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But winter in Slovakia doesn’t just mean snow and sports. December is an especially good time to visit Bratislava. For the entire Advent month before Christmas, the capital’s quaint Old Town is turned into a colorful Christmas bazaar. The cobbled streets, lined with beautifully restored Baroque palaces, are filled with stands selling hand made pottery, carved wooden toys and utensils, embroidered textiles, leather products and other gifts and handicrafts − not to mention a wide range of gustatory treats including apple strudel, fresh grilled sausages, and hot spiced wine and honey liqueur. There are also live performances of traditional music and dance and craft workshops in the evocative Renaissance courtyard of the Old Town Hall.

It’s a great time to visit the city − if only for a weekend break − and enjoy the Old Town’s signature charm. If you get too cold, you can pop into one of the many art galleries and museums, or have a hot chocolate or a glass of wine in one of the cozy cafes. In the evening, Bratislava’s excellent restaurants and first class cultural attractions, such as the Opera, are just a few steps away. And it’s also easy to arrange a day trip to the nearby Small Carpathian region, where you can explore the mighty Renaissance fortress of Cerveny Kamen, and visit country inns that offer hearty meals of roast goose and other seasonal dishes.