Recently updated on November 20th, 2024 at 04:22 pm
Europe in December is both wondrous and wonderful. Despite the cold temperatures throughout most of the continent, cities and communities warmly welcome the season. Christmas markets sprout in central squares. Mountain trails become snowy lanes for skiing. Restaurants serve the same soups, stews, and sweets that have satiated locals and travelers alike for generations. Much of December in Europe is illuminated by festive lights, though there is so much more to the winter season than holiday celebrations. From Christmas markets to light festivals, sledging to parades, experience it at its peak the best European cities to visit in December.
Is December a good month to go to Europe?
December is absolutely a good month to go to Europe, particularly if you plan ahead. Europe in winter has fewer crowds, and while some outdoor activities are limited, you can still experience local culture and tourist attractions in equal measure.
Take London, for example: the Warner Bros. Harry Potter studio tour celebrates the season with a “Hogwarts in the Snow” theme, Trafalgar Square decorates a massive Christmas tree, and the London Eye Champagne Experience warms you up with a glass of the bubbly.
What is the warmest area in Europe in December?
The absolute warmest areas of Europe to visit in December are the Canaries and Madeira, but if we’re getting technical about the warmest areas on the European continent, head to places as far south as possible. Malta keeps temperatures between 11℃ and 18℃, which might afford you a quick swim or sun tanning session. Portugal’s Algarve can hit highs around 17℃, perfect for hiking, while Seville sees temperatures around 16℃ to 18℃ in the daytime, making it wonderful weather for outdoor dining.
If you’re considering a warm weather European vacation, consider a late-year trip by boat with Trafalgar’s sail and cruise vacations.
What is the best European city to visit in December?
The best European city to visit in the winter months depends on your interests. If you’re all-about walking in a winter wonderland, Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland and Finland’s Official Hometown of Santa Claus. To escape the snow flurries, flock south to Palermo for sunshine and traditional arancini cheese-stuffed rice balls. Even if you’ve already been to cities like Prague or Paris, visiting in December lets you see these iconic destinations in a new — and often festive — light.
1. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is always whimsical, but especially so during this time of year. Whether you’re gazing up at Edinburgh Castle sprinkled with snow or watching the evening Christmas lights turn on from atop Arthur’s Seat, the Scottish capital delivers a magical sight from every angle.
Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations start the winter festivities, but this UK city makes the case for a visit post present-opening. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is an annual four-day festival closing out the year. Live events like the world-famous Street Party countdown the final minutes of New Year’s Eve. On New Year’s Day, the city packs the streets with free family-friendly events.
Read next: More magical winter markets throughout Europe.
2. Dresden, Germany
It’s no secret that Berlin, Munich, and Nuremberg are among the best European cities to visit in December, but when it comes to visiting German Christmas markets, Dresden has the oldest. The Striezelmarkt dates back to 1434. At nearly 600 years old, this market in Altmarkt Square has the world’s largest Erzgebirge step pyramid, hundreds of stalls, and a historic Ferris Wheel offering amazing views of the twinkling lights below.
Read next: A guide to German Christmas traditions.
3. Kotor, Montenegro
Winter travelers who aren’t seeking out snow or Santa should consider Kotor. Montenegro’s coastline keeps the mercury above 0℃ so you shouldn’t expect much in the way of flurries. The 25th of December brings tidings of great joy to some, but most locals celebrate Christmas on January 7th. You can rest assured that all shops, restaurants, museums, and attractions will keep their normal operating hours on December 24 and 25, giving you the gift of experiencing Kotor in the low season without interruption.
4. Riga, Latvia
A walkable city, a UNESCO-listed Old Town, centuries-old markets, and yuletide celebrations. No, this isn’t France, Belgium, or even Czechia: it’s Riga. Latvia’s capital city is a fine choice for a December visit, especially for travelers who’ve already checked Western European cities off of their travel list.
Fly into Riga to find a touch of familiarity amongst authentic Balkan culture. Riga’s Christmas markets have the mulled wine you crave plus traditional dishes like stewed sauerkraut and sausage rolls. Masque processions, fortune telling, and ice skating are just a few of the fun ways you can experience Riga in winter.
Read more: How Latvia’s capital, Riga, turns on the Christmas charm.
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
If you’re a fan of twinkling lights, then mark Amsterdam as one of the best European cities to visit in December. The Amsterdam Light Festival bathes the city in effervescent hues, shining a light on both the holiday season and the Dutch creativity. Inspired installations line the city center, adding more cheer to this already merry time of the year. A free walking guide lets you snuggle into a sweater and see the lights at your leisure while formal boat tours sail you around the canals.
Explore the Netherlands beyond Amsterdam with our Best of Holland 7-day tour.
6. Sisimiut, Greenland
Greenland’s second-largest city is a dark horse candidate for an ideal December getaway. Those who make the trip north of the Arctic Circle will find a welcoming community of Greenlandic Danes and Inuit that will show you how to make the most of the winter’s fading sunlight.
Wander up the hillsides and get a sense of how both the Inuit and colonists lived at the open-air Sisimiut Museum. As you make your way through the city, you’ll see Greenlandic sled dogs perched atop rocky outcrops; all it takes is a friendly introduction and you can be well on your way to a sled ride through the wilderness. Share seal soup, dried musk ox, and whale blubber in the cozy cafes, stepping out in the darkness to watch the Northern Lights dance.
Read next: More glorious European winter destinations like Reykjavik and Rovaniemi.
7. Brasov, Romania
Christmas, not Halloween, is an opportune time to visit Brasov. When the crowds have finished sinking their fangs into the lore of Bran Castle, you’ll experience a Transylvanian city that showcases Romania’s history away from the horror genre. The medieval city’s trading past and Saxon roots created a crossroads of culture still present today.
Strap on snowshoes and head north to Poiana Brasov where you can make tracks through the small villages of the Carpathian Mountains. The Christmas market in Council Square makes for a good souvenir stop, though don’t neglect other handicrafts like jewelry and Horezu ceramics made by local artisans.
8. Venice, Italy
In the weeks between Halloween and Carnival, Venice regains its quiet charm. Fog and mist fill the once-congested canals and piazzas, allowing the locals to meander the gray stone salizadas without getting caught in the crowds. If ever there was a more romantic way to experience Venice than on a gondola, visiting in December is it.
Winter is a rare time in Venice where you can slow your pace and appreciate every blemish of the centuries-old Istrian stone buildings. Lower prices in hotels and restaurants will lure you to the floating city while short queues in Doge’s Palace and the Basilica di San Marco tempt you to warm up with hours of exploration at these iconic sites.
9. Bergen, Norway
If you’re at all hesitant about going north to Norway in the winter, one look at snow covered fjords will convince you to set a course for Scandinavia. Bergen is an excellent city to visit in December and boat tours to Nærøyfjorden don’t let chilly weather anchor them down. The Fløibanen funicular runs hot this time of year, too, whisking visitors to the top of Mount Fløyen in minutes. And if you’re not content in merely seeing the landscape surrounding the city, slip on a swimsuit and take a dive into Mount Fløyen’s Skomakerdiket lake.
Find fjords and so much more when exploring The Best of Norway with Trafalgar.
10. Lisbon, Portugal
Cobbled hills, melancholic fado music, and handmade tiles made even more beautiful with every imperfection and blemish: Portugal’s capital city is a romantic destination that wraps itself in a dreamy December scarf. Cooler temperatures make it all the more enticing to snuggle into your partner. Sharing a bolo rei king cake and splitting pastel de natas at Christmas markets bring you even closer together. And while the streets are virtually empty on Christmas Day, you’ll have no qualms about walking hand-in-hand beneath Baixa’s Christmas lights.
11. Antibes, France
Few places like the French Riviera offer an unforgettably unique December vacation. Antibes is a fantastic city to spend the twilight of the year: imagine enjoying your morning coffee beneath the sun and beside the sea, then having après-ski in the Alps at lunchtime. Envision savoring every bite of Provençal bouillabaisse or ratatouille with a relaxed dinner then spending the next day taking speedy trains to Monaco and Italy — all without the summer holiday crowds. Add in a charming Christmas village along the Esplanade du Pre-aux-Pecheurs and in Place de Gaulle, and you’ve got a European winter vacation unlike any other.
12. Andorra la Vella, Andorra
Winter sports enthusiasts mulling over the slopes of the Spanish Pyrenees and the French Pyrenees can find a happy compromise literally in the middle. Andorra la Vella in the micronation of Andorra is a sleeper pick for the best European city to visit in December for winter sports. While fresh and ski-able snow isn’t always guaranteed, a potentially frustrating forecast helps keep visitor numbers lower than neighboring ski resorts. Should you arrive without the white in sight, you can still trek the mountains on foot via the dozens of hiking trails around the country.
13. Victoria, Malta
Escape the winter weather with a visit to Victoria and you’ll wonder why so many others don’t make the same decision. The island’s Mediterranean climate accommodates temperatures ranging from 15℃ to 19℃ in December which is reason enough to enjoy outdoor exploration. Victoria’s annual Christmas parade keeps things festive, but you can gift yourself a traditional city break by checking out the ruins, Old Prison, Cathedral of the Assumption, and Gran Castello Historic House at the Citadel.
14. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Winter is coming and that should excite Game of Thrones fans. Even the casual observer of George R. R. Martin’s fantasy epic knows that Dubrovnik’s city walls are used as a filming location for King’s Landing. What you might not know is that there are fewer tourists competing for a seat on the Iron Throne in December.
Mild temperatures make Old Town pleasant to walk around and boat rides more than bearable with a simple light jacket. Though Dubrovnik’s Christmas market does bring colorful cheer to Old Town, peacocks bring their own vibrancy to the emptier Lokrum island.
Spend December in Dubrovnik, Zagreb, and Sarajevo on Trafalgar’s Balkan Delight tour.
15. Basel, Switzerland
Basel isn’t the best European city to visit in December for snowfall and it’s only home to a couple of Christmas markets. While others may skip over it completely, it’s a sneaky pick for a great place to stay in Switzerland. Basel in December is a place where you can indulge in everything Swiss without feeling like you’re missing out on the interior’s allure.
You won’t slide around the flat city streets nor will you get stuck behind large tour groups. Festive foods like brunsli and leckerli are always available, while the rosti and raclette are served in restaurants you won’t have to make reservations for. The Alps and Christmas markets in places like the Alsace are a short train ride away if you desire, but those who strictly stay in Basel will find the lack of snow, Santa, and sightseers to be an underrated perk.
16. Salzburg, Austria
It’s not just the holiday markets that make Salzburg one of the best European cities to visit in December. Yes, its annual Christmas markets are enchanting, but the Fairytale Advent festivities are only one focus of the season. The Winterfest celebration brings a circus to the city’s Volksgarten, presenting an exciting alternative to the traditional holiday splendor.
Should the fresh snow on the Alps tempt you to chase high altitude fun, Salzburg acts as a perfect launching point for day trips to ski resorts. In less than an hour, you can be situated on a slope for skiing, snowboarding, or a relaxing après-ski.
17. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Luxembourg is one of the European destinations that tends to fly under the radar. Travelers who trade the snowy squares of Belgium for its Luxembourgish neighbor will be delightfully surprised. The annual Winterlights Festival puts the capital in the spotlight. Dozens of concerts, workshops, and activities fill the month-long schedule. The festival’s Christmas markets give its Germanic counterparts a run for their money, too.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City puts on a coat of snow so you’ll need to dress for the cold. No need to freeze your finances, though. Luxembourg offers free public transportation through the country, and with the low cost of The LuxembourgCard, you can explore the capital’s best historical and cultural sites on a budget and without the heavy summer crowds.
Discover the best European cities to visit in December with Trafalgar. Our winter vacation tours include a tour of Scandinavia’s capitals, a jaunt through Britain, a dip in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, and exploring the Christmas markets of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.
Traveling with us this winter? Tell us where you’re going and what you’re most looking forward to in the comments below.