Best European Cities to Visit in December
In this article
There are so many amazing places around Europe to visit in December, whether you are
looking for a perfect Christmas shopping location, a visit to Christmas markets or taking
in some history and culture.
European cities make ideal winter vacation destinations, with so many Christmas activities and
festivals taking place throughout December. Snowy weather in some European areas also attracts winter
sports enthusiasts who are looking for some festive fun on the slopes.
Our guide to the best European cities to visit in December should help you to plan your dream winter
holiday, filled with all the magical festive fun you need for an unforgettable visit in Europe.
Our Take on The Best European Cities to Visit in December
The cities around Europe have unique attractions and each destination has individual appeal.
Some cities are ideal for festive celebrations, while others are all about the ski slopes. Our
summaries of the top cities should help you to decide the most fantastic winter destination for
your ideal winter trip.
1. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a very popular winter destination with the combination of potential snowfall and stunning
architecture turning the city into a winter wonderland.
The Czech capital has several picturesque squares, such as the Old Town Square, where the annual
Christmas market takes place. Prague Castle is worth a visit and you should take a walk to see the
Lamplights on Charles Bridge and there are a number of outdoor ice skating rinks to visit.
If you’d love to visit Prague this winter, check out the
travel requirements for the Czech Republic first.
2. Budapest, Hungary
Temperatures can drop to around -20°C in winter in Budapest and it is home to the largest ice skating
rink in Europe when the City Park's boating lake freezes over and the backdrop of Vajdahunyad
Castle makes the experience even more spectacular.
You can warm up with a mulled wine or hot chocolate at the Christmas markets around the city center,
while the laser show at St Stephen's Basilica is worth braving the cold weather for.
If you plan to travel to Budapest, get to know the
visa requirements for Hungary and other relevant
information beforehand.
3. Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck has hosted the Winter Olympics twice due to its fantastic location in the Alps.
It is a popular winter destination for winter hiking and skiing, and taking a Nordkette cable
car ride will give you stunning views.
Top attractions like the Golden Roof, Ambras Castle and Bergisel Ski Jump make Innsbruck a great
place for a day trip and the thermal baths will help you to feel rejuvenated in time for Christmas.
4. Vienna, Austria
Lying along the Danube River, Vienna is famous for its artistic culture and Imperial palaces.
When you visit Vienna you will see impressive architecture such as St Stephen's Cathedral, Hofburg
Imperial Palace, and the Vienna State Opera House.
A walking tour of the city will take you through street art, Viennese cafes, and through December
the many Christmas markets.
When planning your winter vacation, check out our guide on
Austria visa and entry requirements too.
5. Rome, Italy
Rome is one of the milder European cities in winter, so snow is less common but there is still a lot
of festive cheer to indulge in. It is a fabulous place to do your Christmas shopping and there are
many top-designer stores to visit.
The top sightseeing attraction in Rome is of course the Colosseum, which is open every day except
25 Dec and 1 Jan. If you are looking for a fine dining Christmas dinner then Rome is home to some
of the finest chef's in the world.
Check out how to gain entry to Italy before taking your winter
holiday plans any further.
6. Colmar, France
Colmar is famous for the most atmospheric Christmas markets in France, so if you are looking for
somewhere with winter charm, Christmas lights, and traditional Christmas markets, this is one of the
best places to visit. Colmar is close to the Switzerland border and there are some great
ski resorts nearby.
7. Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark is a great place to spend Christmas and New Year as they celebrate in style. Copenhagen
in December is magical with streets of Christmas markets, parades and a good chance of snow for
a White Christmas.
Hygge is a preferred type of lifestyle in Denmark that involves a warm atmosphere and comfortable
environment and this is why many people say Christmas in Denmark is more enjoyable than in other
European cities.
If you’ve set your mind up to visit Copenhagen this December, make sure to familiarize yourself
with travel authorization for Denmark.
8. Helsinki, Finland
There are many festive events going on in Helsinki and the close proximity to Santa Claus in the
North Pole and the Arctic Circle is one of the reasons people travel here. The Suomenlinna fortress
is a unique place to visit in Europe, while the architectural brilliance of Helsinki Cathedral
is another place to see.
Prepare for your winter trip to Helsinki properly, and check out the
travel requirements for Finland.
9. Paris, France
Paris needs no introduction as one of the best cities to visit in Europe but not many people
know that it is a fantastic place to be at Christmas. The stores are adorned with beautifully
decorated displays and the cafes and bars are buzzing over the holiday season. For the best
Christmas market, visit La Defense and enjoy ice skating in the Jardin des Tuileries Christmas
Market near the Louvre.
If you plan to travel to Paris this winter, learn key information about
visa requirements for France beforehand.
10. Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
Karlovy Vary is one of the lesser-known European cities for visiting in December. However,
it is the place to visit for thermal springs. The spa town is renowned for its warm water
river and tree-lined streets.
In December, Karlovy Vary holds Christmas markets between Grandhotel Pupp and Thermal Hotel,
so you can have fun at the markets and then take a relaxing visit to a thermal spa.
11. Valletta, Malta
The Valletta Fairyland Christmas Village is one of the top festive attractions in the European winter
destinations, and Christmas is a big celebration in Malta. The average daily temperature in December
is 17°C which is considerably warmer weather than some of the other European cities.
Travelers to Valletta should check out how to gain entry to Malta
before they go any further with their plans.
12. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is one of the best places to visit to see the Northern Lights and the Iceland capital is
a short distance from the Blue Lagoon, one of the most renowned places for the hot springs and for
the silica mud mask skin treatment.
Dog sledding is also a popular activity to try in Iceland, along with most snow sports.
If you’re wondering whether you need a visa to visit Reykjavik, read more about
visa requirements for Iceland.
13. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a beautiful Christmas destination, with the magnificent Square overlooked by the Belfry
turning into a magical wonderland filled with Christmas markets. Bruges is also home to a chocolate
factory and endless beer tours.
When it comes to gaining access to Bruges, some visitors will need to
get visa for Belgium, while others may not be
required to do that step.
14. Chateau-d’Oex, Switzerland
The lovely chalets and snowy mountainous make for a dream location in the winter months
if you are looking for somewhere filled with Christmas spirit. The famous Chateau d'Oex
ski resort is popular for snow sports as well as cheese-making demonstrations.
Travelers to this picturesque place can get either a Schengen visa or an
ETIAS for Switzerland.
15. Crete, Greece
December is one of the quieter times of year to visit Crete with fewer tourists, as most
people travel here in the summer for the sunny weather.
The island situated in the Mediterranean Sea is a very different type of holiday in the winter
compared to the summer months. Still, Christmas markets and Christmas lights make it a beautiful
setting for spending Christmas in.
Greece is a part of the Schengen community, so some visitors will need to apply for a visa while
others will only need ETIAS travel authorization.
16. Seville, Spain
Seville is one of the warmer weather areas of Europe during December. So if you would like to enjoy
festive events without freezing cold temperatures, Seville might be the place for you.
In December there are street musicians, parades, and Christmas concerts to enjoy as well as the
Christmas markets. During winter, Seville's tapas bars are great places to spend an evening, eating
great food surrounded by Christmas decorations and light displays.
The Real Alcaraz Palace and the Plaza de Toros are also worth a visit. But before you book a flight
and accommodation, make sure to understand the
travel requirements for Spain.
17. Munich, Germany
Christmas markets originated in Germany and you can expect the grandest and most traditional
Christmas markets in Munich. If you are looking for a winter trip to experience holiday cheer,
Munich is a top destination. You can try curling at the Nymphenburger Canal and ice skating
at Muenchner Eiszauber.
Learn how to gain entry to Germany and enjoy the
splendid Christmas market in Munich.
18. Sicily, Italy
Palermo, Sicily's capital is a top winter destination buzzing with holiday spirit. You can still
enjoy pleasant weather in December in Sicily while visiting the Christmas markets and indulging
in the local delicacies.
Sicily is also a less crowded city to visit in Europe in December, so if you want to experience
Christmas events in a warmer and less busy place, it is a great winter destination.
19. Porto, Portugal
The Porto Christmas Market an exciting place to visit in December, with stalls serving delicious food
and selling artisan crafts. As well as having lots of events in Christmas week, Porto is a stunning
destination for a holiday at any time of year, with beautiful bridges, cobbled streets, and of course,
the best place to drink port!
If you’re wondering whether you need a visa for Porto, read our guide on
visa requirements for Portugal.
20. The French and Swiss Alps
For the ultimate snow sports holiday, there is nowhere better than The Alps. France tends to have more
prominent ski resorts than Switzerland, with more advanced pistes, and Tignes is regarded as one of
the best places for guaranteed snow.
If you are looking for a luxury ski resort, both France and Switzerland have plenty, including Davos
(Switzerland) and Chamonix Mt Blanc (France). Many resorts have festive events taking place in the
lead-up to Christmas and over New Year, with the Rise Ski Festival being a popular event for people
whose perfect vacation involves music and skiing.
Best European Cities to Visit in December for Christmas Markets
- Vienna
- Berlin
- Munich
- Budapest
- Prague
- Cologne
- Copenhagen
- Brussels
Best Warm European Cities to Visit in December
For winter sun the best European destinations are the Canary Islands where Europeans flock to
over December and January.
Las Palmas in Gran Canaria and southern Tenerife tend to have temperatures above 20°C in
December. Although sunshine is not guaranteed, it is common to be able to sunbathe in Tenerife
and other Canary Islands in December.
Due to the location to the west of Africa, flights to the Canaries from London are over 4.5
hours long, so if you are looking for a shorter flight time, there are some warm cities in Europe
such as Seville, the Algarve, Benidorm, Costa del Sol, Crete, and Cyprus.
ETIAS: Visa Waiver for EU Visitors
From 2023 non-European citizens that currently don’t require a visa will have to get an ETIAS
to enter the Schengen area. The ETIAS is applicable for tourist visits to Europe for a maximum stay
of 90 days. The process for applying for an ETIAS
will be much simpler than a visa application, as it is digitalized and there is no requirement
for an interview at the embassy.
FAQs
1. What is the warmest European city in December?
Tenerife is usually the warmest part of Europe but in terms of mainland Europe, the city of Seville in Spain gets warm weather all year round.2. Is Europe worth visiting in December?
Yes, whether you want a sunshine break or to celebrate the festive period while wrapped up warm, there are some amazing destinations to visit in Europe in December. German cities are very popular for visiting the Christmas markets, while areas in and around The Alps are full of excitement at Christmas, as well as good snow.3. Is Europe a good place to travel in December?
Yes, many people enjoy a break in Europe during December. The world's most famous Christmas markets are in Germany, Switzerland and other European countries. It is the ideal place to get into the festive spirit or to enjoy some snow sports.4. Where is the most Christmassy place in Europe?
Colmar in France is commonly regarded as the most Christmassy place in Europe, while Vienna is also a magical place to spend Christmas and New Year.5. What is the best European country to visit in winter?
For the best Christmas markets, Germany is a great place to visit, with festive events and celebrations taking place throughout winter. If you want to visit somewhere that is going to be snowy, then the Swiss Alps or French Alps is ideal for spending a White Christmas, doing some skiing or snowboarding and enjoying the apres-ski activities.
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