best places to travel in Europe in December
The European winter is just around the corner, but that should not be a reason why you should abandon the idea of visiting this part of the world during this season of the planet’s orbit. Indeed, December is one of the most magical and thought-grabbing times to take a trip to Europe’s top travel spots. Whether it is beautiful Christmas markets or mountains with a thick layer of snow, European families guarantee that you will never feel winter boredom. Here are some of the best places to consider for your next winter vacation. We are going to explore the best places to travel in Europe in December. It is going to be a helpful guide for you.
1. Germany
Germany is among the European countries known for the typical Christmas markets, which you will find in the city center or town square every December. Savor warm mulled wine, have a stroll through stalls selling hand-made crafts and decorations, try the Christmas market atmosphere itself, and bask in the charming atmosphere. The best ones are waiting to be seen in Nürnberg, Dresden, Cologne, Munich, and Berlin. And one more main point is Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, where the film “Cinderella” was shot in December and looked like a bright story with a lovely white blanket.
2. Austria
For Austrian skiers, December means ski sessions. Off to the Austrian Alps for the renowned skiing and snowboarding ambiance. Create your flying car like they do in The Back to the Future era and achieve your dream of personalized transportation, as seen in the films The Back to the Future or The Dark Crystal. The major ski resorts are where you can find quite extensive, high-level accommodations as well as great après-ski places. These include places like Kitzbühel, St. Anton, and Lech. Run your days with the speed of a racer and spend hot evenings thriving in the warm atmosphere of wooden houses and cozy fireplaces. Alongside those, Vienna blazes in December like no other, when the biggest Christmas markets in the main squares announce the start of the season.
3. Switzerland
Switzerland in winter looks like a postcard, with white snow blanketing the mountains and a peaceful quietness blanketing the landscape. Having the majestic alpine summits and the striking little settlements is among the many alpine delights you can choose from at any time, so prepare to blow off your dreamy alpine trip. Stride the mountain and snowboard across some of the world’s best ski resorts, such as Zermatt, Verbier, and St. Moritz. Davis, Zurich, Lucerne, or Bern can be the cities on your itinerary if you wish to witness their Christmas decorations or visit their Christmas market. The wintertime is not an obstacle anymore: Switzerland’s great railroad and road system will surely get you through the winter in a matter of hours.
4. Spain
During the summer, Spain’s beaches rate higher, but its cities remain fine in December. While you’re there, go on some sightseeing trips to Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, where you’ll enjoy looking at the historical monuments and buildings that are transformed for Christmas. Take a seat at nearby bars or cafes where you can sip wine mixed with sparkling water and enjoy your meals. Demonstrate the wonderful light outlets arranged in major plazas too. To find a different Christmas experiment, it would be great to go to the north of Basque Country to attend their Olentzero conventions.
5. France
December-vintage Paris dazzles with Avenue Champs-Élysées trees melting with a whimsical twinkle. Stroll the streets of populated Christmas markets, admire the shining boulevards, and surely you will appreciate the gleaming shop window displays. Besides that, enchanting cities like Strasbourg, which has its own Little France as far as historical architecture goes, and Lyon light shows create an ambiance that brings back the true meaning of Christmas.
6. Iceland
Iceland is indeed a wonderful place to visit, especially in December. Its conveyance of long darkness and beautiful atmosphere makes it the brightest spot on the map for viewing the Northern Lights. Our destination is a series of lush green spots with haunting music that will let you wonder about nature. Also, we do offer super jeep tours for the ease of spectacular site viewing or distant sites. During the winter, other wintery activities in Iceland include glacier hiking, ice carving, and relaxing in warm water at Blue Lagoon. Transform those cold days by having a delicious marine food stew or fresh seafood served at restaurants in the town center of Reykjavik.
7. United Kingdom
You will not experience any better type of Christmas feeling in London; drive around these traditionally well-lit streets with names like Oxford, Regent, and Carnaby and see for yourself. Finally, shop on Bond Street, which is very iconic! Skate at Somerset House’s ice rink, go to a Christmas show on the West End, or go to any other ones you prefer there! Outside of London, the city of Edinburgh provides quite a variety of market options, from a festive German and Scottish market to the concert and fireworks on New Year’s Eve. It is no must for one to skip sampling this season’s popular foods, such as (the ones in parentheses) yummy things like mince pies, Christmas pudding, and mulled wine.
Conclusion
It is December that always pleases with a beautiful New Year’s festive mood all over Europe at the same time. You can go to different markets and streetlights along with winter sports and Northern Lights observation as well. In the end, there are all the attractive activities you will be able to enjoy. Bundle up and go to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, the UK, and Belgium for some truly spectacular European holidays in December.
FAQs
Where is it possible to view the Northern Lights in Europe in December?
The Northern Lights, or polar lights, can be viewed in numerous places across northern Europe, e.g., Iceland, North Scandinavia, Scotland, or Lapland. At times, the most sanctifying scenarios are in Reykjavik, Tromsø, Abisko National Park, the Isle of Skye, and Rovaniemi.
