As winter blankets Europe in a magical frost, December unveils a tapestry of enchanting destinations. From snow-capped Alpine peaks to sun-drenched Mediterranean shores, the continent offers a diverse array of experiences for travellers seeking festive cheer, winter sports, or cultural immersion. This month transforms iconic cities and quaint villages alike into winter wonderlands, each with its own unique charm and allure.
Christmas markets and festive traditions across european capitals
December in Europe is synonymous with the twinkling lights and aromatic spices of Christmas markets. These festive bazaars, steeped in centuries-old traditions, offer a glimpse into the heart of European yuletide celebrations. From mulled wine to handcrafted ornaments, these markets are a sensory delight that capture the essence of the holiday season.
Nuremberg christkindlesmarkt: germany’s iconic yuletide bazaar
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt stands as a paragon of German Christmas traditions. Dating back to the 16th century, this market transforms the city’s main square into a festive village of red-and-white striped stalls. Here, the air is thick with the scent of Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Glühwein (mulled wine), while the sound of carols fills the crisp winter air.
Visitors can marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of Nuremberg’s famous wooden toys and sample local delicacies like the city’s signature small bratwurst. The market’s crowning glory is the Christkind, a local youth dressed as an angel who officially opens the market and spreads Christmas cheer throughout the season.
Vienna’s rathausplatz: austrian advent spectacle
Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is a dazzling display of Austrian Christmas splendour. Set against the backdrop of the neo-Gothic City Hall, this market is a feast for the senses. Towering Christmas trees adorned with crystal ornaments, an ice skating rink, and a dedicated area for children’s activities make it a perfect family destination.
Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the variety of Austrian treats on offer, from Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake) to Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes). The market’s unique charm lies in its blend of tradition and modernity, offering everything from handcrafted gifts to cutting-edge decorations.
Strasbourg christkindelsmärik: alsatian christmas heritage
Strasbourg, the self-proclaimed ‘Capital of Christmas’, hosts one of Europe’s oldest and most renowned Christmas markets. The Christkindelsmärik, dating back to 1570, sprawls across the city’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The market’s Alsatian flair is evident in its unique blend of French and German traditions.
Visitors can wander through the picturesque streets of Petite France, adorned with twinkling lights and garlands, while savouring Alsatian specialties like choucroute (sauerkraut) and bredele (Christmas cookies). The Great Christmas Tree at Place Kléber, standing over 30 meters tall, serves as a magnificent centrepiece to this winter spectacle.
Copenhagen’s tivoli gardens: nordic winter wonderland
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens transform into a Nordic winter wonderland during December, offering a unique blend of Christmas market and amusement park. The gardens, illuminated by thousands of lights, create a magical atmosphere that captivates visitors of all ages.
Stroll through the market stalls offering Danish Christmas delicacies and handicrafts, or enjoy the thrilling rides adorned with festive decorations. The frozen lake becomes a picturesque ice-skating rink, while the nightly light shows set to music add an extra layer of enchantment to this already magical setting.
Alpine ski resorts and winter sports destinations
For those seeking an adrenaline rush amidst breathtaking mountain scenery, Europe’s Alpine regions offer world-class ski resorts and winter sports facilities. December marks the beginning of the ski season in many of these destinations, promising fresh powder and exhilarating slopes for enthusiasts of all levels.
Zermatt: swiss luxury beneath the matterhorn
Nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is a car-free paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. This Swiss resort boasts 360 kilometres of pistes, including year-round skiing on the Theodul Glacier. The town itself exudes charm with its traditional wooden chalets and horse-drawn sleighs.
Beyond skiing, visitors can indulge in gourmet dining at Michelin-starred restaurants or unwind in luxurious spa facilities. The Gornergrat railway offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Alps, making it a must-do experience even for non-skiers.
Chamonix-mont-blanc: french freeride paradise
Chamonix, nestled in the heart of the French Alps, is renowned for its challenging off-piste terrain and breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak. The Vallée Blanche, a 20-kilometre off-piste run, attracts expert skiers from around the world with its ungroomed powder and dramatic glacier scenery.
The town itself is steeped in mountaineering history and offers a vibrant après-ski scene. For a truly unforgettable experience, take the Aiguille du Midi cable car to its 3,842-metre summit for panoramic views of the Alps stretching across France, Switzerland, and Italy.
St. anton am arlberg: austria’s Apres-Ski capital
St. Anton am Arlberg is famous not only for its excellent skiing conditions but also for its legendary après-ski scene. The resort offers 305 kilometres of marked ski runs and 200 kilometres of off-piste itineraries, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.
After a day on the slopes, the village comes alive with music and merriment. The famous Mooserwirt and Krazy Kanguruh bars are at the epicentre of the après-ski action, where skiers dance in their boots and enjoy Glühwein and Jägertee (tea with rum) late into the night.
Cortina d’ampezzo: italian dolomites glamour
Known as the ‘Queen of the Dolomites’, Cortina d’Ampezzo combines world-class skiing with Italian sophistication. The resort, which hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics, offers 120 kilometres of ski runs set against the stunning backdrop of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cortina’s charming pedestrianised centre is lined with high-end boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and cosy wine bars. The resort’s glamorous reputation attracts a stylish crowd, making it as much a destination for people-watching as for skiing. Don’t miss the opportunity to try sciare al tramonto (sunset skiing) on the illuminated Faloria slope.
Cultural capitals and indoor attractions
For travellers seeking cultural enrichment or indoor activities during the colder months, Europe’s great cities offer a wealth of museums, galleries, and theatrical performances. December is an ideal time to explore these cultural hubs, with fewer crowds and a festive atmosphere adding to the experience.
Paris: louvre’s winter collections and galeries lafayette
Paris in December is a city of lights and culture. The Louvre, the world’s largest art museum, is less crowded during this time, allowing visitors to admire masterpieces like the Mona Lisa in relative tranquillity. The museum’s winter exhibitions often showcase rarely seen collections, providing a unique perspective on art history.
Outside the museum, the city sparkles with holiday decorations. The iconic Galeries Lafayette department store unveils its elaborate Christmas window displays and giant Christmas tree, drawing crowds of admirers. For a truly Parisian experience, enjoy a cup of chocolat chaud at a cosy café while watching the world go by.
London: west end theatre season and british museum
London’s West End comes alive in December with a plethora of theatrical productions. From classic musicals to cutting-edge plays, the theatre district offers something for every taste. Many productions feature special holiday-themed performances, adding an extra layer of festive cheer to the experience.
For a dose of world-class culture, the British Museum offers free entry to its permanent collections, which include treasures from around the globe. The museum’s Great Court, with its stunning glass roof, is particularly magical when adorned with seasonal decorations. After a day of cultural exploration, warm up with a traditional afternoon tea at one of London’s luxury hotels.
Rome: vatican city’s midnight mass and sistine chapel
Rome in December offers a unique blend of religious tradition and artistic splendour. The highlight for many is the Midnight Mass held at St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve, presided over by the Pope. While tickets are free, they are highly sought after and must be reserved well in advance.
The Vatican Museums, including the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, are less crowded in December, allowing for a more intimate experience with Michelangelo’s masterpieces. Outside the Vatican, Rome’s streets are decorated with nativity scenes and lights, creating a festive atmosphere that complements the city’s ancient architecture.
Northern lights and arctic circle experiences
December’s long nights in northern Europe provide ideal conditions for witnessing the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights. Coupled with unique Arctic experiences, these destinations offer a truly magical winter adventure.
Tromsø: norway’s aurora borealis gateway
Tromsø, located 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, is renowned as one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. The city’s location in the auroral zone, combined with its relatively mild climate thanks to the Gulf Stream, makes it an ideal base for aurora hunting.
Beyond the lights, Tromsø offers a range of Arctic adventures. Visitors can embark on dog sledding expeditions, go whale watching, or experience Sami culture through reindeer sledding and traditional lavvu (tent) stays. The Polar Night, when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon, creates a unique blue twilight that bathes the landscape in ethereal hues.
Reykjavik: icelandic geothermal spas and glaciers
Reykjavik serves as a gateway to Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes and natural phenomena. The city itself is charming, with colourful houses and a vibrant cultural scene, but it’s the surrounding nature that truly captivates visitors. The famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, with its milky-blue waters rich in silica and minerals, offers a surreal bathing experience under the winter sky.
Adventurous travellers can explore nearby glaciers, either on guided hikes or by venturing into crystal-clear ice caves. For a truly unique experience, take a dip in the Secret Lagoon, one of Iceland’s oldest natural hot springs, while watching the Northern Lights dance overhead.
Rovaniemi: finnish lapland and santa claus village
Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, is a winter wonderland that embodies the magic of Christmas. The Santa Claus Village, open year-round, allows visitors to meet Santa himself, cross the Arctic Circle line, and send postcards from the Santa Claus Main Post Office.
Beyond the festive attractions, Rovaniemi offers a range of Arctic experiences. Husky safaris, reindeer sleigh rides, and snowmobile excursions allow visitors to explore the snowy wilderness. For a truly memorable stay, book a night in a glass igloo to watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed.
Mediterranean winter sun escapes
For those seeking to escape the cold, Europe’s southern regions offer milder climates and winter sun. These destinations combine cultural attractions with the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities in comfortable temperatures.
Madeira: portuguese atlantic island paradise
Madeira, known as the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’, boasts a subtropical climate that makes it an ideal winter escape. The island’s dramatic landscapes, from lush forests to rugged cliffs, provide ample opportunities for hiking and nature exploration. The famous levadas , irrigation channels turned hiking trails, offer some of the most scenic walks in Europe.
Funchal, the island’s capital, comes alive during December with festive decorations and the Festa do Fim do Ano, one of the world’s largest New Year’s Eve fireworks displays. Don’t miss the chance to try Madeira wine, a fortified wine unique to the island, or indulge in the local espetada (beef skewers) and bolo do caco (traditional bread).
Canary islands: spanish archipelago’s eternal spring
The Canary Islands, with their year-round mild climate, offer a perfect winter sun destination. Tenerife, the largest island, boasts diverse landscapes, from the lunar-like terrain of Mount Teide National Park to golden sandy beaches. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy surfing, windsurfing, and scuba diving in the warm Atlantic waters.
Gran Canaria’s Maspalomas Dunes provide a surreal desert landscape juxtaposed with the ocean, while Lanzarote’s unique volcanic scenery and César Manrique’s artistic legacy offer a different kind of beauty. Each island has its own character, from the lush forests of La Gomera to the pristine beaches of Fuerteventura.
Cyprus: eastern mediterranean archaeological wonders
Cyprus, with its rich history and Mediterranean climate, offers a blend of cultural exploration and winter warmth. The island’s archaeological sites, such as the ancient city-kingdom of Kourion and the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, can be explored comfortably in December’s mild temperatures.
The Troodos Mountains provide a contrast to the coastal areas, with the possibility of skiing in the morning and sunbathing on the beach in the afternoon. Cypriot cuisine, with its Greek and Middle Eastern influences, is a highlight of any visit. Don’t miss trying meze , a selection of small dishes that showcase the island’s culinary diversity.
From festive markets to sun-soaked beaches, Europe in December offers a diverse array of experiences. Whether you’re seeking winter sports thrills, cultural enrichment, or simply a escape from the cold, the continent’s varied destinations cater to all preferences. As you plan your winter travels, consider the unique charms each location offers and prepare for an unforgettable December adventure in Europe.