Copenhagen

Compared to the rest of Northern Europe, Denmark has milder winters with snow that usually doesn't make an appearance until January. This makes it a great destination for city lovers who want to experience the magic of winter with walks by the canal in Nyhavn or the ultra-famous Kronprinsensgade street, Copenhagen's best destination for cafés and boutique shops. As one of the oldest amusement parks in Europe, the 19th-century Tivoli Gardens is worth a visit any time of the year. But the massive area is especially dazzling in winter when thousands of tiny twinkling lights bounce off the ice and snow all around you.

Tivoli actually has a special Christmas season (which runs from mid-November through early January), when Santa Claus makes regular appearances, holiday-themed shows are always on, and the restaurants inside the park serve traditional European Christmas dishes. During January and February, the park remains open, and the massive ice-skating rink becomes the main attraction. Aside from Tivoli Garden's own Christmas market, you'll also find large Christmas markets at King's Square and Nyhavn, and even one inside the city zoo. Need a break from the cold? After soaking up café culture, stop by one of the city's many museums, many of which put on special winter shows and exhibits.

• Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
• Where to Stay: Wakeup Copenhagen Carsten Niebuhrs Gade; Hotel Nebo; Hotel D'Angleterre; Nimb Hotel
• Things to Do: Christmas Market (Tivoli Garden, King's Square and Nyhavn)
• TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5