Top 10 European Places to Visit in December

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why Visit Europe in December?
  • Christmas Markets
  • Festive Events and Celebrations
  • Winter Wonderlands
  • Lesser Crowds
  • Experience Cultural Traditions
• Top 10 Places to Visit in Europe in December
  • 1. Vienna, Austria
  • 2. Prague, Czech Republic
  • 3. Munich, Germany
  • 4. Berlin, Germany
  • 5. Budapest, Hungary
  • 6. Copenhagen, Denmark
  • 7. Reykjavik, Iceland
  • 8. London, England
  • 9. Paris, France
  • 10. Edinburgh, Scotland
• Tips for Visiting Europe in December
• Start Planning Your Festive European Holiday

The holiday season is a truly magical time to visit Europe. From late November through December, Christmas markets open up across the continent, bringing twinkling lights, festive music, tantalizing foods, and holiday cheer to public squares and pedestrian zones. Major cities and small towns alike get decked out for the holidays, with many hosting parades, concerts, and other special events leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The festive atmosphere is palpable.

December also sees Europe transformed into a winter wonderland, with snow blanketing historic sites and landmarks. The lighter crowds compared to the peak summer tourist season make it easier to take in the sights and soak up the Old World ambience. Prices for flights and hotels also tend to be lower in December, making it an appealing time for winter getaways and Christmas vacations.

Whether you want to experience centuries-old Christmas markets and traditions, see iconic sites dressed in their winter best, enjoy festive events and holiday performances, or simply escape the cold in your home country, December is a wonderful month to visit Europe. From London, Paris and Prague to Vienna, Munich and Budapest, European cities come alive during the holiday season.

This article covers the top 10 European places and cities to consider for a festive December vacation. We’ll highlight the best Christmas markets, holiday events, and winter activities in each destination along with travel tips to help you plan the perfect winter European getaway this holiday season. Grab a mug of mulled wine and let’s explore the magic of Europe in December!

Why Visit Europe in December?

There are several compelling reasons to consider a trip to Europe during the month of December:

Christmas Markets

One of the biggest draws are the enchanting Christmas markets found across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other European countries. Dating back centuries, these traditional markets feature decorated wooden stalls selling Christmas ornaments, handmade crafts, sweet treats, and warm drinks like mulled wine. Browsing the lit-up market stalls while smelling roasting nuts and listening to carolers or live music is a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Famous Christmas markets include:

• Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany - Dating back to 1545, it’s one of the oldest markets and a must-see.
• Vienna Christmas Market in Austria - Over 20 markets set up across the city, with the main one in front of the grand City Hall.
• Basel Christmas Market in Switzerland - Located by the Rhine River, it has the country’s largest Advent calendar.

Festive Events and Celebrations

December hosts many special events, concerts, parades, and celebrations leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve across Europe’s major cities. Excellent opportunities for festive photos! Major events include:

• London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks - Fireworks shoot from the London Eye at midnight on January 1st.
• Hogmanay in Edinburgh - Street parties, concerts, and torchlit processions mark Scotland’s New Year’s Eve.
• Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen - This amusement park puts on a beautiful Christmas market with rides and lights.

Winter Wonderlands

Snow blankets many parts of Europe in December, transforming cities into postcard-perfect winter scenes. Christmas lights reflect on the ice-rinks set up in public squares. Quintessential winter shots!

Lesser Crowds

December has fewer tourists compared to summer. You’ll beat the crowds at popular museums, landmarks, restaurants and cafes.

Experience Cultural Traditions

It’s fascinating to experience how different cultures in Europe celebrate the holiday season with their own Christmas and New Year’s customs.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Europe in December

1. Vienna, Austria.

Vienna is a top choice for experiencing Christmas markets and holiday concerts, along with admiring imperial architecture.

• Sip mulled wine at one of the 20+ Christmas markets.
• See the Imperial Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Spanish Riding School.
• Catch a festive concert at one of Vienna’s ornate churches or concert halls.

2. Prague, Czech Republic.

Prague dazzles with its Christmas markets and medieval charm.

• Old Town Square has a large Christmas tree and market.
• Take a walking tour to see the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, and Prague Castle.
• Enjoy Czech holiday treats like trdelník pastries.

3. Munich, Germany.

Munich hosts Germany’s largest Christmas market and offers a lively holiday scene.

• Marienplatz Christmas market has hundreds of stalls with gifts, ornaments and crafts.
• Visit the Glockenspiel clock tower in Marienplatz square.
• Tour English Gardens and see frozen fountains and ice skating.

4. Berlin, Germany.

Germany’s capital shines with Christmas lights and New Year’s Eve parties.

• Glowing lights avenues like Unter den Linden and Kurfürstendamm.
• Skate at the fairytale setting of the Charlottenburg Palace ice rink.
• New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Wall.

5. Budapest, Hungary.

Budapest provides a lovely winter city escape with spas and river views.

• Outdoor and indoor thermal bath experiences to soak in.
• Danube river cruises to see the city’s grand architecture covered in snow.
• Taste Hungarian dishes like goulash at cozy restaurants.

6. Copenhagen, Denmark.

Copenhagen dazzles with twinkling Tivoli Gardens and Danish hygge culture.

• Tivoli Gardens Christmas market has rides, lights, and food stalls.
• See the colorful Nyhavn harbor area and the Little Mermaid statue.
• Experience hygge by touring Christmas cafes and restaurants.

7. Reykjavik, Iceland.

Reykjavik offers a chance to see the Northern Lights and soak in thermal pools.

• Join a Northern Lights hunt away from the city lights. Best viewed on clear nights.
• Relax at the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa with its steamy, mineral-rich waters.
• New Year’s Eve fireworks explode over the harbor.

8. London, England.

London entices with holiday shopping, ice skating, and New Year’s Eve fireworks.

• Do Christmas shopping on Oxford Street, at Harrod’s, and local markets.
• Ice skate at the Somerset House courtyard rink in a neoclassical setting.
• Fireworks shoot from the London Eye at midnight on New Year’s Eve.

9. Paris, France.

Paris delights with Christmas lights along the Champs-Élysées and cozy cafes.

• Stroll by the glowing Champs-Élysées to admire store window displays.
• Visit the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral dressed up for the holidays.
• People watch and sip coffee at cafes like Les Deux Magots.

10. Edinburgh, Scotland.

Edinburgh hosts the big Hogmanay New Year’s festival and winter charm.

• Hogmanay includes concerts, torchlight processions, and street parties.
• Explore Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, and Old Town decorated for the holidays.
• Shop for tartans, woolens, and Scottish souvenirs on the Royal Mile.

Tips for Visiting Europe in December

To make the most of your European December getaway, keep these tips in mind:

• Book Accommodation Early - Hotels fill up fast, especially around Christmas and New Year’s. Booking 1-2 months in advance can save money.

• Pack Winter Layers - Bring warm coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and boots. December weather often means cold temperatures and snow.

• Visit Christmas Markets Early - Go in early December to avoid massive crowds closer to Christmas. Weekdays are less busy than weekends.

• Make Restaurant Reservations - Reserve tables at popular restaurants for holiday meals or special events.

• Confirm Sightseeing Hours - Some museums and attractions have reduced hours or close entirely around the holidays.

• Consider Festive Tours or Day Trips - Join a Christmas lights tour, holiday cruises, or day trips to nearby towns.

• Save Room in Luggage - When shopping for gifts and souvenirs, leave room for bringing items home.

• Research Public Holiday Closures - Know if places you want to visit will be closed on Christmas, New Year’s Day, etc.

• Enjoy the Season! - Don’t try to squeeze in too much. Wander, explore, and soak up Europe’s festive Christmas spirit!

Start Planning Your Festive European Holiday

December is truly an enchanting time to visit Europe and experience the joy and traditions of the holiday season. From lively Christmas markets and festive events to snow-covered landmarks and seasonal delicacies, Europe dazzles during this festive period.

The top destinations covered in this article, from Vienna and Prague to London and Paris, all offer their own unique blend of Yuletide attractions and activities. By following the travel tips provided, you can effortlessly plan a memorable European Christmas getaway.

As you bundle up with warm layers, stroll glittering Christmas markets, marvel at iconic sites dressed up for the holidays and soak up the Yuletide spirit in Europe this December, you’re sure to create nostalgic memories to cherish for years to come.

So start researching flights, booking hotels, and planning your perfect European winter vacation today! The Christmas cheer awaits!

For more vacation inspiration, check out these blog posts for the 20 Best Places to Visit in December, 10 Best Winter Travel Destinations for Couples and Winter Park Resort Travel Guide, 10 Hot Places in December for a Beach Vacation ,GlobetrotterGO ,The 10 Most Romantic Winter.