As the final month of the year dawns and a crisp wintry breeze fills the air, Europe transforms into a captivating wonderland of twinkling lights, festive markets, and heartwarming traditions. It’s a time when cities across the continent don their holiday best, casting a spell that enchants travellers and locals alike. From the magic of Vienna’s Christmas markets to the historic charm of Prague’s snow-covered streets, and the cultural richness of Krakow’s history, December provides the perfect time to explore the many treasures these European cities have to offer.

So, grab your coat, wrap your hands around a warm mug of mulled wine, and let’s embark on a winter wonderland tour of Europe’s most captivating destinations. Be sure to check out our guide to the best European cities to visit in November, too!

Best European Cities to Visit in December

Vienna, Austria

As one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Vienna is certainly up there on our list of the best European cities to visit in December. From cosy Christmas markets and the promise of sacher-torte cake to (almost) guaranteed snow and the popular New Year Concert. Awash in Christmas decor, the Austrian capital provides a slice of festive heaven – and not the tacky commercial stuff you see in America.

Considered to have some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, Vienna is renowned for putting on a show during the festive period. Among some of the best markets in the Austrian capital are: the Karlsplatz, Schonbrunn, Freyung, and the Rauthausplatz (the largest in the city). Some other must-try winter activities in Vienna, include:

• Climb to the top of St Stephen’s Cathedral
• Marvel at Schonbrunn Palace
• Check out the Sigmund Freud Museum
• Go ice skating
• See a concert (the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra takes places on New Year’s Day)
• Try all the Christmas treats: Maroni (roasted chestnuts), kasekrainer (sausage stuffed with cheese), kaiserschmarrn (fluffy chopped pancake topped with powered sugar), and strudel (from apple to cheese)

Bruges, Belgium

Next up on our list of the best European cities to visit in winter is Bruges – the best-preserved medieval city on the continent. With every tree and storefront ablaze with twinkling lights, Bruges is the ideal city in Europe to visit in winter if you’re after traditional Christmas charm. Known as the ‘Venice of the North’, Bruges might be small but it is jam-packed with belly-warming treats and holiday cheer.

The main Christmas market in Bruges us Grote Markt, which comes complete with pretty wooden chalets and a glittering ice rink. There are also a number of smaller Christmas markets near the tree-lined Simon Stevinplein, with plenty of tempting chocolatiers and cosy cafes in the vicinity. With Bruges being a smaller city, you won’t find the usual big fairground attractions that you would in larger cities. Some of the other winter attractions in Bruges, include:

• The Light Experience Trail
• Savour Bruges’ famed chocolates
• Take a carriage ride around Market Square
• Climb the Bell Tower and enjoy 360-degree views of the city
• Feed the birds at the Lake of Love
• Cruise through the canals

Check out the best bars in Bruges, too!

Tallinn, Estonia

From snow-draped medieval architecture to a unique blend of festive traditions, Tallinn is another of the best cities in Europe to visit in December. Overflowing with charm, owing to its turreted castles and cobbled streets, the city has one of the best-preserved historical centres in the continent.

A highlight of visiting this European city in winter is the Christmas markets; stroll through and soak in the aroma of gingerbread cookies, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine, while perusing stalls brimming with handcrafted gifts and intricate decorations. The main Christmas market in Tallinn has even been named one of the top 10 in Europe by Forbes (so it must be good). Lonely Planet also named Estonia one of the best places to go on a budget. So, if you’re looking to save some pennies, Tallinn might be a great European destination to visit this winter. Some things to do in Tallinn in winter include:

• Wander around the quaint Old Town
• See the city from Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform
• Go ice skating next to St Nicholas Church
• Take a medieval walking tour

Interlaken, Switzerland

If you’re the adventurous type, Interlaken might be the best European city to visit in winter. From paragliding over snow-capped mountains and skydiving into the winter sky to snowshoeing through the forest and boat cruising on lakes Luke Thun and Brienz, there is an endless supply of winter activities to get stuck into.

Aside from outdoor activities, there’ll be plenty of Swiss delights to try. Switzerland is known for two delicious things: cheese and chocolate. Why not take a food and culture tour? This way, you can learn about the history of Interlaken while sampling some tasty treats. Some of the best activities to try in Interlaken in winter include:

• Skiing or snowboarding
• Head up to Jungfrau Mountain (known for being the highest point in Europe)
• Get your adrenaline fix at Interlaken’s Adventure Park in the treetops (including a giant swing, BASE Jump Simulator, and the logest zip line in Seilpark)
• Visit Schilthorn Mountain and get the best views of the UNESCO World Heritage trio of Elger, Monch, and Jungfrau mountains
• Go night sledding down a mountain and feast on fondue

Stockholm, Sweden

With the temperature dropping below freezing, Stockholm turns into a true winter wonderland during December. The air become crisp and fresh, and the city takes on a distinctly wintry feel, from snow-coated rooftops to canals that have frozen over. While it temperatures do plunge around November time, there are plenty of cosy cafes in Stockholm, where you can warm your hands and fika with locals (the Swedish tradition that loosely means huddling with friends or family for a chat over coffee and pastries).

For a genuine Stockholm Christmas, you must visit the Old Town’s Christmas market, which has been held in Stortorget since 1915. Here, little red stalls sell warming mugs of glogg, spiced gingerbread, cheese, candy and hand-crafted decorations. There are plenty of other activities to do while in Stockholm during Christmas:

• Take a winter boat trip along the canals
• Feast on a Christmas smorgasbord
• Go ice skating at Kungsträdgården
• Experience fika in a cosy cafe
• Mayeb get lucky and see the northern lights
• Go toboganning in Haga Park
• Go on a winter kayak tour

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is a charming Austrian town, pack full of history and surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. What more could you want from a winter trip in Europe? December in Salzburg entails cold, crisp nights exploring some of the best Christmas markets in the country, drinking delicious Glühwein and feasting on festive treats.

Salzburg is a neatly compact city, allowing you to easily walk from magical attraction to attraction, making it the ideal European city to visit in December for just a weekend. Salzburg’s main Christmas market is located at the foot of Hohensalzburg fortress and dates back to the 15th century. From choral singing in front of the cathedral, to “Turmblasen” (wind instruments) on Residenz Square, there is plenty to see and do. Other markets include Hellbrunn, Mirabell Square, and St Leonhard. Other winter activities in Salzburg include:

• Take a romantic sleigh ride through the countryside
• Stroll around the Old Town and see the lights
• Enjoy a Mozart concert
• Go ice skating on Mozart Square

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague in winter is straight out of a fairytale storybook. The city’s historic charm takes on an even more enchanting quality when dusted with snow and the Christmas markets scattered throughout the city are a real highlight. The Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square come alive with the warm glow of twinkling lights and colourful wooden stalls offering handmade crafts and Czech treats like trdelnik (chimney cake) and mulled wine.

Aside from the Christmas markets, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy in Prague during December. The city’s Gothic and Baroque architecture, including iconic landmarks like Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, appear even more picture-perfect against a backdrop of winter white. And when you need to warm up, Prague’s cosy cafes and restaurants serve up hearty Czech cuisine, from goulash to dumplings. Some of the best winter activities in Prague include:

• Go ice skating at Victory Square
• Visit Prague Castle
• Visit the city’s museums
• Watch a show at the Nation Theatre
• Indulge in a Medieval dinner with unlimited drinks and be entertained by swordsmen and jugglers
• Take a River Night Cruise along the Vltava

Zurich, Switzerland

Another one of the best European cities to visit in December is Zurich, combining modern elegance with the charm of the holiday season. As the largest city in Switzerland, Zurich blends urban sophistication with a warm, festive atmosphere. One of the city’s major attractions during the winter months is the Christmas market at Zurich’s Main Train Station, where you can explore a wonderland of handmade crafts, seasonal treats, and beautifully decorated stalls.

Meanwhile, the picturesque Old Town, with its medieval buildings and narrow winding streets, takes on a serene and magical quality when covered in a dusting of snow. For outdoor enthusiasts, Zurich’s surrounding natural beauty is waiting to be explored. You can take a short train ride to the nearby Swiss Alps for skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing adventures. After a day of adventuring, you can warm up with a steaming mug of Swiss hot chocolate or indulge in Swiss cheese fondue. Some of the best tings to do in Zurich during December, include:

• Go ice skating at Dolder OPen-Air Ice Rink
• Explore the Swiss National Museum
• Go for a winter walk on the Uetliberg
• Catch a show at the OPera House

Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is a great European city to visit in December, providing the perfect blend of festive charm and cultural exploration. As the winter months draw in, the Belgian capital comes alive with fairy lights, world-renowned Christmas markets and the spiced aroma of mulled wine. The main market in Brussels is the Winter Wonders event – a 2km-long stretch of snow-dusted chalets, bustling bars and pop-up restaurants. Here, you can indulge in Belgian chocolates and savour warm Belgian waffles, browse for last-minute stocking fillers, or take a ride on the Ferris wheel.

But there’s plenty more to do and see other than the Christmas markets in Brussels. Don’t miss the Grand-Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with its stunning Christmas tree and light displays. Other things to do in Brussels in winter, include:

• Visit the Atomium, built to resemble a iron crystal magnified 165 billion times
• Venture to the Tintin museum
• Take a day trip to Antwerp
• Relax in an urban spa

Check out our guide to the best rooftop bars in Brussels.

In the depths of winter, Europe transforms into a wonderland of charm and festivity, and the cities on this list stand out as the jewels of European December travel destinations. From the Christmas markets of Tallinn to the alpine landscapes of Interlaken, the fairytale streets of Prague to the cosmopolitan allure of Zurich.

Now you’ve discovered the best cities in Europe to visit in December, be sure to check out our guide to the best European cities to visit in February, too!