Last updated on December 5th, 2022
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Looking for December Europe destinations? Here are the 7 best places to visit in December.
December in Europe is magical, but with so many destinations, where exactly do you go? As someone who loves winter in Europe, I’m giving you the top beautiful places to explore during the cold months.
You’ll learn where to go in Europe in December, warm and cold. So, you can either go skiing in the mountains or lounging on the beach.
After reading this post, you’ll know which European city you want to spend your winter in.
This post is all about December Europe destinations.
Best December Europe Destinations
Paris, France
Paris is quite a magical place all on its own, but it comes alive in December. The entire city is decorated with Christmas lights, and popular attractions like the Effiel Tower are all decked out for the holidays.
While the city is quite a sight to beyond, it tends to be pretty chilly during December. But as long as you dress warmly, you won’t even notice the brisk weather. Besides, you can always stop in a nearby cafe for a warm beverage!
Top Things to do in Paris in December:
- Eiffel Tower: Did you actually visit Paris if you didn’t go to the Eiffel Tower?! The tower is stunning this time of year with all its decorations.
- Louvre Museum: The Louvre is known to put on magical exhibitions for Christmas that are definitely worth exploring.
- Disneyland Paris: Disney always puts on a show during the holidays, & the Paris location is no exception.
- Holiday Cruise: Spend a few hours experiencing the City of Lights on the Seine river.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is another European city that comes alive during December. The Christmas spirit is so contagious that you’ll feel it as soon as you set foot into the city. This makes it an ideal spot for families.
Like Paris, Copenhagen is very cold in December, so bundle up when you venture out. Once you’re appropriately dressed, it’s time to visit some of the liveliest Christmas markets! The Christmas markets in Copenhagen are great opportunities to do some last-minute gifts or try holiday treats, like yummy mulled wine.
Best Christmas Markets in Copenhagen:
- Julemarked
- Nyhavn Christmas Market
- Christmas in Tivoli Gardens
- Flids Julemarked
More things to do in Copenhagen in December:
- Visit nearby castles
- Go ice skating
- Take a walking tour
Copenhagen is a beautiful destination for anyone wanting to get in the holiday spirit & you can’t go wrong with making it your winter vacation.
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Oslo, Norway
One of the best places to visit in December is Oslo, Norway. The city during winter is like something straight out of a fairytale.
Due to the colder months, flight tickets and hotel prices are cheaper, which is ideal for those traveling on a budget.
You can do almost everything you’d imagine on a winter vacation in Oslo. Skiing, ice skating, sledding, and more. When you’re not doing a winter sport, there are several Christmas markets to explore, plus popular attractions like the Vigeland Sculpture Park and the Oslo Opera House.
Oslo embodies the adult version of a winter wonderland and is a great place to spend your winter!
Budapest, Hungary
The next city on the list of December Europe destinations is Budapest. While a highly underrated city, Budapest is lovely in December and certainly worth the visit.
Christmas markets, festive lights, delicious treats, and joyful energy fill the city this time of year. Visitors also enjoy ice skating, catching a show at the opera house, or indulging in the famous ‘chimney cake.’
And if you need a break from all the Christmas fun, relax in one of the thermal baths. Although it’ll be cold outside, the warm & healing waters will have you feeling more rejuvenated for the rest of your trip.
Budapest is your destination if you want an enchanting fairytale experience this winter!
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Barcelona, Spain
December is outside Barcelona’s tourist season, making it the perfect time to visit! Unfortunately, the summer months tend to be severely overpopulated, which can sometimes ruin the fun. Plus, the city is a bit warmer than other northern countries this time of year.
Besides partaking in the holiday activities, you can simply enjoy the city. There are several neighborhoods across the city & each one has its own personality. The Gothic Quarter, El Born, and El Raval are some of the most popular.
Things to do in Barcelona in December:
- Visit La Sagrada Familia
- Explore Park Güell
- Pick up some unique gifts at Christmas Markets
- Walk down La Rambla
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands is one of the best warm winter destinations in Europe. With a mild climate and light rains, December is the perfect time to explore these islands.
Yes, the weather is fantastic, but on top of that, there are activities for just about every traveler. Relaxing on the beach or in a spa, adventurous activities like swimming & snorkeling, or visiting historic sites are just some of the many things to do in the Canary Islands.
Plus, the islands offer nature diversity like no other. Iconic beaches, gorgeous rainforests, desert-like land by the sea, and mountains. The outdoorsy traveler will have plenty to do & explore, hiking, biking, and much more.
I recommend the Canary Islands if you need a sun-filled vacation!
Bruges, Belgium
While Bruges can get extremely cold during the winter, it is one of the most well-preserved medieval cities. So much so that the entire city has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. And, therefore, a beauty to behold, especially during the winter months.
Trust me when I say you won’t be able to resist this charming city full of swans, delicious chocolate, Christmas markets, and Belgian beer. And it is a family favorite because there are many things to do with children, like ice skating in Market Square.
Top Things to Do in Bruges in December:
- Take a carriage ride through the city
- Visit the Bruges Christmas markets
- Indulge the lovely Belgian Chocolates & Belgian Hot Chocolate
- Hop on a cruise tour on the canals
This post is all about December Europe destinations.
Remember to subscribe to the newsletter to keep up-to-date on the latest travel tips and inspiration!
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