Salzburg. Whisper it under a bunch of mistletoe to be transported to a place of ice-skating, hot chocolate and Xmas markets.

Its dainty old town looks even more like a fairytale when dusted with a smatter of snowflakes.

But who’s that jingling through the snow? Why, what red… eyes you have. Santa? That you?? SANTAAaaAaAAAhhhhhh...

Go for... Krampus and Perchten

‘He knows if you’ve been bad or good….’

Krampus and Perchten are the older, gnarlier versions of St. Nick, and they’re kind of arseholes. These Austrian pagan devils find the bad kids and haul them down to the underworld. No new bike for you, Timmy.

There's Krampus and Perchten parades in Salzburg in the first week of December - head there to see people frolic in furry costumes and horned masks, scaring the beejezus out of innocent Christmas lovers.

Other good stuff

‘Night skiing deserves a quiet night..’ Well, close enough. At Obertauern, it’s just you, the stars and the slopes. Pack a hipflask of hot Jägertee for an evening ski through this glittery alpine resort. Catch the train or bus to Ranstadt Postamt and change to Obertauern.

Lebkuchen are the mini Austrian gingerbreads of your festive dreams. Catch them at Christmas Markets and bakeries, with a mug of mulled wine to dip into.