Do you want to know some of the best destinations to visit in Europe in December?
Whether you’re trying to take a loved one on a romantic getaway, your kids on the ultimate ski vacation, or a solo trip across numerous magical cities, this list is for you!
In this article, you’ll find the 10 best destinations to visit in Europe in December for families, couples, and those seeking a warm and sunny break from the brisk winter months.
Here are ten of the best destinations to visit in Europe in December to consider for your next family getaway.
1. Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi, Finland. Located in Lapland, the city is known as the official hometown of Santa Claus. You can meet Santa, explore the Post Office, see his squad of reindeer and enjoy a photo opportunity with the giant snowman.
There are plenty of other things to do in Rovaniemi in the winter: snowmobiling, reindeer sledding, and dog sledding are among some of the best. Snow is frequent, and temperatures are often well below freezing; you can actually cross the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi.
Another reason to visit in December, thanks to the long winter nights, is the high chance to see the Northern Lights. Venture outside the city, away from light pollution, and be amazed by the vibrant colors dancing in the sky.
2. London, England
The biggest city in Western Europe, London’s a little chilly in December, it remains a highlight when it comes to festive destinations. London has an extensive selection of Christmas markets spanning across the city center and suburbs.
London’s a fantastic city for a winter trip, thanks to its plethora of museums – the biggest and best of which are free. You can walk around millennia of the earth’s past at the Natural History Museum or go back in British design history at the V&A museum without paying a penny. Light displays are abundant throughout the capital; my favorite is the angels on Regent Street. You can virtually hear jingle bells and smell the mulled wine at every step in the British capital.
Outdoor activities, bar walking around Christmas markets and ice skating rinks, aren’t abundant in London itself in December, but there are plenty of winter day trips that you can take from the city to enjoy British nature.
In December, this sky-scraping (London Eye) observation wheel is open to the public and is often the site of dozens of proposals year after year.
Couples who enjoy art and history can tour the Tower of London in search of the crown jewels, wander the halls of the Natural History Museum, try to sneak a peek of the queen at Buckingham Palace, or simply enjoy a relaxing vacation in search of the best tea and Yorkshire pudding spot in the city.
London is incredibly beautiful when covered in snow and makes for some great photo opportunities. Couples looking for some great pictures for their “save the date” or winter wedding invitations can stroll the iconic Tower Bridge for some amazing shots if they’re thinking of hiring a photographer.
3. Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt, a fairytale town in the Austrian Alps. The town’s colorful gingerbread houses, perched between pine trees on mountain slopes, look charming year-round – in December, though, they usually have lights, garland, and even icicles festooning their rafters.
You could spend hours wandering around its Old Town, taking in the stunning views of the adorable old buildings, the turquoise waters of Lake Hallstatt, and the snow-capped Alps.
Beyond its storybook village, there are plenty of things to do in Hallstatt to soak up holiday cheer. You can warm up with a steaming mug of gluhwein; peruse the vendors’ stalls of wooden toys, hand-made ornaments, or cozy mittens; or admire the life-sized nativity set, hand-carved by a local carpentry school.
If you’re traveling with kids or simply want to maximize the Christmas vibes, visit the Hallstatt area the first weekend of Advent.
In the neighboring town of Obertraun, the children of the area gather on the shores of Lake Hallstatt at night, lit up only by candlelight. Saint Nicholas himself will silently glide out ashore on a wooden boat; hand out small treats for the waiting crowd, like apples and oranges; and recite a Christmas poem.
4. Lugano, Switzerland
Lugano in Switzerland is a stunning but small location to visit in December in Europe, located in the Ticino canton. Lugano can have a sprinkle of snow but mostly it’s just a little cold and sunny combined, making it great for a winter trip with sunshine.
During December, Lugano hosts a local Christmas market right in the city centre that has numerous stands selling local treats, festive drinks and wintery decorations/souvenirs. Many cafes and restaurants also provide blankets and heaters to keep you warm while visiting.
When not visiting the Christmas markets and city, there are other local highlights, including a funicular to the top of Monte Brè for some wintery city scenery from above. Alternatively, book a visit to a local spa, such as at Villa Sassa, for some well-deserved chill time.
Don’t miss the highly-rated pizzeria Acqua e Farina. It’s such a great place for pizza that even locals find it hard to choose just one from the menu.
5. Dusseldorf, Germany
With plenty of winter charm and festivities, it’s worth visiting Düsseldorf in December. Renowned as the fashion capital of Germany, Dusseldorf is a vibrant and modern city, while still retaining its historical charm. The modern and unique architecture stand in contrast to the 18th-century buildings, and are a highlight to see anytime of the year.
It doesn’t boast warm temperatures, Dusseldorf’s chilly climate adds to the festive atmosphere. The Christmas Markets that are found throughout the city offer a variety of handcrafted gifts, delicious seasonal treats, and of course, mulled wine to sip.
With seven Christmas markets spread throughout the city, there are plenty of options to shop for that perfect gift and soak up the festive atmosphere. Here you’ll find designer boutiques, luxury brands and well-known shops.
Also worth visiting are Dusseldorf’s numerous museums, which offer a chance to escape from the weather and warm up indoors. The Kunstpalast Museum boasts an impressive collection of classical and contemporary works, while the NRW Forum showcases experimental art and multimedia installations.
What makes Dusseldorf a great place to visit in December, is its perfect balance of holiday spirit without the overwhelming crowds found in larger cities.
6. Bansko, Bulgaria
December is the wake-up month for Bansko, Bulgaria. As the chance of snow increases, Bansko comes alive. The ski season usually starts around 15th December – when the whole town kicks into high gear.
Nestled in the UNESCO heritage site of the Pirin mountains, Bansko is not only a fabulous ski resort but a well-preserved ethnographic Bulgarian town.
As you walk down the cobblestone streets, you’ll be enchanted by the 19th-century stone churches, authentic houses and inns from the Revival period of Bulgaria, and of course traditional mehanas ready to fill your belly with delicious Banska Kapama (sauerkraut and various types of meat cooked for hours in a clay pot).
If you come in the second half of December, chances are you’re going to ski. With 15 ski lifts and over 75 km of slopes, Bansko is the best place for winter sports in Bulgaria; some of the lifts go as far up as 2530 m.
7. Morskie Oko, Poland
Visiting Europe in December, Morskie Oko, located in the stunning Tatra Mountains in Poland, is highly recommended. Morskie Oko, sitting in the mountains, is much colder than other destinations in December, with heavy snowfall being likely.
Due to this, the area won’t be too crowded – and while winter hiking is great fun, it’s advisable to walk with a guide. There are some fantastic things to do in the area around Morskie Oko, too. Visit Zakopane, the Winter Capital of Poland and enjoy skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding. Since Morskie Oko is remote, you might have to take multiple modes of transportation to reach it.
8. Valencia, Spain
Valencia in December. As winter settles in most parts of Europe, average temperatures in Valencia range from 8 to 17ºC. This makes it an ideal escape from the harsh winter climates found elsewhere on the continent.
During December, Valencia comes alive with twinkling lights, charming Christmas markets and beautifully decorated streets. Christmas in Valencia is a big deal – and locals celebrate it by meeting up with friends and family in cafés throughout the whole month of December. The iconic Plaza del Ayuntamiento hosts a grand Christmas tree, an ice rink and the New Year’s Eve party.
One place you cannot miss is the City of Arts and Sciences. This futuristic architectural complex is a must-visit sight in Valencia any time of the year, but during December, it also hosts the best Christmas market in town. If you want to do Christmas shopping, stroll through the historic Old Town.
Visit the famous Central Market for delicious local delicacies, and admire Valencia Cathedral and other architecture along the way. Also, indulge in the local cuisine with every chance you get. December is an excellent time to savor traditional dishes, such as churros, buñuelos, and candied almonds.
9. Saturnia, Italy
Saturnia is one of my favorite places on this planet. It has delicious food, excellent year-round weather, and incredible landscapes.
In winter, it’s truly spectacular. While it’s cooler than other winter sun destinations on this list, mild days are possible, and the summer crowds leave a certain serenity, and the golden and silver colors of the pools reflect against the sky.
There are plenty of appeals to Saturnia, including its beautiful little restaurants, quaint wine bars, vineyards, and incredible landscapes. But if you want something truly special and unusual, why not dive into one of the many thermal springs in the region?
As the weather turns colder, the hot waters gushing from geothermal waterfalls become all the more inviting. Although not widely known among tourists, Tuscany has plenty of hot springs. The signs up and down the highway direct you to local thermal springs – look for the word ‘Terme,’ which translates to ‘thermal.’
The most famous thermal spring in the region is Terme di Saturnia in the region of Saturnia. It’s the most Instagrammable, photogenic place, but as this one is the most famous, it can get very popular throughout the winter months.
10. Alacati, Turkey
The best destinations to visit in Europe in December, then Alacati on the Aegean Coast of Turkey is a great choice. Alacati is a beautiful Greek town located on the Turkish Riviera.
Established by Ottoman Greeks in the 17th century, Alacati is known for its unique stone villas, a medieval marketplace, a church-turned-mosque, narrow, meandering streets dotted with boutiques, cafes, and artisan shops, and of course stunning beaches. The historic Cesme Castle is not very far away.
One of Alacati’s must-visit attractions is the windmill park which has four massive windmills dating to the 1800s. Even though the windmills are non-functional today, the park provides sweeping views of the Turkish countryside.
December is a good time to visit Alacati because it is the low season everywhere on the Turkish coast. That means it is a great time to grab some good deals on accommodation and tours. Further, you’ll find Alacati’s attractions literally empty.
Days in December are sunny and average temperatures range between around 8°C – 14°C – never too cold, which means you can spend lots of time outdoors.
Advice: Taking a winter vacation comes with a lot of risks. Flight delays and cancellations, poor road conditions, closed businesses… it all adds up to make or break your trip.
That’s why it’s so important to ensure you have plenty of time on either end of your vacation to accommodate these uncontrollable events. It’s also a good idea to book some travel medical insurance in case you or your child gets hurt in a sledding incident.
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