If you're yet to completely fill up your December calendar this year and fancy a trip away, then a city break by yourself may be what is in order.
Rather than having to whip a group of friends and family into shape, a solo trip can be much simpler to organise and help you see a destination in a whole new light.
The cathedral spires and snow covered roof tops of a European city rarely look as enchanting than when seen for the first time on an adventure of your own making.
Below is a list of five destinations which are perfect for a last minute break and can be reached this December without breaking the bank.
Do you agree with our list? If not let us know in the comments below.
Budapest, Hungary
With its stunning architecture, long and storied history, and banging nightlife, Budapest is the perfect place to get away from it all and immerse yourself in something new.
At Christmas the Hungarian capitals grand architecture, towering town houses and cobbled squares provide the festive backdrop for some excellent markets.
Budapest's thermal baths are not only beautiful, but the perfect place to warm up and meet fellow solo travellers.
Once you've limbered up a little, the ruin bars which are dotted throughout the city are the perfect place to dance the night away, in the memorable setting of abandoned, graffitied buildings.
Fundamentally the city is one of Europe's biggest and busiest, so it's very unlikely you'll run out of things to do - whether that be a Danube River Cruise, a visit to Heroes' Square, a shopping trip in the Grand Market Hall or taking in a performance at the Hungarian State Opera House.
If you're looking to make friends, then there are plenty of walking tours around historical sections of the city and speed dating for the singles.
The journey to Budapest is also cheap, with a one-way fare from London Luton to the city in December available for £19.99 with Wizz Air.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Of all of the great European cities within a Eurostar's ride of the UK, many of them are perhaps a little too romantic for a solo trip.
As fun a trip to the Eiffel Tower can be, watching a succession of nervous couples kneel/say 'I do' in its shadow may feel a little too close to the bone.
Amsterdam has all of the Christmas charm and enchanting cobbled streets of a Paris of Bruges, while balancing it out with wild nightlife and museum culture that are perfect for a solo traveller.
The Dutch capital has plenty to do in the runup to Christmas, including the Amsterdam Light Festival, ice skating in Museumplein, shopping in the Amsterdam Christmas Markets and a canal cruise.
If sampling new food is up your street, then the oliebollen and poffertjes are worth sampling and then washing down with a bottle of jenever or kruidenbier.
If you're in the mood to make friends with a tall Dutch person, then the city has lots of intriguing Meet Ups.
The cheapest Eurostar ticket from the UK to Amsterdam this December is currently £44 one-way.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a great city for solo travellers, and one which is particularly lovely in December.
Without the luxury of the jet stream the city gets cold and its rivers regularly freeze over.
An afternoon can be happily wiled away in one of the city's Christmas markets, ice skating at the Eisbahn am Potsdamer Platz, strolling down the Kurfürstendamm and simply taking in the Christmas decorations.
If there is a finer way to celebrate yourself than trying a traditional Weihnachtszauber at the Gendarmenmarkt, then it may be a visit to the luxurious Vabali - Berlin's premier nude spa.
A great way to meet people and completely lose your inhibitions is a visit to Bergheim, a German club known for "trapping" visitors for days long parties.
Berlin can be accessed via train, plane or even bus, with Omio and Busbud selling fares for £67 return this December.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Who needs a trip to the Continent when you have the Scottish capital?
Earlier this year Edinburgh was been named the best city in the world by Time Out magazine, which quizzed thousands of city-dwellers worldwide about their hometowns.
As well as being beautiful and the home of one of the world's great accents, it has dozens of great theatres and comedy venues, and quality galleries such as the Fruitmarket and National Modern.
Currently the Edinburgh Christmas market has taken over Princes Street Gardens, providing festive cheer in the shadow of the city's imposing castle.
If you can stay late into December, then the famous Hogmanay celebrations bring the New Year in in style, with the festival of concerts, parades, and fireworks lasting several days.
Those in the mood to mingle, while also taking in some intriguing Scottish history, could join a spooky walking tour of the famously haunted Vaults.
Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki is a great destination for solo travellers looking for as wintery a Christmas holiday as Europe has to offer.
You can take a winter cruise around the archipelago and witness the snow-covered islands, glide across the frozen lake of Töölönlahti or skate on the rink at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium, and enjoy the spectacular light show in Helsinki city centre.
Local delicacies are helpfully all winter warmers and come in the form of salmon soup, blood soup, blueberry pie and the seasonally appropriate reindeer stew.
The Finnish capital is best seen slowly and by foot, with highlights including the neoclassical buildings of Senate Square, the imposing Uspenski Cathedral, and the picturesque Market Square.
Budget airlines such as EeasyJet and Ryanair are offering flights from the UK to Helsinki for as low as £20 this December.
