December is a wonderful time to visit Europe, as the holiday season brings festive atmosphere, snow-covered landscapes, and a plethora of cultural events. The continent offers a diverse range of experiences, from cozying up by the fireplace in a quaint Austrian chalet to exploring the vibrant streets of Berlin during the festive season. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the best places to visit in Europe during December.
Why Visit Europe in December?
December is a great time to visit Europe for several reasons. The winter weather may be chilly, but it’s also a great excuse to indulge in hot chocolate and mulled wine, and many cities offer festive markets and events that are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Additionally, December is a great time to visit popular attractions without the crowds that come during the peak summer months.
Best Places to Visit in Europe in December
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best places to visit in Europe during December, including:
- Austria: Vienna’s Christmas markets, Salzburg’s festive atmosphere, and the picturesque Alpine towns
- Germany: Berlin’s Christmas markets, the festive lights in Hamburg, and the romantic Rhine River
- Italy: Rome’s festive atmosphere, the snow-capped Dolomites, and the picturesque towns of Tuscany
- Switzerland: The Swiss Alps, the festive markets in Zurich, and the charming towns of the Bernese Oberland
- France: The festive atmosphere in Paris, the snow-capped Pyrenees, and the charming towns of Provence
In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into each of these destinations, highlighting the best things to do, see, and experience during your visit. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family vacation, Europe has something to offer in December.
Europe’s Best Place to Visit in December
December is a great time to visit Europe, with many countries offering a unique and festive atmosphere during the holiday season. From snow-capped mountains to twinkling city lights, there’s something for everyone in Europe during December. Here are some of the best places to visit in Europe during December:
Winter Wonderland: The Alps
The Alps offer a magical winter wonderland experience in December, with snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and picturesque villages. Some of the best places to visit in the Alps include:
- Zermatt, Switzerland: This charming ski resort town is surrounded by towering mountains and offers a range of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
- St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria: This lively ski resort town is known for its challenging slopes and vibrant après-ski scene.
- Chamonix, France: Located at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix offers breathtaking views and a range of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and ice climbing.
Christmas Markets and Festive Atmosphere: Germany and Austria
Germany and Austria are famous for their festive Christmas markets, which offer a range of traditional food, drinks, and crafts. Some of the best places to visit include: (See Also: Best Place To Visit In Laguna Philippines)
- Nuremberg, Germany: Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Germany, offering a range of traditional food and drinks, including glühwein and lebkuchen.
- Innsbruck, Austria: Innsbruck’s Christmas market is located in the historic center of the city and offers a range of traditional food, drinks, and crafts, including handmade toys and decorations.
- Munich, Germany: Munich’s Christkindlmarkt is located in the Marienplatz and offers a range of traditional food, drinks, and crafts, including glühwein and lebkuchen.
City Breaks: Paris, Rome, and Barcelona
December is a great time to visit some of Europe’s most famous cities, with many offering festive atmosphere and special events. Some of the best places to visit include:
- Paris, France: Paris is a romantic city at any time of year, but December is especially magical, with the Eiffel Tower and other landmarks lit up at night.
- Rome, Italy: Rome is a great place to visit in December, with many festive events and markets, including the Christmas market at the Piazza Navona.
- Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona is a vibrant city with a range of festive events and markets, including the Christmas market at the Plaça Catalunya.
Table: Best Places to Visit in Europe in December
Destination | Best Time to Visit | Things to Do |
---|---|---|
Zermatt, Switzerland | December | Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and exploring the charming village |
St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria | December | Skiing, snowboarding, and enjoying the lively après-ski scene |
Chamonix, France | December | Skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, and exploring the picturesque village |
Nuremberg, Germany | December | Visiting the Christkindlesmarkt, trying traditional food and drinks, and exploring the historic center |
Innsbruck, Austria | December | Visiting the Christmas market, trying traditional food and drinks, and exploring the historic center |
Munich, Germany | December | Visiting the Christkindlmarkt, trying traditional food and drinks, and exploring the historic center |
Paris, France | December | Exploring the city’s festive atmosphere, visiting the Eiffel Tower, and enjoying the Christmas markets |
Rome, Italy | December | Visiting the Christmas market at the Piazza Navona, exploring the historic center, and enjoying the festive atmosphere |
Barcelona, Spain | December | Visiting the Christmas market at the Plaça Catalunya, exploring the historic center, and enjoying the festive atmosphere |
Conclusion
December is a great time to visit Europe, with many countries offering a unique and festive atmosphere. From snow-capped mountains to twinkling city lights, there’s something for everyone in Europe during December. Whether you’re looking for a winter wonderland experience, a festive city break, or a chance to try some traditional food and drinks, Europe has something for everyone in December.
As the year comes to a close, many of us are already planning our next big adventure. And what better way to spend the holiday season than exploring the wonders of Europe? In this article, we’ve taken a closer look at the best places to visit in Europe during the month of December.
We started by highlighting the festive atmosphere of Vienna, Austria, where the city comes alive with Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and twinkling lights. Next, we explored the charming streets of Bruges, Belgium, where the medieval architecture and cobblestone roads are even more magical during the holiday season.
We also took a trip to the French Riviera, where the mild winter weather makes it an ideal destination for a winter getaway. The picturesque towns of Nice and Cannes offer a unique blend of French culture and Mediterranean charm, perfect for a relaxing December vacation. (See Also: Best Place To Visit In Tamilnadu During December)
Of course, no discussion of European travel in December would be complete without mentioning the Christmas markets of Germany and Austria. From the famous Christkindlmarkt in Nuremberg to the festive stalls of Vienna’s Rathausplatz, these markets offer a unique shopping and dining experience that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
In conclusion, Europe has something for everyone during the month of December. Whether you’re looking for festive atmosphere, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing winter getaway, there’s no shortage of amazing destinations to choose from. So why not start planning your next European adventure today and make this holiday season one to remember?
Here are five FAQs related to “Europe Best Place To Visit In December”:
Europe Best Place To Visit In December FAQs
What are the best places to visit in Europe in December for Christmas markets?
Some of the best places to visit in Europe in December for Christmas markets include Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Germany is famous for its festive markets, especially in Berlin, Munich, and Nuremberg. Austria’s Vienna Christmas Market is a must-visit, and the Czech Republic’s Prague Christmas Market is a great place to try traditional mulled wine and food.
What are the best places to visit in Europe in December for winter sports?
If you’re looking for a winter sports holiday in December, the best places to visit in Europe include the Swiss Alps, the French Alps, and the Italian Dolomites. The Swiss town of Zermatt is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, while the French resort of Chamonix is famous for its challenging slopes. The Italian town of Cortina d’Ampezzo is a great place to try cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
What are the best places to visit in Europe in December for festive atmosphere?
If you’re looking for a festive atmosphere in December, the best places to visit in Europe include the UK, Ireland, and Denmark. The UK’s London is famous for its Christmas lights and decorations, while Ireland’s Dublin is a great place to visit for its festive markets and Christmas carol concerts. Denmark’s Copenhagen is a must-visit for its festive atmosphere, with its famous Tivoli Gardens amusement park transformed into a winter wonderland. (See Also: Best Place To Visit In Auckland)
What are the best places to visit in Europe in December for New Year’s Eve celebrations?
If you’re looking for a place to celebrate New Year’s Eve in December, the best places to visit in Europe include Spain, Portugal, and Germany. Spain’s Barcelona is famous for its fireworks display and street parties, while Portugal’s Lisbon is a great place to visit for its festive atmosphere and live music. Germany’s Berlin is a popular destination for New Year’s Eve celebrations, with its famous Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Wall.
What are the best places to visit in Europe in December for festive food and drink?
If you’re looking for a place to try festive food and drink in December, the best places to visit in Europe include France, Belgium, and Italy. France is famous for its festive cuisine, including foie gras and mulled wine, while Belgium is a great place to try festive treats like waffles and hot chocolate. Italy’s Italy is a must-visit for its festive food and drink, including panettone and mulled wine.