Take me there: Aarhus, Denmark
Why go?
If there’s one thing the Scandinavians do even better than edgy crime fiction, it’s Christmas: cosy bars serving gløgg (mulled wine), ice-skating rinks, twinkling Christmas markets and, if you’re lucky, a sprinkling of snow. Aarhus is used to playing second fiddle to Copenhagen, but when it comes to the arts, culture, nightlife and shopping this is a town that punches well above its weight. And with daily Ryanair flights from £19 each way and some decent budget hotels, it’s surprisingly affordable.
What to do
Get a colourful perspective on the city from the Rainbow Panorama, a spectacular circular walkway on the roof of ARoS art museum (en.aros.dk). Shop for Christmas gifts in the bustling Latin Quarter or the Sidegaderne (the side streets), the city’s newest shopping district. Stock up on handmade decorations and aebleskiver (Danish doughnuts) at Christmas stalls in front of the cathedral. The festivities continue at Visit Den Gamle By, an open-air museum where actors recreate scenes from Christmas past (dengamleby.dk).
Where to eat
The rooftop coffee shop at the Lynfabrikken, a former lighting factory, is the hippest hangout in town (lynfabrikken.dk). “Lobster Tuesdays” at Mefisto, a cosy candlelit restaurant in the Latin Quarter, are a local institution (mefisto.dk).
Where to stay
Cabinn Aarhus has small but functional rooms, reminiscent of ships’ cabins, in a lively canalside location (from £53, cabinn.dk). For a little more charm, upgrade to Aarhus Guldsmeden, an eco-friendly guesthouse in the Latin Quarter with bikes for hire (from £110, hotelguldsmeden.com).
Insider tip
“Check out Godsbanen, a cultural centre which puts on art, fashion or film events,” says Marie Nipper, chief curator at ARoS. “Apothek in Jægergaardsgade is a cocktail bar with a great atmosphere. It is an old pharmacy and has a speakeasy feel.”
Give me a break
Home: boutique breaks in Tulse Hill, London Tulse Hill may not be the first place that springs to mind for a romantic city break, but the south London neighbourhood is about to get its first boutique hotel. The Tulse Hill Hotel reopens this month following a £1.5m renovation with nine monochrome bedrooms and a restaurant headed up by former River Cottage chef Daniel Stevens. Double rooms from £105 per night (tulsehillhotel.com).
Away: stay cool in Sweden’s Ice Hotel The original Ice Hotel in the Swedish village of Jukkasjärvi is celebrating its 25th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Discover the World is offering a Wellbeing Escape with winter running trails, cross-country skiing and a spa visit. The break costs from £1,285pp, including flights, three nights in the Ice Hotel and clothing. Trips depart in January, February and March (discover-the-world.co.uk/icehotel).
