiting destinations like the Caribbean or the Maldives, you could find your holiday spirit is greatly enriched by travelling to places where a white Christmas may be on the cards. That doesn't have to mean staying closer to home either, with great festive destinations around the world beckoning travellers with authentic Christmas markets and unique holiday activities.
If you're looking for somewhere to truly lose yourself in the Christmas magic, consider visiting Prague in December. A great deal of effort is made to transform the city's Old Town into a bustling square of markets and yuletide attractions, where there's something to please people of all ages. To get the most out of your Prague city break and experience the season like a local, tuck into some Trdelnik pastry and enjoy a shot of spicy Becherovka liquor.
It's not only historic cities that can be ideal for Christmas breaks either, and the North American continent is home to a great many places that really throw themselves into the festivities. You may think of New York more as a place to get some Christmas shopping done than to enjoy festive city breaks, but the Big Apple has plenty to offer visitors during the season - from skiing in Central Park to strolling past the colourful window displays of Macy's.
The further north you travel, the greater your chances of a white Christmas, making destinations like Quebec City in Canada particularly popular during the winter. Despite being a large, modern city, Quebec City still has a cosy atmosphere, enhanced by its narrow, snow-dusted lanes and abundance of hand-made crafts sold at Christmas markets such as the famous Marche de Noel.
Even if you'd prefer to stay closer to home, the UK holds its own with excellent Christmas destinations too, whether you prefer the seclusion of a country house hotel for a family Christmas to remember or you're eager to get caught up in the bustling atmosphere of cities like London and Manchester. Those booking their Christmas breaks are always encouraged to do so well ahead of time, as the most popular accommodation is sure to sell out fast over Christmas and New Year.