ČESKÝ KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC

Lying in Bohemia’s deep south, Český Krumlov is one of the most picturesque towns you’ll ever chance upon in Europe. Similar to its capital city, Prague, the town feels like a fairy tale from the Middle Ages with quaint houses, cobblestone streets, a grand castle and a river running through its centre. And in a throwback to medieval tradition, a family of bears is still kept in the bear moat between the first and second courtyards to ‘protect’ the castle. The town transforms in winter when it’s sprinkled in snow and the Christmas market gets underway. The fair is open for 38 days, during which visitors buy Yuletide gifts, enjoy mulled wine, taste Christmas cookies or listen to traditional Czech Christmas carols by leading musicians or children’s choirs.