Brussels

Take the train to Brussels for five festive, fun-filled weeks, the cobbled streets and pretty squares of Brussels spring to life with Winter Wonders, a 2km-long stretch of snow-dusted market chalets, buzzing bars and pop-up restaurants.

Browse the markets for last-minute stocking-fillers, get a bird's eye view from the top of the ferris wheel, or take a spin on the merry-go-round as the sweet, spicy scent of waffles and glühwein drifts through the chilly air..

If you or the little ones are feeling brave, the toboggan run (that gets longer each year) is an absolute must, while grown-ups should save some energy for the Thursday night ice disco.

If that all sounds a bit taxing for a weekend break, just settle in to a cosy café with a warming bowl of carbonade flamande, a rich beef stew, to watch the world – and the ice skaters – go by. Bliss.