Nuremberg, Germany
This Bavarian city comes alive at Christmas. The celebrations centre on the centuries-old Christkindlesmarkt around the imposing 14th-century church. Visit to shop for traditional gifts such as wooden nutcrackers and nativity sets, or head to the Kinderweihnacht, a made-for-kids market with workshops and fairground rides. Fuel your exploration with the local duet of lebkuchen (a traditional spiced cookie) and rostbratwürste (roasted sausages served in a bun).
✱ Where to stay: Hotel Elch, a familyrun boutique in a charmingly wonky 700-year-old half-timbered building. Doubles from £78; hotel-elch.eu.