![]() Most plants and animals have adapted to the change of seasons in one way or another, and the cold grip of winter allows plants and animals to hibernate or migrate. As the seasons change, you can imagine our planet, perfectly captured in beautiful pictures of nature, slowly rocking back and forth on its axis.Īlthough some may hate the cold, don’t forget that the beautiful views of snow and frost are a necessary part of our life cycles – these winter landscapes will soon be full of life. The minute change in distance from and angle to the sun creates the drop in general temperature that we experience in winter, and this angle is also the reason why it’s colder the farther north you go. Winter occurs in the Northern hemisphere when the Earth’s northern axis tilts away from the sun. Don’t miss the ceilidh and concert in Princes Street Gardens on New Year’s Eve either.In reality, the change of the seasons from winter to summer is one of the best direct indications of the earth’s cosmic movement that we can personally experience. If you can only visit once, be sure to come at the end of December for the Hogmanay street party and stunning fireworks display on December 31. After dark, head to the Royal Botanic Garden to sip spiced cider and marvel at its Christmas illuminations. Bar crawl under the fairy lights of George Street and pop into the Scottish National Gallery to contemplate winter scenes. You’ll find Santa’s Grotto an oval ice rink fairground rides, such as the 60m-high Star Flyer an elves’ workshop hidden within the Christmas Tree Maze stalls selling wooden toys, Harry Potter-themed gifts, and mulled Irn Bru special projections, performances, and artworks showcasing local talent. Undeniably one of the prettiest cities on the planet, Edinburgh really shines in the winter months as Christmas markets and Hogmanay celebrations come together. If you’ve got little ones, shepherd them over to Old Town Square where you’ll find sheep, goats and a donkey waiting patiently for attention from earnest tourists.īook a stay The Christmas market in Edinburgh (Alamy) 15. Its cinnamon scent is misted over the whole square. But it’s the food that will keep you hanging around: warm, fatty sausages just off the grill fresh pancakes garlic-and-cheese flatbread all topped off with a glug of svarak, the local, citrussy take on mulled wine. There are presents aplenty, including frosted, hand-blown glass baubles. Between them swirls a glittering pool of seasonal cheer. The setting is magnificent: on one side, the 14th-century twin spires of Our Lady Before Tyn on the other, the city’s famous 15th-century astronomical clock. Make like a local and swap your mug of mulled wine for a glass of grog - rum, water, lemon and sugar. Postcard-pretty Prague is perfect for the festive season. Prague, Czech Republicīest for open-air concerts and traditional nativity scenes If you fancy something a little more traditional, put your skates on and head to the outdoor ice-skating rink on Heumarkt.īook a stay The Christmas market in Prague’s Old Town Square (Alamy) 5. There are even markets dedicated to mythical gnomes, and to maritime history, complete with sea shanties and pirates. Nikolausdorf (Saint Nicholas’s village) is aimed at kids, and tells the story of the real St Nick, with the 13th-century Hahnen gate looming majestically in the background. ![]() Markt der Engel provides some of the most magical moments, with hundreds of twinkling lights suspended overhead like stars, and angels flitting between elaborately decorated gables. Long-favoured as a festive destination, Cologne has several Christmas markets, the largest of which is in the city centre, beneath the cathedral. Skating at the Heumarkt Christmas market in Cologne (Alamy) 1. ![]() ![]() If you click and buy a product, we may earn revenue. These buttons and adverts are clearly signposted, and provide direct links through to external sites. We also feature properties and itineraries from a specially selected list of trusted operators. Our travel journalism is written and edited by independent experts to inform, inspire and advise our readers about the best choices for your holidays.
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