Bruges, Belgium

The charming city of Bruges becomes a true winter wonderland once the snow begins to fall. Known as the “Venice of the North” thanks to its canals, Bruges has a quaint Old Town filled with historic buildings and a cozy vibe. The city is extremely walkable, so it’s best to bundle up and explore on foot, especially since many of the canal boats don’t run in the winter. Each holiday season, Grote Markt becomes a lively, picturesque Christmas market and the Light Experience Trail, a walk along 10 outdoor light installations, runs from November through January. Warm up at one of the many pubs — Café Vlissinghe has been serving beer since 1515 — or indulge in a traditional waffle at Otto Waffle Atelier. Consider pairing the city with a trip to Ghent or Antwerp, which have a similar allure to Bruges. 

Where to Stay: Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce, a canal-side charmer made famous by “In Bruges;” Kind Of OJ, a stylish guest house with artsy suites.