12 Best European Cities to Visit in December

When I think about December in Europe, I picture snow-dusted cobblestone streets, festive lights adorning the buildings, and Christmas markets jam-packed with crafts and delicious food.

There is no better period for a trip to some of the most beautiful European cities than December! You will see them transformed into winter wonderlands, more beautiful than ever, thanks to the jolly atmosphere that permeates every corner.

From sightseeing to Christmas gift shopping to participating in local traditions, there is much you can do in Europe in December!

Vienna, Austria

If you want to live in that perfect festive atmosphere that everyone associates with the Christmas period, you need to visit Vienna.

Austria’s capital turns into a winter paradise with twinkling lights and cozy cafés where you can warm up with a good sip of hot chocolate.

Vienna is also famous for its enchanting Christmas markets scattered around town. One of my favorites is the one in front of the Schönbrunn Palace. Here, you can shop for exquisite crafts, savor food, and ice skating with the royal palace in the backdrop – I mean, what’s more perfect than this?

Prague, Czech Republic

Another European city that gives its best in December is Prague.

This UNESCO-listed town becomes a magical winter scenery when it’s even slightly dusted with white snow. Its fairy-tale architecture and romantic atmosphere will make you want to stay outside all the (and night) long.

Spend your days crossing the iconic Charles Bridge, admiring the pointy spires of the St. Vitus Cathedral, and exploring the majestic Prague Castle. And, of course, do some shopping at the Christmas market at the Old Town Square.

While at the Christmas market, don’t forget to enjoy festive Czech treats like trdelník (known in English as “chimney cakes”) – genuinely delicious!

Rovaniemi, Finland

Did you know Santa Claus’ official hometown is nestled in Finnish Lapland? It is the beautiful town of Rovaniemi, which is one of the top destinations to visit in Europe in December.

Imagine a trip filled with snow-covered landscapes, festive cheer, husky sledding or reindeer, and Northern Lights safaris. You can do it all at Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village. This fantastic place is just a few kilometers outside the town, and it’s a must-visit for any Christmas lover!

Once you have soaked up the unmatched atmosphere of Santa Claus Village, treat yourself to a relaxing Finnish sauna while admiring the spectacle of the Polar Night.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is a well-preserved medieval city that is most bewitching in December.

Over Christmas, Bruges houses a fantastic winter festival called Winter Glow. Offering visitors seasonal experiences like Christmas markets and ice skating, this festival is mainly known for its light installations.

Particularly charming is the Light Experience Trail, where you can discover touristy and hidden spots in town. Each installation is a moment of wonder that will make your entire trip!

Winter Glow aside, Bruges boasts a Flemish heritage you will love discovering in the city’s architecture, local cuisine, and traditions.

Strasbourg, France

If there is one bucket-list destination for your next December trip, that should be Strasbourg.

This lovely French city is fondly nicknamed “Capitale de Noel” (the capital of Christmas). It is famous worldwide for Christmas decorations and markets scattered around the city center.

Among the many, my favorite is Christkindelsmärik, one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, founded in 1570. For a long time, this was the only Christmas market in France!

Between twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine, and delicious Alsatian food specialties, Strasbourg truly captures the essence of European winter magic.

Zagreb, Croatia

Croatia is better known as a summer destination, and you might not even have considered visiting it in December. However, this month is perfect for a trip to the country, avoiding the tourist crowds and finding low prices.

In particular, I love the historic hillside city of Zagreb, close to the Slovenian border. Zagreb has everything an old European capital should have, and its Old Town bursts with yuletide cheers in December.

During the annual Advent festival, Zagreb boasts more than 25 Christmas Markets spread throughout its squares and promenades. Each market has its own unique theme and atmosphere for a never-ending, fun exploration!

Glasgow, Scotland

Boasting a magical blend of History, culture, and festive cheer, Glasgow gets truly impressive in December.

In the city, you will find a wide range of seasonal attractions, from Christmas fairs to ice skating rinks to pantomime shows.

Head to George Square and St. Enoch Square for the Christmas fairs with Christmas-themed Entertainment and a spectacular assortment of seasonal food and drink. You will also find artisan stalls where you can shop for handcrafted gifts.

Want more? Ride the Ferris wheel in George Square to admire the city from above, or ride the roller coasters in St Enoch Square for a fun-packed time!

Palermo, Italy

If you like mild climates, there is one place you should visit in December: the capital city of Sicily, Palermo.

This majestic Italian town boasts baroque architecture that is even more wonderful with the Christmas lights. Stroll around Palermo’s many grand sites, like the Cathedral, and stop by the city’s food markets that get all dressed up for Christmas.

In Palermo, there is a special activity you can do to feel the essence of Christmas: watching the amazing living nativity scenes performed in all the main squares.

Don’t leave Palermo before visiting its beaches, where you will find locals swimming dressed as Santa Claus – yes, indeed, in December!

Nuremberg, Germany

Few Christmas markets can compare to the one in Nuremberg, Germany.

The city’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world. Its countless wooden stalls are packed with traditional Christmas decorations and sweet treats like gingerbread and Spekulatius almond cookies.

If you are Traveling with kids, you should know that there is an entire Christmas market dedicated to them on Hans-Sachs-Platz Square. Here, children can bake cookies, paint glass, and ride on a fabulous carousel.

Visit Nuremberg in December to soak up all that warm holiday spirit and have an unforgettable winter break!

Vilnius, Lithuania

If you are looking for a lesser-known European town for your December trip, Vilnius is the right choice.

Lithuania’s capital city gets a festive mood and delights everyone with unmissable seasonal events. Among locals’ most beloved moments is the Christmas tree lighting. Each year, the Christmas tree has a new look to surprise and enchant every visitor.

Something else to do in Vilnius in December is stopping by the Christmas market. Although not as big as the ones in other cities, the Vilnius Christmas market is no less fun to explore. You can spend hours shopping for traditional crafts and eating sweet treats like Lithuanian curd donuts in the market’s wooden chalets.

Edinburgh, Scotland

If you are into winter festivals, the Scottish capital is a fantastic place to visit in December.

The first unmissable event is the Winter Lights Festival, where the city’s most popular locations, like Trinity College, are covered with glistening lights.

The other must-see is Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival. This three-day event celebrates the coming of the New Year with outdoor concerts, traditional dances, torchlight procession, and fireworks. The Hogmanay Festival is considered the most important Scottish holiday since Christmas was virtually banned in Scotland for around 400 years.

And when outside gets too cold, you can always hide inside a cozy pub and party as locals do!

Dresden, Germany

Go to Dresden for a December trip in full Christmas flare. This German city has the oldest Christmas market in the country, first hosted in 1434.

Back then, Dresdner Striezelmarkt only had a few stalls where locals could pick up provisions for the holiday feasts. Today, there are more than 200 stalls selling everything, from Saxon art and crafts to mouthwatering goodness.

But the shining star of Dresdner Striezelmarkt is the giant Christmas Pyramid, a wooden tower with tiers filled with Christmas figures. Originally hailing from the Ore Mountains, the ‘Weihnachtspyramide’ is the largest pyramid of its kind. It is also featured in the Guinness Book of World Records!