December in Europe: 16 Amazing Locations That Will Make You Want To Travel NOW!

Did you know that December in Europe is one of the busiest times to visit the continent? Sure it is freaking cold in some parts (I live in the north of the Netherlands so I should know!) but there is loads to do.

I mean there are Christmas markets and snow… There are winter sports and snow… There are loads of cultural events and snow… Yup! I’m a bit snow obsessed but can you blame me? I waited for snow in Goa for way too many years as a child. Lol!

Jokes aside, December in Europe is beautiful. The north of the continent is blanketed in white goodness, has a lot of winter sports and you can even spot the Northern lights. We got a chance to catch a glimpse of this in Murmansk, Russia a couple of years ago and plan to head to the Scandinavian countries with our girls soon.

The south has the warmer coasts. You may or may not be able to get into the water but it is still fun to dip your feet in the sand. Plus Christmas in Europe! There’s so much to see and do at this time of the year that it is hard to decide on just a few locations.

Plus there are so many ways to travel. You take flights since Europe has so many great airports. You could decide on a road trip. I mean I just read all those road trip quotes and want to pack my bags for a European holiday.

Or you could go and have an epic holiday in Europe by train! I mean it does require a bit of planning but it sure pays off!

So I’m going to help you with a bit of inspiration. Here are some of the best places to spend December in Europe according to locals, frequent travelers and me… Yup. I live here now and I definitely know what I’m talking about because we are out and about every alternate weekend. The beauty of living in the Schengen zone!

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my disclaimer for further information.

December in Europe: Table Of Content

• Brussels, Belgium
• Malaga, Spain
• Valencia, Spain
• Nuremberg, Germany
• Hallstatt, Austria
• Rovaniemi, Finland
• Colmar, France
• Paris, France
• Oslo, Norway
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Venice, Italy
• London, UK
• Akureyri, Northern Iceland
• Zurich, Switzerland
• Athens, Greece
• Prague, Czechia

1. Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is an epic place to spend December in Europe.

Location: Brussels, Belgium

Temperatures in Brussels, Belgium in December:

Low: 2°C / 35.6°F

High: 6°C / 42.8°F

Getting There: The easiest way to reach Brussels is by plane. Brussels has two airports you can fly into. Brussels Zaventem, about 10 min from the city, and Brussels Charleroi, a budget airlines hub, about an hour from Brussels.

Where To Stay: Stay in the city center, close to Grand Place. Motel One Brussels is a great budget-friendly option.

As the cold winter days roll around, the capital of Europe starts to wake up. Instead of closing down for the winter, Brussels lights up in thousands of sparkling lights.

Most tourist attractions in Brussels are not weather specific. You can stroll through narrow cobblestone streets and picturesque medieval houses throughout the city center year-round. However, they are especially magical when decorated for Christmas.

The best way to see the best of Brussels in a short time is to join a free walking tour, there are plenty of options in the city! Otherwise, some of Brussels’ must-sees are Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Mont des Arts, and European Quarter. 

You can’t come to Brussels and not try their waffles. Unless you want a photogenic waffle, skip the fancy waffle shops in the city center. You’ll find the best waffles at waffle trucks throughout the city, like the one in front of the Royal Palace.

If you want to visit more Belgian Christmas markets, like the ones in Bruges or Ghent, you can easily visit them on day trips from Brussels by train. Brussels is well connected to the rest of the country by a reliable rail network, making it easy to get around.

December in Brussels is cold, so make sure to pack warm clothes and wear multiple layers. Ironically, all interiors are quite warm. It doesn’t snow often in Brussels, but rain is common so don’t forget to wear waterproof shoes to stay dry and warm. You can see why it is such an amazing destination to spend December in Europe.

Oh and if you are looking for day trips from the city, I would recommend checking out Le Château De Vêves and Dinant. Both are pretty amazing destinations.

By Natali From She’s Abroad Again

2. Malaga, Spain

Malaga is an epic warm-ish location to spend December in Europe.

Location: Malaga is in the county of Andalusia, Southern Spain

Temperatures in Malaga, Spain in December:

Low: 9°C / 48.2°F

High: 17°C / 62.6°F

Getting There: the closest airport is Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), which is a 15-minute drive from the city centre.

Where To Stay: Room Mate Valeria is a fantastic hotel for families and couples. The hotel is a two-minute walk from Malaga’s main attractions.

Not everyone thinks of winter in Spain. While there are places where it snows in Spain, you will find that Malaga isn’t one of them. Malaga, located in southern Spain, is a fantastic destination to visit in December.

One of the main highlights of visiting Malaga in December is the wide variety of Christmas-related activities. This is aside from the numerous things to do in Malaga that are attractions in themselves!

Many travelers visit Malaga at this time just to see the Christmas lights. They are different every year, so the setup will always surprise you. On top of this, there is a Christmas light show in which the lights dance to Christmas songs, and the atmosphere in Calle Larios is very lively.

Apart from the Christmas lights, there are several markets with kids’ activities and impressive nativity scenes to visit. The one in the town hall is considered one of the best.

In addition to all the Christmas-related activities, you will love the weather in Malaga as it enjoys mild temperatures with an average of 56°F and sunny weather.

The weather, not too hot or cold, makes it perfect for sightseeing and hiking. It is definitely a great place to spend December in Europe.

A must-see for history buffs is La Alcazaba de Malaga which dates back to the Moorish era in the city.

Or if you don’t mind traveling out of the city, you could head to Nerja and visit the Nerja beaches and the Nerja caves which are some of the top things to do along the south coast!

By Cristina From My Little World Of Traveling

3. Valencia, Spain

Valencia is such a great beach destination to spend December in Europe.

Location: Valencia, Spain

Temperatures in Valencia, Spain in December:

Low: 6°C / 43°F

High: 17°C / 63°F

Getting There: Fly directly into Valencia Manises International Airport and take a 25-minute metro into the city.

Where To Stay: Las Arenas Hotel, a 5-star hotel by the sea.

Visiting Valencia in December is a unique and wonderful experience, in part to all the Christmas activities taking place in the city. The winter season brings cooler temperatures, but it is still mild and comfortable enough to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing.

One of the biggest attractions during December is the traditional Christmas markets, where you can find handcrafted gifts, local treats, and festive decorations. The Central Market, Mercado de Colón, and Plaza Redonda are all great places to browse and shop.

Valencia is also known for its vibrant nightlife, and December is no exception. You can enjoy live music and entertainment in many bars and clubs around the city. If you’re looking for a more cultural experience, there are several theaters and concert halls that offer shows and performances throughout the month.

Another highlight of visiting Valencia in December is the New Year’s Eve celebration. The city comes alive with fireworks, street parties, and traditional rituals, such as eating 12 grapes at midnight for good luck. You can see why people love to spend December in Europe here.

By Valencia Revealed

4. Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg in Germany is one of the most iconic places to spend December in Europe.

Location: Nuremberg, Germany

Temperatures in Nuremberg, Germany in December:

Low: -2°C / 28.4°F

High: 4°C / 39.2°F

Getting There: Nuremberg Airport services many budget airlines in Europe, making flights to the city affordable. The airport is also conveniently close to the city center, making the market very accessible. 

Where To Stay: Astoria Apartments

The Nuremberg Christmas Market is one of the best Christmas markets in Germany, known for its historical ambiance, blonde-haired Christkind, small but delicious sausages, and gingerbread. 

The market is one of the oldest in Germany, dating back to 1530, with concrete proof of its existence dating back to 1628. 

The market is a popular affair these days, with hundreds of vendors, thousands of visitors, and millions of calories inhaled every year. 

The Nuremberg Christmas Market is usually held from November 25 to December 24. 

The Nuremberg Christkind is a unique aspect of the market that sets it apart from others. The Christkind is a real-life person elected every two years to be the city’s ambassador of Christmas. Visitors can spot her at the market or at special events like the opening ceremony. 

Nuremberg is also famous for its food, including the Nürnberger Rostbratwurst, tiny finger-sized sausages served “Drei im Weggla,” and gingerbread, with the Elisenlebkuchen being a mostly flourless variation of gingerbread with nuts being a must-try. 

In conclusion, the Nuremberg Christmas Market is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience one of the best Christmas markets in Germany with a rich historical ambiance, unique traditions, and delicious food.

With its convenient location and affordable flights, visitors can easily plan a trip to the market and enjoy the festive atmosphere. It is one of the best places to spend December in Europe.

By Elle From Only In Germany

5. Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt in Austria is a picture perfect location to spend December in Europe.

Location: Hallstatt, Austria

Temperatures in Hallstatt, Austria in December:

Low: 1°C / 33.8°F

High: 7°C / 44.6°F

Getting There: Hallstatt is located an hour southeast of Salzburg via car or two hours and 15 minutes by train.

Where To Stay: Seehotel Grüner Baum is a charming historic hotel, with incredible views of Lake Hallstatt and the surrounding Alps and super comfy beds.

Hallstatt, Austria looks like something out of a fairytale, with colorful gingerbread houses built into the slopes of the Austrian Alps. Come December, this stunning village looks that much more magical, thanks to the snow that generally blankets the surrounding mountains.

There’s plenty of things to do in Hallstatt to enjoy the holidays, like its Christmas Market, every year on December 8th. The charming Old Town is transformed into a holiday wonderland, with icicles and twinkling lights decorating the rafters of the buildings.

Here, you can peruse a mix of stalls, selling handmade ornaments, mittens, and wooden toys or indulge in a glass of gluhwein or one of Hallstatt’s famous holiday cookies. 

The market is especially fun for the kinder, with lots of planned interactive activities. If you really want to start your December off with a bang, head to the Hallstatt area during the first weekend of Advent, when the children of the neighboring town of Obertraun gather on the shores of Lake Hallstatt at night.

Saint Nicholas will sail ashore in a wooden boat, handing out small treats, like apples and oranges, and read a Christmas poem. And as soon as he arrived ashore, he’ll slip back into the dark along Lake Hallstatt’s waters until the following December.  This makes it an amazing place to spend December in Europe.

Even if you’re not in the holiday spirit, there’s other wintery activities to enjoy in the nearby snowy Alps. For example, Dachstein Krippenstein offers several snow sports, like snowshoeing or exploring ice caves, or there’s several fancy ski resorts in the neighboring town of Altaussee.

By Jessica From Uprooted Traveler

6. Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi in Finland is a lovely cold destination to speak December in Europe.

Location: Rovaniemi

Temperatures in Rovaniemi, Finland in December:

Low: -11°C / 12.2°F

High: -4°C / 24.8°F

Getting There: Rovaniemi Airport, The Sleeper Train, or a road trip from Northern Europe

Where To Stay: Santa’s Village

When considering places to visit in Europe, during December, without a doubt, Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland, should be on the list of consideration. Lapland, of course, needs little introduction as the home of Father Christmas, which makes for a perfect, festive trip.

When in Rovaniemi during December, there are a multitude of activities to partake in. Some of the best things to do in Rovaniemi include a husky safari, Reindeer farm visits, and having the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. Rovaniemi is one of the best locations to see this natural occurrence take place. 

Plus, for those that are seeking more unique winter experiences, activities such as winter ice floating, snowmobiling, taking a Finnish sauna, and ice climbing are a fun addition. Many people think this makes it one of the best places to spend December in Europe.

If all of that wasn’t enough, don’t forget to visit Santa’s Village to meet Santa Claus in his home and even visit his post office, which is an ideal activity for families with young children. Also, this winter wonderland decked in festive lights provides a sense of Christmas spirit that simply can’t be replicated elsewhere.

By Samantha from Find Love And Travel

7. Colmar, France

Colmar is the perfect place to spend December in Europe.

Location: Colmar, France

Temperatures in Colmar, France in December:

Low: 0°C / 32°F

High: 6°C / 42.8°F

Getting There:  It’s easily accessible by car, bus and train.  The closest airport is in Strasbourg (SXB).

Where To Stay:  Hotel Le Maréchal.  A beautiful hotel in an excellent location.

For a great place to visit in December in Europe head over to Colmar, France.  

Colmar is a magical city that becomes even more magical at Christmas time.  From roughly the last week in November until Christmas Eve the city is covered in Christmas decorations and markets.  Spend some time walking through the markets and admiring the various treasures you may find.  (Even if you’re not a shopper, you’ll enjoy it!)  

Find a cozy place to eat or grab something to go from a food vendor at a market stall.  There’s all sorts of warm treats, drinks, and meals to be had.  Make sure to wander the winding streets and admire the various Christmas decorations.  The city goes all out for the season!  

While the Christmas decorations and markets are something to be seen in Colmar in December, the beautiful architecture of the city is something to admire as well.  Stop by La Petite Venise for the quintessential photo op of Colmar and the Alsace region.  Visit the Unterlinden Museum to see art by both local and international artists, and Musée du Jouet which is a toy museum.  

Enjoy your December in Europe trip to beautiful Colmar!

By Chelsea From Adventures Of Chels

8. Paris, France

Spending December in Europe in Paris is really magical!

Location: Paris, France

Temperatures in Paris, France in December:

Low: 4°C / 39.2°F

High: 8°C / 46.4°F

Getting There: Paris is well-connected by air, with three international airports: Charles de Gaulle, Orly and Beauvais. It’s also connected to many places in Europe by rail, with easy train routes to the UK, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Spain.

Where To Stay: Paris has many options, including high end hotels like the 5-star Hotel Regina Louvre and more modest options like the Auberge Flora.

Paris is a great destination for December because it does the festive season so well!  Yes, it will be cold and you’ll need a good coat, scarf and gloves, but there are lots of things to do in Paris in winter, even if the weather is bad.

One of the best things to do in Paris in December is to visit one of the many Christmas Markets (or Marchés de Noël) around the city. The biggest one is The Magic of Christmas, or La Magie de Noël, at Tuileries Garden near the Louvre.

This market has fairground rides, a huge choice of food stalls and plenty of mulled wine (vin chaud), as well as a champagne bar. You can find other Christmas markets near Notre-Dame Cathedral, at Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Montmartre and La Defense. However, the prettiest and most magical is probably the one outside Hôtel de Ville.

In addition to the markets, Paris does some wonderful Christmas light displays. For outdoor lights, check out the trees and displays at Place Vendôme and the row of lights along Avenue des Champs-Élysées all the way to the Arc de triomphe. And for indoor displays, nothing beats Galeries Lafayette’s spectacular atrium display. 

It is one of the most interesting places to spend December in Europe.

By Martha From May Cause Wanderlust

9. Oslo, Norway

Oslo is an amazing place to spend December in Europe.

Location: Oslo, Norway

Temperatures in Oslo, Norway in December:

Low: -4°C / 24.8°F

High: 1°C / 33.8°F

Getting There: Fly into one Oslo Gardermoen Airport and then take the train into the city

Where To Stay: Consider staying at the centrally located Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel. It’s near lots of shops and restaurants on the main street in Oslo.

For those looking to foray into the Scandinavian region, a beautiful place to visit is Oslo! During December, the Norwegian capital usually experiences an average high temperature of 34°F and an average low temperature of 25°F, so you’ll definitely want to bring lots of warm layers.

Once you’re all bundled up, there are plenty of things to do! For example, you can explore the city on foot with a local and see the different neighborhoods while sampling some delicious Norwegian treats. Or, if you want to explore on your own time, head to Vigeland Park. Here, you’ll find a massive park with an abundance of entertaining sculptures by Gustav Vigeland!

And if you need to retreat from the cold, you can easily pop inside one of Oslo’s many museums. A crowd-favorite is the Munch Museum, where you can admire quite an impressive collection of Edward Munch’s works, including his iconic Scream painting.

Or, make your way to the peninsula of Bygdøy. Here, there are several museums within close proximity of one another. For instance, a fun and interactive one is the Fram Museum, which offers fascinating insights into various polar exploration expeditions!

So, if you’re ready to embrace the cold, Oslo is a great place to visit! Especially if you want to spend December in Europe.

By Kristin From Global Travel Escapades

10. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is an idyllic place to spend December in Europe.

Location: Copenhagen, Denmark

Temperatures in Copenhagen, Denmark in December:

Low: 1°C / 33.8°F

High: 5°C / 41°F

Getting There: Bus, train or plane

Where To Stay: CityHub Capsule Hotel

Copenhagen is without a doubt one of the best places you should visit in December in Europe. 

Known as the city of fairy tales because the population is one of the happiest in the world, Copenhagen has an abundance of things to do no matter what you enjoy. 

The most popular activity in December is visiting the Christmas market in Tivoli Gardens. Located slap bang in the middle of the city, this event brings people from all across Europe. As you can imagine, the Xmas market has everything you can imagine.

From stands selling baileys hot chocolate and hot dogs to fun fair rides suitable for all ages, this is a great place to spend the evening filling up on Christmas cheer! December in Europe seriously can’t get better than this!

If you’re an animal lover, why not visit the famous Copenhagen Zoo in the winter snow where you get to see over 4,000 amazing animals. The highlight is without a doubt the state-of-the-art Panda pen where it currently has multiple panda cubs which are sooo cute! The zoo is easily accessible via the city’s great bus network. 

Another great activity in the December chill is visiting Kastellet. This 17th century fortress is uniquely star shaped and a throwback to historical Danish times. It’s a great place to walk around with a hot drink and admire true Danish culture!

By Leah From Alex And Leah On Tour

11. Venice, Italy

One cannot forget Venice when it comes to December in Europe.

Location: Venice, Italy

Temperatures in Venice, Italy in December:

Low: 0°C / 32°F

High: 8°C / 46.4°F

Getting There: Most people get to Venice by flying into Venice Marco Polo Airport directly, or flying into Rome and taking the train. 

Where to Stay: Hotel Diana is perfect to explore the city from as it’s only ten minutes away from Rialto Bridge! 

One of the best places to visit in Europe in December is the iconic city of Venice. In the warmer months, Venice is often packed with tourists, but in the cooler months, you’ll find the narrow alleys of the city almost empty. Visiting Italy in winter is a great idea because you can explore the elegant city at your leisure.

Venice has a magical atmosphere during the holiday season – with beautiful Christmas lights, decorations, and markets popping up around the city. If you’re lucky enough to visit at the end of the month, the Venice New Year’s Fireworks are breathtaking! 

If you’re exploring the city of Venice, St. Mark’s Square is a great place to start. There is an impressive Christmas tree in the square with exquisite decorations. You’ll find the Campanile di San Marco and Basilica di San Marco right in the heart of the plaza.

Throughout the plaza and the rest of Venice, small shops sell Italian coffee and hot chocolate to warm you up. Grab a to-go cup so you can enjoy a gondola ride throughout the city. If you visit in winter, you’ll find that prices for tourist attractions are significantly lower. As you float by Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs, take in the beautiful waterfront views of the city.

After exploring the city, treat yourself to a glass of locally-sourced wine and some cicchetti. You’ll love soaking up the enchanting personality of Venice while you indulge. Nothing quite compares to spending December in Europe in Venice!

By Pamela from Directionally Challenged Traveler

12. London, UK

London is one of the popular destinations to spend December in Europe.

Location: London, England

Temperatures in London, UK in December:

Low: 5°C / 41°F

High: 9°C / 48.2°F

Getting There: There are six major airports in London, however, some are closer to the city center than others.  Additionally you can get to London by train from Europe, including several cities in France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Where To Stay: There are many great areas to choose from when it comes to staying in London.  If you’re on a short visit, consider staying somewhere in central London, such as the West End to allow you to maximise your time there.

If you’re looking to visit Europe in December, then you should absolutely consider London.  During December, you’ll discover plenty of things to do to add to your London itinerary as the city comes alive with sparkling decorations and seasonal events.

Throughout December you can discover festive markets, a Winter Wonderland, ice skating rinks, incredible seasonal decorations, and one of the largest Christmas trees in Europe.

Head to Key Gardens for Christmas at Kew, when this UNESCO World Heritage Site dazzles with an array of lights throughout the botanical gardens after dark.

Fully indulge in the festive spirit at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park as the Royal park fills with fairground rides, market stalls, an ice skating rink, and family shows.

Shop for Christmas presents and admire the glittering lights in Covent Garden, Oxford Street, and Regent Street in the West End, before enjoying a festive feast at one of London’s top restaurants.

While the dreary weather can’t dampen the joyful spirit of the city, at times you may want to head indoors.  The good news is, you’ll find ample activities to do inside to escape the cold.  

Warm up with an afternoon tea or mulled wine, see a West End show or pantomime, discover incredible exhibits at the many art galleries and museums, or relax with a spa day.

The options for a getaway in London in December are endless! That’s what makes it such a great place to spend December in Europe.

By Sophie And Adam From We Dream Of Travel

13. Akureyri, Northern Iceland

Akureyri is an offbeat location to spend December in Europe.

Location: Akureyri, Iceland

Temperatures in Akureyri, Northern Iceland in December:

Low: -4°C / 24.8°F

High: 2°C / 35.6°F

Getting There: there are many direct flights to Reykjavik from Europe and North America. From there it’s a 6-hour drive or a one hour flight to Akureyri (note that Akureyri flights depart from Reykjavik City Airport and not Keflavik International)

Where To Stay: Sunnuhlid Houses

As the streets of southern and central European cities start filling with Christmas markets, in the far north or Europe the skies grow darker, to the point where only a mild twilight illuminates the day in some parts.

In Akureyri in northern Iceland, the day only lasts three hours throughout most of December, making it a prime location to get a glimpse of the magical northern lights. 

Akureyri and northern Iceland is far less visited and considerably less populated than Reykjavik and southern Iceland. But visitors who make it up to the North are rewarded with epic mountains, fjords, waterfalls and more.

All with only a fraction of the tourists that similar locations in the South have. And to top it off, the skies are typically clearer in northern Iceland than in the South, even though the overall snowfall levels are higher. 

Clear skies and less light pollution make this corner of the world an excellent spot to base a northern lights trip around. There are a few tour companies in Akureyri that will take you out in search of the aurora borealis. Or better yet, rent a 4×4 and do it yourself. 

During the brief daylight there are endless recreation opportunities around Akureyri. Be sure to check out Godafoss (waterfall), Dettifoss (waterfall), Myvatn Lake, and the historic whaling village of Husavik.

Just don’t tire yourself out too much, as you’ll want to stay up late for those northern lights! Definitely an experience worth having if you are going to spend December in Europe.

By Chris From Around The World With Me

14. Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich is a pretty place to spend December in Europe.

Location: Zurich, Switzerland

Temperatures in Zurich, Switzerland in December:

Low: 0°C / 32°F

High: 5°C / 41°F

Getting There: You can fly directly to Zurich International Airport from most major cities in Europe, North America, and Asia.

Alternatively, you can get to Zurich by train or bus. Zurich is a major hub for trains and buses, with frequent trains and buses from many European cities.

Where To Stay: Citizen M Zurich

Zurich is a great place to visit in December as there are so many Christmas Markets to explore! There are five Christmas Markets in Zurich – all offering something unique and all within close proximity of each other. Even if you only have a couple of days or even just one day in Zurich you’ll still have time to visit some of them!

Eat some raclette and fondue, sip on a glühwein and buy cute artisan Christmas gifts for your loved ones at the markets! The atmosphere in these Christmas Markets is amazing, but make sure to wrap up warm as it gets pretty cold here in December!

Inside Zurich’s Main Station is Christkindlimarkt: Zurich’s most central Christmas Market and one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe! Christkindlimarkt is a must-visit, with over 140 stalls and a huge 32ft (10 meter) Christmas tree in the middle decorated with Swarovski crystals! 

The Wienachtsdorf Market is held in front of the Opera House and is one of Zurich’s largest Christmas Markets with roughly 100 stalls! Here you’ll find the famous Fondue-Chalet!


At Münsterhof Christmas Market there is a big focus on high quality local products from Zurich. This Christmas Market is really elegant and modern and is a total gem! 


The Werdmühleplatz Christmas Market is really unique as it features daily evening concerts, a singing Christmas tree and a stage in the shape of a Christmas tree! Can’t get better than this for December in Europe right?

By Catarina from 24 Hours Layover

15. Athens, Greece

Athens is such a cool place to spend December in Europe.

Location: Athens, Greece

Temperatures in Athens, Greece in December:

Low: 8°C / 46.4°F

High: 15°C / 59°F

Getting There: Fly Directly into the Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos)and take a 40-minute train into the city.

Where To Stay: Divani Palace Acropolis, a 5-star hotel worth a splurge on an executive room with a private balcony directly across from the Acropolis and a rooftop terrace for watching the sunset over the Acropolis.

Sunny skies and generally pleasant weather ranging from 41 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit (5-15 degrees Celsius), help make Athens in December a happy and bust time for Athenians.

You’ll see lots of locals hanging out in their neighborhood squares and heading to the city center to do some Christmas shopping and you’ll see small groups of children or adults singing Christmas carols around their neighborhood.

For locals and tourists there is the building excitement of the festive season with Christmas lights and decorations, ice skating rinks, and much of the population dining out in the evening with friends and family. The nightlife is festive with Klook café leading the crowd for bizarre and fun Christmas-themes nights at the bar.

In 2022, Greece was the third most visited country in the world, so for tourists, December is the perfect time to see the major ancient sites and museums of Athens minus the crushing crowds that descend on Greece in summer. It is also one of the most popular spots when people think about a family holiday in Greece.

The Parthenon, Erechtheion, Temple of Nike, and Theater of Dionysus await you on the Acropolis, and at its foot, the Acropolis Museum displays the treasures that were found on the Acropolis. Wander the other UNESCO sites and visit the National Museum of Archaeology in between sampling Greek festive foods and then hitting the late-night theaters, music venues, cinemas, and bars. 

Every single corner is a gorgeous spot waiting for a photograph to be taken. I mean just take a look at the famous Greece quotes. I’ll bet a large number of them were inspired by Athens!

If you’ve never traveled in December to Europe, Athens is a great introduction to locals enjoying their environment and holidays and for the pleasures of uncrowded travel.

By Monique From Trip Anthropologist

16. Prague, Czechia

December in Europe cannot get better than Prague.

Location: Prague, Czechia

Temperatures in Prague, Czechia in December:

Low: -1°C / 30.2°F

High: 4°C / 39.2°F

Getting There: To get to Prague, you can fly into the Václav Havel Airport, which is located about 10 miles outside of the city center. From the airport, you can take public transportation such as buses or trains or you can arrange for a taxi or private transfer.

Where To Stay: As for accommodation, there are plenty of budget-friendly options in Prague. Hostels and guesthouses are widely available and offer affordable rates, while hotels and apartments are also available for those looking for a little more luxury.

You can also consider staying in one of the city’s many neighborhoods, such as Vinohrady or Žižkov, which offer a more authentic and less touristy experience.

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is a magical destination to visit in December in Europe. It’s a city that’s full of history, culture, and architecture that transports you back in time. Additionally, it’s also considered one of the best places to travel alone in Europe, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a solo adventure.

When you arrive in Prague, you’ll find a city full of Christmas markets, festive decorations, and warm holiday spirit. The Old Town Square Christmas market is a must-visit, where you’ll find traditional Czech foods, handcrafted gifts, and plenty of mulled wine to keep you warm.

You can also explore the city’s many museums, galleries, and theaters, or take a stroll along the Vltava River for a picturesque view of the city.

In summary, Prague is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for a magical European destination to visit in December. With its affordable prices, stunning architecture, and festive holiday spirit, it’s a destination you won’t want to miss.

By Trijit Mallick from Budget Travel Buff

There you have it! These are some really epic destinations from all across the continent. I hope this helps you narrow down your locations about where to stay and plan your December in Europe itnerary.

Let me know which are your favorite destinations on the list! Feel free to drop a suggestions on other places we need to add to the list of December in Europe.