Top ten cities for winter holidays

 Although rain and gray skies make winter a cruel trial for some, hot drinks, snowy slopes, frozen lakes, and a bright yellow sun provide a more romantic whiff of easing the cold weather.
The countries listed below may not be among the best cities in the world, but they can appear to be among the best in winter, in particular.

Prague, Czech Republic

With its snow-capped spiers and winding streets, Prague is the perfect fairytale city that, in the winter months, remains relatively tourist-free.
As for the architecture, it looks more beautiful under a cover of snow, in one of the most beautiful ancient regions, which has Roman towers and vaults.
Street gas lamps were recently reinstalled throughout downtown, adding a touch of fancy romance. The cafes dotted the streets, ideal for escaping the bitter cold.

Salzburg, Austria

Filled with traditional markets and Christmas carols, the city is among the best places to spend the winter holidays.
The Christmas music "Silent Night" was first played in Obendorf, on the outskirts of Salzburg, on Christmas Eve in 1818.
The city's main market takes place in the shadow of Salzburg's Hohensalzburg Castle, but the market on Mirabell Square is especially popular with foodies who dine on local delicacies.

Tromsø, Norway

There are several reasons why Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic region, is so typical in winter. Fascinating museums abound in the city, including the Polar Museum which offers a look into the history of Arctic expeditions, and the Tromsø Museum.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

In winter, Amsterdam's museums are empty of people, which makes a visit to attractions such as the Rijksmuseum or the Anne Franks House ideal. The Royal Cary theater, built to house the circus, celebrated its 125th anniversary last year.
Children often prefer outstanding performances, which depict athletes from Russia, North Korea and China.

Nagano, Japan

As the host city for the former Winter Olympics, Nagano is an excellent base for exploring the ski resorts. The natural hot springs on the outskirts of town are perfect after a long day of skiing on the slopes. Beautiful Buddhist temples covered in snow are worth discovering, as well as the Folklore Museum, which displays on a large screen members of the "Ninjas" who trained in the place.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Although the capital of Iceland is one of the coldest spots in Europe, it has plenty of natural hot springs. The annual Winter Lights Festival, which takes place in February, is a stunning celebration of winter. Visitors can participate in a wide range of winter sports. All cafés offer homemade sweet and brown bread.

Berlin Germany

The Christmas markets are an ideal destination to treat Christmas expenses with the availability of retail stores, as Berlin has more than 60 of these stores. Kids love the market in Rot Ratos, which has a train and baby seals. Gendarmenmarkt, the city's most popular shopping mall, is famous for its handmade goods.

Ottawa, Canada

Winterlude in Ottawa seems to be one of the biggest winter festivals in the world. The festival runs from January 31 to February 17, and is famous for its ice sculptures, outdoor concerts, and ice skating.
In Canada, Christmas lights decorate the streets between December 5 and January 7.

Washington, USA

If you're getting around Washington, D.C. by rail, you shouldn't lose sight of the 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, which was presented by the Norwegian Embassy to Union Station.
The spectacular lights show appears at the National Zoo between November and December. The White House and the Lincoln Memorial seem to be the brightest places in the winter.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Cobbled streets, a beautiful castle, and picturesque public parks make Edinburgh a beautiful city at any time of the year. Street parks are transformed into a wonderland, as well as an ice rink, a huge Christmas tree and a Ferris wheel.