Europe doesn’t shut down when summer ends. In many places, winter is when the continent feels most magical, with snow-covered villages, Christmas markets, thermal baths, ski resorts, and historic cities without the usual crowds. The best winter destinations in Europe depend on the kind of trip you want. Lapland is ideal for snow and Northern Lights, the Alps offer world-class skiing, Strasbourg and Nuremberg are especially beautiful during the Christmas season, and cities such as Valletta and Athens provide milder weather. Winter can also be one of the least expensive times to visit Europe. Flights and hotels are often...