Key Takeaways
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December brings a festive mood to Europe, with streets lit up for Christmas, markets filling old town squares and evenings spent with warm drinks and seasonal food.
In some places, you can wake up to snow, go looking for the Northern Lights, ride trains through the Alps or spend the day in a mountain village.
Further south, milder weather means you can spend more time outside, see the sights and walk through historic towns without heavy winter clothing.
This guide brings together the best countries to visit in Europe in December, along with their top highlights and the weather to expect.
Best European Countries for Snow & Winter in December
The countries below cover a range of winter experiences, including Christmas markets in Germany and Czechia, Arctic wonders in Lapland, train journeys to Alpine villages and Europe’s highest railway station.
1. Germany
Germany is one of the easiest countries to choose when the main reason for travelling in December is Christmas markets. Cities and old town centres are decorated for Christmas, with many Christmas markets running from late November until Christmas Eve.
For a first trip, Munich and Nuremberg make a good combination. In Munich, you can see the old town and palaces, try Bavarian food, and visit Marienplatz and several other Christmas markets. You can also join day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle or nearby Alpine areas.
Then continue to Nuremberg, where you can see the medieval old town, Nuremberg Castle and the historic city walls and try local specialities such as Nürnberger bratwurst and Lebkuchen at the famous Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt.
- Weather and Temperature: Expect roughly 0-6°C in much of Germany during the day, with colder nights; snow is possible but not guaranteed in the cities.
2. Finland
Rovaniemi is one of the best places to visit in Finland in December, especially for first-time visitors looking for snow, reindeer, huskies, the Northern Lights and Christmas experiences.
In Rovaniemi, visit Santa Claus Village, cross the Arctic Circle, go on husky and reindeer safaris, try snowmobiling, and take a Northern Lights tour. Make time for a traditional Finnish sauna too, which is a simple way to experience an important part of local culture.
For the Northern Lights, continue further north to places such as Inari, Saariselkä, Utsjoki or Kilpisjärvi. These areas sit further inside the auroral zone and have darker skies, giving you better conditions for aurora viewing than Rovaniemi.
A stop in Helsinki can work well at the beginning or end of the trip. Spend a day or two visiting Helsinki Cathedral, Senate Square, Suomenlinna and the city’s Christmas markets.
- Weather and Temperature: Rovaniemi averages around -4°C during the day and -11°C at night in December. Temperatures can drop to -30°C or lower, and the region has thick snow cover.
3. Austria
Austria is a great European destination to visit in December, combining Christmas markets, historic cities and the Alps in one trip.
Vienna and Salzburg make a straightforward route, while Innsbruck is worth adding if you want to spend time in the mountains or try winter sports.
Spend two or three nights in Vienna, visiting Schönbrunn Palace, the historic centre, and the city’s Christmas markets, including those at Rathausplatz, Schönbrunn and Stephansplatz.
From Vienna, take a direct train to Salzburg, and set aside one or two days for Salzburg’s old town, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Palace and its Christmas market.
Then continue to Innsbruck to see the old town, visit the Golden Roof and take the Nordkette cable car for mountain views. Depending on snow conditions, you can also try skiing, snowboarding or tobogganing, with several winter-sports areas just outside the city.
- Weather and Temperature: Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck usually have daytime temperatures around 1-5°C, with nights often below freezing. Snow is possible in the cities, while higher Alpine areas have more reliable snow cover.
4. France
Christmas markets, festive city streets and historic sights make December a good time to visit France. Paris and Strasbourg can be your main stops, while Lyon is worth adding if you are travelling in early December.
Three nights in Paris give you enough time to see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Montmartre, as well as the Christmas displays around Galeries Lafayette, the Champs-Élysées and other parts of the city.
Have two nights in Strasbourg to visit Strasbourg Cathedral and the decorated old town, browse the market stalls, and try Alsatian treats with a cup of mulled wine. You can also take a day trip to Colmar or another town in Alsace.
Head to Lyon for the Festival of Lights, which usually takes place over four days at the start of the month, with light installations across the city. Spend some time in Vieux Lyon and try local food at traditional bouchons.
- Weather and Temperature: Paris and Strasbourg usually see daytime temperatures around 4-8°C, with cold evenings and occasional rain.
5. Switzerland
Switzerland is a top European country to visit in December for snowy mountains, scenic train rides and winter villages, but it is also a very expensive country on this list. Zurich, Lucerne and the Jungfrau region make a good introduction to Switzerland for first-time visitors.
A day in Zurich is enough to see the Old Town, Grossmünster church and Bahnhofstrasse shopping street, as well as the city’s Christmas markets, before continuing to Lucerne.
The Chapel Bridge and Old Town are two of Lucerne’s main sights, while a cruise on Lake Lucerne adds a different way to see the city. From Lucerne, take the Luzern-Interlaken Express to Interlaken, passing lakes, mountains and waterfalls.
Interlaken is a convenient place to stay for exploring the Jungfrau region. From there, take train trips to mountain villages such as Grindelwald, Wengen and Mürren, or to Jungfraujoch, home to Europe’s highest railway station.
- Weather and Temperature: Zurich, Lucerne and Interlaken usually have daytime temperatures around 2-5°C, with nights often below freezing. Higher places such as Jungfraujoch have much colder temperatures and reliable snow.
6. Czechia / Czech Republic
Czechia is a budget-friendly place to visit in December, with Prague bringing together historic sights, Christmas markets, traditional food and seasonal drinks.
With three or four nights in Prague, you can visit Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square, the Jewish Quarter and the Astronomical Clock.
The Christmas markets add to the evening experience, especially around Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. You can also take a half-day trip to Kutná Hora to see St. Barbara’s Church and the Sedlec Ossuary (The Bone Church).
Český Krumlov is a good addition to your trip. Its UNESCO-listed old town has narrow lanes, colourful historic buildings and a large castle overlooking the Vltava River. In December, you can also see the town’s Christmas market in Svornosti Square, along with seasonal concerts and events.
- Weather and Temperature: Prague usually reaches around 3°C during the day and -2°C at night in December, with occasional snow but no guarantee of lasting snow cover; daylight is also short.
Best European Countries for Mild Weather in December
For milder weather and less winter chill in December, head to southern Europe. Even there, temperatures can vary depending on whether you choose a coastal area, an island or an inland city.
7. Spain
Spain is a good choice in December when you want milder weather and plenty of time outdoors, but the warmest part of the country is the Canary Islands, not mainland Spain.
Tenerife is a top choice for a first visit to the Islands. Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos in southern Tenerife are good areas to stay for mild December weather, beaches and seaside promenades.
Puerto de la Cruz in the north gives you a greener setting and black-sand beaches, while Garachico is a good stop for its historic centre and volcanic coastline.
But if you prefer cities and culture over the warmer Canary Islands, head to southern mainland Spain, particularly Andalusia, where December is milder than in Madrid and Barcelona.
Seville is a good choice for the Real Alcázar, Seville Cathedral and Plaza de España, while Málaga has the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle and Picasso Museum.
- Weather and Temperature: The Canary Islands usually have daytime temperatures around 20-24°C in December, while Seville and Málaga are cooler but still mild, with daytime temperatures around 16-18°C.
8. Portugal
Portugal’s mildest December weather is in Madeira, making the island a better fit than mainland Portugal if weather is your main reason for choosing the country.
Funchal, Madeira’s capital, is a good base for exploring the island. See the historic centre, Mercado dos Lavradores, Funchal Cathedral, waterfront and Monte Palace Tropical Garden. From Funchal, you can also visit Cabo Girão for high coastal views, and Pico do Arieiro for mountain views.
December is a festive month in Madeira, with Christmas lights, markets and events across Funchal. Market Night on December 23 is one of the island’s main Christmas traditions, followed by New Year celebrations and fireworks over Funchal Bay.
Mainland Portugal is the better choice when city sightseeing and Portuguese history matter more than warm weather. Lisbon, Sintra and nearby coastal areas can comfortably fill a short trip without adding another domestic flight.
- Weather and Temperature: The Madeira coast, including Funchal, usually has daytime temperatures around 20°C in December, while Lisbon is closer to 15°C. Sintra is cooler and wetter, and Madeira’s mountain areas can be much colder.
9. Italy
No matter the month, Italy is one of the best countries to visit in Europe. But if you pick December, you can enjoy milder weather in the south, Christmas lights and markets.
The first two weeks of December are usually quieter and more affordable, while Christmas Eve through New Year brings higher prices and more visitors.
Rome is always a must-visit, and Sicily makes a better addition when warmer weather is a priority. Land in Rome and see the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Vatican City, then make time for the city’s Christmas lights and decorations.
Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s main Christmas-market areas, while the Christmas tree and nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square add to the festive atmosphere.
With extra days, get to Sicily by flight from Rome. Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is home to Norman architecture, historic churches and lively markets. You can also visit Mondello Beach or take a trip to Cefalù and the Valley of the Temples.
- Weather and Temperature: Rome usually reaches around 13°C during the day and 4-5°C at night in December. Palermo can reach around 16°C during the day. Rain is possible in both destinations.
10. Malta
Valletta, Malta’s capital, is one of the best bases for a first trip to Malta in December, where there is mild winter weather, historic places and plenty of outdoor sightseeing.
Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens, Grandmaster’s Palace and the waterfront, then head to nearby Mdina to see its old streets, cathedral and old city walls. You can also visit the Three Cities of Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua across the Grand Harbour.
For a day outside the main island, take the ferry to Gozo, where you can visit the Citadel in Victoria, Ġgantija Temples and Ramla Bay. Gozo is only about 20-25 minutes from Malta by ferry, making it an easy addition to a December trip.
- Weather and Temperature: Malta has mild December weather, with daytime temperatures around 17°C and nights around 11°C. But rain and strong winds are possible.
11. Cyprus
Cyprus stays mild in December, making it a good month for sightseeing, walks and day trips around the island. Make Paphos your main stop, with the Paphos Archaeological Park, Tombs of the Kings and harbour close by, plus the Akamas Peninsula for a day outdoors.
For a different side of Cyprus, spend a day in the Troodos Mountains, where you can see traditional villages, Byzantine churches and forested landscapes.
December also brings Christmas celebrations to Cyprus. Several villages in the Troodos Mountains become Christmas Villages, with local food, handicrafts, workshops and events.
You can also visit Limassol or Larnaca if you want more coastal sightseeing, restaurants and city life. But Cyprus is better suited to walking, sightseeing, food and day trips than a beach holiday in December.
- Weather and Temperature: Coastal Cyprus usually has daytime temperatures around 17-19°C in December, with cooler evenings and some rain. The Troodos Mountains are much colder and can receive snow.
European Countries to Visit in December: A Quick Comparison
|
Country |
Approx. 7-Day Budget Per Person (INR) in December |
How to Reach from India |
| Germany | 1,20,000 – 2,10,000 | Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru to Munich |
| Finland | 1,40,000 – 2,20,000 | Direct flights from Delhi to Helsinki |
| Austria | 1,20,000 – 2,40,000 | Direct flights from Delhi to Vienna |
| France | 1,20,000 – 2,85,000 | Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru to Paris |
| Switzerland | 2,00,000 – 3,20,000 | Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru to Zurich |
| Czechia/Czech Republic | 1,00,000 – 1,80,000 | Connecting flights from major Indian cities to Prague |
| Spain | 1,20,000 – 2,20,000 | Connecting flights from major Indian cities to Tenerife; flights to mainland Spain also require a connection |
| Portugal | 1,00,000 – 1,90,000 | Connecting flights to Lisbon, followed by a flight to Madeira |
| Italy | 1,20,000 – 1,80,000 | Direct flights from Delhi to Rome; connecting options from Mumbai and Bengaluru |
| Malta | 1,20,000 – 1,70,000 | Connecting flights from major Indian cities to Malta |
| Cyprus | 1,20,000 – 1,70,000 | Connecting flights from major Indian cities to Larnaca |
Conclusion
December can completely change how you experience Europe. A city that feels ordinary in another month can become a Christmas destination, while a southern coast can give you a break from the extremely cold weather further north.
Choose Finland, Austria or Switzerland when snow is part of the plan. Pick Germany, Austria or Czechia for Christmas markets. Head to Spain, Portugal, Italy, Malta or Cyprus when you would rather spend December outdoors without the harsher winter temperatures.
Use this list to narrow down the experience first, then the destination. Contact Dimaak Tours when you are ready to turn that choice into a practical December itinerary.
FAQs About the Best Countries to Visit in Europe in December
1. Which European countries are relatively warm to visit in December?
Spain, Portugal, Italy, Malta and Cyprus are among the milder European countries to visit in December. For the warmest weather, choose Spain’s Canary Islands or Portugal’s Madeira, where daytime temperatures are around 20°C or higher.
2. Which European destinations are affordable and easy to reach in December from India?
Czechia is one of the most affordable countries on this list, but it requires a connecting flight from India. Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland and Italy are easier to reach from India because several major Indian cities have direct flights to their main gateways.
3. Which European countries are best for Christmas markets and winter experiences?
Germany, Austria, Czechia and France are great for Christmas markets, with cities such as Munich, Vienna, Prague and Strasbourg famous for their festive markets.
For snow, reindeer and husky safaris, and the Northern Lights, head to Lapland in Finland, while Austria and Switzerland are good for Alpine villages and mountain train journeys.
