Venice, Italy

For most, Venice conjures up images of romantic gondola rides down canals and children chasing pigeons in Piazza San Marco under cloudless skies.

Gondoliers float on, shrouded in silver mist; famed historic sights remain standing as they have for centuries, now free from the crush of summer tourists; and most days, clear skies still stretch overhead.

Brasov, Romania

Framed by the Carpathian Mountains, medieval Braşov is a gateway to Transylvania, whose mystical atmosphere intensifies in the season’s long dark hours.  In winter, Gothic belfries rise up over snow-dusted rooftops, and the bohemian cafes lining central square Piaţa Sfatului welcome visitors.

Zagreb, Croatia

Croatia draws huge crowds of sun-seekers to its pebbled beaches during summer, but Zagreb is ripe for a winter retreat away from the Dalmatian Coast. The yuletide spirit hits the city hard come Christmas when Advent festivities are in full swing.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh never looks quite as lovely as it does frost in snow. Admire historic sights like Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace blanketed in fresh powder, then hit Princes Street for some holiday souvenirs shopping.

Wroclaw, Poland

Despite being the fourth largest city in Poland and the 2016 European Capital of Culture, Wroclaw has remained delightfully under the radar, among winter travelers.

Tallinn, Estonia

Forget Christmas in Vienna. Head to Tallinn this year, instead. The medieval Town Hall Square plays host to one of the best Christmas markets on the continent.  Υou’ll find a resident Santa Claus and merry-go-round for the little ones; song and dance performances; one of the oldest public Christmas trees in the world

Bled, Slovenia

Between its castle perched in the mountains above Lake Bled and the magical floating island church, visiting Bled is like stepping into a Disney movie. Significantly fewer people come during winter than summer, leaving the idyllic town to be toured in peace by those in the know.