London, England

London can be visited for a variety of reasons in the winter. From the banks of the Thames River to the bustling streets surrounding Trafalgar Square, the city is decorated with a holiday spirit. Rarely does it snow, but when it does, the city turns into tranquil heaven that has been dusted with even more beauty.

Enjoy an empty Tower of London while taking selfies on the empty streets near Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. After that, go ice skating in front of the Natural History Museum or go to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Buy tickets to a pantomime, sometimes known as a "panto". Covent Garden is a popular shopping area where local artists offer their unique goods. Stay for one of the impromptu concerts and get ready to be entertained by the many buskers. The city's most famous (and impressively decorated) shopping area is located along Regent and Oxford Streets, where those looking for more highbrow finds should go. On your walk to Hamley's, the best toy shop in the city, take pictures of the charming window decorations on Carnaby Street (just east of Regent Street).