Europe in December is a wonderful blend of snowy landscapes, dazzling Christmas markets, and warm beach getaways. This guide shows you the best places in Europe to visit with your family in December, whether you're dreaming of holiday parties or a warm winter vacation. Here are some places where you may make memories that will last a lifetime, from tiny mountain villages to Mediterranean beaches.
1. Prague, Czech Republic
In December, Prague feels like a fairy tale. The Old Town from the Middle Ages is lit up with Christmas lights, and the smell of cinnamon pastries fills the cold air. Prague is one of the best places in Europe to visit in the winter because of its historical charm and festive mood.
Things to Do:
- Visit the famed Christmas Market in Old Town Square and see the big tree light up every night.
- Cross the Charles Bridge, which looks much better when it's covered in snow.
- Get warm with hot chocolate in a café close to Prague Castle.
- Kids will appreciate watching a marionette show, which is an old Czech custom.
Top Attractions in Prague: Prague Castle | Charles Bridge | Old Town Square
Tip for travelers: Bring warm boots because the cobblestone streets in Prague can get icy in December.
2. London, England
Families will never forget going to London in December. Oxford Street is lit up with holiday lights, ice rinks are set up all around the city, and world-class museums provide warm places to escape the cold. London is one of the top European cities to visit in December.
Things to Do:
- Go to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland for rides, entertainment, and seasonal markets.
- You may go ice skating at Somerset House or the Natural History Museum.
- Visit Covent Garden to see the Christmas tree and lights.
- Go on a Harry Potter Studio Tour, which is much more enchanting in the winter.
Top Attractions in London: Tower of London | British Museum | Buckingham Palace
Tip for travelers: Instead of buying paper tickets, get an Oyster Card for the Tube and buses. It's cheaper and faster.
3. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is known for its beautiful Christmas markets, grand buildings, and classical music concerts. In December, the city turns into a beautiful, festive wonderland that is great for couples and families. In December, it's one of the top destinations in Europe to go for Christmas celebrations.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt, which is one of the oldest and most attractive markets in Europe.
- Go to a concert at Schönbrunn Palace to hear Mozart.
- For the winter rides, take the youngsters to the Prater amusement park.
- Hot drinks and roasted chestnuts will warm you up.
Top Attractions in Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace | St. Stephen’s Cathedral | Belvedere Palace
Tip for travelers: Vienna can be cold, so bring layers and warm gloves.
4. Paris, France
In December, Paris is full of love and holiday pleasure. Boulevards are lit up with holiday lights, patisseries tempt you with seasonal goodies, and the Eiffel Tower shines against the winter sky. It's one of the best places to visit in Europe in December with family because it has both culture and Christmas spirit.
Things to Do:
- Walk along the Champs-Élysées with thousands of lights sparkling above you.
- Go to the Tuileries Garden Christmas market.
- Go to the Opéra Garnier to see a festive show.
- Bring blankets and warming drinks as you go on a river cruise along the Seine.
Top Attractions in Paris: Eiffel Tower | Louvre Museum | Notre-Dame Cathedral
Tip for travelers: In December, the museums in Paris are very busy. You might want to obtain a Paris Museum Pass to escape the lines.
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5. Lucerne, Switzerland
Switzerland is a great place for a family vacation in December because it has a winter wonderland. Lucerne is a great place to experience both city life and mountain adventure because it lies on the shore of a lake and has snow-covered peaks. It's one of the best places in Europe to visit with kids in December.
Things to Do:
- Take the cogwheel train up Mount Pilatus for amazing views.
- Visit Lucerne's Christmas markets near the Old Town to shop.
- Go to the Swiss Transport Museum to see exhibits that you may touch.
Top Attractions in Lucerne: Chapel Bridge | Mount Pilatus | Lake Lucerne
Travel Tip: If you're going to Switzerland in the winter, you might want to think about getting a Swiss Travel Pass. It lets you ride trains, buses, and boats as much as you like and provides you discounts on mountain cable cars and museums.
6. Salzburg, Austria
In December, Salzburg feels like a snow wonderland. This city is known for Mozart and The Sound of Music. It has a mix of baroque and Alpine splendor. It's one of the best winter destinations in Europe.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Christmas market at Cathedral Square.
- Take the funicular to Hohensalzburg Fortress for views of the snow.
- Go to the Christmas market at Hellbrunn Palace.
- Ride in a horse-drawn sleigh through the historic town.
Top Attractions in Salzburg: Hohensalzburg Fortress | Mirabell Palace | Salzburg Cathedral
Tip for travelers: Bring thick clothing because the weather can get very cold.
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7. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Want some sun? In December, Tenerife is a warm place to visit in Europe. It has beaches, hiking, and family-friendly attractions. The temperature stays around 22°C, which is great for winter sun without having to fly too far.
Things to Do:
- Take it easy on Playa de las Teresitas.
- Ride a cable car to the top of Mount Teide.
- Go to the aquarium and zoo at Loro Parque.
- Walk along the decorated streets of Santa Cruz.
Top Attractions in Tenerife: Mount Teide National Park | Loro Parque | Siam Park
Tip for travelers: Rent a car to see more of the island's less popular areas.
8. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a great place to visit in December, when it looks like a fairy tale. There are hundreds of lights in the historic squares, and the canals reflect the glory of Christmas lights.
Things to Do:
- Go to the Christmas market in Market Square.
- Skate on ice under the Belfry Tower.
- Ride in a horse-drawn carriage through the old town.
- Go to a pleasant café and try Belgian hot chocolate.
Top Attractions in Bruges: Belfry of Bruges | Markt Square | Basilica of the Holy Blood
Travel Tip: Stay overnight—Bruges is quieter and even more beautiful after day-trippers leave.
9. Madeira, Portugal
If you want warm weather and a relaxed pace, Madeira is one of the best places to visit in Europe in December for sun. Known for lush scenery and ocean views, the island is perfect for outdoor-loving families.
Things to Do:
- Check out the Christmas lights and marketplaces in Funchal.
- Take a hike on the Levada trails through forests of laurel.
- Go on a boat to see dolphins.
- Go to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
Top Attractions in Madeira: Monte Palace Tropical Garden | Cabo Girão Skywalk | Funchal Cathedral
Tip for travelers: Bring thick clothes and a rain jacket. It can be sunny in Madeira in December, but wet in other places.
10. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is a mix of Nordic charm and modern style. In December, the city is full of Christmas markets and pleasant (hygge) cafés. For families, it's a great mix of cultural and winter fun.
Things to Do:
- Go to the Christmas market and rides at Tivoli Gardens.
- Check out the Nyhavn port, which is lit up.
- Get warm in a café with Danish pastries.
- Find more about the family displays at the National Museum.
Top Attractions in Copenhagen:: Tivoli Gardens | Nyhavn Harbor | Rosenborg Castle
Tip for travelers: Think about getting a Copenhagen Card, which lets you into sights and public transportation for free.
Conclusion: Make December in Europe Unforgettable
Europe in December has something magical for every family, whether you want to see castles blanketed in snow, Christmas markets, or a sunny winter getaway. Every place you go will provide you special memories and experiences, from the fairy-tale alleys of Prague to the balmy beaches of Tenerife.
Book your Europe tour packages with Best Value Tourism today, and our team of experts will help you plan the perfect family vacation that includes adventure, comfort, and fun—just in time for the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best European cities to visit in December?
Cities with beautiful Christmas markets, festive lights, and comfortable winter charm are at their best in December. Vienna, Prague, London, Paris, and Salzburg are some of the best choices. Each has its own holiday customs, historic atmosphere, and family-friendly attractions.
2. What are warm places in Europe in January?
If you want gentler winter weather, go south. Tenerife, Madeira, and southern Spain (including Malaga and Alicante) are pleasantly moderate, with temperatures frequently between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius, which is great for beach days and trekking.
3. What are the best winter destinations in Europe?
If you love snow, culture, and family fun, go to Lucerne, Switzerland, for the Alps, Vienna or Salzburg for the Christmas markets, or Rovaniemi, Lapland, to visit Santa under the Northern Lights
4. What are the best places to visit in Europe in December for sun?
If you love snow, culture, and family fun, go to Lucerne, Switzerland, for the Alps, Vienna or Salzburg for the Christmas markets, or Rovaniemi, Lapland, to visit Santa under the Northern Lights.
5. What are the best places to visit in Europe in December for honeymoon?
Paris, with its fairy-lighted boulevards, Salzburg, with its snowy Alps, Bruges, with its quaint canals lit by candles, and Lucerne, with its snow-capped mountains and calm lake, are all great places for romantic December honeymoons.
6. What are the best places in Europe to visit in December with kids?
Prague (Old Town Square market and puppets), London (Winter Wonderland and ice skating), Vienna (markets and rides), Lucerne (mountain lakes and snow), and Salzburg (fortress tours and sleigh rides) are all great places to visit in December with kids.