Daylight hours might be scarce and temperatures below freezing, but when Stockholm puts on her white winter coat, the whole city glitters more than Tinseltown itself, transforming into a magical winter wonderland.  The capital of Sweden spans 14 islands, and although you may not have time to visit them all, you can easily do a bit of island hopping on foot or via public transport while soaking up the spectacular views of bridges, waterways, and the medieval Old Town.  Besides marvelling at its snow-covered beauty, here are the top five reasons to visit Stockholm in winter.

What are you doing this evening? Bet they won't be as memorable as catching a glimpse of the magical Northern Lights after a day cross-country skiing through stunning scenery or after tackling a World Cup slalom in a frozen forest.  Unlike the Alps, Scandinavian countries can add more to your winter experience.  The snow here last for up to six months, and it offers more than a day on the piste, with some amazing adventures.

Tired of going to same place each and every Christmas?  Well we have found five destinations that you might like and enjoy. Whether you want to be in Europe, the States or down South, one of these will fit  your budget.  You can sleep in a hotel with a difference with the opportunity to see the Northern Lights or join an expedition down in Antarctica to learn more about penguin and do some Whale watching.

CRESTED BUTTE, United States

BEST FOR: Steep and deep skiers looking to channel their inner cowboy.

Arguably the last remaining gem in Colorado’s world-famous portfolio of ski towns, Crested Butte is overflowing with authentic skier soul.  Located a mere 35 miles as the crow flies from Aspen, Crested Butte has a vibe that couldn’t feel further away from the glitzy celeb-fuelled world that exists just over the hill. ‘Crusty Butt’, as it is also affectionately known, is a genuinely welcoming place of locally owned businesses and ‘real’ people who are fiercely proud of their funky little Rocky Mountain cowboy town.

Located in North Devon Biosphere Reserve is the Treetops guest house. Built in a 250-year-old oak tree is this two bedroom three house. The Treetops takes tree house to another level, glamping at another level. This vast tree-home runs over three floors, with the tree passing under, over, around and even through it; there is one particular branch in the lounge having been cunningly covered with a box seat.

Best for Drama Vienna, Austria
The Austrian capital always oozes elegance, but in December, Vienna takes itself a little less seriously and gets its party clobber on.  They city’s prettiest squares transform into markets dotted with chalet-style stalls, while garlands of bulbs and ribbons are strung along the city’s streets.   And every year, giant chandeliers light the route to St. Stephens Catheral.

Europe has a lot on offer for free-spirited youngsters. We have listed ten of these adventures for children between six and ten. From nature walks to walking with dinosaurs, from winter fun to summers sizzle, from whale watching in Iceland and peering into caves full of bats in Bulgaria to playing princess for a day in Vienna.

2015 marks the twenty-fifth year the Jukkasjarvi village IceHotel has been in operation. The village of Jukkasjarvi comes alive each winter when the hotel is recreated by carving and chiselling out tons of snow and ice from the nearby Torne River - which is really as much an art installation as a novelty hotel.

Sweden and in particular Lapland is famous for its constant day light and midnight Sun during the summer months of June and July.  The area is also home to one of Europe’s largest wilderness areas, and this is where you find the Kungsleden otherwise known as the “Kings trail”, a 440Km-long hiking trail.  Kungsleden is a perfect natural escape destination taking you away from the hustle and bustle of city life or if you are a walker and relish the challenge then this is for you.

Getting to the Kungsleden is via Stockholm from there you take the train to the beginning of your trek.  The route goes up to the northerly point of Abisko, from there it winds back South to Hemavan, a route featuring several weeks of trekking.