24 Best European Cities to Visit in December

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December is the perfect time of year for a city break! You’ll have Christmas lights glittering, festive music playing, and a jolly atmosphere in the air as everyone prepares for the holiday season. Europe is pretty much the King of Christmas markets which also means that many of the best European cities to visit in December are at their most festive. So, if you fancy sipping mulled wine and walking through rows of wooden stalls, drinking in the atmosphere and enjoying the cheer, these are some of the best European cities in December to visit.

What is the best city break in winter?

There are a few cities in Europe that make for spectacular city breaks in December. My favourites include Brussels, Valletta, London, Strasbourg, and Reykjavik. These all have something a little different to offer, from the beautiful landscapes of Iceland to the stunning decorations in  Strasbourg. Not to mention the warmth of Valletta and London in winter is just a classic.

Where is the best place in Europe to spend Christmas?

I’ve spent Christmas in several places in Europe and I personally think for a warm trip, Malta or Madeira are best, and for a cold trip Strasbourg, Bruges, or Reykjavik. Each of these places has its own charm and there’s so much to do in each. But at the same time, they’re much more chilled than busier cities like London or Prague, which is why I prefer them for a longer Christmas break as opposed to just a weekend.

The 24 Best European Cities to Visit in December

So, whether you’re after a bustling Christmas break or a more relaxing smaller city experience, here are the best 24 European cities to visit in December. 

1. Prague, Czechia

The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague is no longer a hidden gem. This bustling city is one of the coolest cities to visit in Eastern Europe and has become very popular for parties and an upbeat atmosphere. In December, it definitely lives up to its reputation. 

You’ll find elaborate Christmas Markets around the city, particularly in the square near the astronomical clock, and the famous Charles Bridge is adorned with twinkling lights. You’ll find stalls selling everything from handmade gifts, to traditional Czech treats, and mulled wine. 

The crisp, cold air adds to the holiday ambience, making it a perfect time to explore the city’s cobblestone streets while enjoying warm, hearty Czech cuisine in cosy restaurants in the evenings. Their stews are delicious, so I highly recommend trying them! 

With the possibility of snowfall, Prague in December offers a picture-perfect setting for a truly enchanting holiday experience.

2. Frankfurt, Germany

Featuring one of the longest-running Christmas markets in Germany, Frankfurt is one of the top cities in Europe to visit in December. This was also the first Christmas market we visited in Germany so it gave us a delightful taste of what the historic city had to offer. 

You’ll find a wide selection of stalls, mainly gathered around the historic Romerberg Square. You’ll also find the ginormous Christmas tree here silhouetted against the colourful buildings. You can enjoy traditional German treats (we enjoyed the Bratwurst, currywurst, and glasses of gluhwein), and also browse for unique, homemade gifts, and sweet treats (their gingerbread cookies are delicious).

While you’re in Frankfurt, be sure to visit Bartholomew’s Cathedral and Städel Museum. Also, if you like Natural History, their history museum has one of the best dinosaur bones collections in Europe.

3. Strasbourg, France

Not called the ‘Capital de Noel’ for nothing, Strasbourg is an absolute delight at Christmas. Perched in the east of France on the border with Germany (we actually drove from Germany to get here) it’s one of the best cities to visit in December if you love Christmas decorations. 

Bear in mind that the streets can get pretty busy, but, if you can stand the crowds, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous decorations, twinkling lights, and festive markets. 

My favourite destination was a house completely adorned with Christmas teddy bears. It was absolutely adorable. But there were plenty of other decorations in Strasbourg to make it worthwhile – in fact, almost every inch of the city’s enchanting Alsatian architecture was adorned in a brilliant display of festive lights and decorations.

But there’s more to Strasbourg than just Christmas. While you’re in the city, don’t forget to explore Petit France, go inside Strasbourg Cathedral, and visit the Alsatian Museum.

4. London, England

I couldn’t write about the top cities to visit in Europe in December and not mention London! Easily one of the best Christmas destinations in the world, this city frequently appears on top of lists of next New Year’s destinations (and having been to their fireworks displays 3 times, I can confirm that it’s pretty epic), and has an amazing collection of Christmas Markets. 

Christmas markets and ice skating rinks pop up throughout the city, and shoppers can explore the festively decorated Oxford Street and Covent Garden. Theatres showcase classic performances like “The Nutcracker”, and many of London’s top attractions take on a festive makeover. 

If you love Christmas Markets, I highly recommend paying a visit to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Admittedly not the cheapest attraction to visit (they actually have a £5 entrance fee), it’s pretty much a cross between a Christmas Market and a fairground. You’ll find ice skating and an ice bar, but also roller coasters, an obstacle course, and arcade games. It makes for a pretty fun December day out.

5. Paris, France

Paris takes on a whole new league of beauty in December. The streets are adorned with fairy lights (especially Champs-Elysees, which looks beautiful), and the entire city is glowing with a pretty romantic winter atmosphere. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that it’s one of the most romantic cities in Europe to visit in December. 

The charming Christmas markets, like those in Montmartre and the Jardin des Tuileries, offer a delightful range of gifts, seasonal treats, and warm mulled wine. Iconic landmarks such as the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral are captivating against the backdrop of a crisp winter sky. Plus, there’s a chance of snow in Paris in December which would just add to the atmosphere in the most magical way.

If you fancy taking a day trip outside the city, Disneyland Paris is also pretty spectacular at Christmas with twinkling lights, festival stalls, and a Christmas twist to the attractions.

6. Budapest, Hungary

I absolutely loved visiting Budapest. It was such a charming city with its cobbled streets, friendly locals, and very affordable prices. Plus, the architecture was just beautiful. Budapest in December is pretty magical. 

Like many of these other cities, you’ll find a selection of Christmas Markets, the best ones in Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica, which are brimming with traditional crafts, delicious Hungarian cuisine, and aromatic mulled wine.

The city’s grand bridges, like the Chain Bridge and Liberty Bridge, sparkle with festive lights, while the Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion offer panoramic views of the city’s illuminated beauty. Then, once you’re done exploring the city streets, head to the thermal baths, such as the Gellert and Széchenyi Baths, which are especially inviting in the chilly weather.

7. Vienna, Austria

Home to the biggest Christmas Market in Europe (which welcomes over 3 million visitors per year) Vienna is an absolute winter wonderland in December. The Austrian capital comes alive with a captivating atmosphere and beautiful decorations. Its historic architecture is beautiful enough as it is, and the decorations just add to the charm. 

The city’s Christmas markets, particularly the one at Rathausplatz, are renowned for their handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and the enchanting scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. If you’re all marketed out, head to the beautiful palaces. I particularly love Hofburg Palace and Schonbrunn Palace, although you’ll pretty much need a full day to explore the latter!

Furthermore, Vienna has a great selection of coffee shops, particularly in the centre of the city. If you’re feeling a little chilly, head to a cafe, order a cup of coffee and a Viennese pastry, and sit and watch the festivities unfold through the window. You might even get to watch a snowfall.

8. Cambridge, England

Cambridge in winter is excellent. The city is home to a delightful mix of historic architecture and modern charm and, in December, it really pulls out all the stops. 

In the main Market Square the market serves its typical selection of cuisines from all around the world – but with a festive twist! Several of the universities offer carol services and the streets are adorned with twinkling lights. You can also find festive displays in the shopping centres, especially the Grand Arcade and Grafton Centre. 

Head just outside the city centre for one of the best places to witness festivities in Cambridge – the North Pole at Parker’s Piece. It’s been closed for a few years but it’s back for 2023, which means its famous ice rink is also returning. They’re also adding the longest ice slide in the UK – it’s 3 lanes, made of real ice, and bound to get you in the festive spirit!

9. Valletta, Malta

If chilly winters don’t interest you, but you still want to experience European cities in December, Malta is the perfect choice. Its capital, Valletta, has a great Christmas atmosphere but will remain a pretty toasty 18°C for most of December. We visited between Christmas and New Year and it rarely dropped below 16°C during the day. At night it was pretty nippy though, so you’ll need to bring a jacket.

Admittedly, the Christmas markets here aren’t as spectacular as many of these other cities. The main market is in Valletta. You’ll find stalls selling a range of food and trinkets, rides, including a Ferris Wheel, and arcade games. You’ll also find people selling ice creams and colder drinks alongside mulled wine! 

10. Rome, Italy

As one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe, it comes as no surprise that Rome puts on a bit of a show in December. While the city’s iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican remain a testament to its rich past, they take on a special allure against the backdrop of holiday lights and decorations. 

If you love Christmas markets, you’ll find them in Piazza Navona and around the Spanish Steps. These offer a delightful array of artisan crafts and seasonal treats, while St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican showcases a grand Christmas tree and a nativity scene. The festive atmosphere combined with the city’s spectacular history makes this a great time to visit Rome.

11. Stockholm, Sweden

This is definitely one of the colder European cities to visit in December (when we visited it was -7°C), but it’s also one of the most beautiful. Stockholm is a great city to visit throughout most of the winter because it just has that sort of charm that goes perfectly with the cold weather. 

You can visit reindeer at Skansen, explore a huge Swedish warship at the Vasa Museum, and dance the night away at the ABBA Museum. Then, head to the old town for a taste of Swedish history with the gorgeous colourful buildings in Gamla Stan and the festive Christmas Market in the main square. There’s also some stunning scenery in Stockholm. You only have to take a ferry ride through the ice-fringed archipelago for a unique winter perspective of the city.

Here, you can warm up after your exploration with mugs of glogg (Swedish mulled wine) and warm pastries, and soak in the festivities. The warmth of Stockholm’s Cafes and restaurants also offers a wonderful relief from the cold. Plus, you can fill up on Swedish Meatballs – what’s not to love?

12. Brussels, Belgium

Brussels was actually our first-ever winter city break in Europe. We stopped here for a long weekend on our way to Thailand and had an absolutely fantastic time. The city is beautiful with all the lights twinkling and you’ll see a range of Christmas Markets to explore in the centre.

The main market, outside the iconic Grand Palace, features nativity scenes, a giant Christmas Tree, and lots of stalls selling a range of treats and handmade items. You’ll also find a selection of Belgian specialities here such as Belgian beer, frites, and waffles – which are to die for!

13. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is one of the mildest cities in Europe to visit in December, but it still finds a way to get into the festive spirit. The Portuguese capital still enjoys rather pleasant weather in December, with temperatures around 14°C making it ideal for exploring the outdoors. Take a trip to Belem and climb the tower, admire the views from the Sao Jorge Castle, and explore the historic Alfama district. 

But, you’ll also be able to get into the Christmas spirit. The historic neighbourhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto come alive with holiday lights and decorations, adding a charming touch to the city’s picturesque streets. Lisbon’s Christmas markets offer a taste of local crafts, traditional Portuguese sweets, and warm, spiced wine. 

You’ll also find a selection of festive dishes in the restaurants, and the festive atmosphere extends to the neighbourhoods along the Tagus River, making Lisbon in December a delightful destination for those seeking a milder winter break.

14. Athens, Greece

Athens is another of the milder cities to explore in December in Europe. The temperatures will be around 14°C which is perfect for exploring the city without the overbearing heat of summer but still warm enough to wear a light jacket. 

Athens’ history is classic. You absolutely have to see the Pantheon and Acropolis, and you easily spend days exploring all the history in the city. December is a great time to visit with much fewer tourists and fewer crowds at the popular attractions. But you can also combine history with the festivities.

Head to Plaka or Monastiraki to see these adorable neighbourhoods covered with Christmas lights, and you can savour traditional Greek dishes like moussaka and souvlaki in cosy tavernas. Though not as overtly Christmassy as some European cities, Athens in December provides a fantastic opportunity to explore its cultural heritage with fewer tourists. Plus, they put on a pretty spectacular New Year’s fireworks display.

15. Edinburgh, Scotland

I have no doubt that Edinburgh is one of the best European cities to visit in December after visiting the city myself in December last year. It was amazing. We were still able to get out and about during the day and explore historic places like Edinburgh Castle. We were also able to hike to Arthur’s seat for great views over the city. Despite thinking it would be pretty chilly, I actually ended up taking my coat off for this hike because I got too hot!

The Christmas Markets were also pretty impressive. We did have to queue a little to enter the main one in the city centre, but once we were in, we were able to explore the many stalls selling a curious combination of international and Scottish cuisine (haggis Nachos, anyone?). They were also selling homemade crafts, knitwear, and unique gifts, so it was the ideal place to get some Christmas shopping done. 

While you’re in Edinburgh, don’t forget to head over to the picturesque Dean Village to snap a few photos. You can also search for a few Harry Potter locations around the city – including the Elephant House and Tom Riddle’s grave. 

16. York, England

York is one of the best places to visit in England if you love the festive atmosphere. It’s also a great combination of history and festivities. You’ll be able to explore historical attractions like Clifford’s Tower, walk the York City Walls, and the York Minster.

If it gets a bit chilly, you can head to the Jorvik Viking Museum, the Castle Museum, or York Dungeon to learn more about the city’s history. You can also explore the festivities. 

York has a great selection of Christmas Markets. Head to Shambles for a great selection of stalls – the usual Shambles Market takes on the festive cheer and becomes a great place to do some Christmas shopping.

There’s also a huge row of stalls down York’s main shopping street. You’ll find mulled wine, handmade trinkets, gifts, food, candles, and trays of homemade fudge. If you fancy a drink after all your Christmas shopping, head to Thor’s Bar for a Viking-themed pick-me-up.

17. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is a great city to visit year-round, but I love it in December. The city’s iconic canals and historic architecture are illuminated with festive lights and decorations, creating a picturesque backdrop for winter exploration. 

Plus, the Christmas markets are excellent. The one at Museumplein offers a wide array of Dutch treats, handcrafted gifts, and, of course, warm mulled wine. You can also skate on the ice rinks that pop up throughout the city or – and this is my favourite part – take in the annual Light Festival. 

This is what makes Amsterdam truly magical in December. Artworks and installations transform the canals into a luminous wonderland. You can explore various light trails and displays throughout the city and, especially after dark, it’s truly beautiful. 

If you get chilly, be sure to try some Dutch comfort food, like erwtensoep (split pea soup) and oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts), to keep you warm. 

18. Zagreb, Croatia

Despite being named the city with the best Christmas market in Europe (it actually won this title for 3 years in a row), Zagreb might seem like an unusual place to visit in winter. Nonetheless, the Croatian capital might just surprise you as one of the best European cities to visit in December. 

Zagreb comes alive with festive lights and decorations at this time of year, and its historic Upper Town, Gornji Grad, is particularly captivating during this time. The Zagreb Advent fills the city’s squares with beautifully decorated stalls offering local crafts, delightful holiday treats, and mulled wine.

You can also skate in pop-up ice rinks around the city, like the one in King Tomislav Square, and there’s always the possibility of a snowfall, adding to the festive atmosphere.

19. Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is one of my favoruite places to visit in Europe and we first visited this beautiful country in December. The city itself puts on quite a Christmas show with a pop-up ice rink, Christmas stalls, and an annual Christmas market turning it into a snowy wonderland. There’s a pretty high chance of snow in Iceland in winter, so this is a great time to visit if you want a truly festive atmosphere. 

But, with Iceland, the highlights lay outside the city centre. Experience true relaxation with a soak in the Blue Lagoon, drive Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, and head south to the picturesque coastline. 

Admittedly, you won’t get as much daylight during winter as you will during other months, but the wintery charm makes it worth visiting all the same. Plus, the lack of daylight is a bonus in some way, because it opens up the possibility of spying on the illusive Northern Lights, a sight on anyone’s bucket list.

20. Venice, Italy

Venice is a beautiful city, but often pretty busy. In contrast to the summer months, Venice in December is a nice escape from the hoards of tourists that flock to the city during the peak season. The iconic canals and historic architecture become much more peaceful and are decorated with subtle holiday lights. 

The Piazza San Marco, usually teeming with tourists, is a quiet and magical place during this season. You can explore the city’s world-class museums and art galleries St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace without the typical lines, and enjoy Venetian cuisine in cosy, canal-side restaurants. Venice’s charming squares also come to life with festive decorations.

Venice in December offers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s romantic allure and artistic treasures without the usual crowds,

21. Bruges, Belgium

After a few days exploring the streets of Brussels, we decided to catch a train to some of the other gorgeous cities in Belgium. Bruges was top of our list and is one of the best European cities to visit in December.

The charming canals are decorated with lights and there were Christmas decorations in all of the chocolate shop windows in the main city centre. The historic market square, Grote Markt, is transformed into a festive wonderland, adorned with twinkling lights and a magnificent Christmas tree. The Christmas market stalls offer artisan crafts, Belgian chocolates, frites, and warming cups of mulled wine.

The serene, almost fairy-tale-like ambience of Bruges in December is ideal for couples and those looking for a romantic holiday getaway.

22. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is a city that knows how to celebrate the holiday season with enthusiasm. It’s a vibrant mix of history, culture, and festive spirit. The city’s historic sites, such as the Berlin Wall and the Brandenburg Gate, are beautifully lit, and December makes a great time to see them with fewer crowds. 

There are plenty of Christmas Markets in Berlin (including some of the best in Germany). The markets at Alexanderplatz and Gendarmenmarkt are particularly worth a visit, offering an array of artisanal gifts, mouth-watering street food, and warm, spiced glühwein (mulled wine). Additionally, the Tiergarten Park turns into a winter wonderland with an ice rink and lots of decorations, while the Berliner Dom hosts grand concerts. 

You’ll find plenty of delicious food stalls dotted about the city serving traditional German bratwurst, schnitzel, and roasted chestnuts. Berlin is one of the best European cities to visit in December for anyone wanting a lively and traditional holiday experience.

23. Copenhagen, Denmark

If you want a Scandinavian Christmas, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Copenhagen in December. The city is beautifully decorated and you’ll find Christmas lights twinkling against the colourful buildings in Nyhavn. You can explore the city’s historic neighbourhoods, enjoy a canal tour, and immerse yourself in the cosy Hygge culture in cafes and restaurants serving Danish classics like smørrebrød. 

It’s also one of the best times of year to visit Tivoli Gardens. The city’s famous park opens its Christmas Market and you’ll be able to sample an array of handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats like æbleskiver (Danish doughnuts), and warm, spiced gløgg (mulled wine). 

There’s also a high possibility of snow, making the city even more magical, but you will definitely need to wrap up warm here because Copenhagen can be very cold at this time of year.

24. Rovaniemi, Finland

For the ultimate festive atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with Rovaniemi. Located in the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, it’s the home of Santa Claus. You can visit Santa Claus’s workshop, meet the elves, and feed his reindeer.

Plus, winter is one of the heaviest times for snowfalls in Rovaniemi, particularly towards the end of December and into January, so if you’re after a snowy scene worthy of a postcard, you’ll have a high chance of seeing it here!

As well as Santa Claus attractions, you can also go on a reindeer sleigh ride, go snowshoeing through the woodland, or ride around in a snowmobile. The city offers husky sledging too and, with a bit of luck, a chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Then, once your hands are starting to go numb, warm back up in a toasty Finnish sauna.

Rovaniemi in December is an idyllic destination for families and those seeking a true Lapland winter experience.

Final Thoughts on the Best European Cities to Visit in December

Overall, December makes a wonderful time for a city break in Europe. You’ll find more pleasant prices, (except between Christmas and New Year), more bearable crowds, and a delightful atmosphere. Whether you want to go Christmas market hopping or see Europe covered in a blanket of snow, these European cities will be the perfect winter city break.

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