December is the time when most of us look for an escape to sunny beach destinations and tropical islands. But it is also a good time to experience the magical Christmas atmosphere in many European cities.
Apart from the fairytale Christmas markets, the streets are usually busy and you can also expect much cheaper accommodation prices. And if you prefer an active holiday, you have easy access to the many beautiful ski slopes. You can also find some destinations to warm up.
We have put together a list of the best December destinations in Europe. So read on to choose your next winter holiday.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Known as the official birthplace of Santa Claus, the best time to visit Rovaniemi is definitely in December. Stop by the Santa Claus Main Post Office to officially stamp and send your Christmas cards from Santa Claus Village or visit a reindeer farm.
Many other outdoor activities await in Rovaniemi, such as husky sledding, snowshoeing, ice fishing or watching the spectacular Northern Lights.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is just a few hours’ drive from Vienna and is equally beautiful. You can admire the medieval architecture and the castle that watches over it. And you will also find various Christmas markets there. The one on the Old Town Square is the best known. However, locals prefer the market on Náměstí Míru (so don’t miss it).
If you’re around on December 5, you may encounter groups of angels, devils and St. Nicholas. According to a Czech tradition, well-behaved children can sing them a song and are rewarded with fruit and sweets. On the other hand, naughty children might get a bag of potatoes or coal.
Bolzano, Italy
Bolzano may be smaller than other popular Italian cities. Yet it boasts the largest Christmas market throughout Italy. It is open from the last weekend of November to January 6. And you can find nice gifts for your friends and family, such as wine, ceramics and woolen slippers.
Located in South Tyrol, it is also a fantastic home base from which to reach several ski areas. Some of the most famous are Val Sarentino and Eggental Valley.
Gran Canaria
Would you rather the beach than the ski slopes? Good news: there are also some pleasantly warm destinations in Europe. One of these is Gran Canaria – the third largest island of the Spanish Canary Islands. Temperatures there fluctuate around 20° in winter, which is just right for lying on the beach or walking.
In larger cities such as Las Palmas you can attend a New Year’s Eve concert. This way you won’t miss the Christmas atmosphere, even as a beach lover.
Vienna Austria
If you are planning to go to Europe in December, Vienna is simply a must. The Austrian capital is best known for its charming Christmas markets. There are twelve of them, and they are the perfect place to buy gifts and enjoy mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Not in the festive mood yet? Vienna’s museums, galleries and opera houses won’t disappoint even at this time of year. Moreover, Schönbrunn Palace, St. Charles Church and other snow-covered cultural gems will be the perfect memory for the end of 2023.
Lugano, Switzerland
Lugano is located in Switzerland, close to the Italian border, and has a unique atmosphere that you can enjoy not only in the summer. The Christmas market in Piazza della Riforma is probably the most popular winter attraction in Lugano, and so is the food scene.
Try some freshly made pasta, the famous melted fondue cheese or the local red wine from Ticino. Swiss wine may not be the most famous, but it is always spectacular, especially in Lugano.
London, United Kingdom
Whether you’re looking for world-class shopping, exquisite dining or dazzling light shows, you’ll find it all Londonwhich comes to life more at Christmas than in any other season.
Enjoy ice skating and entertainment at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, visit an exhibition or cozy up in a pub. The nearby towns are also worth a stop. How about a day trip to Oxford, Cambridge or Bath?
Malta
Malta is another sunny European destination to enjoy in December. Temperatures are usually just below 20°C, meaning you can stay outside all day and even dine outside.
Feel festive at St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, listen to Christmas carols by candlelight or visit Mdina glass for unusual gifts you will have a great time in Malta.
Tallinn, Estonia
This Baltic city is also a great place to enjoy the wonderful Christmas atmosphere. Due to its location, there is a good chance that the city is hidden under a blanket of snow and you can take breathtaking photos of the Christmas-decorated old town.
The best place to do this is from the Kohtuotsa viewpoint. If you like sports, you can take a ride on the Uisuplata ice rink (skates can be rented here). And at the end of the day you can warm up a beer in a medieval restaurant such as Olde Hansa or III Draakon.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in Europe to visit in the summer. However, December is just as enchanting, with the benefits of mild weather, fewer crowds and affordable accommodation prices.
One of the best things you can do there is to visit some of Gaudí’s buildings, such as the Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló or La Pedrera. Make sure you book your tickets in advance, otherwise you may face a huge queue at the entrance.
If this Mediterranean city is on your travel bucket list, consider visiting the Balearic Islands or the Canary Islands, as you can often find good deals on direct flights.
