Laura’s choice: Krakow Price per person: £147.50

There aren’t too many places around the world that are genuinely better in the freezing cold than they are bathed in warm sunshine, but Krakow in Poland is one of them. Its medieval market square, Rynek Glówny, feels just that bit more fairytale when the lights of the Christmas market are ablaze of a frigid evening, the horse-drawn carriages are dusted with snow, and you can justify another plate of pierogi by saying they’re “for warmth”.

The various cellar bars (try Klub Re) become the very definition of cosy and sampling their huge flavoured vodka menus is imperative (remember: “for warmth”). And the very best of Polish cuisine – hearty stews, fried potato pancakes, yet more pierogi – is definitely better enjoyed on a winter evening than a sweltering summer day. There’s absolutely loads to do in and around Krakow – from exploring a sprawling salt mine 430ft underground to visiting Oskar Schindler’s factory – so I’d highly recommend doing it all in this most atmospheric of seasons. (Just wrap up warm. The average temperature in December is about -1C.)

Lastminute.com is currently offering two nights’ accommodation in the well-reviewed, contemporary styled Niebieski Art Hotel& Spa–right on the river, and a 15- minute walk from the old town–plus return flights from Luton, for a pretty brilliant £147.50 per person, leaving 9 December and returning 11 December. Of course there’s a catch – a horribly early flight back on the Sunday, departing at 6.25am. You can select a more sensible departure time at an added cost of about £33 each.