Where To Travel In Europe In December?

December in Europe offers a distinct travel experience, characterized by festive markets, seasonal cuisine, and varied climates. This guide outlines several destinations, highlighting their cultural events and practical considerations for winter visitors.

Central European Christmas Markets

Many cities in Central Europe host traditional Christmas markets. These events typically feature wooden stalls selling crafts, local foods, and warm drinks. The atmosphere is often enhanced by festive lighting and musical performances.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna operates several Christmas markets. The Rathausplatz market is one of the largest, set in front of the city hall. Another notable market is located at the Schönbrunn Palace. Visitors can find handicrafts, ornaments, and seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts.

The city’s cultural calendar remains active in December. Concert venues and opera houses present special holiday programs. Museums and palaces maintain regular visiting hours, though some may have adjusted schedules.

Nuremberg, Germany

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is a historically significant market. It adheres to traditional customs, including an opening proclamation. Stalls often sell local specialties such as Nuremberg sausages and gingerbread.

Beyond the market, the city’s medieval architecture provides a historical backdrop. The Imperial Castle and the old town are accessible to visitors. Weather in December is typically cold, with a possibility of snow.

Nordic Winter Experiences

Scandinavian and Nordic countries offer activities centered on the winter season. Daylight hours are very short, but this allows for viewing auroral activity in northern regions. Cities often celebrate the winter solstice with events.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi is known as the official hometown of Santa Claus. The Santa Claus Village is a tourist attraction open year-round. It features post offices, shops, and opportunities for meeting costumed performers.

The region’s location within the Arctic Circle makes it a potential location for viewing the Northern Lights. Various local companies offer guided tours for aurora spotting. Winter activities like husky sledding and reindeer sleigh rides are also available.

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm’s Gamla Stan, or old town, is decorated for the holiday season. The Skansen open-air museum hosts a historical Christmas market. The museum demonstrates traditional Swedish Christmas customs and crafts.

December days in Stockholm have only a few hours of daylight. Museums, such as the Vasa Museum and ABBA Museum, provide indoor activities. Public saunas are a common cultural experience for dealing with the cold weather.

Alpine Regions for Winter Scenery

Mountainous areas in Europe, such as the Alps, present snowy landscapes in December. While many ski resorts open by mid-December, conditions can vary. These regions also contain villages with traditional holiday celebrations.

Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck is a city surrounded by mountains. It provides access to several ski areas and cable cars for panoramic views. The city center hosts a Christmas market with Tyrolean handicrafts and food.

The historic old town features Gothic and Baroque architecture. The Golden Roof is a notable landmark. December weather is reliably cold, ensuring snow in the higher elevations.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt is a car-free village at the base of the Matterhorn. It is a well-known destination for skiing and mountaineering. High-altitude ski areas often have reliable snow cover in December.

The village maintains a traditional atmosphere with wooden chalets. Horse-drawn carriage rides are sometimes available. Visitors should be prepared for potentially high costs associated with this destination.

Southern European Cities

Southern Europe generally experiences milder winters compared to the north. Cities in this region may have fewer overt Christmas decorations but offer cultural sites with smaller crowds. Rainfall is more common than snow.

Seville, Spain

Seville’s winter climate is relatively mild. Major landmarks like the Alcázar palace complex and the Cathedral are open to visitors. The city’s streets and plazas are often decorated with lights.

Local churches may hold special religious services and processions for the Christmas season. Traditional sweets, such as turrón and polvorones, are widely available in pastry shops.

Rome, Italy

Rome in December is less crowded than in peak summer months. Key historical sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican Museums remain open. St. Peter’s Square often features a large Christmas tree and nativity scene.

The Italian holiday season includes Epiphany on January 6th. Bakeries sell seasonal treats like panettone and pandoro. Weather is cool and can be rainy, so appropriate clothing is recommended.

Practical Considerations for December Travel

Traveling in Europe during December requires specific planning. The holiday period affects business hours, transportation schedules, and availability of services.

Weather and Packing

Weather varies significantly across the continent. Northern and Alpine regions require insulated clothing, waterproof boots, and accessories like hats and gloves. Southern destinations may only require a warm coat and layers for cool, damp days.

Checking average temperatures and precipitation forecasts for specific destinations is advisable. Packing should account for both outdoor exploration and indoor visits to museums or restaurants.

Transportation and Closures

Public transportation systems may operate on reduced schedules on public holidays, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Major airports and train stations remain functional, but delays are possible due to weather or high passenger volume.

Many shops, restaurants, and attractions are closed on December 25th. Some may also close early on December 24th or remain closed on January 1st. Researching opening hours for specific dates is essential.

Crowds and Accommodation

Early December often sees fewer tourists than the weeks immediately surrounding Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Demand for accommodation increases significantly from mid-December through early January, which can affect availability and pricing.

Popular Christmas markets and events can be crowded, especially on weekends. Visiting during weekday mornings or evenings may provide a less congested experience. Planning and booking key elements of a trip in advance is a common practice for this time of year.