Cities To Visit In Europe In December

December is a wonderful time to visit Europe, with the holiday season in full swing and many cities transformed into winter wonderlands. The continent offers a diverse range of cultures, landscapes, and experiences, making it an ideal destination for travelers. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best cities to visit in Europe in December, highlighting their unique attractions, events, and activities that make them must-visit destinations during the holiday season.

Why Visit Europe in December?

December is a great time to visit Europe for several reasons. The weather may be chilly, but the festive atmosphere is palpable, with twinkling lights, Christmas markets, and cozy cafes serving hot chocolate and mulled wine. Many cities also host special events and festivals during this time, such as the Vienna Christmas Market, the Strasbourg Christmas Market, and the Frankfurt Christmas Market. Additionally, December is a great time to visit popular attractions like museums, galleries, and historical landmarks without the crowds that often accompany the summer months.

Top Cities to Visit in Europe in December

Here are some of the best cities to visit in Europe in December, each offering a unique blend of culture, history, and holiday cheer:

1. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is a must-visit destination in December, with its famous Christmas markets, festive atmosphere, and world-class museums. Be sure to visit the Vienna Christmas Market at the Rathausplatz, which features over 150 stalls selling handmade crafts, decorations, and traditional Austrian food.

2. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a charming city in December, with its medieval architecture, winding streets, and festive atmosphere. Visit the Old Town Square Christmas Market, which offers a range of traditional Czech food, drinks, and handmade crafts.

3. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is a vibrant city in December, with its many museums, galleries, and historical landmarks. Visit the Berlin Christmas Market at the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtnis-Kirche, which features over 100 stalls selling traditional German food, drinks, and handmade crafts.

4. Paris, France

Paris is a romantic city in December, with its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and festive atmosphere. Visit the Champs-Élysées Christmas Market, which offers a range of traditional French food, drinks, and handmade crafts.

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is a charming city in December, with its canals, bridges, and festive atmosphere. Visit the Amsterdam Winter Paradise, which features ice skating, festive food, and drinks, as well as a range of traditional Dutch crafts and decorations.

6. Rome, Italy

Rome is a city steeped in history and culture, and December is a great time to visit. The city’s many museums, galleries, and historical landmarks are less crowded, and the festive atmosphere is palpable. Visit the Rome Christmas Market at the Piazza Navona, which features traditional Italian food, drinks, and handmade crafts. (See Also: Cheapest Cities To Visit In France)

7. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a vibrant city in December, with its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and festive atmosphere. Visit the Barcelona Christmas Market at the Plaça Catalunya, which features traditional Spanish food, drinks, and handmade crafts.

8. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a charming city in December, with its canals, bridges, and festive atmosphere. Visit the Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market, which features festive food, drinks, and handmade crafts, as well as a range of traditional Danish decorations and gifts.

9. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is a city of stunning beauty in December, with its canals, bridges, and festive atmosphere. Visit the Old Town Christmas Market, which features traditional Swedish food, drinks, and handmade crafts, as well as a range of traditional Swedish decorations and gifts.

10. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is a charming city in December, with its friendly atmosphere, world-class museums, and festive pubs. Visit the Dublin Christmas Market at the Temple Bar, which features traditional Irish food, drinks, and handmade crafts, as well as a range of traditional Irish decorations and gifts.

Cities To Visit In Europe In December

December is a great time to visit Europe, with many cities offering festive atmosphere, holiday markets, and winter activities. Here are some of the best cities to visit in Europe in December:

Christmas Markets

Many European cities have Christmas markets that are a must-visit during the holiday season. Here are some of the best ones:

• Strasbourg, France: Strasbourg’s Christmas market is one of the largest and most famous in Europe, with over 300 stalls selling festive goods and food.
• Nuremberg, Germany: Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is a classic German Christmas market, with traditional food, drinks, and handmade crafts.
• Vienna, Austria: Vienna’s Christmas market is a magical place to visit, with festive stalls, live music, and delicious food and drink.
• Prague, Czech Republic: Prague’s Christmas market is a great place to try traditional Czech food and drinks, such as mulled wine and roasted ham.

Winter Activities

If you love winter sports, December is a great time to visit Europe’s ski resorts. Here are some of the best ones:

• Chamonix, France: Chamonix is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world, with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc.
• Zermatt, Switzerland: Zermatt is a charming ski resort town in the Swiss Alps, with access to some of the best skiing in Europe.
• Innsbruck, Austria: Innsbruck is a great base for skiing and snowboarding in the Austrian Alps, with many resorts within easy reach.
• Interlaken, Switzerland: Interlaken is a popular destination for winter sports, with skiing, snowboarding, and ice climbing available in the surrounding mountains.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations

If you’re looking for a special way to ring in the new year, December is a great time to visit Europe’s cities. Here are some of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve: (See Also: Best Cities To Visit In Central Italy)

• Paris, France: Paris is a romantic city to visit at any time of year, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. The Eiffel Tower is a great place to watch the fireworks.
• Rome, Italy: Rome is a great city to visit at New Year’s Eve, with many bars and restaurants staying open late to celebrate.
• Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam is a fun city to visit at New Year’s Eve, with many parties and events taking place around the city.
• Berlin, Germany: Berlin is a great place to visit at New Year’s Eve, with many parties and events taking place in the city’s bars and clubs.

Winter Festivals

December is a great time to visit Europe’s cities, which often host winter festivals and events. Here are some of the best ones:

• Winter Wonders, Brussels, Belgium: Winter Wonders is a popular winter festival in Brussels, with ice skating, live music, and festive stalls.
• Christkindlmarkt, Dresden, Germany: Dresden’s Christkindlmarkt is a great place to visit, with festive stalls, live music, and traditional food and drink.
• Winter Festival, Vienna, Austria: Vienna’s Winter Festival is a great place to visit, with live music, festive stalls, and traditional food and drink.
• Ice Magic, Prague, Czech Republic: Prague’s Ice Magic festival is a great place to visit, with ice sculptures, live music, and festive stalls.

Table: Cities to Visit in Europe in December

Conclusion

December is a great time to visit Europe, with many cities offering festive atmosphere, holiday markets, and winter activities. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an action-packed adventure, there’s something for everyone in Europe’s cities in December.

As we conclude our article on “Cities to Visit in Europe in December”, it’s clear that there’s no shortage of amazing destinations to explore during the holiday season. From festive markets to cozy winter wonderlands, Europe has it all.

We started by highlighting the charming city of Vienna, Austria, where you can indulge in delicious Christmas treats and drinks, and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Vienna Christmas Market. Next, we took a trip to Prague, Czech Republic, where you can marvel at the stunning architecture and enjoy the festive lights and decorations that adorn the city’s streets.

We also explored the romantic city of Paris, France, where you can stroll along the Seine River and take in the breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, all while enjoying the festive atmosphere and holiday markets. And of course, no trip to Europe in December would be complete without a visit to the iconic Christmas markets of Germany, where you can sample delicious glühwein and try your hand at traditional crafts.

In conclusion, December is a wonderful time to visit Europe, with its festive atmosphere, delicious food and drink, and plenty of opportunities to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you’re looking for romance, adventure, or simply a chance to relax and unwind, there’s something for everyone in Europe during the holiday season.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this article and that it’s inspired you to plan a trip to Europe in December. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and festive atmosphere, Europe is the perfect destination for a holiday getaway. So pack your bags, grab your scarf and gloves, and get ready to experience the magic of Europe in December!

Here are five FAQs related to ‘Cities To Visit In Europe In December’: (See Also: Cities To Visit In Uk Near London)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best cities to visit in Europe in December for Christmas markets?

Some of the best cities to visit in Europe in December for Christmas markets include Vienna, Austria; Nuremberg, Germany; and Strasbourg, France. These cities offer a festive atmosphere, delicious food and drinks, and unique shopping experiences. Be sure to check out the dates for each market before planning your trip, as they may vary from year to year.

Are there any cities in Europe that are particularly good for winter sports in December?

Yes, there are several cities in Europe that offer excellent winter sports opportunities in December. Some of the best options include Chamonix, France; Zermatt, Switzerland; and St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria. These cities offer a range of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and ice climbing, and are well-equipped to handle winter weather.

Can I visit European cities in December without breaking the bank?

Yes, it is possible to visit European cities in December without breaking the bank. Consider visiting cities that are less popular during the holiday season, such as Budapest, Hungary, or Prague, Czech Republic. These cities offer a range of affordable accommodations, dining options, and activities, and are often less crowded than more popular destinations. Additionally, look for package deals and discounts on flights, accommodations, and attractions to help save money.

Are there any cities in Europe that are particularly good for food and wine in December?

Yes, there are several cities in Europe that are known for their food and wine scenes, and December is a great time to visit them. Some of the best options include Lyon, France, which is famous for its gastronomy; Barcelona, Spain, which offers a range of delicious tapas and wine; and Vienna, Austria, which is known for its coffee culture and festive holiday markets. Be sure to try some of the local specialties and drinks, such as mulled wine and gingerbread cookies.

What are the best cities to visit in Europe in December for a romantic getaway?

December is a great time to visit Europe for a romantic getaway, with many cities offering a festive and cozy atmosphere. Some of the best options include Paris, France, which is famous for its romantic atmosphere and stunning Christmas lights; Prague, Czech Republic, which offers a charming medieval atmosphere and romantic river views; and Venice, Italy, which is a city like no other, with its canals and ornate bridges. Be sure to book a romantic dinner or wine tasting to make your trip even more special.