If you really want to maximise the magic this festive season, why not set your sights on the slopes? Not only is a snow-dusted Christmas just about guaranteed, but many resorts go all-out with special events, dazzling decorations and must-visit markets. Here are our fave spots to spend the most wonderful time of year...

Selva Val Gardena, Italy

Fly to: Verona

Although the Dolomiti Superski area’s 1,200km of piste is more than enough to keep you busy, Selva Val Gardena’s unique Christmas market is made for mooching. From early December to early January, the village’s square is packed with stalls selling traditional trinkets. Chat about your favourite runs of the day over a mug of mulled wine, then pick up a souvenir or two.

Kitzbühel, Austria

Fly to: Salzburg

Kitzbühel’s medieval buildings and cobbled streets are all the more whimsical come Christmas. While away your days cruising down tree-lined trails, then let the smell of roasted chestnuts guide you to the market. Live music adds to the atmosphere and there are lots of activities for kids. You can ring in the new year with street performances, DJ sets and a fire show!

Val d’Isere, France

Fly to: Chambery

Famed as having some of the best après in France, Val d’Isere sure knows how to celebrate. Make a beeline for the main square and get some snaps for the album by the bauble-studded tree. Visiting with little ones? There are free workshops on in the run-up to Christmas, and the jolly man himself often makes an appearance on Christmas Eve!

Les Arcs, France

Fly to: Chambery

Part of the high-altitude Paradiski area, Les Arcs is all fairy lights and fluffy snow in December and January. On Christmas Eve, you can catch the annual parade of costumed characters, have a picture with Father Christmas and enjoy some fabulous fireworks. New Year’s Eve calls for a party on the piste, so dust off your dancing shoes.

Zell am See, Austria

Fly to: Salzburg

Nowhere does Noel quite like Zell am See. Lights adorn the streets from November, and various markets sprout up around the town and along the lakefront. There are all sorts of unique traditions to experience, like Christmas tree diving. Every year, a tree is put at the bottom of the lake and then retrieved by members of the water rescue team. There’s also the Tresterer Dance. Local folklore states that this performance banishes evil spirits and wishes everyone good luck for the new year.

Val Thorens, France

Fly to: Chambery

A winter wonderland awaits in Val Thorens, Europe’s highest resort. The torchlit descent of the ski instructors on Christmas Eve is a holiday highlight. And when the big day arrives, you can spend it exploring the sprawling Three Valleys ski area. Tobogganing, snow tubing and ice skating are all on the cards too. When it comes to dining, swap turkey for tartiflette (reblochon cheese, potatoes, bacon and onions).