Winning tip: Bolzano, Italy

The buildings are as gothic and spiky as anything across the Austrian border in this 25% German-speaking town, the largest in South Tirol. It’s known as the Christmas Capital of Italy – self-proclaimed but pretty accurate: it’s snowy in winter, and the Germanic influence means there are Christmas markets and gingerbread everywhere. And there are other wintry things on offer if the markets and mulled wine aren’t enough, including several cable cars running into the hills, taking you up to walks in the Renon hills (also known as the Ritten) and views of the Dolomites and the world-famous Ötzi iceman, sealed in ice in about 3,300BC, discovered in 1991 and on display at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology.
LTaylorM

Verona, Italy

A beautiful walkable city to visit at any time of the year but with the snow covered Alps as your backdrop, Verona looks even more spectacular in winter. In December there is a Christmas market, festively illuminated streets and alleys and a huge nativity scene at the mightily impressive coliseum on Piazza Bra. You can do some sightseeing up the medieval Torre dei Lamberti over the tiled roofed city below, or for something a bit more adrenaline-pumping, head up nearby 7,000-ft Monte Baldo for some snowsports and also amazing views over Lake Garda. And for football fans, the city currently has two football teams (Chievo and Hellas Verona) in Serie A, Italy’s top flight.
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Ice skating in Red Square , Moscow

There’s nothing quite like celebrating Christmas in a country that once banned it. New Year is Russia’s biggest holiday, but you don’t have to wait until 31 December to go ice-skating in Red Square. The famous rink is open from November 30 until March 9 – and return flights from Gatwick to Moscow with easyJet currently cost little more than £100. After your festive skate, warm up with a hot chocolate and a stroll around GUM: once a state department store, now home to chic boutiques and cafes.
otradnoe87

Salzburg, Austria

The city in winter is a simply incredible sight. A blaze of lights stretches along the pedestrianised baroque old town when the Christmas market opens in late November. Hohensalzburg castle watches from the hills over people drinking mulled wine and buying traditional arts and crafts. The scenery is covered in snow and visitors can take a horse-drawn carriage ride in the surrounding Alps. Equipped with blankets and a hot drink, the tour takes you through a fairytale wonderland of ice and snow.
Isadyl

Naples, Italy

The Christmas spirit is abundant in the narrow, atmospheric Via San Giorgio Armeno, where craftsmen create hugely elaborate nativity scenes, known as presepi. An Italian Christmas would not be complete without one of these miniature dioramas, lovingly arranged and expanded every year, and the discerning collector will buy only from Neapolitan artisans whose tradition dates back more than 1,000 years. To complete your natale a Napoli experience, track down some zeppole donuts and struffoli dough balls, sweet Christmas treats flavoured with honey, orange and anis available in pasticcerie city-wide.
marthah

Budapest, Hungary

Blocks of ice often float down the Danube in winter, adding to the wintery atmosphere. Pick up a cup of warming mulled wine from the pavement barrels outside many of the cafes, and drink it as you are sightseeing a city split by the river, hilly Buda on the west bank housing the castle and museums, and Pest on the east bank with buzzing bars and good shopping. It’s a city of thermal waters, so take your costume on this winter holiday and enjoy a hot splash in one of the spa baths, such as Gellert or Rudas. There are stunning views from the lookout towers and turrets of the Fisherman’s Bastion in Buda and crystal is locally produced and makes a good souvenir to take home, and you will pay bargain prices for the delicious and world famous Tokaji dessert wine.
• City guide to Budapest
ID5251973

Munich

While Oktoberfest is by far Munich’s top event, the city’s local Christmas markets dating back in 14th century are definitely some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Music, lights, gifts and gingerbread create perfect atmosphere for a great winter holiday. Munich offers visitors not only one big market to explore, but also hosts the Tollwood Christmas market with art installations and Cirque Éloize (from 24 November to 31 December) which can be found on the Theresienweise, a unique alternative to the traditional festive atmosphere. There are many other smaller Christmas markets located in city. The main Christmas market in Munich can be found right in the centre of town at the Marienplatz. Located next to the town hall, the grand building’s balcony becomes a stage for musicians every night. A mass of tents filling the streets with colour and vibrant music. Packed with stalls selling everything from chocolates to candles, there is a great range of goodies on offer. Throughout the day the streets are filled with carol singers, arts and craft workshops and nativity plays while at night the lights come on and the whole city transforms into a winter wonderland.
Beleganian