Winter is coming. The temperature might be going down, but the number of beautiful places to visit in Europe in December is increasing. With all sorts of wintery treats in the snow-capped landscapes – warming up with a hot chocolate beside a fire, ice-skating, charming Christmas markets, etc. – it is a true wonderland in Europe.
So, if you are planning to explore Europe, cuddled up in a turtleneck and coats from mid-November to December, January, and even February, these are the best places to visit in winter.
Is This List Of The Best Places To Visit In Europe In December Worth It?
December in Europe is a chilly adventure. In some places, the winter sun can be lenient – much warmer and sunny – and other places in Europe turn into a dark, cold, and sometimes rainy winter.
This is why mid-November to January is considered off-season in Europe. Hotels will offer you discounts, and it is much quieter and nicer as compared to when summer crowds peak.
Winter is one of the most beautiful times to visit Europe. With many festive events, like Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and even Chinese New Year, there are many fun places to visit in December in Europe.
As the days get shorter, the European landscapes are covered under a blanket of snow. Then gone are the summer nights and replaced with evenings by fire at cozy pubs, enchanting ice-skating rinks amid winter celebrations and rooftop bars getting all toasty and cozy
Choosing the best places to visit in December in Europe is not an easy task, but whichever destination you pick from this list, remember that you will not regret it when the chill in the outside air, the sweet winter delicacies, and the gentle and cozy ambiance indoors will feel like a big, warm hug from the whole continent.
The Best European Cities That You Should Visit In December
1. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is called the Pearl of the Adriatic for a reason. In December, it is one of the best places to visit in Europe. With winter festivals illuminating its medieval streets from December to January, you get plenty of time to indulge in festive food, walk the walls without being shoulder to shoulder with a crowd, and enjoy the architecture and history of it all (that even inspired the Game of Thrones setting).
2. Lucerne, Switzerland
Lucerne is surrounded by snow-capped Swiss mountains. Can you think of a better place to visit in Europe in winter? The city is breathtaking in December, and you can make the most out of this time by visiting the Old Town, the prettiest Luzerner Christmas market, the Fasnacht carnival, and culinary sunset cruises, which transition into the Lilu Light Festival in January.
3. Oia, Santorini
We are also slipping into a village among all the European places that are best to visit in December, Oia. You must remember this picturesque site for its blue-domed churches, white-washed buildings, and the most beautiful sunsets, but it looks stupendous in winter! Narrow streets house cozy cafes and boutique shops – an experience that feels even more intimate in a diluted winter crowd.
4. Zermatt, Switzerland
There are a few places in Switzerland that are excellent for skiing, and Zermatt is one of them. Hence, it is one of our most recommended places to visit in Europe in December. You will meet a lot of mountaineers and climbers, but even if you are not into skiing, you can board the train that goes up to Gornergrat (for breathtaking snowy views), sip a glühwein at the top of Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, or visit the Zermatt Matterhorn viewpoint.
5. Bath, England
Bath glitters with Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in winter. If you are choosing this place in Europe for your December holidays, don’t forget to attend all the festive events and enjoy the artisan treats, raise a glass on New Year’s Eve at one of the cocktail bars or luxury hotels, and then extend your stay into January, when all the shops offer irresistible sales but the crowd is much thinner.
6. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges in December is a winter wonderland. It is the best time to visit this European city, which comes alive with music festivals, Christmas markets, and carnivals. Take your time exploring the carriage rides, Bell Tower, the Lake of Love, restaurants and bars selling Belgian beer and specialties, etc. Whenever you feel like spending your winter holidays in a place in Europe with cobbled steers and chocolate box houses, Bruges is the place to go!
7. Venice, Italy
The canals of Venice are charming, but even more so in December, as tourists from everywhere visit this place in Europe known for its Christmas markets (Castelfranco and Jesolo’s), one of the biggest carnivals in the continent, and gondola rides. Pretty much all of the romantic and cozy activities are still running despite the temperatures dropping, and of course, a hot sangria or coffee is always there to keep you warm.
8. Berlin, Germany
Berlin doesn’t get a lot of snow in December, which means that you can still enjoy some of those sunny activities in Europe on your bucket list. However, a little rain is mandatory until snow appears in January and February. Meanwhile, you can visit the Reichstag and all the exciting Christmas markets, take a walking tour of the city, and sip the craft beers that the bars in Berlin are experimenting with.
9. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is another one of the best places to visit in December on your Europe tour. There is a lot to do and see when you are bundled up in warm outfits, such as trying out the roasted chestnuts in Christmas markets, visiting art exhibitions in prestigious museums like Kunsthistorisches Museum, or dressing up on New Year’s Eve as the new year markets replace the Christmas fairs.
10. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Luxembourg City has to be one of the best places in Europe to visit in December because you can explore all those beautiful castles without getting overwhelmed by thousands of tourists, and public transportation is free as well. However, Luxembourg is still quite underrated when it comes to European winter destinations, and you can always take the affordable train rides to Belgium, Germany, and France.
Cheap Winter Destinations in Europe
1. Thessaloniki, Greece
Thessaloniki is bursting with a cultural and food scene that is so wholesome it will keep you warm throughout winter. Visit this city in December on your next European visit and check out the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, Mount Olympus, and Byzantine churches. And since winter is an off-season in Greece, you can enjoy the best of accommodations and activities with few tourists nearby and at affordable prices.
2. Bologna, Italy
Bologna also has an off-peak season in winter, so it is a good spot to visit in Europe in December. For economic travel, stay in a central location like the luxurious Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni, which has all the attractions at a short distance. The iconic Porticoes, breathtaking views from Torre dell’Orologio, and celebrating the carnival must be on your to-do list.
3. Zagreb, Croatia
Croatia is perfect to enjoy a holiday in Europe in December if you are planning an affordable trip. All the hotels and restaurants are offering heavy discounts. Of course, summer hits differently in Croatia, but winter looks even more beautiful with the Christmas markets, the quiet and aesthetic Old Town, and snowboarding and skiing activities.
4. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Český Krumlov is a touristy, fairytale-like town and one of the best places in Europe for a December trip. This area, surrounded by Bohemian Forest, looks ethereal in winter when it is dusted with snow, so you can take your sweet time wandering through the Latran district, Cesky Krumlov, St. Vitus Church, and don’t forget to eat a lot of the Czech cuisine.
5. Faro, Portugal
Faro is mostly known for its fine beaches, but December is a great time to visit this place in Europe, as Faro is much more affordable in winter. Hotels, flights, and all the major activities are available at lower prices from December to February, and you can spend all those saved bucks on Casa do Pai Natal Christmas market, local food, handicrafts, and theater performances.
6. Granada, Spain
Granada is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe to visit during winter (from December to February). The skiing season is in full gear in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The mountains are covered with snow behind Alhambra, and the Spanish give their all to the Christmas markets with parades around the town and cheerful dancing and singing.
7. Maribor, Slovenia
Maribor is a treasure trove for food connoisseurs who are looking for places in Europe to visit in December. Furthermore, the stunning Pohorje Mountains offer a backdrop for all the biking, skiing, and hiking activities. The cultural and sporting events and the world’s oldest vine ‘Žametovka’ also make Maribor a place that must be on your travel bucket list for Europe during winter.
The Warmest Places in Europe in December
1. Lanzarote, Spain
For those travelers who are still running from the chilly winter winds, Lanzarote is one of the best places to visit in December in Europe. This Canary Island on the easternmost end has the most iconic volcanic setting that looks breathtaking all year round. This destination is always warm enough, so even in winter, you can have a great time on the beaches and coastlines, jagged red rocks and lava craters.
2. Marbella, Spain
Finding a truly hot and sunny destination to visit in Europe in December might be hard, but we always have Marbella, with its beautiful sunlight that looks glittery silver as it reflects from the waves. These shimmering, sequined waves, along with pastel-hued horizons and comfortable weather, make Marbella one of the (literally) hottest places in Europe.
3. The Algarve, Portugal
You might not get to float around the Algarve in a swimsuit in winter, but it is still one of the warmest places in Europe to visit in December. All thanks to the Mediterranean climate, the winters here are mild and pleasant, which tourists enjoy while walking along the mountains, riding bikes along the coast, or sailing to the Benagil Cave.
4. Valletta, Malta
Valletta still boasts a high temperature in winter (even going up to 20°Cs), and we are impressed with how beautiful it looks even in winter. It is a great destination to travel in Europe in December as the streets are crowd-free, and the cafes and restaurants allow people to sit in the square outside while indulging in a delicious coffee or pastizzi while locals go about their day.
5. Cannes, France
Cannes is also great to visit in Europe in December as winters are more lenient at this time. The temperature does not usually exceed 17°C. Still, there is plenty of sunlight in Cannes in winter, so you can still enjoy some of that Mediterranean summery vibes and activities like golfing, taking a swim in the sea, or hiking in the Estérel mountains.
6. Saint-Tropez, France
If you have come to Saint-Tropez, you have come to the right place if you were looking for a hot destination in Europe for the December holidays. This is one of the prettiest villages in France and boasts enough sunlight even on the coldest winter days. You can either indulge in Michelin-starred dining (after all, France boasts the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world) or drive along the scenic Route du Mimosa to taste the wines and explore the floral displays.
