Best places in Europe to visit in December

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Val Thorens, France

Why visit Val Thorens, France - one of the best places in Europe to visit in December.

It is no wonder the city of Val Thorens, France, is an iconic winter destination for many tourists during December. It is one of the best places in Europe to visit in December.

The average temperature ranges from 44 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, which is snowy and wintry. Perfect for an adventurous and romantic getaway this holiday season.

With an altitude of over 2,000 meters, Val Thorens is considered the highest ski resort in Europe. This is ideal for tons of snow and outdoor activities such as skiing, snow sliding, and winter hiking. 

The adrenaline rush will surely be present in this place because you can also try going down the mountain slope by riding their infamous zipline at over 100 kilometers per hour. Indeed, crazy winter activities await you!

Abisko, Sweden

Why visit Abisko, Sweden

Suppose you want to witness the magical view of the northern lights on a very affordable vacation. Abisko, Sweden, is the perfect place! You may want to book your flight and hotel reservations for December immediately!

Spend your vacation here in this perfect winter weather with an average temperature of -5 degrees Celsius. It is the winter season, so pack your bags accordingly with enough winter clothes and hiking boots. 

Reserve and spend your night at the world’s first-ever ice hotel in Abisko. What’s perfect about this vacation is that you won’t have to stay longer just to witness the aurora borealis of Sweden since it has its microclimate. This means cheaper expenses yet a fantastic vacation.

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Rovaniemi, Finland

Why visit Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi, Finland, is like a perfect place that came out of a fairytale because of its majestic scenery and winter wonderland vibe, considering it is the official home of Santa Claus. Magic awaits you here, so put this on your holiday itinerary immediately!

The average temperature will be around 35–15 degrees Celsius, so expect it to be snowy and cold for a winter vacation.

You can enjoy the rest of your vacation by observing the northern lights all day in this Scandinavian destination. Rovaniemi goes through a natural phenomenon known as Polar Twilight, where the sun only shows for around 2 hours per day. 

If you want to swim even though it is freezing cold, visit the Ounaskoski beach while savoring the picturesque view of the Ounasvaara forest of Rovaniemi covered in snow.

Strasbourg, France

Why visit Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is an excellent place to visit in December. You can explore its famous Christmas market and other attractions around the area. For photo enthusiasts, this place is for you! It is one of the best places in Europe to visit in December.

The temperature typically ranges from 43°F to 41°F. Perfect weather to explore the decorated place full of holiday lights!

You can find local crafts and Christmas accessories in the Christmas Market. If you want to witness impressive views, you can climb the tower in the Cathedral to see the beautiful city of Strasbourg. Stroll around the area of La Petite, France, and you will see some half-timbered houses and restaurants!

Visit Place Kleber to see a giant Christmas Tree. So don’t miss out!

Cortina d’ Ampezzo, Italy

Why visit Cortina d’ Ampezzo, Italy

Cortina d’Ampezzo is a perfect place to visit for great ice adventures in the winter. Now is the ideal month to see the lovely city before crowds return to it again, allowing you to enjoy your peaceful and quiet holiday trip. 

Expect the coldest weather of all year, with an average temperature of 0 to -7 degrees Celsius since it is already the winter season. This makes it perfect for spending your cold trip doing crazy ice adventures.

You will not run out of skiing areas. You will easily access their top-tier ski resorts, including Lagazuoi, Faloria Cristallo, Mietres, and Tofana. You can also ride out on their famous husky-generated sleds along the slopes of Cortina. 

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Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Why visit Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

If you are looking for a warm tourist destination to escape the winter weather, the city of Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic is an excellent place to visit in December. 

The average temperature of this city in December runs around 2-3 degrees Celsius, making it relatively cold. What’s perfect about this place is that hundreds of spots will keep you away from the cold weather.

First, there are the natural and human-made hot springs of Karlovy Vary. Maximize your relaxation by spending your vacation with your family or friends in this hot springs pool.

There are also outstanding museums, galleries, and restaurants to keep you warm in this city. When the winter weather finally sets in, spend the rest of your trip at the Diana Observation Tower to get an overview of the whole town. 

Valletta, Malta

Why visit Valletta, Malta

Because of its warm and cozy weather in December, Valletta, Malta, is a perfect destination if you want to experience a summer adventure in the middle of winter. 

The usual temperature hovers around 18-12 degrees Celsius, making it perfect for sunbathing and kayaking around the southwestern border of Sicily, Valletta. 

This is perfect for a romantic honeymoon or a family vacation because this place has a lot to offer for all ages! You can visit national museums like Fort St. Angelo, shopping centers like Republic Center, or maybe boat ride tours at Grand Harbor. 

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Limassol, Cyprus

Why visit Limassol, Cyprus

If you want to escape from the city and enjoy the rural life of a town, then Limassol, Cyprus, is the perfect place to be in December. It is one of the best places in Europe to visit in December.

The weather will be relatively warm and breezy enough, with an average temperature of 19–10 degrees Celsius to take a stroll or long walk around the lovely small town of Cyprus. 

Take advantage of the warm weather by visiting one of their famous Caledonia Waterfalls after hiking Mount Olympos.

You might also want to visit archaeological sites, like Amathous and Kolossi Castle, which exhibit Cyprus’s rich culture and history. 

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Malaga, Spain

Why visit Malaga, Spain

If you are a culturally driven tourist, then the city of Malaga, Spain, is the perfect place for you to visit in December. It has the ideal balance of rich cuisine, history, and outdoor activities to enjoy. 

The usual temperature during December hovers around 17–9 degrees Celsius, which is mostly breezy and sunny enough for a round trip or overlooking Malaga.

There are tons of activities for all types of tourists in this city. You can enjoy the world-renowned Picasso Museum before soaking your toes in the sands of Playa de la Malagueta. 

It is not the peak season in Malaga during December, so expect great deals from hotels and Airbnbs for reservations. 

Lucerne, Switzerland

Why visit Lucerne, Switzerland

 The lovely town of Lucerne, Switzerland, is a perfect spot to visit if you are looking for a romantic honeymoon destination in December. 

The weather will mostly be breezy and sulky enough, with an average temperature of the mid-30s Fahrenheit. This is perfect for couples to have snuggies in their hotels or rented apartments for their intimate getaway. 

Many couples take their wedding photos at the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne because of its astonishing natural beauty. 

Don’t forget to sip a cup of fresh and hot Swiss chocolate while witnessing the picturesque views of the Lion Monument and Hofkirche St. Leodegar. 

Durres, Albania

Why visit Durres, Albania

Durres, Albania, is the perfect place to visit in December if you want to be scorched in the sun without worrying about too much heat and getting sunburned. 

Although it is the winter season for almost all European countries, Albania is relatively hot and breezy in December. An average temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit means it will mostly be cloudy and humid for a vacation in the city. 

Putting the Roman Amphitheater of Durres on your itinerary as the first destination to visit in Albania is the right thing to do. 

This place is also perfect if you are trying to stay within your budget yet want to have a winter vacation because it’s free to visit ancient castles and sites. 

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Akureyri, Iceland

Why visit Akureyri, Iceland

Akureyri, Iceland, is the perfect place to witness the longest and most beautiful northern lights while enjoying the winter in December.

The average temperature during this month is -2 to 4 degrees Celsius, which is relatively cold and snowy.

Aside from sightseeing in the northern lights, this town also has festive celebrations during December, making your Christmas season more lively and vibrant. 

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Nuremberg, Germany

Why visit Nuremberg, Germany

If you are looking for a destination with huge shopping options, the city of Nuremberg, Germany, is the ideal place. It is perfect for buying Christmas and other holiday gifts for your family and friends. It is one of the best places in Europe to visit in December.

The weather is obviously in winter, so expect the daily temperature to circle around-2 up to 4 degrees Celsius. 

Take a trip to the cobbled streets of Nuremberg on your way to go shopping at their biggest malls to take nice pictures of the old and historical places in Germany. 

St. Petersburg, Russia

Why visit St. Petersburg, Russia

Do you love to sip a cup of hot chocolate or coffee in the winter season? Then wait no more because St. Petersburg, Russia, is the perfect place to go in December. 

The weather during this month is freezing cold, with an average temperature of -1 to -6 degrees Celsius, so make sure to pack according to the weather and wear clothes in layers. 

Witness the ever-stunning beauty of Savior on Blood Church during winter because it is especially show-stopping against the crisp and snowy weather. You can also visit many national parks and museums in Russia to make your vacation worthwhile. 

Zurich, Switzerland

Why visit Zurich, Switzerland

Get a chance to witness the most stunning Christmas tree decorated with 7,000 Swarovski crystals in December by visiting the city of Zurich, Switzerland. It is one of the best places in Europe to visit in December.

It is winter, so expect breezy and snowy weather this month, with an average temperature of 5-0 degrees Celsius. 

One of the main highlights of Christmas in this town is the incredible interactive light show Illuminarium, which plays throughout the month. 

Also, the Christmas market at the central train station has many Christmas events like circuses, acrobatics, and musical performances, so make sure to not miss all of them. 

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