If you are keen to visit Europe this winter, I’ve found 10 of the best UK and European cities to visit in December, many of which are criminally underrated.
Get festive at some of the coziest German Christmas markets. Explore Eastern Europe’s snowy scenery and traditional winter festivals. Or opt for a brilliant UK getaway. These are the best European cities to visit in December (and all throughout winter.)
The best European cities to visit in December
Want to tick off some bucket list of European cities while they’re blanketed in snow? Or how about exploring some lesser-known places? Here are a few winter city breaks for December that shine in winter and are equally as suitable for January and February:
- Tromsø, Norway
- Vilnius, Lithuania
- Zagreb, Croatia
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Paris, France
- Poznan, Poland
- Bath, UK
- Berlin, Germany
- Tallinn, Estonia
1. Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø, Norway is a winter dream. In this small, walkable city you can stay at a lodge decorated with reindeer hides before zipping up a cable car to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Tromsø is about as far north as you can get in mainland Europe and makes for a once-in-a-lifetime winter break. The city sits within the Arctic Circle and there’s plenty to do in December including The Polar Museum, dog sledding, boat tours, Fjord excursions, and even winter camping in cozy yurts.
Must try: November to February is prime time for whale-watching in Tromsø.
2. Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to the best winter city breaks. The medieval city is packed full of historic gems. Wrap up warm (average highs are just 32°F) and walk around the city’s pretty UNESCO World Heritage Old Town and don’t forget to tour the landmark Vilnius Cathedral. If you visit in December you can also experience the Vilinus Christmas Market and tree, which open from December 1st.
Must try: Visit Piles Street: the city’s oldest street that’s lined with fabulous restaurants and bars.
3. Zagreb, Croatia
Croatia is well known as a summer vacation destination, but Zagreb is an equally great European city to visit in December. Discover inventive treats (and just about anything else you can imagine) at Zagreb‘s Hrelić flea market, including eggs in chili and prosciutto-wrapped frogs. It’s a great place to wander, even if you don’t want to buy anything.
Zagreb has plenty of indoor attractions to keep you busy too. I suggest the Muzej Mimara museum, climbing to the top of Lotrščak Tower for great views, or booking tickets to the opera at the Croatian National Theatre. Later retreat into one of the many bars on Tkalčićeva Street for a pint of local beer.
Must try: Zagreb Christmas Market is a magical place to visit.
4. Gothenburg, Sweden
If you’re looking for a walkable city where it’s likely to snow, Gothenburg might be the city break for you. A great alternative to busy Stockholm, Gothenburg is a cozy option for a December winter break.
There is plenty to do in December including ice skating, the Christmas market at Liseberg, one of Scandinavia’s biggest theme parks, and the Stora Saluhallen Food Market. If you’re there for a few days I’d also recommend taking a day trip out to the snowy Gothenburg archipelago.
Must try: Visit Haga, a hip pedestrianized street with cafes, quaint shops and buildings.
5. Paris, France
Paris is a classic winter city break for good reason. The so-called City of Love is an idyllic destination in December.
Lap up the Christmas ambiance at the Christmas markets and warm up in one of the many cafes and museums. Then in the evening visit the Eiffel Tower to see it sparkle. Or if you have kids with you, a trip to Disneyland will never disappoint. Later in the winter season you can also enjoy the city’s colorful Chinese New Year celebrations and the long-standing Paris Carnival.
Must try: Ice skating on the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette.
6. Poznan, Poland
Poznan is packed with culture, food, and cheap local beer. Check out some of the delis and patisseries that line Old Town and the Market Square. History buffs will love exploring the city’s key sights and checking out the museums(many of which are free). Booking a Christmas getaway? The Poznan Christmas market is charming and will run from November 19th to December 23rd.
Must try: The Croissant Museum which celebrates the unique St Martin’s Croissant – a tradition in the region.
7. Bath, UK
With its honey-colored Georgian architecture, Bath in the UK is the perfect destination for a lesser-known city break this December. It is an ancient and historic city named after its famous Roman Baths that were built almost 2,000 years ago.
Perfect for winter strolls, and with plenty of excellent restaurants and bars to choose from. Looking for romance? Walk hand in hand along the elegant Royal Crescent before checking out the pretty Pulteney Bridge. Bath is also around 2 hours from London so you could easily combine this trip with a visit to the UK’s capital.
Must try: Soak in The Roman Baths which sit in the middle of the city.
8. Berlin, Germany
If I had to choose just one destination for the best European cities to visit in December, it has to be Berlin. It’s home to some of the best Christmas markets in Germany, plus an array of cultural gems to keep all ages busy on cold days. Winter also tends to be quieter and cheaper.
Highlights to add to your itinerary include historic hotspots like the Berlin Wall and Museum Island. And, of course, don’t skip visiting a Berlin Christmas market. There are dozens scattered around the city featuring wooden stalls selling everything from gifts to treats. Booking a New Year’s Eve break? Berlin’s nightlife is legendary.
Must try: Warm up and fill your belly with international and local treats at the Markthalle Neun food hall.
9. Tallinn, Estonia
Pack your jumpers and ready your camera for that perfect fairytale picture shot. Tallinn looks like it’s been plucked from a postcard in winter thanks to its snow-dusted churches and cobbled streets. Estonia’s capital is also jam-packed with culture. Don’t skip exploring Telliskivi Loomelinnak, an area of the city packed with bars, coffee shops, and flea markets.
Must try: Wander the city’s Old Town which is decorated with lights and Christmas ornaments in December.
Want to discover more destinations this winter? Enjoy some festive fun with a trip to Germany in winter or stay closer to home with the the best winter vacations in the US.