Compact, cosy but certainly not short on things to do. With historical sites and seasonal treats, these small European cities are perfect for a short break during the festive period...
An old street in Lucca, Italy (Shutterstock)
It doesn’t get much cosier than this Tuscan walled city. Hugged by solid, five meter wide walls, Lucca is a maze of narrow cobbled streets, candle-lit restaurants and cosseting cafés. It’s where Puccini lived and wrote his operas, and that air of chic sophistication still permeates the city.
Head to Piazza dell'Anfiteatro where the buildings are lit up with festive illuminations. Climb Torre Guinigi, topped by seven oak trees, for a stunning view of the city. Or simply tuck into a hearty Tuscan feast at one of the city's highly rated restaurants.
For those of a more active disposition, the ski slopes of Abetone are a short hop away. One of the most important resorts in the Apennines, it encompasses the Valley of Luce, Valley of the Scoltenna, Sestaione Valley and Valley of the Lima.
Nidaros Cathedral in winter (Shutterstock)
Founded in 977 and once the Norwegian capital, Trondheim is a compact, beautiful city that boasts a stunning natural setting and a host of cultural, foodie and outdoor activities to keep you busy.
Set on a bay, with the Nidelven River winding its way through the city centre, Trondheim is home to a huge and stunning gothic cathedral (Nidaros Cathedral), the old district of Bakklandet and lively, colourful wharves. The Stiklestad Cultural Center celebrates Norway’s viking history and marks the site of one of country’s bloodiest battles.
The UNESCO-listed village of Røros, a quaint cluster of wooden buildings and cosy cafés, is within easy reach, as are the stunning national parks of Trøndelag. If you're lucky, the northern lights may put on a show as well.
A mask parade is held every February (Dreamstime)
A lively university town that prides itself on implementing green technologies, Freiburg is a delightful medieval metropolis at the foot of the Black Forest. Its Altstadt (old town) is a charming jumble of gabled houses, cobbled squares and old world cafés. And the annual Christmas market on the Rathausplatz is considered one of the most beautiful in the whole of Germany.
In winter, the nearby Black Forest becomes a wonderland of white, with the huge, ancient trees iced with snow and frost, offering bracing walks or spectacular scenic drives by either public or private transport. Every February, the city celebrates Fasnet, a centuries-old tradition of masked and costumed performances in the streets.
Plaza de la Reina, Valencia (Dreamstime)
A beguiling mix of old and new, Valencia offers an intriguing blend of ancient culture and modern architecture. And with average daily highs of 15°C, it means you’ll get to enjoy the city at a relatively comfortable temperature but without the summer crowds.
There’s plenty to do over the festive period too. The cathedral, allegedly home to the Holy Grail, is a magnificent place to experience a traditional midnight mass on Christmas Eve. And the New Years’ fireworks, centred around the futuristic City of Arts and Science, are arguably the most spectacular in Europe.
Don’t forget the food. Even in the winter months, the historic Central Market is a cornucopia of delicious treats. The city’s world famous paella is sensational any time of the year.
The streets of the medieval fortress in Sighișoara (Dreamstime)
Founded by German craftsmen and merchants, Sighişoara is a small, fortified medieval town in the heart of Transylvania that has weathered the ravages of time and history.
The 12th century citadel is the heart of the city, a jumbled collection of gabled houses and home to a church, monastery, clock tower and weapons museum. It was also where Vlad the Impaler, a.k.a. Dracula, was born. The house has become something of a pilgrimage spot for horror fans, with the top two floors converted to restaurants.
The city also makes an excellent base to explore the fortified churches, such as the Church on the Hill, that dot the mountains around this part of Transylvania.
Winter in Colmar (Dreamstime)
Nestled next to the German border in the Alsace region of France, Colmar is a picture-postcard collection of cobblestone streets, gingerbread cottages and gothic cathedrals. The restaurants serve hearty Alsace fare and wine from local vineyards that specialise in Riesling and Gewürztraminer variations.
The city’s five annual Christmas markets are considered among the best in Europe, but it is in Colmar's hidden corners that the best surprises wait. The Musée Unterlinden, for example, houses medieval stone statues, prints by Martin Shongauer and most excitingly, the Issenheim Altarpiece which is acclaimed as one of the most dramatic and emotive pieces of art ever created.
There's also a scale replica of the Statue of Liberty on the outskirts of town. (The original in New York was designed by local boy Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi.)
Castle Square in Lincoln (Shutterstock)
Sitting high on a hill that rises majestically over the flat fens of Lincolnshire, the city of Lincoln has always been an important centre in English history. The Romans used it as their capital in eastern England, and William the Conqueror made a beeline there to build a castle barely two years after the Battle of Hastings.
The cathedral quarter, dominated by the city's huge gothic cathedral, has been spruced up, a museum within the castle walls houses an original copy of the Magna Carta, and countless restaurants, cafés and bars have popped up along Steep Hill, the pedestrianised road leading down to the city centre.
Small and compact, Lincoln is best discovered by following the Heritage Trail walk linking many of the historic attractions in the city centre. Make sure you allow plenty of time for ‘rest stops’ in the authentic local pubs.
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