Artistic Diversion - Paris / Amsterdam
The last stretch of this year's Paris Autumn Festival brings to light contemporary art and it's varied expressions, including the cinematic force of film critic Serge Daney and a surreal visual arts spectacle combining the classical compositions of Shubert and Purcell with the words of Kafka and Shakespeare.
http://www.europe-cities.com/en/1033/france/paris/2107_paris_autumn_festival/

The harrowing wartime experiences of a little Jewish girl led writer Michelle Blair to the iconic Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam.
http://whirlwindtravel.wordpress.com/2011/11/18/the-anne-frank-house/

Foodie Fun - Normandy
Learning to cook the local cuisine appears on many a bucket list, which is why cooking classes have mushroomed throughout Europe. In Normandy, food enthusiasts Susan Loomis learn that ins and outs of French cooking with well-known chef and culinary instructor, Susan Herrmann.
http://www.thepariskitchen.com/2010/04/french-cooking-with-susan-herrmann-on-the-rue-tatin/

City Break - Helsinki
Like a shining Northern light, Helsinki beckons writer Norman Miller with its cool architecture, sleek 'Design District' and high sense of artistry.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/artsandculture/8920118/Helsinki-Finland-a-cultural-guide.html

Holiday Spirit - London
If Christmas makes your heart race with excitement, then London, is the place to visit during December. Europe's quintessential modern metropolis buzzes with Yuletide traditions and festivities, including ice-skating rinks, stunning window displays and high-end dance extravaganzas. Here are some of the festive ways to celebrate the holidays in London:

1. London welcomes the festive holiday season with a slew of activities, from charming Christmas fairs to ice skating rinks and plenty of cultural celebrations.
http://www.europe-cities.com/en/1033/uk_england/london/2110_holiday_activities_in_london/

2. Harrods has been a staple of the tourist route in London for over a century, and despite having changed hands a few times and burned their royal warrants, it’s still a very popular place to go in the city.  But at Christmas, Harrods really pulls out all the stops and doubles its efforts.  From Christmassy things to buy to stunning window displays to the well-known Santa’s Grotto, visiting Harrods at Christmas is a treat.
http://www.europe-cities.com/en/1033/uk_england/london/2108_harrods_-_the_christmas_experience/

3. Have a Ball - With the holiday shopping, ice skating and some much-needed sightseeing checked off the to-do list, why not go to a Christmas ball in London. From the elegant Black and White Ball to more steamy, leather-bound gala, the British capital has it all.
http://www.europe-cities.com/en/1033/uk_england/london/2109_london_christmas_balls/

Travel Adventure - Danube Cruise
Visiting family and friends during Yuletide is a standard tradition, but going on a cruise at Christmas time can be equally fun (and possibly much more relaxing), as solo globetrotter Janette Griffitsh of the Telegraph finds.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/8904683/A-Danube-cruise-at-Christmas-time.html