December is a wonderful time to visit Europe, with the festive atmosphere, twinkling lights, and winter wonderlands making it a magical destination. As the holiday season approaches, many European cities transform into a winter wonderland, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for tourists. In this article, we will explore the top European cities to visit in December, highlighting their must-see attractions, festive events, and winter activities.
Get ultimate traveler plannerWhy Visit Europe in December?
December is a great time to visit Europe for several reasons. The weather may be chilly, but the festive atmosphere and holiday markets make up for it. Many cities offer special events and activities, such as ice skating rinks, Christmas markets, and festive light displays. Additionally, December is a great time to enjoy indoor attractions like museums, galleries, and historic landmarks without the crowds that often flock to these destinations during the summer months.
Top European Cities to Visit in December
In this article, we will explore the top European cities to visit in December, including:
- Paris, France: Known for its romantic atmosphere, Paris is a must-visit destination in December. Enjoy the festive lights and decorations along the Champs-Élysées, visit the iconic Christmas market at the Eiffel Tower, and indulge in delicious French cuisine.
- Vienna, Austria: Vienna is a winter wonderland in December, with festive markets, ice skating rinks, and Christmas concerts. Visit the famous Vienna Christmas Market at the Rathausplatz, and enjoy the city’s famous coffee culture.
- Berlin, Germany: Berlin is a great destination in December, with its festive markets, ice skating rinks, and holiday events. Visit the famous Berlin Christmas Market at the Brandenburg Gate, and explore the city’s vibrant art and culture scene.
- Prague, Czech Republic: Prague is a charming destination in December, with its festive lights, Christmas markets, and holiday events. Visit the famous Prague Christmas Market at the Old Town Square, and enjoy the city’s rich history and architecture.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam is a unique destination in December, with its festive markets, ice skating rinks, and holiday events. Visit the famous Amsterdam Christmas Market at the Rijksmuseum, and explore the city’s vibrant art and culture scene.
In the following sections, we will delve deeper into each of these cities, highlighting their must-see attractions, festive events, and winter activities. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, these top European cities to visit in December are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Top European Cities To Visit In December
December is a great time to visit Europe, with the festive atmosphere, Christmas markets, and winter wonderlands making it a magical time of year. Here are some of the top European cities to visit in December:
Paris, France
Paris is a must-visit destination in December, with its famous Christmas market at the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower lit up with twinkling lights, and the festive atmosphere in the streets of Montmartre. Don’t miss the ice skating rink at the Grand Palais, and the beautiful window displays at the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a winter wonderland in December, with its famous Christmas markets at the Vienna City Hall, the Rathausplatz, and the Belvedere Palace. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, try some glühwein and traditional Austrian delicacies, and visit the Vienna State Opera for a performance of “The Nutcracker”.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a great destination in December, with its medieval architecture, festive atmosphere, and Christmas markets at the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and the Charles Bridge. Don’t miss the ice skating rink at the Old Town Square, and the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city. (See Also: Cheap Cities To Visit In March)
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a great destination in December, with its festive atmosphere, Christmas markets, and winter activities. Visit the Amsterdam Light Festival, which features beautiful light installations throughout the city, and the Amsterdam Ice Rink at the Museumplein. Don’t miss the festive atmosphere in the Jordaan neighborhood, and the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a great destination in December, with its festive atmosphere, Christmas markets, and winter activities. Visit the Barcelona Christmas Market at the Plaça Catalunya, and the festive atmosphere in the Gothic Quarter. Don’t miss the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city, and the ice skating rink at the Plaça d’Espanya.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a great destination in December, with its festive atmosphere, Christmas markets, and winter activities. Visit the Budapest Christmas Market at the Vörösmarty Square, and the festive atmosphere in the Pest side of the city. Don’t miss the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city, and the ice skating rink at the City Park.
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is a great destination in December, with its festive atmosphere, Christmas markets, and winter activities. Visit the Stockholm Christmas Market at the Old Town, and the festive atmosphere in the Gamla Stan neighborhood. Don’t miss the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city, and the ice skating rink at the Kungsträdgården park.
London, United Kingdom
London is a great destination in December, with its festive atmosphere, Christmas markets, and winter activities. Visit the Winter Wonderland at the Hyde Park, and the festive atmosphere in the Covent Garden. Don’t miss the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city, and the ice skating rink at the Somerset House.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is a great destination in December, with its festive atmosphere, Christmas markets, and winter activities. Visit the Copenhagen Christmas Market at the Tivoli Gardens, and the festive atmosphere in the Nyhavn harbor. Don’t miss the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city, and the ice skating rink at the City Hall Square.
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is a great destination in December, with its festive atmosphere, Christmas markets, and winter activities. Visit the Zurich Christmas Market at the Bahnhofstrasse, and the festive atmosphere in the Old Town. Don’t miss the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city, and the ice skating rink at the Lake Zurich. (See Also: Best Texas Cities To Visit In December)
Table: Top European Cities to Visit in December
| City | Christmas Market | Festive Atmosphere | Winter Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris, France | Champs-Élysées | Montmartre | Eiffel Tower, ice skating rink |
| Vienna, Austria | Rathausplatz, Belvedere Palace | Vienna State Opera | Glühwein, traditional Austrian delicacies |
| Prague, Czech Republic | Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square | Charles Bridge | Ice skating rink, Christmas lights |
| Amsterdam, Netherlands | Plaça Catalunya | Jordaan neighborhood | Amsterdam Light Festival, ice skating rink |
| Barcelona, Spain | Plaça Catalunya | Gothic Quarter | Christmas lights, ice skating rink |
| Budapest, Hungary | Vörösmarty Square | Pest side of the city | Ice skating rink, Christmas lights |
| Stockholm, Sweden | Old Town | Gamla Stan neighborhood | Ice skating rink, Christmas lights |
| London, United Kingdom | Hyde Park | Covent Garden | Ice skating rink, Christmas lights |
| Copenhagen, Denmark | Tivoli Gardens | Nyhavn harbor | Ice skating rink, Christmas lights |
| Zurich, Switzerland | Bahnhofstrasse | Old Town | Ice skating rink, Christmas lights |
Conclusion
December is a great time to visit Europe, with its festive atmosphere, Christmas markets, and winter activities. From the famous Christmas markets in Paris and Vienna to the winter wonderlands in Prague and Budapest, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family vacation, these top European cities to visit in December are sure to impress.
As the year comes to a close, December is a great time to explore the charming cities of Europe, where the festive atmosphere, holiday markets, and cozy winter vibes await. In this article, we’ve taken you on a journey to the top European cities to visit in December, highlighting the best places to experience the holiday season.
From the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland to the historic canals of Amsterdam, each city offers a unique blend of culture, architecture, and festive cheer. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family adventure, our list has something for everyone.
Some of the key highlights include the magical Christmas markets of Germany, the twinkling lights of Vienna’s Opera House, and the festive atmosphere of London’s Oxford Street. We also explored the lesser-known gems, such as the charming town of Bruges, Belgium, and the picturesque city of Ghent, Netherlands.
In conclusion, December is an ideal time to visit Europe, with its festive atmosphere, holiday markets, and cozy winter vibes. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or simply looking for a romantic getaway, our top European cities to visit in December have something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your scarf, and get ready to experience the magic of the holiday season in Europe!
Here are five FAQs related to ‘Top European Cities To Visit In December’:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get around European cities in December?
Many European cities have efficient public transportation systems, including buses, trams, and metro lines. You can also consider renting a bike or taking a taxi. Additionally, many cities offer festive holiday routes and special transportation services during the holiday season. Be sure to check with your accommodation provider or local tourist information for more information. (See Also: Good Cities To Visit In Mexico)
Are European cities crowded during the holiday season?
Yes, many European cities are popular tourist destinations during the holiday season, and you can expect larger crowds and longer lines at popular attractions. However, some cities like Prague, Vienna, and Budapest are less crowded than others like Paris, Rome, and London. Consider visiting popular attractions early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds.
What are the best Christmas markets to visit in Europe?
Some of the most famous and popular Christmas markets in Europe include the Christkindlmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany; the Vienna Christmas Market in Austria; and the Strasbourg Christmas Market in France. These markets offer a wide range of festive food, drinks, and souvenirs, as well as a festive atmosphere. Be sure to check the dates and locations of the markets you’re interested in visiting.
What are the best winter activities to do in European cities?
Many European cities offer a range of winter activities, including ice skating, sledding, and skiing. You can also take a festive horse-drawn carriage ride, go on a winter walking tour, or visit a Christmas market. Some cities also offer special winter events and festivals, such as the Winter Wonders festival in Brussels or the Winter Festival in Berlin.
What are the best places to stay in European cities during the holiday season?
Consider staying in a central location to make it easy to get around and access popular attractions. Look for hotels or apartments that offer festive decorations and holiday-themed amenities, such as hot chocolate and Christmas cookies. Be sure to book your accommodations well in advance, as many popular hotels and apartments fill up quickly during the holiday season.
