Where to take my dh for a pre Christmas treat?

[Anicesurprise]

I've name changed as dh knows I'm on here (not that he looks) however I don't want him to get a whiff of anything!

I'd like to surprise dh with a night or 2 away I just don't know where. Due to my job which is month on month off it means I won't be home until Dec 10th.

My lovely mum died last year and our first Christmas was awful I couldn't go near anything remotely festive and found myself in tears in random places when confronted with the inevitable.

It also hit home how sad it is for those who really don't enjoy Christmas it's hard to ignore it when you're assaulted come October.

Anyway, dh has been an absolute rock he's walked with me, supported me and shielded me as much as he could during last Christmas and I really want to surprise him with something.

I have considered a few nights in Austria, Switzerland and other wintery places I'm wondering if given how close it is to Christmas we should stick to the UK, we're in the Southwest.

Any Christmassy suggestions?

Bath? Bruges?

Edinburgh at Christmas is lovely, the Christmas markets are great.

I'm sorry about your Mum

Reykjavik. We went last year before Christmas and it was magical!

Love Bath and Edinburgh, thank you. Jessica what did you do there that was so magical? Sounds like something dh would enjoy

Just the general vibe in Iceland is wonderful, but sitting out in the hot springs with the snow coming down is quite an experience, we also did a helicopter trip up into the mountains. Didn't get to see the Northern lights due to weather but maybe one day. If you are interested I'll PM you our itinerary...

Prague or Berlin - lots of gorgeous Christmas markets, mulled wine, beer, sightseeing and cultural stuff

@Jessica78 yes please that would be great, thank you!

I had a lovely pre Christmas break in Brussels looking at the markets

Budapest is incredible and so cheap, you can really do anything you want over there.

Also been to Prague, which was great, and New York is obviously amazing at Christmas. All that being said.. Iceland in December last year really was the best holiday I have ever been on though.

Ohhhh I love Christmas holidays. Hoping to get to Copenhagen this year :)

Budapest has the best Christmas market we’ve been to.
Edinburgh as a pp mentioned is lovely too. Have a look at The Witchery Hotel near the castle.

I would second Edinburgh. We had our honeymoon around Christmas time and it was wonderful. Christmas market, dinner at the Witchery and we saw penguins at the zoo in the ice.

Have PMd you!

We're going to Edinburgh this year already so can't do Dec, think I'm going to go with the Iceland idea.

Thanks so much :)

Be warned that it's eye-wateringly expensive in Iceland, so budget accordingly!

I recommend Salzburg. It’s so beautiful and festive.