best places to travel in december europe

With a great deal of Mediterranean cuisine and homemade wine, this small island country is a foodies dream come true. What Lisbon has over Northern European cities are lovely, mild temperatures in December, perfect for exploring Portugals capital. The city is decorated for Christmas and there are markets, concerts, and other events. Although, you may want to allow some extra days as there are some excellent day trips from Lisbon that tick off some of the best places to visit in Portugal. Bratislava has some wonderful historical and cultural sites to visit in winter, such as Bratislava Castle and the Slavin War Memorial the largest war memorial in Central Europe. As European cities go, Dubrovnik isn't very big, but don't let its size deter you. The Christmas markets of Europe are one of the biggest attractions in the world in December, and no other city decks the halls quite like Nuremberg. Smaller scale than other European cities, youll find charming Christmas Markets around Lisbon with a Portuguese flair, such as Campo Pequeno on the first weekend of December, the Rossio Market, The Mercado de Baixa, and Parque Eduardo VII for Wonderland Lisboa, which is perfect for families visiting Lisbon. This hidden gem of the Balkans has a lot to offer during the winter period. Even in the winter, Paris is completely outfitted in dazzling decor and romantic views. Though churros are generally a breakfast dish in Spain, who could think of a better way to end a brisk Barcelona evening? Found along Denmarks far eastern coast just a quick drive from Sweden, Copenhagen is one of the best places to visit in Europe in December! Feel free to pin this pin to Pinterest so you can find this post easily in the future! Paris, France one of the best places to visit in Europe in December for Christmas markets, 22. Each December, Maastricht becomes a real winter wonderland, with the main festivities held at the emblematic Vrijthof Square. For me, the best cities for Christmas in Europe are Vienna, Dresden and Ljubljana but Brussels, Munich and Budapest are also great places to visit in December. 5. If you go to one of the restaurants of the Lokl chain, youll be able to taste some traditional Czech food at high quality and reasonable price. This picture is taken from the area where I went to high school. People are already thinking of December in Europe this year, and looking forward to travel in However, if you visit Seville in December, then you get a whole different experience. Deventer, a city in the north of the Netherlands is a Hanseatic city and one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. Even if you dont ski or snowboard, you can still try winter hiking and snowshoeing, which make for fun winter activities. Valletta is a stunning capital city that looks as if an ancient city was cut out and placed in the middle of the ocean. If you wear shoes with treads, like hiking boots, walking on the snow is fine. There is also the Grossglockner High Alpine Road which is closed in the winter due to snow, but there are countless hiking trails that stem off of it for families seeking a little bit of adventure. Make sure you try local dishes such as veal schnitzel or a bowl of cozy goulash soup. If you have kids in tow, theyll love the huge Ferris wheel, ice skating rink, Christmas train, and Santa's village. The beautiful design of the city mimics the breathtaking rolling green hills on the outskirts that surround the area, making Dublin on the top of many peoples bucket lists. If you enjoy winter activities, you can ice skate in town too. This means if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These are just three of the things that make Vienna one of the best places to visit in Europe in December. Theres a skating rink, a giant slide, a merry-go-round, a Christmas train for the kids, and of course a Ferris wheel from the top which you will have the loveliest views of the city. A horse carriage ride with your family will surely be one of your trip's highlights. If you are in Dublin for a few days be sure to head out on a day trip or two. The public bathhouses in Budapest, with their naturally spring-fed water rich in calcium, magnesium, and fluoride, are among the most well-liked tourist attractions. Naples, Italy. There are plenty of festive events to enjoy throughout December. In addition, Yorks pedestrianized city streets play host to the St Nicholas Fair, a six-week-long Christmas market consisting of over 100 wooden chalets. Head to Cafe Regatta for a hot chocolate, freshly baked pastry, and a gorgeous view! The country is home to hundreds of different markets that each have their own unique personality and goods. The snow isnt for everyone. In December, you can find several ice rinks in Amsterdam, such as a large ice rink in front of the Rijksmuseum. Another great activity during December is going to the Amsterdam Light Festival. Shops and entire streets are in full-on Christmas mode, with colorful lights and intricate displays that are a spectacle in themselves. Even those who dont celebrate the holiday will enjoy poking their heads in and out of the dozens of stalls across the city selling handmade crafts, beautiful hand-painted ornaments, and souvenirs not found elsewhere. On crisp December days, a popular thing to do in Madrid is walk around the citys biggest green space, Parque El Retiro. Expect rich, smooth, molten chocolate served from the daintiest cup and saucer, which perfectly complements the sophisticated, shabby chic interior. Instead, its more known for its rejuvenation properties and would make for a great family, solo, or couples destination any time of the year! Visiting Europe in the winter may not be on the top of your travel destination list, but many of the cities listed here are full of festive cheer, from the sparkling nights that light up the streets to the many Christmas markets that run over the December months. What really got to me Planning an unforgettable (yet affordable) weekend vacation in the States? Punta del Este, Uruguay. We even have an entire post dedicated to Where to Stay in Munich in December. Youll get to experience all that without worrying about suffering from heatstroke. Its also just a quick 55-minute drive from Colmar, so it is possible to visit them both in a short amount of time! Youll find an air of excitement among the locals about whats to come during this month. Home to the Copernicus Science Center, Fountain Park, and the Old Town Market Square, there is plenty to capture your childrens attention! Some of our favorite Christmas markets to visit is at: Besides festive activities, there are heaps of other fabulous things to do in the city. You will, however, still need to bundle up against the rain, this is Ireland, after all. Aside from being perhaps the best place to spend Christmas (the town claims to be the official hometown of Santa Claus, after all), Rovaniemi is packed with reindeer farms, husky sledding, ice. In my opinion, the best European country to visit in December is Norway. December is the season of ballets, concerts, and museums so you definitely dont want to pass the opportunity to check out some of those. Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia is just an hour away and is also one of the best places to visit in December. Not only will you fall in love with the gorgeous canals, but now you will see them lit up with Christmas decorations. Time difference: GMT-5. 2. The cities nightlife is not to be ignored so if you are looking for a place where you can enjoy one of the best New Year celebrations do not miss out on this gem of Europe. Museum Quarter is also right nearby and there is a lot of exhibitions for everybody. Concludeyour visit to theBruges Christmas marketin one of the chocolate boutiques that line the elegant streets: the lavishly decorated end-of-year giftboxes are just as irresistible as the pralines inside, Recommended by Trijit from Budget Travel Buff . Yes, it can get very cold there come December with temperatures averaging in the 20s (Fahrenheit), but it is easily one of the most beautiful winter destinations in Europe. La Sagrada Familia becomes the heart of the city and acts as a focal point for wandering tourists. Finland's capital is magical in December when it's all decked out for Christmas. Budapest is a fantastic destination for foodies. If you are traveling to Berlin with kids, that are majorly into dinosaurs, then theNaturkunde Museum(Natural History Museum) is the place to be. Winter sports enthusiasts and aprs-ski professionals (you know the people who dont love the cold but are really good at sipping wine by a fireplace overlooking a mountain covered in skiers?) Rome is one of the top European cities to visit in December. The castle on the hill looks magical too, and you can get a wonderful view of the city from Abbey hill. Regardless of the time of year, this riverside town is overflowing with medieval charm and traditional French architecture. Rovaniemi is kind of the perfect place for all things Arctic and thus, one of the best winter destinations in Europe. While traveling to Hungary in the winter, you must visit Budapest's Christmas markets. Berlin also has culturally themed markets, such as Japanese or Nordic. Recommended Places to Visit in December: Giza, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Sharm el-sheik, Hurghada, Abu Simbel. Theres always a wealth of things to do in Lucerne. Especially for families with kids in their teens or older, Karlovy Vary has age-appropriate spas, amazing food, outstanding museums and art galleries, and beautiful lookouts such as the Diana Observation Tower. Stockholm, Sweden one of the best places to visit in Europe in December for families, 5. Many winter sports events occur in the region, with many snowboarders, skiers, and mountain climbers coming here. Colmar is a quintessential French town with so much to offer! There is also the lovely Childrens Museum and dozens of public playgrounds to bring your kids to (as long as theyre dressed in plenty of layers, of course). We can't always stay in 5-star hotels. Recommended by Pamela from The Directionally Challenged Traveler . Couples can light a candle for a loved one in the Cathdrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg, still the Grande-le de Strasbourg during a light flurry, or admire the various art exhibits and museums scattered all over town. Bruges is easily one of the best places to visit in Europe in December for couples owing to its romantic ambiance by nature. Abisko, Sweden Wintertime is an opportunity for a lot of different activities, but one of the most enchanting is watching the northern lights dance across the sky. Also, doing a canal cruise is great in December. Which island should you visit? Quench your thirst with a delicious Christmas beer or a fragrant mulled wine before exploring the cobbled streets of Bruges, snuggled up under a blanket on a horse-drawn carriage ride. Iceland Iceland, while a small country, has many sights to see, especially during the winter months. Certainly, one of the best places to travel with kids in Europe is Greece! Get ahead of the crows and visit Estonia while its still cool and relatively unknown. If you need to truly get away this winter, head to Kiruna. Gorgeous Places to Visit in December in Europe, northern lights adventure tour on a husky sleigh, 3-Day Rome Itinerary with an Optional 4th Day, Venice comes alive during the holiday season. You Might Also Like: We have the perfect 3-Day Rome Itinerary with an Optional 4th Day. Paro is one of the best places to visit in December here, so start with the Paro Taktsang Monastery or the Tiger's Nest. Christmas Markets are a staple all over Europe in December, and Amsterdam has some fabulous markets worth visiting. It may be a little on the cooler side for these ocean sports, so a wet or dry suit is recommended. December is also the perfect time to enjoy a tapas crawl to some of the best tapas restaurants in the city. You can take a road trip in mild weather and without tourists. Discover Salzburg cityif this is where you want to be this coming winter. There are plenty ofthings to do in Maltafor a perfect holiday in December. Venice also looks beautiful in the winter. The first time I visited Bruges was in May and I couldnt get over how beautiful the canals were then, I saw pictures of Bruges in the winter when everything was hidden under a light dusting of snow and I was hooked! One of the most beautiful cities to visit in Europe in December is nonother than the city of love,Paris. Obviously, the summer in Italy is gorgeous, but it is really cool to see Rome in winter. Any couple seeking either luxurious spa treatments at the foot of the Alps or some intense winter sports on top of them, Chamonix is the ultimate December European destination! Another fun activity is to go ice skating in the city. Colmar, France is one of the best places to visit in Europe in December owing to its cozy winter ambiance and beautiful Christmas markets that are appropriate for people of all ages! Another great interactive museum is the Technik Museum (Technology Museum). In December, Turin lights up with Christmas cheer and, more often than not, a decent dusting of snow. If you dont feel like driving to the mountains, you can also arrange a helicopter tour to the Swiss Alps to enjoy the incredible view of one of the most scenic places in Europe. Enjoy gingerbread cookies and other seasonal treats, live music, street food, and a party atmosphere Amsterdam does so well. Innsbruck, Austria. The best places to cruise in December in the Caribbean are practically endless, and all depends on what itinerary you ultimately decide to embark on or what exciting itineraries you find. For families traveling with younger kids, be sure to pop into the Muse du Jouet where they can explore numerous train sets and endless amounts of toys, play with dolls, and play games with other kids their age. How Do Airlines Allocate Seats To Passengers? Berlin can be quite cold in December, so make sure youre dressed in warm clothing, especially if you plan on being outside a lot. Instead, its full of snow, ice skating, glogg (a Swedish mulled wine), Father Christmas and the elves from his workshop, arcades, rides, hot chocolates, and Christmas carols blaring from the speakers across Liseberg amusement park. It has as much charm as any northern European city but without the freezing temperature. Wrap your hands around a hot mug of mulled wine while you browse for the perfect souvenirs to take home. There are also loads of Christmas activities around the island. 1. From chocolate-toppedBelgian waffles to spicy speculoos biscuits and from one-of-a-kind Belgian Christmas beersto heart-warming mulled wine, the number of food options is downright dazzling. Malta has sunshine all year round and its mild climate might be a great place to run away from the cold. Youll be able to experience the beauty of winter, with thick snowfall being likely. Visiting the Viennese palaces is a great way to warm yourself up in this cold December weather. The most central ice skating rink can be found at the Ovocn trh Square, just a few steps away from Old Town Square. Shopping in Dublin is always great and over December you can enjoy shopping at the Christmas markets that pop up. Fresh Swiss Cheese and Chocolates (also fondue!). Some of the best places to visit in Vienna are the Opera House, the Hofburg, Schonbrunn Palace, the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Stephen's s Cathedral, the Music House, the Belvedere Complex, the Vienna City Hall. Several Christmas markets also pop up around the city, such as South Bank Centre Winter Market and Leicester Square Christmas Market. Handcrafted figurines sold by the local craftsman are a perfect Christmas present or a decoration for your living room. From snowy Finland to bustling London, these are the best places to travel in Europe in January. Temperatures range from 47 57F (8-14C) with plenty of sunny days and a bit of rain. Pragues Christmas markets are the main draw. December is a very special time to visit Amsterdam. In this immense wildlife reserve, covering 50,000 sq km (19,305 sq miles) and one of the largest in the world, rain does not stop play. You won't be disappointed if you enjoy the quaint city of Helsinki in December. The city is on the banks of the river IJssel with a beautifully preserved medieval old town. 1. If you plan to celebrate your Christmas without breaking your bank, Budapest is the city for you. Its also a good idea to book some travel medical insurance in case you or your child gets hurt in a sledding incident! Boasting surreal landscapes and fascinating natural phenomena like the Northern Lights in Iceland, you will surely have a memorable trip. I hope that we have helped to narrow down some easy options of where you can visit for a city break in December in Europe. Hong Kong - For shopping. If you want to visit a Nordic country but cant afford the likes of Norway, Sweden, or Finland, then head to Tallinn. The setting for many Game of Thrones scenes, Dubrovnik has an ancient charm. On top of this, youll have the chance to stay in the world-famous ice hotel. Now, what does that mean? At the Christmas market do not miss to try the local specialties: oliebollen (sugar-dusted deep-fried dough balls), poffertjes (miniature pancakes), bratwurst (grilled sausage), and smoked salmon. For those of you looking to escape the cold nights of December, look no further. Just be sure to pack your snowshoes and crampons! The city is home to a large Christmas market at the East Princes Street Gardens, where youll find plenty of festive cheer. Spend the evening with your loved one watching a light show in front of MontjucFountain, sitting on Barceloneta Beach, roaming Las Ramblas, or eating churros in the Latin Quarter! Entrance to the festival is free of charge. You are holding a hot cup of spiced mulled wine in your hands, taking in the sweet melody and aromas of the advent period. Thats why its so important to ensure you have plenty of time on either end of your vacation to accommodate these uncontrollable events. If you love adventure, Iceland in December is perfect for you. The Strasbourg Cathedral, the 17th-century Barrage Vauban, and the Baroque Palais des Rohan are great places to visit in winter. Keep reading to discover the best places to visit in Europe in December. One such market takes place at the Prague Castle grounds.

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