Destination Guides

The 10 European Capitals to Visit in December

Contents show

December is undoubtedly one of the most loved months for traveling, especially with Christmas approaching. Even with only a weekend available, people always try to find somewhere to go. Whether it’s to experience the magic of illuminated cities, attend festival events and special activities, discover traditions, visit museums, or enjoy unusual activities like ice skating in snowy landscapes, there are plenty of European capitals to explore in December.

In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to 10 enchanting European capitals that will make your Christmas season unforgettable. From Rome’s festive light installations to Amsterdam’s alternative vibe, we’ll cover the must-see destinations and experiences in each city.

Rome, Italy: Eternal City at Christmas

December is a fantastic time to visit Rome, as it becomes even more fascinating with light installations and numerous events. The city’s iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Basilica of Saint Peter, and Vatican Museums are must-visits during this period.

For a 3-day itinerary, consider visiting:

Priority access tickets for popular attractions
Christmas markets at Piazza Navona and Piazza di Spagna
A panoramic tour on the tourist bus to explore the city

Flights low cost starting from €120 – look at offers

Where to stay Hotel and B&B starting from €55 per night – look at offers

Berlin, Germany: Christmas Markets and History Galore

December is a magnificent month to visit Berlin, filled with lights, Christmas trees, and host events. The city’s rich history and art scene make it an excellent destination for a 3-day itinerary.

Some must-see attractions include:

Brandenburg Gate
Television Tower
Island of Museums (Pergamon Museum)
Famous Christmas markets at Gendarmenmarkt and Alexanderplatz

Flights low cost starting from €100 – look at offers

Where to stay Hotel and B&B starting from €50 per room – look at offers

Paris, France: City of Light at Christmas

Paris is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful capitals to visit in December, with an extra boost of magic. The direct train from Milan reaches the city center, making it ideal for those who don’t like flying.

Must-see attractions include:

Louvre Museum
Museum of Orsay
Disneyland Paris (special opening hours)
Galeries Lafayette and Champs Elysées

Flights low cost starting from €110 – look at offers

Where to stay Hotel and B&B starting from €80 per room – look at offers

London, United Kingdom: Winter Wonderland

After capitals like Berlin and Paris, London is a must-visit destination for Christmas. The city’s crowded streets are filled with lights, markets, and true Christmas parks.

Some highlights include:

Tower Bridge
Big Ben and Buckingham Palace
Warner Bros Studios (decorated for the Christmas season)
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

Flights low cost starting from €110 – look at offers

Where to stay Hotel and B&B starting from €90 per room – look at offers

Vienna, Austria: Christmas Magic

December is an ideal time to visit Vienna, with its markets and Christmas music filling the streets. The city’s rich art and history make it a perfect destination for a 3-day itinerary.

Some must-see attractions include:

Kunsthistorisches Museum
Hofburg Palace
Schönbrunn Imperial Palace
Traditional dinner at Wiener Rathauskeller

Flights low cost starting from €160 – look at offers

Where to stay Hotel and B&B starting from €60 per room – look at offers

Prague, Czech Republic: Christmas in the Heart of Europe

December is a perfect time to visit Prague, with its romantic atmosphere and Christmas markets. The city’s low cost of living makes it an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers.

Some highlights include:

Charles Bridge
Castle of Prague (St. Vitus Cathedral)
Reduta Jazz Club or experience dinner

Flights low cost starting from €80 – look at offers

Where to stay Hotel and B&B starting from €50 per room – look at offers

Budapest, Hungary: Thermal Baths and Christmas Magic

December is a magical time in Budapest, with its thermal baths, markets, and special events. The city’s low cost of living makes it an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers.

Some must-see attractions include:

Parliament of Budapest
Castle of Buda (Fisherman’s Bastion)
Széchenyi Thermal Bath

DEAL 1

Journeys of a Lifetime, Second Edition: 500 of the World's Greatest Trips

Featuring 120 new destinations, this best-selling inspirational travel guide reveals 500 celebrated...
Completely revised and updated for its 10th anniversary
Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic's legendary travel writers, this fully...

Flights low cost starting from €130 – look at offers

Where to stay Hotel and B&B starting from €50 per room – look at offers

Amsterdam, Netherlands: Alternative Christmas

December is an excellent time to visit Amsterdam, with its lively nightlife, art scene, and alternative vibe. The city’s low cost of living makes it an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers.

Some highlights include:

Van Gogh Museum
Rijksmuseum
House of Anna Frank
Christmas markets at Museumplein (Ice Village)

Flights low cost starting from €130 – look at offers

Where to stay Hotel and B&B starting from €80 per room – look at offers

Copenhagen, Denmark: Winter Wonderland

December is a fantastic time to visit Copenhagen, with its winter wonderland atmosphere. The city’s high cost of living makes it an excellent destination for those who want to experience the best.

Some must-see attractions include:

Tivoli Gardens (special opening hours)
Local Christmas products
Gløgg II (spiced wine)

Flights low cost starting from €100 – look at offers

Where to stay Hotel and B&B starting from €80 per room – look at offers

Tallinn, Estonia: Less Crowded Christmas Markets

December is a magical time in Tallinn, with its less crowded Christmas markets. The city’s low cost of living makes it an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers.

Some highlights include:

Guided tour on foot through Old Town
Television Tower (panorama)
Kissel and Curd local sweets

Flights low cost starting from €170 – look at offers

Where to stay Hotel and B&B starting from €50 per room – look at offers

Conclusion:

December is a fantastic time to visit European capitals, with festive light installations, Christmas markets, and special events. From Rome’s Eternal City to Amsterdam’s alternative vibe, there are plenty of enchanting destinations to explore.

Whether you’re looking for art, history, or simply a magical winter wonderland atmosphere, these 10 European capitals have something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to experience the magic of December in Europe!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best time to visit Christmas markets in Europe?

A: The best time to visit Christmas markets in Europe varies depending on the country and city. Generally, they start in late November or early December.

Q: How do I get around cities like Paris and Amsterdam during Christmas?

A: Public transportation is usually well-organized and efficient in major European cities. Consider buying a local transport card or pass to save money.

Q: What are the most popular attractions during Christmas in Europe?

A: Some of the most popular attractions during Christmas include ice skating rinks, Christmas markets, and festive light installations.

Q: Can I still experience art and history in Europe during Christmas?

A: Absolutely! Many museums and cultural institutions remain open year-round, including during Christmas.

Q: Are there any special events or activities for families with children during Christmas in Europe?

A: Yes, many cities offer special events and activities for families, such as ice skating rinks, Santa meet-and-greets, and festive workshops.

Q: What are the most budget-friendly destinations during Christmas in Europe?

A: Cities like Prague, Budapest, and Tallinn tend to be more affordable during Christmas due to their lower cost of living.

Q: How do I stay warm while visiting cities with cold winter weather during Christmas?

A: Pack warm clothing, including a coat, gloves, hat, and scarf. Consider purchasing thermal underwear for added warmth.

Q: Can I still enjoy local cuisine and drinks during Christmas in Europe?

A: Yes! Many European cities offer special holiday treats and drinks, such as gløgg II in Copenhagen or mulled wine in Amsterdam.

Q: Are there any holiday-themed accommodations available in Europe during Christmas?

A: Some hotels and bed-and-breakfasts offer festive rooms and amenities, such as holiday-themed linens, decorations, or hot chocolate.

Donation Box

National Traveller: Free for All, Thanks to You

In a world where information often comes with a price tag, we’ve chosen a different path: to stay free, forever. Because we believe in accessible, independent, and trustworthy content for everyone—no barriers, no subscriptions, just great stories, guides, and insights.

But we can’t do it alone. Advertising doesn’t cover our costs anymore, and yet we remain committed to delivering the quality you deserve. Every guide we create, every destination we explore, every piece of advice we share—it’s all made possible by readers like you.

If you value what we do, consider making a voluntary donation. Together, we can keep National Traveller free and thriving for everyone, everywhere. Let’s build a better-informed, better-connected world—starting right here, today. Donate Now

Up Next

How to Get Around Rimini: Info, Costs And Advice

Don't Miss

Visit to The Giza Necropolis: How to Get There, Prices And Advice