Best Places to Visit in Europe in December

Most of Europe’s wonders can best be experienced during the winter, especially in December. The best part is that the crowded season is over and you can finally have some breathing room in many popular destinations. The Christmas season also kicks in, with most cities illuminated with lights, markets, festivals, and more. That’s why the best places to visit in Europe in December are destinations with great northern lights, Christmas markets, ice skating, and lots more. Let’s not also forget the lovely medieval attractions, culinary delights, and mulled wines. 

What’s more, prices of airfare and hotels take a nosedive in December, which means you spend less and have loads of fun. So, whether you are planning a family getaway or a solo trip, here are our 8 best places in Europe to visit in December.

If you’re feeling undecided, check out our posts on the best places to travel in December and places to visit in December with family.

Best Places to Visit in December in Europe

Countries in Europe can be colder than usual in December, but with the right layered clothing and hot chocolate to keep warm, you can do almost anything in the weather. Also, the major highlight in December of most European countries is the Christmas celebrations. That being said, let’s get into our list of the best places to travel in Europe in December.

1. Venice, Italy

Venice in December

Our first stop is Italy, regarded as one of the best places to visit in December. Imagine having to cruise down the narrow canals of Venice and duck under quaint bridges in the afternoon sun, without bumping into hordes of gondolas! Venice is considered one of the best tourist places in Europe in December. This is because of the cool weather, fewer crowds, and unique holiday celebrations.

Don’t underestimate the weather, it is better to pack your sweaters and “parkas,” especially for the cold evenings.

Afternoons in Venice can be warm enough to sit and enjoy the sunshine, particularly at restaurants along the Zattere. You can shop in the Christmas market in Campo Santo Stefano or enjoy the historic Hanukkah in the Jewish Quarter. Step into St. Mark’s Square, Venice’s one true “Piazza” and see the Venetian historical wonders in San Marco, St. Mark’s Basilica, and Doge’s Palace.

Your Christmas vacation in Venice is not complete without attending the Christmas Concert at La Fenice. Also, check out the beautiful Christmas decorations in Murano or go on an Island tour of the Venetian Lagoon. 

2. Tallinn, Estonia

Christmas in Tallinn, Estonia| Copyright: Risto0 – Getty Images

This old European town is located far North and is snowy in December. That’s not a problem, because the town boasts many restaurants and museums, you can duck when your feet get cold. Ensure to add warm sweaters, winter boots, and head warmers to your luggage when visiting Tallinn.

There are about 30 or more small market stores in the Town Hall Square to shop for your Christmas presents at affordable rates. Some of the best stores are Zizi, where you can get modern-style linen textiles, and Helina Tilk, for beautiful china decorated with animal motifs.

Tallinn’s churches are one of many attractions in December, particularly The Medieval Pūha Nikolaus Kirik (Church of Saint Nicholas). Dine at Olde Hansa, a medieval restaurant that is popular with tourists. 

For easy access around the town, I’ll advise you to get the Tallinn Card. You will enjoy free public transportation, free museum entry, and discounts in many places like the markets.

3. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague in December

Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. It is also the fourth-largest city in the European Union. And of course, it’s cold in Prague in December. But the city is more quiet and calm around this time, making it one of the best places to visit in Europe in December.  

The city of Prague gives you this gothic experience with its snow-covered grounds and magical Christmas lights. Because of fewer crowds, you can walk around the Charles Bridge and take in the medieval sights. Kampa Park is also a must-visit, especially for the opportunity to take lovely photos. 

The Modern Art Museum, though small, is worth visiting. For a beautiful dining experience, I’ll recommend Cafe de Paris, as the food is better than the over-hyped tourist traps. What’s more, enjoy the burst of Christmas decorations and the Christmas markets in Prague.

4. Paris, France

Christmastime in Paris, France

December in Paris is magical. The city of lights wears a shinier look with the extra festive lighting and displays. Some stores are even famous for their festive window displays. 

Paris boasts of fewer crowds between the first and third week in December. The city begins to fill up with tourists during the Christmas week to the New Year. 

Get ready for light drizzling, so a raincoat can be handy. It is chilly in December in Paris, hence wrap yourself up in layers and you’re ready for the treats.

The most common events in December are the ice-skating rinks and the Christmas markets for dining and shopping. Paris has some of the best markets for holiday shopping. You can grab a cup of hot chocolate at Angelina’s, take a walk to the Clamp Elysees, and see the Eiffel Tower. 

There’s more; cruise in the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower and visit the Palace of Versailles for an exciting adventure.

Also, check our post on the top places to visit in France outside Paris.

5. Vienna, Austria

Winter in Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria is one of the best places to visit in Europe in December because of the many Christmas markets. As usual, it is cold in Vienna in December, but it is nothing compared to all the fun you would have.

The city hosts 20 different holiday markets from mid-November to late December. Most of these markets are located near historic buildings, but you’d find some on the streets or beside churches.

One of the largest markets is at the Rathaus City Hall, Vienna’s most important non-religious building in the Neo-Gothic style. The Rathaus market offers outdoor skate rental and free concerts. Everything is within walking distance in Vienna. So you can take a tour of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, dine at the beautiful restaurants and just walk around the beautiful lit streets.

6. Rovaniemi, Finland 

Best Places to Travel in Europe in December – Rovaniemi

One of the best places to visit in Europe is the small city of Rovaniemi, Finland. It is located in Lapland, this area is a cold wonderland that you must visit. We recommend Rovaniemi as a perfect place to visit with kids. 

In December, one of the top things to do in Rovaniemi is to visit Santa Claus Village which is the official home of Santa. You can meet with Santa, send postcards from the village, shop for souvenirs, and even hang with reindeer.

Once you’re done holiday shopping, head out to enjoy a snowballing or dog sledding adventure. If you’re tired of the snow, head to Ranua Zoo. 

While the weather is cold, December is the best time to see the Northern Lights. You need a clear, cold, and dark sky to see them and Lapland has plenty of it. Sunset is usually around 4 pm in December, this gives you enough time to catch them swirling in the sky.

7. Edinburgh, Scotland

December in Edinburgh, Scotland

The capital city of Scotland is another top destination to visit in Europe in December. The Old and New Town of Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hence, the city is home to historical sites like museums and galleries. 

December is when the famous Christmas Market is held at the Princes Street Gardens. You will find many beautifully decorated stalls selling traditional crafts, gifts, and delicious treats.

If you travel with kids, they can participate in fun activities like taking a ride on the gigantic Big Wheel, and the Star Flyer. In addition, the Royal Botanical Garden and Edinburgh Castle organize various special events for all ages. 

Moreover, you can visit some of the historical sites. Some of them are free of charge like the National Galleries of Scotland and National Museum of Scotland.

If you visit around the last week of December, you can catch the Hogmanay, which is an integral part of Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations. This three-day event from the 30th of December to New Year’s Day showcases fireworks, parties, and live music.

8. Nuremberg, Germany

Christmas Market, Nuremberg | credit: Getty Images

Nuremberg is the second largest city in Bavaria, Germany. But that’s not the point. Nuremberg has kept its old medieval buildings in great shape giving you that gothic experience. Old architectural buildings and small Christmas Markets are the best part of Nuremberg, Germany.

The distance between site to site is walkable, so you can enjoy the street ambiance and food. Your first stop should be the popular Nuremberg Christmas Markets. Christkindlesmarkt Nūrnberg is the largest Christmas market in Nuremberg and is among the best Christmas markets in the world. The burst of lights in the market is what we love. You should try Nuremberg’s Feuerzangenbowle – a special hot red wine made from spices, lemon, and orange peel brewed with sugar loaf completely soaked with rum which is then set on fire. This caramelizes as the alcoholized sugar drains into the red wine cauldron. 

After checking out the markets and tasting good wine, you can see the Nuremberg Castle and walk around the city walls. If you are up for it, visit the spooky Henkersteg, known as the Executioner’s Bridge. It is a morbid yet interesting place you can visit before leaving the city. The place is covered with spiders adding to its creepiness.

Planning a Vacation to Europe in December?

If you’re looking to travel to Europe for the winter holidays, make sure to check out the best places to visit in Europe in December explained above.

In addition, most of the places mentioned in this post have less crowds at the beginning of December. It begins to get crowded around the week of Christmas to New Year, so plan your trip ahead. This will ensure you get the best deals on s flightsand accommodations.