The winter season is upon us, and for many, it’s the perfect time to embark on a European adventure. The festive atmosphere, snow-capped landscapes, and cozy cafes make December an ideal time to explore the best European cities. From the romantic canals of Amsterdam to the historic streets of Vienna, each city has its unique charm and attractions that make it a must-visit during the holiday season.
Get ultimate traveler plannerWhy Visit Europe in December?
December is a great time to visit Europe as the weather is generally mild, and the crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer months. The holiday season also brings a range of festive markets, events, and activities that add to the city’s charm. Additionally, many museums, galleries, and historical landmarks offer special exhibitions and events during this time, making it an excellent opportunity to explore the city’s cultural scene.
Best European Cities to Visit in December
Here are some of the best European cities to visit in December, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and festive atmosphere:
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Amsterdam, Netherlands: Explore the city’s famous canals, visit the Rijksmuseum, and enjoy the festive atmosphere at the Amsterdam Winter Paradise.
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Vienna, Austria: Discover the city’s grand palaces, opera houses, and museums, and indulge in the festive markets and Christmas markets.
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Prague, Czech Republic: Wander through the historic streets, visit the famous Charles Bridge, and enjoy the festive atmosphere at the Prague Christmas Market.
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Berlin, Germany: Explore the city’s vibrant art scene, visit the Berlin Wall Memorial, and enjoy the festive markets and events.
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Paris, France: Visit the iconic Eiffel Tower, explore the Louvre Museum, and enjoy the festive atmosphere at the Champs-Élysées Christmas Market.
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Barcelona, Spain: Discover the city’s stunning architecture, visit the famous Sagrada Familia, and enjoy the festive atmosphere at the Barcelona Christmas Market.
These cities offer a unique blend of culture, history, and festive atmosphere, making them the perfect destinations for a winter wonderland adventure in Europe. So, pack your bags, grab your scarf, and get ready to explore the best European cities to visit in December!
Best European Cities To Visit In December
Winter Wonderland in the Alps: Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck, the capital of the Austrian Alps, is a winter wonderland in December. The city is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and the air is crisp and cold. Visit the historic center of Innsbruck, which is filled with charming streets, cafes, and shops. Take a stroll along the Inn River, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Don’t miss the Christmas market, which takes place in the heart of the city and features traditional Austrian delicacies and handicrafts.
Christmas Magic in Vienna, Austria
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city that embodies the magic of Christmas. The city is transformed into a winter wonderland in December, with festive lights and decorations adorning the streets and buildings. Visit the Vienna Christmas Market, which takes place in front of City Hall, and enjoy traditional Austrian delicacies and drinks. Take a stroll through the historic center of Vienna, which is filled with charming streets, cafes, and shops. Don’t miss the Vienna Boys’ Choir, which performs traditional Christmas carols at the Vienna Hofburg Palace. (See Also: Cities To Visit In South France)
Winter Fun in the Swiss Alps: Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt, a charming ski resort town in the Swiss Alps, is a winter paradise in December. The town is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and the air is crisp and cold. Visit the historic center of Zermatt, which is filled with charming streets, cafes, and shops. Take a stroll along the Matterhorn, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Don’t miss the Zermatt Christmas Market, which takes place in the heart of the town and features traditional Swiss delicacies and handicrafts.
Winter in the City: Berlin, Germany
Berlin, the capital of Germany, is a city that comes alive in December. The city is filled with festive lights and decorations, and the air is crisp and cold. Visit the Berlin Christmas Market, which takes place in front of the Berlin Cathedral, and enjoy traditional German delicacies and drinks. Take a stroll through the historic center of Berlin, which is filled with charming streets, cafes, and shops. Don’t miss the Berlin Zoo, which is home to over 1,500 animals, including penguins, polar bears, and monkeys.
Winter in the Mediterranean: Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, the capital of Spain, is a city that is filled with warmth and sunshine in December. The city is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, and the air is mild and pleasant. Visit the Barcelona Christmas Market, which takes place in the heart of the city and features traditional Spanish delicacies and handicrafts. Take a stroll along the famous La Rambla, which is filled with charming streets, cafes, and shops. Don’t miss the Barcelona Cathedral, which is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.
Winter in the North: Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a city that is filled with festive spirit in December. The city is surrounded by the Baltic Sea, and the air is crisp and cold. Visit the Copenhagen Christmas Market, which takes place in the heart of the city and features traditional Danish delicacies and handicrafts. Take a stroll through the historic center of Copenhagen, which is filled with charming streets, cafes, and shops. Don’t miss the Tivoli Gardens, which is a beautiful amusement park that is open year-round.
Winter in the South: Athens, Greece
Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city that is filled with warmth and sunshine in December. The city is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, and the air is mild and pleasant. Visit the Athens Christmas Market, which takes place in the heart of the city and features traditional Greek delicacies and handicrafts. Take a stroll through the historic center of Athens, which is filled with charming streets, cafes, and shops. Don’t miss the Acropolis, which is a beautiful ancient citadel that offers breathtaking views of the city.
Winter in the East: Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a city that is filled with festive spirit in December. The city is surrounded by the Vltava River, and the air is crisp and cold. Visit the Prague Christmas Market, which takes place in the heart of the city and features traditional Czech delicacies and handicrafts. Take a stroll through the historic center of Prague, which is filled with charming streets, cafes, and shops. Don’t miss the Charles Bridge, which is a beautiful medieval stone bridge that offers breathtaking views of the city.
Winter in the West: Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a city that is filled with festive spirit in December. The city is surrounded by the Tagus River, and the air is mild and pleasant. Visit the Lisbon Christmas Market, which takes place in the heart of the city and features traditional Portuguese delicacies and handicrafts. Take a stroll through the historic center of Lisbon, which is filled with charming streets, cafes, and shops. Don’t miss the Belem Tower, which is a beautiful medieval fortress that offers breathtaking views of the city.
Winter in the UK: London, United Kingdom
London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is a city that is filled with festive spirit in December. The city is surrounded by the Thames River, and the air is crisp and cold. Visit the London Christmas Market, which takes place in the heart of the city and features traditional British delicacies and handicrafts. Take a stroll through the historic center of London, which is filled with charming streets, cafes, and shops. Don’t miss the Tower of London, which is a beautiful medieval fortress that offers breathtaking views of the city.
Winter in the Netherlands: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a city that is filled with festive spirit in December. The city is surrounded by canals, and the air is crisp and cold. Visit the Amsterdam Christmas Market, which takes place in the heart of the city and features traditional Dutch delicacies and handicrafts. Take a stroll through the historic center of Amsterdam, which is filled with charming streets, cafes, and shops. Don’t miss the Rijksmuseum, which is a beautiful museum that features a collection of Dutch art and history.
Winter in the Nordic Countries: Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a city that is filled with festive spirit in December. The city is surrounded by the Baltic Sea, and the air is crisp and cold. Visit the Helsinki Christmas Market, which takes place in the heart of the city and features traditional Finnish delicacies and handicrafts. Take a stroll through the historic center of Helsinki, which is filled with charming streets, cafes, and shops. Don’t miss the Senate Square, which is a beautiful square that features a stunning cathedral and a statue of the Finnish president.
Winter in the Nordic Countries: Oslo, Norway
Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a city that is filled with festive spirit in December. The city is surrounded by the Oslofjord, and the air is crisp and cold. Visit the Oslo Christmas Market, which takes place in the heart of the city and features traditional Norwegian delicacies and handicrafts. Take a stroll through the historic center of Oslo, which is filled with charming streets, cafes, and shops. Don’t miss the Akershus Fortress, which is a beautiful medieval fortress that offers breathtaking views of the city. (See Also: What Cities To Visit In Iceland)
Winter in the Nordic Countries: Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is a city that is filled with festive spirit in December. The city is surrounded by the Baltic Sea, and the air is crisp and cold. Visit the Stockholm Christmas Market, which takes place in the heart of the city and features traditional Swedish delicacies and handicrafts. Take a stroll through the historic center of Stockholm, which is filled with charming streets, cafes, and shops. Don’t miss the Vasa Museum, which is a beautiful museum that features a collection of Swedish art and history.
Winter in the Nordic Countries: Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is a city that is filled with festive spirit in December. The city is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, and the air is crisp and cold. Visit the Reykjavik Christmas Market, which takes place in the heart of the city and features traditional Icelandic delicacies and handicrafts. Take a stroll through the historic center of Reykjavik, which is filled with charming streets, cafes, and shops. Don’t miss the Hallgrimskirkja, which is a beautiful church that offers breathtaking views of the city.
Winter in the Nordic Countries: Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a city that is filled with festive spirit in December. The city is surrounded by the Baltic Sea, and the air is crisp and cold. Visit the Copenhagen Christmas Market, which takes place in the heart of the city and features traditional Danish delicacies and handicrafts. Take a stroll through the historic center of Copenhagen, which is filled with charming streets, cafes, and shops. Don’t miss the Tivoli Gardens, which is a beautiful amusement park that is open year-round.
Winter in the Nordic Countries: Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a city that is filled with festive spirit in December. The city is surrounded by the Baltic Sea, and the air is crisp and cold. Visit the Helsinki Christmas Market, which takes place in the heart of the city and features traditional Finnish delicacies and handicrafts. Take a stroll through the historic center of Helsinki, which is filled with charming streets, cafes, and shops. Don’t miss the Senate Square, which is a beautiful square that features a stunning cathedral and a statue of the Finnish president.
Winter in the Nordic Countries: Oslo, Norway
Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a city that is filled with festive spirit in December. The city is surrounded by the Oslofjord, and the air is crisp and cold. Visit the Oslo Christmas Market, which takes place in the heart of the city and features traditional Norwegian delicacies and handicrafts. Take a stroll through the historic center of Oslo, which is filled with charming streets, cafes, and shops. Don’t miss the Akershus Fortress, which is a beautiful medieval fortress that offers breathtaking views of the city.
Winter in the Nordic Countries: Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is a city that is filled with festive spirit in December. The city is surrounded by the Baltic Sea, and the air is crisp and cold. Visit the Stockholm Christmas Market, which takes place in the heart of the city and features traditional Swedish delicacies and handicrafts. Take a stroll through the historic center of Stockholm, which is filled with charming streets, cafes, and shops. Don’t miss the Vasa Museum, which is a beautiful museum that features a collection of Swedish art and history.
Winter in the Nordic Countries: Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is a city that is filled with festive spirit in December. The city is surrounded by the Atlantic
As we conclude our article on the best European cities to visit in December, it’s clear that there’s something for everyone on this continent. From festive markets to cozy cafes, and from world-class museums to breathtaking architecture, Europe has it all.
We began by highlighting the top cities to visit in December, including Vienna, Austria; Prague, Czech Republic; and Berlin, Germany. Each of these cities offers a unique blend of holiday cheer, cultural attractions, and delicious food and drink.
We also explored the festive markets that can be found in many European cities during the holiday season. From the famous Christkindlmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany to the charming Winter Market in Vienna, Austria, these markets offer a chance to shop for unique gifts, sample local delicacies, and soak up the holiday atmosphere.
In addition to the festive markets, we also discussed the many cultural attractions that can be found in European cities. From world-class museums like the Louvre in Paris, France to historic landmarks like the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Europe. (See Also: Best Cities To Visit In Uk)
Finally, we touched on the importance of cozying up in a warm and welcoming cafe or restaurant during the cold winter months. From traditional European dishes like goulash and schnitzel to warm and comforting drinks like hot chocolate and glühwein, there’s no shortage of ways to warm up and refuel during your European adventure.
In conclusion, Europe is a fantastic destination for a holiday getaway, with its festive markets, cultural attractions, and cozy cafes and restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, there’s something for everyone in Europe during the month of December.
Here are five FAQs related to the best European cities to visit in December:
FAQs: Best European Cities To Visit In Dec
What are the best European cities to visit in December for Christmas markets?
Some of the best European cities to visit in December for Christmas markets include Vienna, Austria; Berlin, Germany; and Prague, Czech Republic. These cities offer a magical atmosphere, festive lights, and a wide range of traditional food and drinks. Make sure to try some glühwein and gingerbread cookies while you’re there!
What are the best European cities to visit in December for winter sports?
If you’re looking for a winter sports adventure, consider visiting the Swiss cities of Zermatt, St. Moritz, or Interlaken. These cities offer world-class skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating opportunities. You can also take a scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps for breathtaking views.
What are the best European cities to visit in December for festive atmosphere?
Copenhagen, Denmark, and Stockholm, Sweden, are two cities that offer a unique and festive atmosphere in December. Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens amusement park is transformed into a winter wonderland, while Stockholm’s Old Town is decorated with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Don’t miss the festive markets and concerts in both cities!
What are the best European cities to visit in December for food and drink?
If you’re a foodie, consider visiting Paris, France, in December. The city is famous for its festive markets, where you can try delicious foods like foie gras, oysters, and mulled wine. You can also visit the famous Christmas markets in Strasbourg, France, which offer a wide range of traditional Alsatian delicacies.
What are the best European cities to visit in December for budget-friendly options?
If you’re on a budget, consider visiting Budapest, Hungary, or Krakow, Poland, in December. Both cities offer a rich cultural heritage, festive atmosphere, and affordable prices. You can visit the thermal baths in Budapest, explore the historic city center in Krakow, and enjoy traditional Hungarian and Polish cuisine at a fraction of the cost of other European cities.
