The festive season is an inspiring time to visit Europe. In December, historic Christmas markets are held all over Europe from Denmark to France. Expect charming stalls lined up with everything from seasonal treats to festive gifts and plenty of cheer from locals and visitors alike. Other than the age-old tradition of Christmas markets, expect to be wowed by a variety of events across the continent, including the Umbria Winter Jazz Festival in Italy, De Cajon Flamenco Festival in Barcelona, and the fascinating Christmas Beer Festival in Essen, Belgium among many more. If you’re going on a vacation to this beautiful continent, check out these top places to visit in Europe in December.
1. Saxony, Germany (Ore Mountains and Seiffen)
Seiffen is nestled in the Free State of Saxony in Germany, in an area widely referred to as the Ore Mountains. Founded as a mining town 700 years ago, the local population turned to wood carving as the mineral deposits declined, hence the long history of wooden toys production. This vibrant region is famous for diverse Christmas traditions, with many Christmas shops stocked with marvelous toys such as nutcrackers and the Christmas pyramids. Start your vacation by exploring the magical Chemnitz Christmas Market and check out the stalls full of gifts. Finally, witness the grand parade in Chemnitz, where over 1,000 marchers wearing traditional outfits pass through the city, delighting the crowds with sweet music from their instruments as they approach the main square.
2. Vienna, Austria (Vienna Christmas Markets) (from USD 107.3)
Vienna, the capital of Austria, ushers in the festive season with an impressive display. The Christmas markets here have been ongoing since 1928 when citizens first held a Christmas market or “Krippenmarkt” in the beautiful streets of the city. Amazing stalls draw customers in with handcrafted gifts while others offer fascinating seasonal treats. Start from the cinematic Rathausplatz hosted by City Hall - it is packed with over 150 charming stalls stocked with traditional gifts, festive food, and decorations. Right in front of Schonbrunn Palace is another stylish market with live music performances and a chance to feast on cheese, homemade jam, and cured hams. Other options include Belvedere Christmas Market and Art Advent Karlsplatz, among others.
Vienna: Christmas Markets Tour
Duration: 2.0 to 3.0 hour
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands (Amsterdam Light Festival) (from USD 29.39)
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Amsterdam Light Festival sets the city aglow every year around Christmas, with tailor-made light exhibitions and installations by local and international artists, designers, and architects. You can choose to admire this wonderful scenery on a boat, by bike rides, or through a walking tour of the city. Alternatively, you can do this by booking a city tour with a guide. Whichever way, you will be awestruck by the dazzling lights. This display has made Amsterdam the destination of choice for celebrating the festive season.
Amsterdam Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Pass (By Bus and Boat)
4. Les Deux Alpes, France (Rise Festival)
Have you ever dreamt of attending a Christmas festival that has a combination of thrilling music, winter sports, and adventure all in one place? If yes, your dream has come true with Rise Festival in Les Deux Alpes, France. This is a festive snow party held every year a week before Christmas at the top of the French Alps. The exhilarating, seven-day experience involves mountain skiing during the day and parties at night. The parties feature all types of music, and it doesn’t stop until early morning. Other than the music and skiing, Les Deux Alps organizes a variety of other activities. For a complete vacation in the mountains, sign up for mountain yoga, ice rink discos, or paragliding.
5. Essen, Belgium (Christmas Beer Festival)
Do you love beer? What is your opinion of a beer festival held in December, with the Christmas holidays just around the corner? Well, there is a fascinating one held in Essen, Belgium. Essen is a small but wonderful village found 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Antwerp, with the Dutch border nearby. Officially named OBER Kerstbierfest, the two-day annual event will give you the opportunity to taste more than 150 traditional Belgian beers. More than 3,000 people from all over Europe and around the world come to the festival every year to have a taste of the finest beer. Food is an essential part of drinking, so you will also find delicious dishes to go with your beer at pocket-friendly prices.
6. Ijsselhallen Zwolle, The Netherlands (Dutch Ice Sculpture Festival)
Every year, over 100,000 visitors throng Holland’s largest winter event: Dutch Ice Sculpture Festival, which is held in the city of Zwolle. With as much as 275,000 kilograms (606,271 pounds) of ice and snow, the best ice sculptors in the world congregate here to create unique works of art which are then exhibited in the ice hall (Ijsselhallen). While on vacation with family, you can admire the extraordinary ice art, after which a free train ride will take you to the center of Zwolle. This city is rich with history and features great shopping streets and a marvelous dining scene.
7. Orvieto, Italy (Umbria Winter Jazz Festival)
Umbria Winter Jazz Festival is an annual music event that has been held for more than 20 years in Orvieto, Italy. Music lovers and, in particular, jazz enthusiasts are entertained for five days at these heartwarming concerts held between the end of December and the start of January. Teatro Mancinelli, considered as the main stage, hosts the prime-time concerts. Emilio Greco Museum is the venue for midday concerts, while the halls of Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and Sala Etrusca are the afternoon venues for pianists. Palazzo dei Sette features a combination of non-stop jazz and wining and dining from midday, with jam sessions that last from midnight to early morning.
8. Barcelona, Spain (De Cajon Flamenco Festival)
The sweet sounds of flamenco have filled Barcelona every year at De Cajon Flamenco Festival since its inception in the year 2006. This festival has turned out to be one of the most important events in Barcelona, where famous flamenco artists and upcoming young talents in the country turn out to offer their best performances, entertaining locals and visitors. Usually, the performances commence in December and last until March the following year. The events are held in carefully selected venues across the city of Barcelona. Renowned flamenco artists who have graced past festivals include Jose Merce, Antonio Vargas, and Kiko Morente. They are still expected to feature in festivals to come.
9. Prague, Czech Republic (Lamplighting at Charles Bridge)
The historic Charles Bridge on the Vltava River was constructed by King Charles IV in the 15th century, and it is an iconic landmark in Prague. To set the holiday mood for Christmas, a designated lamplighter, usually a tall man in a First Republic-era outfit walks up and down Charles Bridge lighting dozens of gas lamps. Apart from this historic tradition of lamp lighting, Charles Bridge is stunningly beautiful, featuring wonderful architecture and standing against the backdrop of Old Town. Lining the bridge are stalls that sell jewelry to tourists. You will no doubt have a memorable moment walking hand in hand with your loved one here, especially at night, with a view of the lights and the picturesque National Theater across the river.
10. London, England (London New Year's Eve Fireworks Display)
London New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display is celebrated from the banks of the River Thames, where the London Eye and Big Ben are situated. The loud chimes of Big Ben accompany the countdown, and the magnificent fireworks are launched from the London Eye at exactly midnight. The incredible fireworks attract many visitors who throng here to celebrate the New Year. The event is ticketed but the fireworks display can be viewed from other locations in the city for free. You can enjoy breathtaking views of this glorious celebration from Primrose Hill, Parliament Hill, and Hampstead Heath.
Christmas in Europe
Europe is the perfect destination for a Christmas vacation. From the romantic and historic markets to fun festivals with a variety of outdoor activities, you will no doubt derive maximum satisfaction from your vacation and feel ready to start the year on a positive note.
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