I hate to break it to you, but unfortunately, the European summer season is officially over… Let me tell you one thing, though: the beginning of fall is actually one of the best times to book your next city trip. And what’s better than already having your next trip booked and something exciting to look forward to?
Personally, I LOVE a little getaway in Europe in December, as the winter period back home can be really cold and depressing to be honest. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love cozy winter vibes, but I really prefer milder temperatures and starting my day with a little bit of vitamin D.
In this article, I am going to highlight the best cities to visit in Europe in December I’ve been to myself and tell you exactly why each of them is a great city to visit in December and what I liked most about my trips.
Best City to Visit in Europe in December: My Honest Answer
Like any other traveler, I also have a few cities I keep returning to simply because I’ve made such great memories there. For me, Málaga in Spain is one of those places, and I honestly think it’s the perfect city for a little December getaway.
You still get the cozy Christmas atmosphere, but without the freezing temperatures you could expect elsewhere in Europe. Málaga offers sunny days, beautiful streets and some sight-seeing, and numerous cafés and restaurants to try Spanish tapas.
I’d really recommend you to stay in the city center of Málaga, as it’s a walkable city and easy to see all the highlights of Málaga on foot.
9 Places to Visit in Europe in December
#1. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, capital of Portugal and known for its colorful neighborhoods, is the perfect place if you want to escape the colder weather elsewhere in Europe. Temperatures are still relatively mild, and streets feel calmer and less crowded compared to the busy summer months.
You can spend the morning in one of the many cozy cafés as there’s literally a good coffee spot on almost every corner, wander through the colorful neighborhoods like Alfama, Baixa and Chiado, and walk up to one of Lisbon’s famous viewpoints to get a magnificent view over the city.
Best Things to Do in Lisbon in December
- Ride Tram 28 through Lisboa’s historic neighborhoods
- Visit Wonderland Lisboa at Parque Eduardo VII
- Go to Miradouro da Graça for sunset
#2. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, also known as ‘The Heart of Europe’, is one of those cities that I think looks incredibly atmospheric without even trying. With its historic Old Town, the almost 700 years-old Charles Bridge, the iconic Prague Castle, and beautiful Gothic and Baroque architecture, the city is perfectly made for a city trip.
Winter makes Prague even more charming, especially when the streets are decorated and there’s a chance of snow. It can get very cold, so you’ll definitely need warm layers.
Visiting Prague in December is super popular because of the festive atmosphere and Christmas markets. I must say that since I’ve been there, I can tell you that it really lives up to the hype!
Best Things to Do in Prague in December
- Walk across the Charles Bridge in the afternoon
- Explore the Jewish Quarter
- Visit Old Square Christmas markets
#3. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Visiting Amsterdam in December is very special, as the canals reflect the winter lights and the city has a cozy, warm feel, despite the gloomy, cold weather. It’s a great time to wander through the Jordaan, stop for coffee to warm up, and just enjoy the holiday feeling.
What I really like about Amsterdam in winter is that you can easily mix outdoor sightseeing with indoor activities. One moment you’re walking along the canals or browsing the Nine Streets, but if the weather is really bad, you can grab some pastries in one of the numerous bakeries or visit one of the many interesting museums.
December also brings a few seasonal highlights, especially the Amsterdam Light Festival and winter events such as ice skating on Museumplein. It for sure will be cold and wet (as most of the year in the Netherlands…), but I must say that the city is really charming especially this month.
Best Things to Do in Amsterdam in December
- Go ice skating at Museumplein
- Visit the Amsterdam Winter Paradise (possible from mid-December)
- Try oliebollen, it’s a typical Dutch delicatesse (I am sure you want to take a full suitcase back home after you’ve tried them)
#4. London, England
London is one of those well-known cities where something’s going on almost everywhere you look. The streets around Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Covent Garden are beautifully decorated in December, while places like Somerset House and Hyde Park become proper winter hotspots with ice skating, festive lights, and seasonal events.
When I visited London in December it was already quite cold, so keep in mind to take some proper winter clothes with you.
You can spend the morning around Westminster, warm up inside a museum or pub in the afternoon and then head out again once it’s getting dark to see all the lights sparkle around the city.
Also, keep in mind that December is a super popular month in London, so accommodation and major sights are best booked in advance. It gets extremely crowded during this time of year, and unfortunately, pickpocketing is more common in the busier tourist areas, so please stay aware and keep a close eye on your belongings.
Best Things to Do in London in December
- Enjoy London’s cozy Christmas atmosphere in Oxford Street & Regent Street
- Go to a cozy pub somewhere in Notting Hill
- Visit Kew Gardens for its winter light trail
#5. Málaga, Spain
We’ve spent quite a bit of time in Málaga over several visits, as it’s one of our favorite European cities to return to.
One specific thing I love about Málaga in December is how easy it is to combine city life with some quality time by the sea. I like to spend the morning around the historic center, get a coffee to-go somewhere near Atarazanas Market, and later walk towards Playa la Malagueta to just enjoy the peaceful sound of the waves and soak up some vitamin D.
What makes Málaga feel especially warm in December isn’t just the milder weather, but also the atmosphere around the city. There’s something special about the Christmas season that gives the city a really welcoming energy.
It has that cozy “season of giving” feeling without freezing temperatures or snow to make it feel festive, cause as you know the temperatures are still decent for that time of the year. Somehow, Málaga manages to combine sunshine with that warm December atmosphere pretty well.
Best Things to Do in Málaga in December
- Watch the Calle Larios (main shopping street) light show in the dark
- Lunch at Atarazanas Market before exploring the city center
- Walk through the Christmas market at Paseo del Parque
#6. Antwerp, Belgium
What makes Antwerp a little different from other cities is the mix of old and modern. You can spend part of the day wandering through Antwerp’s historic streets, and after head toward Het Eilandje or the MAS Museum for a more modern lively side of the city.
Antwerp is perfect for a city winter break without being as overwhelming as some of Europe’s bigger capitals. The historic center around Grote Markt and Cathedral of Our Lady looks especially beautiful in December, and everything is close enough to explore on foot.
The city is also THE place to be if you’re a huge, sweet lover like me, as Belgium has some of the most delicious chocolate. Also, I’d recommend sitting down at one of the many brasseries for some tasty Belgian waffles and other typically cultural dishes.
Best Things to Do in Antwerp in December
- Visit the Antwerp Central Station, one of the city’s most impressive buildings
- Wander around the historic center and visit the Christmas market at Grote Markt
- Explore Het Eilandje, especially around the Harbor
#7. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a city that is generally more affordable than many Western European capitals, which makes the city a good place for a little getaway in winter.
Explore famous places like Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion and snap some shots of the Hungarian Parliament Building.
Quick tip: go on a river cruise (+ dinner) in the evening if you want some spectacular views of the city at night.
Also, after a full day of exploring the city in winter, spending the evening at one of the many thermal baths is perfect to end your night with.
Food, public transport, and sightseeing are all pretty affordable in the city, so definitely a good alternative for a city trip if you want to travel on a budget. I’d say stay at least 2 days in Budapest, this way you can explore the main sights on your own pace.
Best Things to Do in Budapest in December
- Go to Fisherman’s Bastion during sunrise for the most memorable views of Budapest
- Try some traditional national dishes, such as goulash soup (gulyás) and obviously chimney cake for dessert
- Visit the Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square for cozy Christmas vibes
#8. Barcelona, Spain
Some cities make you choose between culture, food, architecture, maybe shopping but Barcelona somehow gives you pretty much all of it in just one trip.
You can start your day around the famous Sagrada Família, wander through the Gothic Quarter, stop somewhere for a tapas, and still end up by the sea to watch the sunset.
The weather also makes places like Park Güell, Montjuïc, and Passeig de Gràcia more exciting to explore than visiting during the hotter summer. In December you’ll still have plenty of lively terraces, cute markets, variety of museums, and numerous of good restaurants around.
I’d say that this mix of everything is why Barcelona works so well for a short city trip, especially around December.
Best Things to Do in Barcelona in December
- Order a drink at one of the rooftop bars with a view of Sagrada Família
- Explore El Born and go try some of the amazing tapas restaurants
- Watch the sunset from Bunkers del Carmel
#9. Paris, France
The ‘City of Love’ is a romantic place for a getaway with your favorite person. Paris already has that romantic atmosphere built into its iconic streets, but in winter, with the softer lights, colder evenings, and cafés glowing from the inside, it feels even more cinematic.
But, as you know, Paris isn’t only about romance. You’re walking through a city shaped by centuries of history, from Notre-Dame to grand boulevards which were redesigned in the 19th century and landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.
Who wouldn’t be happy to spend a couple of winter days here? Imagine long walks along the Seine, beautiful architecture and interesting museums, and tasty pastries at some iconic pâtisseries as Ladurée. Paris will for sure give you some memories that you’ll keep replaying long after the trip is over.
Best Things to Do in Paris in December
- Climb the Eiffel Tower for a spectacular city view and go watch the sparkle show in the evening
- Visit the Louvre to admire the iconic Mona Lisa
- Explore Le Marais for cafés, boutiques, and beautiful streets
FAQ About the Best Cities to Visit in Europe in December
What city is the best to go to during Christmas?
If you ask me, Prague is one of the best cities to visit during Christmas. The city feels incredibly festive in December, with beautiful lights, decorated streets, and the city has some of the most famous and photographed Christmas markets in Europe.
The combination of the Old Town, historic buildings, cozy cafés, and Christmas stalls make the whole city feel like a real winter wonderland.
What is the warmest city for a little getaway in December?
If you’re looking for a city with some milder temperatures in December, I’d say Málaga and Lisbon are two of the best options in Europe.
Daytime temperatures are often between 15–18°C, which makes both cities perfect for exploring. Also sitting outside with a coffee, enjoying the scenery and escaping the colder winter weather back home.
What is the cheapest destination to visit in Europe in December?
I’d say Budapest or Prague are two of the best options. Both are generally more affordable than cities like Paris, London, or Amsterdam, when it comes to accommodation, food, and going out, although December can obviously still push prices up because of the Christmas holiday season.
Out of the two, Budapest is slightly cheaper overall, while Prague is perfect if you’re looking for a Christmas winter fairytale.
Which city is the most diverse to visit in Europe in December?
If you want a city that offers a little bit of everything, Barcelona is definitely one of the most diverse destinations to visit in Europe in December.
You have beautiful architecture, great food, shopping, museums, lively neighborhoods, and even the beach, all combined with relatively mild winter weather.
My Final Thoughts on the Best Cities to Visit in Europe in December
December is in my opinion one of the best months for a little city trip in Europe. You can go for a proper winter vibe in cities like Prague or Budapest or go somewhere like Málaga or Lisbon if you prefer a bit more sunshine and milder temperatures during the day.
What I love most is that each city has a completely different vibe during the holiday season in December, and that’s exactly why there’s a great option for everyone’s liking.
Whether you’re after food, culture, lit up streets, shopping, or just spending a few days away from your hometown, I’d say December is the perfect month to go on one last trip to end your year on an extra high note!
I’d love to hear which city you’ll end up going to this year, so feel free to reach out. 🙂 Happy travels!
