Dubrovnik gets extremely crowded in the summer months but during winter the Croatian city sees fewer tourists, cheaper accommodation and more relaxation. Sit in a charming café in Stradun, learn about the history and heritage in the museums and galleries, and savour the local cuisine at the heated restaurants and taverns. December is a delightful time to visit, when the Dubrovnik Christmas Fair takes over Sponza Palace offering lights, music and tastes of Dubrovnik. The open-air New Year’s Party offers spectacular entertainment, live music and fireworks by the city bell tower, and on New Year's Day, a concert in Stradun fills the street with classical and operatic music. Visit in February to don a mask for the four-day Dubrovnik Carnival. Enjoy sporchi macaroni, a local dish prepared by masked cooks, and witness the streets come alive with costumed parades and Harlequin-inspired masked balls. British Airways offers flights to Dubrovnik from £62 one-way throughout December, January and February.