Best European countries to visit in December

Do you dream of a magical European getaway when winter arrives? The continent turns into a winter wonderland in December. It’s filled with twinkling lights, festive markets, and snow-dusted landscapes. But where can you find the best of Europe’s charms during this time?

What are the must-visit destinations for an unforgettable winter escape?

Germany’s cozy Christmas markets and Portugal’s carnival celebrations are just the start. Europe comes alive in winter with many captivating destinations. Whether you want a snowy adventure, cultural immersion, or a peaceful retreat, there’s something for everyone¹.

• Discover the most enchanting European destinations for your December getaway
• Experience snow-dusted cobblestones, festive Christmas markets, and winter sports
• Explore a diverse range of winter experiences, from carnival celebrations to cultural delights
• Uncover the best European countries to visit in December for an unforgettable holiday
• Plan your ideal winter wonderland escape in Europe

Europe turns into a winter wonderland when it gets cold and snow falls. The snow-dusted cobblestones of old cities and the bustling Christmas markets across the continent are magical. There’s a special charm of Europe in winter that you can’t find at any other time².

As the days get shorter and nights longer, Europe feels cozy and festive. Snowy European cities like Vienna, Prague, and Tallinn are filled with the joy of Christmas markets. Here, you can see handmade crafts, enjoy warm glühwein, and dive into the festive European getaways³.

The charm of Europe in winter isn’t just about Christmas markets. Places like Madeira, Portugal have over 300 sunny days a year, making it a warm winter spot⁴. Southern Spain and Italy also have mild weather and lots of outdoor fun, like golf and birdwatching⁴.

Looking for a snowy European city or a festive European getaway? The charm of Europe in winter is clear. From Germany’s Christmas markets to Venice’s canals, Europe is at its best in winter².

Germany is the ultimate place for Christmas magic. From late November to early January, every square is filled with Christkindlmarkts. These markets offer carols, Nativity scenes, and all the Glühwein you can drink⁵. Berlin, Cologne, Nuremberg, and Dresden are just a few places to experience the true European Christmas⁶.

Germany’s Christmas markets have a long history, with some dating back to the 15th century⁷. The Dresden Striezelmarkt, for example, has been around since 1434⁷. Today, these markets are a beloved part of the holiday season, attracting millions of visitors each year.

At these markets, you’ll find handmade crafts, festive decorations, and local treats. And don’t forget the Glühwein to keep you warm⁵. Many markets also have live music, kids’ activities, and even snow-covered carousels, making it a magical place⁵.

Visiting Germany’s Christmas markets is an experience you won’t forget. Whether it’s the Christkindlmarkt in Nuremberg or the Asti market in Italy⁵, it captures the holiday spirit⁵. With their rich history and festive atmosphere, Germany is the heart of Europe’s Christmas markets⁷.

“The Dresden Striezelmarkt in Germany dates back to the 15th Century, making it one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets.”⁷

The winter season in Venice might bring rain and high tides. Yet, it also offers a rare chance to see the calm of La Serenissima⁸. Venice welcomes 25 to 30 million visitors yearly⁸. In summer, the historic center’s population triples due to tourists⁸.

But in the off-season, the city’s famous spots are less crowded. This lets visitors enjoy museums, churches, and palaces without the usual crowds.

Visiting during Carnival in February or March is special. You’ll see unique celebrations that make Venice’s winter festivities stand out⁸. The Castello district, the largest, is often missed by tourists⁸. The Scala Contarini del Bovolo offers great views and is less known⁸.

Throughout Venice, there are many beautiful, less busy squares to explore.

There are over 100 islands in the Venetian Lagoon, each with its own charm and history⁸. Whether exploring Venice’s less crowded spots or enjoying winter festivities, the serenity of La Serenissima will enchant you.

Zermatt sits at the foot of the famous Matterhorn. It’s a top spot for winter sports enthusiasts⁹. Since 1820, Zermatt has been a hub for sports and mountaineering⁹.

It has the biggest summer skiing area in Europe. With 25km of pistes and 8 ski lifts open all summer⁹, it’s a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. People come from all over to enjoy the world-class slopes⁹.

Zermatt offers more than just skiing. You can ice skate, curl, sled, and cross-country ski¹⁰. The town is covered in snow, making it perfect for winter sports lovers. The train ride from Täsch to Zermatt shows off the Alps’ beauty¹⁰.

Visitors love the town’s architecture and the views of the mountains, including the Matterhorn⁹. The Matterhorn is the 6th tallest peak in the Alps. It was formed when an African tectonic plate crashed into the European one about 30 million years ago⁹.

After skiing, there’s a lively après-ski scene to enjoy. The views of the Matterhorn are breathtaking¹⁰. Zermatt is sunny in November and December, making it great for skiing in Switzerland¹⁰. The Rothorn ski run is close to a hotel, and the ski resort has both Swiss and Italian parts for a varied skiing experience¹⁰.

⁹ Matterhorn Focus is a top choice for accommodation. It’s known for its hospitality and rooms with unique views⁹. Air Zermatt focuses on mountain support, emergency medicine, and training, showing their commitment to excellence⁹. Sonnmatten is a family-run place with a cozy vibe and great food.

Whether you’re an experienced skier or just starting out, Zermatt, Switzerland is a must-see. It offers an unforgettable winter sports experience at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn⁹¹⁰.

Menton, the warmest spot on the French Riviera, lights up in winter with its Fête du Citron, or Lemon Festival¹¹. For two weeks in mid-February, over 200,000 people visit this charming town¹¹. They come to see floats covered in lemon art, fireworks, and parades. All this happens against Menton’s colorful medieval quarter and green gardens¹¹.

Menton’s mild Mediterranean climate and Italian influences make it special¹². It’s close to Italy, perfect for a winter trip¹². The nearest airport, in Nice, is just 40 km away, with flights from Europe¹².

Visitors are drawn to the citrus floats, fireworks, and Menton’s charm. This French Riviera town is a top spot for winter fun in France.

The Menton Lemon Festival, or Fete du Citron, has been running since 1935¹¹. The 2020 festival was its 87th year¹¹. It uses over 140 tonnes of citrus fruit¹¹. The festival’s citrus art is on display for two weeks¹¹. The Golden Fruit Parades and night-time parades happen on certain days, and the Garden of Lights is open too¹¹.

“The Lemon Festival in Menton is considered one of the most unusual festivals globally, adding to the town’s appeal as a tourist destination.”¹²

Edinburgh welcomes winter with festive traditions and events. In December, the city offers ice skating, holiday markets, and panto performances. The highlight is Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, a three-day New Year’s Eve party with live music, fireworks, and a torchlight procession¹³.

Every year, 80,000 people gather on Princes Street for Hogmanay¹³. The Torchlight Procession is a stunning sight, with thousands of torches lighting up the city¹³. It’s a magical way to start the new year in Europe.

Tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay street party range from £25 to £50¹⁴. The Loony Dook event in South Queensferry sees 1000 people take a chilly dip in the Firth of Forth¹⁴.

First footing is a Hogmanay tradition, where the first person in brings good luck with gifts¹⁴. Singing “Auld Lang Syne” is a big part of Hogmanay in Scotland¹⁴.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is famous, but Scotland has other traditions too. Up Helly Aa in Shetland is Europe’s largest fire festival, with Vikings and a burning longboat¹⁴. Stonehaven’s Fireball Ceremony in Aberdeenshire is another unique Hogmanay event¹⁴.

“Whether you’re admiring the luminous beauty of the torchlight procession or joining the revelers at the street party, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebration is an unforgettable way to welcome the new year in Europe.”

If you’re tired of cold winter weather, southern Spain and Seville are perfect escapes. Seville’s winter days are mild, with highs around 62-64°F (16-18°C)¹⁵. This is great for seeing the city’s beautiful architecture, like the Gothic cathedral and the Moorish Alcázar palace, without the summer heat¹⁵.

Seville also offers rich cultural experiences. You can watch a mesmerizing flamenco show or join in the Three Kings’ Day on January 5th¹⁵. This festive day is filled with parades, music, and sweet treats¹⁵.

“Seville in the winter is a hidden gem – the mild climate, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural events make it an enchanting destination to visit.”

Seville is a treasure trove of architectural marvels, cultural shows, and winter festivities. It’s a warm and charming place to escape the cold, letting you dive into Andalusia’s warmth¹⁵.

December in Europe is a magical time. The snow and Christmas markets in Germany¹⁶ are breathtaking. Venice and Madeira offer serene canals and festive fun, making Europe a perfect winter destination¹⁶.

Bruges, Belgium, is famous for its Christmas markets and Winter Glow festival¹⁶. Prague, Czech Republic, is historic and affordable, with stunning architecture and festive vibes¹⁶. Lapland, Finland, is a winter wonderland with sleigh rides and the Northern Lights¹⁶.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, is magical in December with the Amsterdam Light Festival¹⁶. Bergen, Norway, has glaciers and fjords as a backdrop¹⁶. Zagreb, Croatia, is lively with the Advent festival and Christmas markets¹⁶.

The Bernese Oberland region in Switzerland is perfect for winter sports¹⁶. Dublin, Ireland, is beautiful with its Winter Lights festival¹⁶.

Tallinn, Estonia, is like a fairy tale with its cobbled streets and historic sites¹⁶. Ljubljana, Slovenia, is romantic and magical in winter¹⁶. Vienna, Austria, is known for its stunning architecture and hot chocolate¹⁶.

These European countries offer cozy experiences and outdoor adventures in December¹⁶. From ice skating to exploring medieval towns, Europe’s winter is enchanting¹⁶.

“The beauty of Europe in winter is truly a sight to behold. From the twinkling lights of the Christmas markets to the serene landscapes blanketed in snow, these destinations offer a magical escape that will leave you enchanted.”

Plan your winter getaway to these 12 European countries for an unforgettable journey¹⁶.

Explore Norway’s serene lakes for a winter adventure. Here, you can try ice fishing and see the northern lights¹⁷.

The dark winter nights in Norway are perfect for seeing the northern lights. The best time is from October to April, when it’s darker¹⁷. You might see the lights during the solar minimum, thanks to geomagnetic storms¹⁷.

Norway’s northern areas are great for seeing the aurora. Places like Tromsø and Svalbard are top spots for viewing¹⁷.

While watching the northern lights, try ice fishing on Norway’s lakes. These lakes are perfect for this traditional activity¹⁸.

From Mjøsa to Jonsvatnet, these lakes are great for ice fishing. Local guides will teach you how to catch trout and more¹⁸.

Stay in a cozy cabin to fully experience Norway’s winter. You can warm up and see the northern lights¹⁹. Norway’s winter is a unique chance to connect with nature and culture¹⁹.

The volcanic island of Madeira, off Morocco’s coast, comes alive in winter. In December, Funchal’s streets light up with fairy lights and Nativity scenes. This sets the stage for Christmas festivities²⁰.

In late February, the island celebrates its Carnival. The event runs from 19th to 26th February 2020²⁰. It’s a colorful parade with music, dance, and elaborate floats²⁰.

Visitors must try the island’s famous wines and malassadas. These fried dough pastries are a festive treat²⁰. Madeira’s winter is mild, with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius²⁰.

The Carnival is a big deal in Portugal. It features float processions and lively music²⁰. Madeira’s New Year’s Eve fireworks were once the world’s largest²⁰.

But there’s more to Madeira’s festivities. The Flower Festival is from 4th to 21st May 2020²⁰. The Atlantic Festival in June includes music and fireworks²⁰.

Madeira’s Carnival, Christmas markets, and outdoor adventures make it unique²⁰. Even in winter, it gets five hours of sunshine daily²¹. December’s festivities are lively, with temperatures around 20C²¹.

From Carnival to the Flower Festival, Madeira is a festive gem²⁰. The 2025 Carnival will be from February 26 to March 9²¹. The Flower Festival celebrates the island’s blooms from May 1-25²¹.

The Atlantic Festival in June features fireworks every Saturday²¹. The Madeira Wine Festival celebrates the island’s wine from August 24 to September 14²¹. The Nature Festival in October offers outdoor activities like yoga and music concerts²¹²⁰.

Innsbruck, nestled in the Austrian Alps, is a mix of winter sports and culture. It hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics²². The city has over 311 miles of ski terrain, perfect for skiers and snowboarders. But there’s more to Innsbruck than skiing, with its palaces, churches, and Old Town showcasing Habsburg history.

The Golden Roof, with over 2,000 gilded copper tiles²², is a must-see. The Imperial Palace, dating back to the 15th century²², is another highlight. The Museum of Tyrolean Regional Heritage shows off folk art and traditional costumes²². For a view, visit the Bergisel Ski Jump, which can hold over 20,000 spectators²².

Outside the city, the Olympia Ski World Innsbruck offers thirteen resorts, all free to reach by ski bus²³. The Igls Bobsleigh Centre offers speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour²². For a calm outing, try the winter hiking trails through snow-covered forests²².

Innsbruck’s charm grows during the holidays, with Christmas markets like the Old Town Market around the Golden Roof²². Enjoy Tyrolean treats and mulled wine in the festive atmosphere²². Innsbruck is perfect for winter sports, culture, or a holiday getaway, blending Austria’s landscapes and Habsburg heritage.

“Innsbruck is a winter wonderland, where the allure of the Alps meets the charm of a historic Habsburg city. From the slopes to the cultural attractions, it’s a destination that truly has something for everyone.”

Rovaniemi, in the heart of Finnish Lapland, is a winter wonderland. It’s the official “hometown” of Santa Claus. This Arctic Circle village welcomes everyone with its magical atmosphere²⁵.

At Santa Claus Village, you can meet Santa and enjoy reindeer rides. You’ll see amazing ice sculptures and festive halls²⁵. The Arktikum museum also offers cultural insights into Lapland’s history and traditions²⁶.

When the sun sets in winter, the northern lights light up the sky. They create a magical glow over the snow²⁶. Rovaniemi, the gateway to Lapland, is perfect for family fun or a peaceful nature trip.

Visiting Rovaniemi is a must for winter travelers. Meet Santa, explore culture, or see the northern lights. It’s a destination that will enchant you²⁵²⁶.

Reflecting on the enchanting European destinations we’ve explored, I feel excited for the winter months. Germany’s Christmas markets²⁷ and Madeira’s festive carnival²⁸ are just the start. Europe is full of captivating experiences for the holiday season.

Looking for cozy spots, outdoor fun, or cultural traditions? December in Europe has it all. Imagine walking Venice’s canals²⁸, skiing in Zermatt²⁸, or celebrating in Edinburgh²⁸. The choices are endless.

Planning a winter trip? Dive into Europe’s magic²⁸²⁷²⁹. Whether you’re after a December destination or a winter wonderland, these places will create unforgettable memories.

1. https://www.frommers.com/slideshows/848369-europe-in-winter-where-to-go-this-december-january-and-february
2. https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/trip-planning/winter-travel-europe
3. https://www.flightgift.com/blog/best-places-to-visit-in-december-in-europe/
4. https://www.roadscholar.org/blog/Best-Places-Southern-Europe-Winter/
5. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ceciliarodriguez/2024/10/15/winter-in-europe-the-5-most-romantic-christmas-markets-by-european-best-destinations/
6. https://www.travelandleisure.com/holiday-travel/christmas-travel/best-christmas-markets-in-europe
7. https://www.countryliving.com/uk/travel-ideas/abroad/g62552520/best-european-christmas-markets-visit/
8. https://www.frommers.com/slideshows/848355-where-to-escape-crowds-in-overtouristed-venice-italy
9. https://www.releasetravel.com/blog/awinterweekinthealps
10. https://sloveniangirlabroad.wordpress.com/2016/03/17/zermatt-winter-paradise-revisited/
11. https://www.travelonatimebudget.co.uk/france/the-menton-lemon-festival-a-great-south-of-france-short-break/
12. https://unfilteredtravelling.com/menton-on-the-french-riviera/
13. https://www.vietravel.com/en/around-the-world/best-destinations-to-celebrate-new-years-eve-in-europe-v12071.aspx
14. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/hogmanay-guide-scotland
15. https://www.secretatlas.com/explorers-club/travel-tips/best-places-to-visit-in-europe/
16. https://restless.co.uk/travel/best-holiday-destinations-to-visit-in-europe-in-december/
17. https://www.nordicvisitor.com/blog/best-times-places-northern-lights-europe/
18. https://www.fjordtours.com/en/norway/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/winter-activities/ice-fishing
19. https://www.wendyperrin.com/where-to-see-the-northern-lights-and-when/
20. https://www.oliverstravels.com/blog/things-to-do-in-madeira-out-season/
21. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/luxury-hotel-getaways/madeira-festivals-and-events/
22. https://www.lelongweekend.com/innsbruck-in-winter/
23. https://traveldudes.com/a-winter-guide-to-innsbruck-austria/
24. https://hoppingfeet.com/what-to-do-in-innsbruck-in-winter/
25. https://www.travelthewholeworld.com/traveling-finland/santa-claus-village/
26. https://www.travelherstory.com/europe/finland/rovaniemi-itinerary-finnish-lapland-in-winter/
27. https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/best-christmas-markets-europe-france-germany-belgium-b2627258.html
28. https://www.travellerspoint.com/forum.cfm?thread=50836
29. https://www.acko.com/travel-tips/best-countries-to-visit-in-december/