Edinburgh, Scotland

Christmas hardly gets short shrift in the Scottish capital — festivities span six weeks with Christmas markets, amusement rides, attractions, and free events — but it’s Hogmanay that gets people most excited. Celebrated over three days (December 30 to January 1), it’s a whirlwind of street parties, torchlight processions, and concerts to kick-start the New Year.

See and do: Walk along the Winter Windows route (from West Parliament Square to Newhaven between mid-November and December 26), a line of stained-glass windows created by budding artists; shop for cozy tartan woolens; enjoy a whisky tasting in Old Town; learn about Victorian Christmas traditions at Edinburgh Castle; and try haggis (just don’t inquire too much about the ingredients).