There’s no better place than Europe in December.
Sure, the days might be short and the weather a little on the chilly side (although it’s warmer in the south!), but festive celebrations are in full swing.
Whether you want to embrace the cold weather in Lapland or enjoy both sunny weather and Christmas traditions in the south, there are hundreds of festive destinations to visit.
Plus, December’s the start of the ski season in Europe, with mountain ranges all over Europe – from the Alps to Bulgaria’s Pirin Mountains – welcoming snow-happy tourists in their droves.
Not a fan of the festive season? There are even some destinations where you won’t notice the holiday spirit much, that focus more on nature, winter sunshine or snowsports.
December’s not all about Christmas, but it’s a large part!
Christmas markets fling open their doors at the start of the month (some even at the end of November); cities and towns all over the continent twinkle with fairy lights.
Most major cities in Europe have some sort of winter activity in December; but here are some of the best.
Read on to discover the most Christmassy places to visit in Europe!
1. Rovameni, Finland
It’s hard to find a destination better suited for December than Rovameni, Finland.
Located in Lapland, the city is known as the official hometown of Santa Claus!
At Santa Claus Village you can meet Santa, explore the Post Office (and mail a postcard – for this year or next!), see his squad of reindeer and enjoy a photo opportunity with the giant snowman!
There are plenty of other things to do in Rovaniemi in the winter: snowmobiling, reindeer sledding, and dog sledding are among some of the best!
Snow is frequent, and temperatures are often well below freezing; you can actually cross the Arctic Circle in Rovameni!
Another reason to visit in December, thanks to the long winter nights, is the high chance to see the Northern Lights (also called Aurora Borealis).
Venture outside the city, away from light pollution, and be amazed by the vibrant colors dancing in the sky.
If Mother Nature allows, you may be able to see them in the city as well.
For an uninterrupted view, consider staying in a glass igloo, which are kitted out with alarms that wake you up if the Northern Lights are visible – and you can see them while warm in bed!
2. London, England
London’s a little chilly in December (although nowhere near as much as places further north in Europe!), but it remains a highlight when it comes to festive destinations.
The biggest city in Western Europe, London has an extensive selection of Christmas markets spanning across the city centre and suburbs (there’s even one in Bromley, the commuter-focused suburb I grew up in).
From Southbank to Winter Wonderland, you can virtually hear jingle bells and smell the mulled wine at every step in the British capital!
Light displays are abundant throughout the capital; my favourite is the angels on Regent Street.
If you’re Christmassed-out, there’s plenty more on offer in London too.
London’s a fantastic city for a winter trip, thanks to its plethora of museums – the biggest and best of which are free. That’s right, you can walk around millennia of the earth’s past at the Natural History Museum or go back in British design history at the V&A museum without paying a penny!
Fancy a winter warmer? While British cuisine is typically the laughing stock of Europe, there’s no denying that you can find delicious food in London, largely thanks to its multicultural population.
Whether you’re craving ramen that tastes like it’s from downtown Tokyo or a classic curry – originally from India but that has merged with British flavours over the decades – London definitely delivers when it comes to its food scene.
Outdoor activities, bar walking around Christmas markets and ice skating rinks, aren’t abundant in London itself in December, but there are plenty of winter day trips that you can take from the city to enjoy British nature. I highly recommend the seaside town of Brighton!
3. Hallstatt, Austria
If you’re looking to soak up all the wintertime magic in December, head to Hallstatt, a fairytale town in the Austrian Alps.
The town’s colorful gingerbread houses, perched between pine trees on mountain slopes, look charming year-round – but come December, though, they usually have lights, garland, and even icicles festooning their rafters.
You could spend hours wandering around its Old Town, taking in the stunning views of the adorable old buildings, the turquoise waters of Lake Hallstatt, and the snow-capped Alps.
Beyond its storybook village, there are plenty of things to do in Hallstatt to soak up holiday cheer.
For example, the town throws its own Christmas market on 8th December each year.
You can warm up with a steaming mug of gluhwein; peruse the vendors’ stalls of wooden toys, hand-made ornaments, or cozy mittens; or admire the life-sized nativity set, hand-carved by a local carpentry school.
If you’re travelling with kids or simply want to maximize the Christmas vibes, visit the Hallstatt area the first weekend of Advent.
In the neighboring town of Obertraun, the children of the area gather on the shores of Lake Hallstatt at night, lit up only by candlelight.
Saint Nicholas himself will silently glide out ashore on a wooden boat; hand out small treats for the waiting crowd, like apples and oranges; and recite a Christmas poem.
And, as quickly as he arrived on shore, he’ll slip back into the night, only to be seen again the following December!
4. Prague, Czechia
Prague is dreamy as it is, but it becomes all the more enchanting during the holiday season, perhaps with the first dusting of snow.
Prague is pretty cold during December and snowfall gradually increases towards the end of the month.
The temperatures range between -3 to 2 degrees Celsius – but don’t worry, the festive air will keep you warm!
December is a month of celebration – yet the city is not as crowded as it is during the peak summer season.
Visit the Czech capital city in December to experience these celebrations, not as many tourists (although it is one of the most renowned European cities for its Christmas markets) and lower prices.
Keep in mind that the prices do tend to go higher as Christmas approaches, so try to book in advance if you’re visiting later in December.
While you’re exploring the stunning city, don’t miss Prague Castle.
Home to the president of the Czech Republic, it has been the residence of several monarchs in the past.
It is one of the most impressive buildings in the Czech Republic and also has a lot of cultural and historical importance.
Also, don’t miss the many other beautiful and unique Prague monuments – the city has a ton of quirky architecture!
Don’t miss the Charles Bridge – every day in December, a lamp lighter dressed in historical clothes, lights the gas lamps on this bridge manually!
Then there are the enchanting Christmas markets in Prague.
These markets are filled with wooden toys, souvenirs, delicious food, winter clothing and much more.
The Old Town Square has some of the biggest Christmas markets with various musicians lighting up the atmosphere with their performances.
Try “Trdelnik”, a delicious pastry which you can find in any of the Christmas markets or “Svařák” a popular mulled wine.
Staying in Prague until New Year’s Eve? Good idea! It’s a popular destination right at the end of the year, with some incredible fireworks. You could even book a boat ride to watch the fireworks from the water!
5. Luxembourg
December in Luxembourg? Expect fewer tourists and a winter wonderland awaiting your arrival.
The month brings with it a shimmering blanket of snow, making Luxembourg a top contender for your European winter escape.
Dive into charming Christmas markets, where you’ll find festive magic minus the dense crowds.
While Luxembourg may be small in size, its offerings are vast and varied. Winter unveils affordable thrills—think exhilarating hikes, ice-skating, and scenic bike tours. Join the locals at Guillaume II’s ice rink, a winter favorite.
For a sprinkle of festive charm, meander through the Christmas markets. Iconic festive spots include Place De La Constitution and Place De Paris. And while you’re at it, treat your taste buds to traditional delights—smoked pork with beans and crispy potato fritters stand out.
No trip would be complete without a journey to the iconic Vianden Castle, where history and impressive architecture intertwine.
Wondering where to stay in Luxembourg? Consider Mama Shelter Luxembourg for a mid-range cost or Hotel Le Place d’Armes for luxurious a choice.
6. Bansko, Bulgaria
December is the wake-up month for Bansko, Bulgaria. As the chance of snow increases, Bansko comes alive!
The ski season usually starts around 15th December – when the whole town kicks into high gear.
Nestled in the UNESCO heritage site of the Pirin mountains, Bansko is not only a fabulous ski resort but a well-preserved ethnographic Bulgarian town.
As you walk down the cobblestone streets, you’ll be enchanted by the 19th-century stone churches, authentic houses and inns from the Revival period of Bulgaria, and of course traditional mehanas ready to fill your belly with delicious Banska Kapama (sauerkraut and various types of meat cooked for hours in a clay pot).
Don’t forget the world-renowned wine!
If you come in the second half of December, chances are you’re going to ski.
With 15 ski lifts and over 75 km of slopes, Bansko is the best place for winter sports in Bulgaria; some of the lifts go as far up as 2530 m.
That’s right, when it comes to skiing, Bansko gives the Alps a run for their money!
7. Morskie Oko, Poland
If you want a winter hike while visiting Europe in December, Morskie Oko, located in the stunning Tatra Mountains in Poland, is highly recommended!
Morskie Oko, sitting in the mountains, is much colder than other destinations in December, with heavy snowfall being likely.
Due to this, the area won’t be too crowded – and while winter hiking is great fun, it’s advisable to walk with a guide.
There are some fantastic things to do in the area around Morskie Oko, too.
Visit Zakopane, the Winter Capital of Poland and enjoy skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding!
Since Morskie Oko is remote, you might have to take multiple modes of transportation to reach it.
From Krakow, take a train or bus to Zakopane.
From Zakopane, take a public bus to Palenica Białczańska.
8. Valencia, Spain
Fancy visiting somewhere festive, but still with a chance of sunshine? Head to Valencia in December!
As winter settles in most parts of Europe, average temperatures in Valencia range from 8 to 17ºC.
This makes it an ideal escape from the harsh winter climates found elsewhere on the continent!
During December, Valencia comes alive with twinkling lights, charming Christmas markets and beautifully decorated streets.
Christmas in Valencia is a big deal – and locals celebrate it by meeting up with friends and family in cafés throughout the whole month of December.
The iconic Plaza del Ayuntamiento hosts a grand Christmas tree, an ice rink and the New Year’s Eve party.
One place you cannot miss is the City of Arts and Sciences.
This futuristic architectural complex is a must-visit sight in Valencia any time of the year, but during December, it also hosts the best Christmas market in town.
If you want to do Christmas shopping, stroll through the historic Old Town.
Visit the famous Central Market for delicious local delicacies, and admire Valencia Cathedral and other architecture along the way.
Also, indulge in the local cuisine with every chance you get!
December is an excellent time to savour traditional dishes, such as churros, buñuelos, and candied almonds.
9. Saturnia, Italy
Saturnia is one of my favourite places on this planet.
It has delicious food, excellent year-round weather, and incredible landscapes.
In winter, it’s truly spectacular. While it’s cooler than other winter sun destinations on this list, mild days are possible, and the summer crowds leave a certain serenity, and the golden and silver colours of the pools reflect against the sky.
There are plenty of appeals to Saturnia, including its beautiful little restaurants, quaint wine bars, vineyards, and admire incredible landscapes.
But if you want something truly special and unusual, why not dive into one of the many thermal springs in the region?
As the weather turns colder, the hot waters gushing from geothermal waterfalls become all the more inviting.
Although not widely known among tourists, Tuscany has plenty of hot springs.
The signs up and down the highway direct you to local thermal springs – look for the word ‘Terme,’ which translates to ‘thermal.’
Before to long, you’ll be sitting in a warm, natural bath outside in the winter, surrounded by tall cypress trees, while a waterfall spouts out warm geothermal water.
Quite frankly, it’s one of the most unusual and beautiful experiences, and it’s a bucket list experience!
In the winter, it’s much quieter and cheaper. In the summer it is packed with tourists!
The most famous thermal spring in the region is Terme di Saturnia in the region of Saturnia. I
t’s the most Instagrammable, photogenic place, but as this one is the most famous, it can get very popular throughout the winter months!
Renting a car and exploring the area is very easy; it’s stunningly beautiful… you won’t regret it!
10. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a fantastic winter destination – especially in December.
In December, the entire city is adorned with Christmas lights and decorations.
The Old Town Square includes a large Christmas market selling traditional handicrafts.
Tallinn even claims to be the birthplace of the Christmas tree tradition – with a large Christmas tree at its center!
December usually sees the first snow in Tallinn, the white-dusted streets and serene rooftops only add more charm to the city’s historic old town – which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
December can be freezing in Tallinn and days are short.
Luckily there are a good number of indoor activities!
You can visit a traditional Estonian sauna, try Estonian food in one of the cozy restaurants or learn more about the country’s intriguing history under Soviet occupation in one of the city’s excellent museums such as the Vabamu museum, the TV tower or the KGB prison cells.
December is a quiet month in Tallinn with fewer tourists around, making prices more budget-friendly than during the peak summer months.
Source: https://europeinwinter.com/europe-in-december/