Where to go in Europe in December
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Events, seasonal highlights & travel tips
Christmas markets across Germany, Austria, France, and the Czech Republic
Warm winter sun in Portugal (Madeira), Spain (Canary Islands), Cyprus, and Malta
Excellent museum-going conditions in Rome, Barcelona, and Athens
Perfect early-winter hiking in Madeira
Travel tip: December offers two kinds of Europe — festive or sunny — letting you shape your trip exactly the way you love to travel.
Rome & Naples, Italy
Rome feels cinematic in December. Soft winter light warms ancient monuments, piazzas glow with festive decorations, and museums are wonderfully calm. Wander Trastevere’s narrow streets, explore the Roman Forum without crowds, or admire Vatican art at a relaxed pace. A high-speed train away, Naples adds a vibrant holiday atmosphere — from artisan nativity streets in the San Gregorio Armeno district to warm coastal views along the Bay of Naples.
🌡 41–55 °F 🌊 59 °F ☀️ 4 hours 🌧 9 days
Athens & Hydra, Greece
With crisp, sunny days and clear visibility, December is an excellent month for Athens. Explore the Acropolis in cool, comfortable air, wander through Plaka’s pastel lanes, or browse festive markets in Syntagma and Monastiraki. For a peaceful escape, ferry to Hydra — a charming car-free island of stone mansions, quiet harbors, and warm winter sun.
🌡 46–59 °F 🌊 63 °F ☀️ 4 hours 🌧 10 days
Lisbon & Cascais, Portugal
Lisbon glows under soft winter sunlight. Mild temperatures make it ideal for scenic walks through Alfama, panoramic viewpoints, and riverside promenades. The city’s cafés and pastelarias feel especially inviting, and cultural sights remain unrushed. Nearby Cascais offers fresh Atlantic breezes, coastal trails, and golden winter light along crescent beaches.
🌡 48–59 °F 🌊 60 °F ☀️ 4 hours 🌧 10 days
Barcelona & Girona, Spain
Barcelona remains bright and atmospheric in December. Explore Gaudí’s architecture under clear winter light, walk quiet alleys of the Gothic Quarter, and enjoy seafood lunches along the harbor. Add Girona for medieval charm, cobblestone streets, and festive lights that feel authentic and elegant.
🌡 43–57 °F 🌊 57 °F ☀️ 5 hours 🌧 6 days
Madeira, Portugal
Madeira offers one of Europe’s warmest and most scenic winter escapes. Mild temperatures, lush green landscapes, and dramatic cliffs create perfect conditions for hiking, levada walks, and coastal viewpoints. December also marks the lead-up to Funchal’s world-famous New Year’s Eve fireworks — one of Europe’s most spectacular displays.
🌡 61–68 °F 🌊 70 °F ☀️ 5 hours 🌧 10 days
Cyprus — Limassol, Paphos & Akamas
Cyprus stays bright and comfortable in December. Visit ancient theaters in Paphos, hike quiet coastal trails in Akamas, or enjoy long lunches outdoors in Limassol’s marina. Gentle sunshine and blue skies make it a relaxing early-winter retreat.
🌡 52–68 °F 🌊 66 °F ☀️ 5 hours 🌧 8 days
Malta & Gozo
Malta offers golden architecture, warm winter light, and an inviting festive atmosphere. Wander Valletta’s historic streets, visit ancient temples, or cross to Gozo for rugged cliffs, peaceful villages, and calm walks along the coast.
🌡 52–63 °F 🌊 64 °F ☀️ 5 hours 🌧 9 days
Seville, Spain
Seville is vibrant yet serene in December. Mild days invite exploration of the Real Alcázar’s gardens, the cathedral’s monumental interior, and the colorful lanes of Santa Cruz. Seasonal pastries, local markets, and warm plazas create a welcoming holiday mood.
🌡 46–63 °F ☀️ 6 hours 🌧 7 days
Paris & Strasbourg, France
Paris feels elegant and festive in December. Window displays glow with holiday decorations, museums are calm, and evenings along the Seine feel atmospheric and intimate. For classic European Christmas charm, continue to Strasbourg — home to one of the continent’s oldest and most enchanting Christmas markets.
🌡 39–50 °F ☀️ 3 hours 🌧 11 days
Ireland — Dublin & Kilkenny
Ireland shifts into cozy winter mode in December. Dublin’s pubs glow with live music and warmth, museums feel intimate, and historic streets sparkle with festive lights. Kilkenny offers medieval charm, atmospheric stone lanes, and a slower pace ideal for winter travelers.
🌡 37–48 °F ☀️ 2 hours 🌧 14 days
Scotland — Edinburgh & the Highlands
December brings a magical atmosphere to Scotland. Edinburgh is beautifully lit, its Christmas market adds seasonal energy, and historic streets feel crisp and cinematic. In the Highlands, snow-dusted peaks, quiet lochs, and warm inns create an inviting early-winter escape.
🌡 36–45 °F ☀️ 2 hours 🌧 13 days
December experiences to plan your trip around
“Strasbourg’s historic center becomes one of Europe’s most enchanting holiday destinations. Wooden chalets fill cathedral squares, streets glow with garlands and illuminated façades, and Alsatian specialties like bredele cookies and spiced wine fill the air with seasonal warmth. A storybook experience that defines European Christmas.”
Strasbourg – Christkindelsmärik
All December
“Madeira hosts one of the world’s most spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks displays. Funchal’s harbor erupts in a synchronized show that lights up the entire bay, creating a breathtaking finale to the year. Travelers can enjoy warm weather, festive street performances, and special island-wide celebrations leading up to the event.”
Madeira – New Year’s Eve Fireworks
December 31
“Barcelona’s oldest Christmas market fills the square beside the cathedral with handmade decorations, nativity figurines, artisanal gifts, and Catalan holiday traditions. Warm winter sun, quiet medieval streets, and festive stalls make it a beautiful seasonal experience.”
Barcelona – Fira de Santa Llúcia
Late November–December
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Madeira, Portugal
Mild air, green mountains, and dramatic coastal scenery make Madeira one of Europe’s best winter-sun destinations — with excellent hiking and Funchal’s famous New Year’s fireworks.
🌡 61–68 °F 🌊 70 °F ☀️ 5 hours 🌧 10 days
Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria)
Europe’s warmest December weather. Enjoy beaches, volcanic national parks, and long sunny afternoons perfect for winter escape.
🌡 61–73 °F 🌊 70 °F ☀️ 6 hours 🌧 6 days
Cyprus
Bright, comfortable days ideal for archaeology, coastal walks, and gentle winter sunshine — warm enough to enjoy café terraces and scenic drives.
🌡 52–68 °F 🌊 66 °F ☀️ 5 hours 🌧 8 days
Malta & Gozo
Golden harbors and mild sea breezes create a calm, sunlit December atmosphere. Perfect for culture, cliff walks, and historic city exploration.
🌡 52–63 °F 🌊 64 °F ☀️ 5 hours 🌧 9 days
Crete, Greece
Crete remains warmer than mainland Greece, offering quiet harbors, mild winter air, and dramatic coastal scenery.
🌡 50–63 °F 🌊 63 °F ☀️ 4 hours 🌧 10 days
