Ellen Himelfarb

Plenty of us may dread the colder temperatures and long, rainy days that linger for months when winter arrives, but make no mistake: it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Of course, that works better when rhythmically crooned, but you get the point. Winter means Christmas, and Christmas means twinkly lights, wholesome gifts, cups of glögg, and the indomitable festive spirit that makes all those layers of clothing worth it. Europe’s Christmas markets are places filled with joy, from the cobbled (and possibly haunted) streets of Edinburgh to the traditional cities of Central Europe, and everywhere in between. Much like the first viewing of a certain fizzy drink advert many moons ago, you know the season’s here when the Christmas markets kick into gear. Best Christmas markets in Europe at a glance 👯‍♀️ Most popular: Rathausplatz, Vienna, Austria 🎄 Most traditional: Town Hall Square, Tallinn, Estonia 🎠 Most unique: Liseberg, Gothenburg, Sweden 🔔 Most atmospheric: Colmar, France ⛄ Most underrated: Cathedral Square, Vilnius, Lithuania Which country in Europe has the best Christmas markets? The best of the best? Impossible to say, but let’s give it a go. It’s hard to look past Germany as the Grand Champion of Christmas Markets (not an official title, just to be clear), although you could make an argument for almost any country in Central Europe. Still, there’s something about a German Christmas market that really captures the spirit, so check out our collection of the best

When you think about it, beaches are actually pretty simple. All you need are some crystal-clear waters, long stretches of sun-kissed shoreline and you’ve got yourself a gorgeous, ‘gram-worthy patch to lie down and chill out (whilst, obvs, slathered in a healthy dose of sunscreen).  Though plenty have sun, sand and sea in common, no two beaches are truly alike – nature just doesn’t work that way. The glistening white shores of tropical, palm tree-lined bays are a million miles away from volcanic black pebbles along rugged Nordic coastlines. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t all magnificent, and the ones in this list are the very best this planet has to offer: take a look. RECOMMENDED: 🌍The best things to do in the world🏊‍♀️The most spectacular places to swim in the world 🤿The best places to go snorkelling in the world🧗‍♀️The best caves in the world to explore