When people think of Christmas a distinct image comes to mind, and it is one that certain cities seem to capture perfectly. Whether it’s the chance of snow, impressive city centre cathedrals, medieval squares and cobbled streets, or an abundance of indulgent shopping, there are places that just seem to do it better.

Vienna

Vienna is certainly one of those, and embraces the seasonal spirit whole-heartedly. With its array of Christmas markets and stunning Baroque architecture duly decked in millions of traditional white lights the city comes alive to welcome locals and visitors to join in the seasonal cheer.
 
Vienna Christmas Market
 

Music features prominently and there are numerous unmissable concerts and events. Notable amongst them are the Advent concerts at Stephansdom, the breathtaking St Stephen’s Cathedral, where the Wiener KammerOrchester (Vienna’s chamber orchestra) plays Bach, Schubert and Haydn, and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at the Deutsche Ritterorden convent, where, in the richly-decorated Sala Terrena, the Mozart Ensemble string quartet play classic chamber music in the place Mozart himself used to live and work.
 
Advent concert at St Stephens Cathedral - Image courtesy of Wien
 

Apart from the gorgeous street decorations and the festive music and markets there is also outdoor skating to try in the massive 6,000 square metre rink by the Wiener Konzerthaus (Vienna Concert Hall). The concert hall is also the venue for what many consider the musical highlight of the season, the “Christmas in Vienna” concert, with music from the Vienna Boys’ Choir and the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, plus a number of famous solo performers too.
 
Ice skating in Vienna - Image courtesy of Wien
 

Get there hassle free and fly directly into Vienna International Airport, just thirty minutes from the city centre.

Milan

If shopping is more the thing to fuel the festive mood Milan is the perfect destination, though be warned, once the day itself comes the streets empty as families gather together. With many of the world’s most renowned design dynasties calling it home, there is certainly the opportunity to pick up gifts that will delight and be treasured for years to come.
 
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
 

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the world’s oldest shopping malls and is the perfect setting for Italy’s finest shopping. Stroll the arcade as if along the smartest of boulevards under the glorious vaulted glass ceilings that protect from the cold. Amongst the famous names – including the requisite Gucci, Armani and Versace – a particular highlight is Prada’s Galleria 1913, the house’s first outlet.
 

The shop retains much of its original look, including the displays on mahogany shelves Mario Prada commissioned a century ago. Once done with the high-end retail – and remember to also walk the streets around Via Monte Napoleone and the city’s fashion quad – head to Milan’s Cathedral, its spectacular Duomo, which provides a stunning backdrop to the city’s Christmas markets and the chance to shop for more simple stocking fillers.
 
Milan’s Cathedral; Duomo di Milano
 

Skip the queues and jet into Milano Linate Airport.

Copenhagen

If you prefer something on a more intimate scale, Copenhagen is an excellent choice as Christmas calls, with the Tivoli Gardens forming a sparkling festive centerpiece. As the home of “hygge” the Danish know how to settle in for the Christmas season (and beyond) with numerous cafés and restaurants offering real fires, soft lighting, warming meals and hot drinks.

 
Tivoli Gardens
 

Of course, the city is also home to the gastronomic mecca that is Noma, but this Christmas will be its last as chef René Redzepi and his team move on to a new urban farm project. Instead explore other Michelin-starred establishments that have created a foodie buzz in the city, with Rasmus Kofoed’s Geranium and Christian Puglisi‘s Relae both ranking in the world’s top 50 restaurants. Fly straight to Copenhagen Airport and get into the festive spirit in no time!

 
Fine dining at Noma - Image courtesy of Trip advisor

So whatever the perfect Christmas is to you – enchanting music, centuries old architecture star-studded in light, retail therapy, or food – there are many European cities that provide the perfect destination for a Christmas celebration.