Europe is an incredible destination for travellers all year round. The diverse mix of culture, history, and attractions make it eternally exciting to explore and tour for individuals, couples, and families. Winters in Europe are particularly special, with the landscape of certain locations transforming from the golden browns of autumn to bright azure skies and white powdered mountains. With a whole continent to explore and an entire season to schedule around, the choices can be overwhelming. It pays to focus on what you would most like to get out of your trip, the places you most want to visit, and the overall experience you are looking to create.
Where to go in Europe in December
December is the perfect wintertime window for a European city break. It combines cosy charm with unmistakable yuletide magic that will warm the hearts and minds of any age. Let’s take a look through a selection of our favourites.
Vienna, Austria.
Vienna is the beautiful baroque capital of Austria that exudes cultural and artistic allure everywhere you look. Over the centuries, this place has been the home of musical maestros such as Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn and it is easy to understand why they chose this city as their muse. As the nights draw in for December, the Upper Belvedere Palace is lit up like a fairy tale for those all-important holiday pictures to be taken by the lake outside. Inside, the view is potentially even more impressive with its stunning architecture and famous pieces on display that include Austrian artist Gustav Klimt’s breath-taking The Kiss.
A warming mug of the local Weihnachtspunsch from one of the many Christmas Markets will have you steeled against the chill as you wander through the stalls that tempt you in with chocolate surprises and savoury treats. Regular Advent concerts take place during December outside the Gothic splendour of the Stephansdom Cathedral, so you can soak up the holiday and the city at the same time.
Interlaken, Switzerland
If you are yearning for more of an action-packed adventure, then Interlaken in Switzerland might be more up your mountain. With the snow-capped peaks of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau watching over you in this winter wonderland, the landscape is as impressive and dramatic as the activities you can enjoy here. The perfect pistes are always ready for the skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers but there are a few more surprises too.
There are paragliding courses to book onto that let you see things in the town from an exhilarating angle and even skydiving on offer to witness these grand mountains in a way unlike any other. The stunning Lake Brienz delivers an opportunity to kayak on its wintry waters with the winter Olympic sport of Curling on the frozen shores a great way to spend the short afternoons in the sun. After all that, spending a few hours in one of the many exquisite Hotel spas will be a welcome reward for you and your family.
Prague, Czech Republic
The City of a Hundred Spires is possibly the best example anywhere in Europe of an immaculately preserved historic city. Its UNESCO World Heritage Site status speaks to an overwhelming beauty and charm that has been welcoming visitors for over a thousand years. Wintertime is when the magic of Prague really comes alive for the thousands who flock here to experience a Christmas that they will never forget. The architecture and landmarks such as the unforgettable Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge lend an extra sense of wonder at this time of year with crystal white snow falling upon them.
Ice skating on the frozen rivers and ice rinks with views of Prague Castle and Strahov monastery is an experience that will enthral and inspire you too, with the opportunity to take the trip up to see them in closer detail always on offer. The Christmas markets here are resplendent with mulled wine and gingerbread alongside delicious traditional Czech delicacies of hearty roast pork stew with dumplings. Just make sure to save room for a classic hot chocolate as dessert.
Rovaniemi, Finland
The region of Finnish Lapland has maintained a reputation as the perfect December destination for decades and the capital of Rovaniemi might just be the best way to experience it. It claims to be the official home of none other than Santa Claus, with families and younger children especially excited to see if they can witness the big man for themselves. There are sleigh rides and reindeer farms that can provide an almost other-worldly feel to your trip around here as you dash through the snow in film-set surroundings.
December in Rovaniemi also presents one of the finest possible opportunities to experience the magical Northern Lights. With long winter nights, clear skies and low-light pollution the awe-inspiring aurora can be found on regular safaris throughout the month. Finland in December is very cold though, so be sure to wrap up as warm and tight as possible, particularly if you are staying in one of the Igloo accommodations that will be available to you.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The Royal city of Edinburgh in Scotland is synonymous with the month of December through its annual Hogmanay street festival that brings thousands of partygoers every year. Fireworks light up the sky and the air is full of traditional and contemporary music as a fresh beginning is welcomed at one of the most famous New Year events in the world. The famous Edinburgh Castle is part of the celebrations with the streets that lead up to it welcoming visitors to outdoor concerts, live entertainment, and craft markets. There is a wealth of whisky shops, tasting sessions, and tours to enjoy here with a wee dram acting as an extra barrier against the biting cold of a city high on a hill in December
The Elephant House café and pub is also set to reopen this year after being devastated by a recent fire. This will be of great interest to any Harry Potter fans as it literally marks the place where the whole story began when author J.K Rowling wrote the first book here nearly 30 years ago. Absolutely magical.
Whether you are looking for a classic Christmas, a wonderful winter, or simply a dream December destination, now is the time to get planning. The end of the year will be here before you know it and you can be sure to see it out in style.
