Good excuses for a December break, from migrating butterflies in Mexico to Santa spotting in Lapland.
Edinburgh - for Hogmanay
No city parties quite like Edinburgh on New Year’s Eve.
It’s very much a public event and easy to feel part of it.
Events get going on December 30 with a torchlit procession and an opening party in Revolution Square starting at 5pm, and continue until January 2. Full details of timings and tickets are on www.edinburghshogmanay.org.
For other things to do in Edinburgh, and suggested places to stay, see our expert guide to the city.
Vienna - for New Year
Edinburgh does New Year in style, but not quite the style of Vienna with its spectacular balls, concerts, operas and operettas.
The most useful guide to the different events, including details of how to book tickets to one of the balls, is found at the tourist board website.
Germany - for the festive spirit
No country does Christmas markets quite like Germany, from the sausage and gluwein, to the toys and picturesque settings, and the majority have already opened their doors.
The best places to go are Nuremberg, one of Europe's most enchanting medieval cities, Munich, or — for something more contemporary — Berlin.
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