For a December trip, Europe offers magical Christmas markets in Vienna, Prague, and Cologne. For winter, Copenhagen provides a cozy "hygge" experience, while Tenerife and Madeira are ideal for warmer, sunny weather. Other top choices include Budapest for thermal baths, Rovaniemi for festive Arctic magic, and Zagreb for its top-rated, romantic Christmas markets.
What is the best city to visit in Europe in December?
December is perfect for winter holidays in Europe. Cities like Copenhagen, Hamburg and Vienna offer stunning Christmas markets, winter activities and festive traditions, making it a magical time to visit.
You'll see destinations like Vienna, Strasbourg, Hallstatt, Tallinn, and Gdańsk — each with its own way of celebrating the holidays. Whether you love Christmas markets, peaceful old towns, or just that winter atmosphere, these are the towns you'll want to add to your 2025 travel list.
Goa, Jaipur, Kutch, Munnar, Chikmagalur, Rishikesh, Kasol, Manali, Udaipur, McLeodganj, Coorg, Pondicherry, Auli, Andaman and Nicobar, Dharamshala, and many more. If the company of the sea makes you happy, the coastal towns like Gokarna, Alibaug, and Pondicherry are the best places in India to visit in December.
50 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Europe | 4K Travel Guide
Where to go for a 3 day trip to Europe?
European getaways. Many European cities, ideal for weekend getaways Europe, are just a short journey away, making them perfect for quick and memorable city breaks. ...
The best place to holiday in December depends on your plans. For festive vibes, head to European cities like Vienna or Prague for magical Christmas markets. If you want to escape the cold, the Canary Islands, Dubai, or the Maldives are perfect for sunshine.
For cheap December travel, focus on Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia), Central America (Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala), South Asia (India, Sri Lanka), and parts of Europe (Bulgaria, Romania, Portugal, Hungary), offering great value with good weather in many spots, while Morocco and Egypt are affordable African options. Look for deals in early December to avoid peak holiday pricing and consider budget-friendly activities like trekking in Nepal or beach hopping in Southeast Asia for maximum savings.
The best place for a December trip depends on your goal: for winter sun, consider the Canary Islands, Caribbean (Antigua), or Southeast Asia (Sri Lanka); for festive Christmas markets & city vibes, head to Vienna, Prague, or New York City; and for a snowy adventure, Swedish Lapland (Northern Lights) or the French Alps (skiing) are perfect.
Paris is your best choice if you want to avoid flying. Somewhere south if you want better weather, for example Rome or Lisbon. Also see where you can get a return flight home from, so you don't need to go back to London. Prague is absolutely beautiful in the wintertime (anytime really) & is very easy to get around.
If you want winter sun in Europe in December, your best bet is either Madeira or the Canary Islands. You can find warm temperatures and sunshine in Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece and Malta, but fine weather isn't guaranteed. Morocco is also an excellent option, only three hours flying time from the UK.
What is the most beautiful city in Europe in winter?
Prague, Czech Republic. Prague is a beautiful city no matter the season, but winter brings out some of the best in this city. A light dusting of snow covers the Old Town Square and the traditional Christmas markets make for the perfect backdrop.
In 2024 I finally visited Vienna for Christmas. If Strasbourg wasn't the Capital de Noel, than Vienna would definitely be the Christmas capital of Europe. In Vienna you will find Christmas markets in iconic locations such as Schönbrunn palace, the Stephansdom and the Upper Belvedere. Absolutely magical!
What is the cheapest country to visit in Europe in December?
Bulgaria is among the great places to visit in December and the cheapest countries to travel in December within Europe. You will find comfortable hotels quite simply, or a potential Airbnb for even less. Food is affordable, wine costs next to nothing, and ski resorts cost a fraction of the Alpine prices.
Another important factor when deciding which country is best for 3 days trip is visa accessibility. Countries that provide visa-on-arrival or e-visa services are a boon for short-term travellers. For Indian passport holders, destinations like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Maldives offer hassle-free entry.
For cheap December holidays, consider European destinations like Tenerife, Portugal, Morocco, Turkey, or the Canary Islands for winter sun, or Prague, Krakow, Budapest, or Berlin for budget-friendly city breaks with festive markets; long-haul options offering great value include Thailand, Vietnam, or Bali, especially if booking early or finding deals, while Egypt (all-inclusive) and Goa are also affordable sunny escapes.
What is the warmest country in Europe in December?
The Canary Islands consistently deliver the warmest December temperatures, often reaching 22–24°C. Cyprus and southern Turkey also offer excellent warmth, with temperatures around 17–19°C.
For a December short break, consider festive European cities like Berlin, Vienna, or Prague for Christmas markets and winter charm, or head south to the Canary Islands (Lanzarote, Tenerife) for winter sun, while destinations like Phuket (Thailand), Goa (India), or Cebu (Philippines) offer warm beaches and culture in Southeast Asia and beyond. For US options, try New York for festive city vibes or Maui, Hawaii, for warm escapes.
For cheap European city breaks, focus on Eastern European capitals like Kraków (Poland), Budapest (Hungary), Prague (Czech Republic), and Sofia (Bulgaria) for great value on food, drink, and lodging, or consider Balkan gems like Sarajevo (Bosnia) or Kotor (Montenegro); destinations like Lisbon or Porto (Portugal) also offer affordability with Southern European charm, while Athens (Greece) provides rich history without breaking the bank, and Baltic cities like Riga or Vilnius are excellent budget options.
