Bring on the winter fun with ski and city breaks from LCY

1. Antwerp, Belgium

The ‘diamond  capital of the world’, Antwerp is a truly magical place to visit during winter. With a smattering of snow, the gothic architecture and 16^th century Cathedral of Our Lady become positively enchanting. This city take the festive season really seriously. From December 8th to 7th January this year, the city’s squares will be taken over by atmospheric light displays and markets. Enjoy the view from the ferris wheel on Koningin Astridplein, and enjoy the new year fireworks at Steenplein from the renovated Scheldt quays.

3. Milan, Italy

Fashionable Milan positively sparkles during winter. Most people visit during summer, so you’ll have the museums and attractions practically to yourself. Tour the incredible Duomo Cathedral and take in the view from the roof, or take in a show at La Scala – one of the world’s most famous opera houses. During December, the Piazza del Duomo is taken over by a festive market with over 60 stalls selling sweet treats and souvenirs. But, for fashionistas, the must-time to visit is in January when fall/winter fashion week takes place.

4. Florence, Italy

Visit Florence in winter to enjoy a more intimate experience of its artistic and architectural wonders. Wander through renowned museums, like the Uffizi and Accademia, without the summer crowds. Settle in at cozy cafés for a macchiato (espresso with a touch of foamy milk) in the afternoon, before dining on hearty Tuscan meals at night. The mild winter weather makes exploring the city and its surrounding vineyards a pleasure. This is the land of big hearty red wines like Chianti, perfect for your Christmas dinner table. And of course there’s the festive market in Piazza Santa Croce from Nov 18 to Dec 17, and Europe’s longest ice-skating rink at Fortezza de Basso, stretching for 300 metres.

5. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin in winter is the ultimate cosy destination, where you can enjoy festive magic and warm Irish welcomes. Stroll through beautifully decorated streets, where seasonal events and Christmas markets bring a touch of holiday flavour. Temple Bar’s historic pubs beckon with cosy fireside armchairs and traditional music sessions, complete with fiddles and bodhrans. Enjoy invigorating winter walks in picturesque parks like St. Stephen’s Green, explore cultural gems such as the National Gallery, and take in the city lights from The Gravity Bar atop the Guinness Storehouse.

6. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is one of Europe’s coolest cities, and during December its arty ‘anything-goes’ attitude transfer seamlessly to festive celebrations. There are traditional Christmas markets in Alexanderplatz and Babelplatz, but it’s worth going off-piste and visiting the quirky ones too. For example, in Prenzlauerberg there’s the Kulturbrauerei with its Scandi-themed Lucia Christmas market. Meanwhile Friedrichshain has a Medieval-style market at the RAW compound, where jugglers and acrobats provide entertainment as visitors sip warm mead. Outside of Christmas, winter in Berlin means visiting the city’s famous museums and galleries or getting comfortable in the city’s cosy speakeasy-style bars, all with a smattering of snow.

7. Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva in winter is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts as it’s a short hop from resorts in France, Italy and Switzerland. Hit the powder at renowned resorts like Verbier and Zermatt, where diverse slopes are available for all skill levels. Regular black diamonds not exciting enough? The surrounding trails provide opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in pristine alpine landscapes. Back in the city, the winter festival adds a touch of magic. After a day on the slopes, indulge in Swiss comfort food like fondue and raclette for a heart-warming apres-ski experience.

8. Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Buzzing Amsterdam becomes a magical wonderland in winter, where twinkling lights shimmer on the canals. Embrace the Dutch love for ice skating at outdoor rinks against the backdrop of historic architecture, before settling in at cosy cafes for sweet treats like stroopwafels. Amsterdam is full of cultural treasures, and during winter you can enjoy the annual Amsterdam Light Festival featuring contributions from global artists. If you’re looking for somewhere special to ring in the New Year, it’s hard to go wrong with Amsterdam. There are lots of diverse ways to celebrate: from fizz and fireworks in rooftop bars, to all-night raves in waterside warehouses.

9. Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich in winter isn’t just a picturesque city break, but the gateway to some incredible Alpine resorts: both in Switzerland and Austria. One of the closest is Andermatt. Located in the Gemsstock area, it has 120 km of pistes offering something for all levels. It’s also known for excellent wellness facilities, so you can hit the spa after the slopes. Two hours from Zurich is Grindelwald, a historic ski town with 224 km of pistes, incredible views of Eiger mountain and some of Switzerland’s best apres-ski. Speaking of apres-ski, Ischgl in Austra is just under three hours away. As well as fantastic skiing and reliable powder, it’s also known for having some of the liveliest nightlife in the Alps. This includes an outpost of Pacha, with regular sets from international DJs.