Strasbourg, France
Calling itself ‘the Capital of Christmas’, Strasbourg definitely delivers. The star attraction is the huge Christkindelsmärik, the oldest festive market in France. Slurp vin chaud and chomp bredele (spiced biscuits) before visiting Place Kléber to admire the 30m-tall, bauble-wrapped Christmas tree. Then stop by the OFF Market, a socially conscious take on the traditional Christmas market, to pick up feel-good gifts. ✱ Where to stay: Hôtel Couvent du Franciscain is a 12thcentury convent turned design hotel, a five-minute stroll from the cathedral.
Doubles from
£60; hotelfranciscain.net.