Europe, which is a famous dream destination, is packed with so many charming places that can fit into your itinerary for December. For some, it’s the intriguing contrast of European and Indian culture. For others, it’s the enigmatic harmony in which the vastly different European cultures coexist. For others, it’s the continent’s rich history. Then there are those looking to let loose in the streets of some of the world’s most happening cities. The list is endless. The best part is that no matter what time you choose for your visit, there is always a destination in Europe that is just perfect. Travelling to places to visit in Europe in December can be a great idea. There are also those going through their “off-seasons,” which is a great time to explore a destination without struggling with high accommodation tariffs and hordes of crowds.
Reasons To Europe In December
During a visit to Europe, you can experience a surprising variety of cultures and cities if you plan right. In this article, we will provide you with all the knowledge you need to plan your trip to Europe in December.
Read on to know why December is a delightful time to visit Europe:
- Fewer Tourists: While it is true that several destinations in Europe see a high influx of crowds during the winter months, especially in the latter days of December, the overall footfall of tourists is far higher during the summer months between March and June. This means you can save incredible amounts on your flight tickets and car rentals by choosing the right destination. Similarly, fewer crowds also translate to lower accommodation tariffs in many places. Even several monuments and tourist sites charge a lower entry fee during winter.
- Christmas Markets: Europeans take their Christmas celebrations very seriously. The same is apparent in the lively markets that start popping throughout the continent a few days before Christmas. A tradition that goes back more than 1400 years, Christmas markets are a fun and engaging way to learn more about the different cultures of Europe while doing some exclusive winter shopping. From the fancy markets of Cologne to traditional ones in Bratislava to markets riddled with fairytale charm in Prague, visitors can pick and choose the markets that align with their interests.
- Winter Sports: Europe has many winter wonderlands covered with thick, soft snow, perfect for winter sports like skiing, sledging, snowkiting, and the more relaxed ice fishing. Europe is home to some of the World’s most famed Ski mountains, like the Murren-Schilthorn in Switzerland, La Grave in France, and the Breuil-Cervinia in Italy, among many others.
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5 Places To Visit In Europe In December
If you’re convinced visiting Europe in December is a great idea, here’s a list of our favorite five places that you must include in your itinerary:
1. Iceland
2. Andalucia
3. Cyprus
4. Prague
5. Andorra
1. Iceland
Iceland, while a small country, has many sights to see, especially during the winter months. For starters, the country is home to the world’s largest hot spring, which is a favourite escape from the winter chill for the locals.
If that doesn’t catch your fancy, a sighting of the Aurora Borealis lights definitely would. THe lights are a frequent sight during the perpetual winter night in the country. Riddled with empty stretches of roads set amid unreal landscapes, Iceland is one of the best places to visit in Europe around the year.
December offers even fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation and car rentals, making it the perfect time to explore this dreamy country.
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2. Andalucia
Regarded as one of the most beautiful provinces in Spain, Andalucia is a delight for those looking to escape the cold weather. Apart from being warm, the province of Andalucia is also home to culturally and historically rich towns of Seville and Granada. If you’re looking for a traditional good time filled with endless parties and drinks by the ocean, you can head to Malaga, one of the most revered party destinations in Spain, if not in Europe.
The province hosts several Christmas celebrations during the month of December. However, for a unique experience, you can attend one of The Verdiales competitions held a few days after Christmas. The festival involves a folk dance competition and is an entertaining and colourful celebration of Spanish culture.
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3. Cyprus
Expansive sunny beaches, white sand, luxury resorts, and lots of summer fun are just some of the things you can enjoy in Cyprus in December. The city is also home to a rich culture, apparent in the architecture and vibe of its many hamlets, along with a few historically important sites such as the Kourin Archeological Site.
The island is the perfect way to beat the chilly winter and enjoy a sunny holiday filled with enriching experiences and breathtaking adventures. While the island offers a variety of watersports for visiting vacationers, another popular adventure activity is hiking in the Troodos mountains, which are home to countless breathtaking sights of the island and its surroundings.
4. Prague
The city of Prague needs no introduction. Famed for cheap beer and parties that go on until the wee hours, Prague is a delightful city packed with rich history and culture. While the city offers a variety of experiences, from bar crawls to history walks, it offers something for every kind of traveler. Not to forget, the city hosts several fairytale-themed Christmas markets that are extremely popular among visitors and locals alike. Add to that the charm of winter, and you get an absolutely perfect winter wonderland: Prague.
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5. Andorra
For those who didn’t already know, Andorra is a famed winter vacation destination, even among European locals. Home to dreamy white landscapes covered in snow, the region is known to be home to some of the World’s best winter sports sites and resorts. December also attracts a festive atmosphere in Andorra, painting the whole town red (literally). Celebrations happen in every bar and resort. The best part about visiting Andorra, however, is the duty-free shopping privileges offered by the city. Here, you can shop for local souvenirs or jewellery without worrying about paying hefty duty to return your brand-new possessions home. Now that we have discussed the places you can visit in Europe in December let’s look at some experiences that you can look forward to:
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Europe is a traveller’s dream, and for good reason. Home to a staggering variety of cultures and experiences, along with destinations that offer something to every kind of traveller, be it in terms of accommodation and travel options or in terms of adventures, the continent is a delight to visit any time of the year. However, with ongoing Christmas celebrations and the cover of white snow on almost half of the continent, Europe displays a unique charm in December. Need help with planning your December trip to Europe? Read on as we provide you with all the basic information you need in our FAQs section:
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit Europe In December
Which places should I visit in Europe in December?
Some of the best places to visit during your Europe tour in December are Zermatt in Switzerland, Val Thorens in France, Hallstatt in Austria, Nuremberg in Germany, Prague in the Czech Republic, Venice in Italy, and Cpoenhagen in Denmark.
Which are the warmest countries in Europe in December?
The best places in Europe that get warm in December include the Canary Islands in Spain, Limassol in Cyprus, Seville in Spain, Valletta in Malta, Crete in Greece, Palermo in Italy, Mallorca in Spain, and Istanbul in Turkey.
What is the best time to visit Italy?
The best time to visit Italy is between April and June. In fact, these months are considered the peak season for visiting this beautiful country. If you plan to visit this impeccable destination, you should visit around the summer months.
Can I take a flight to Israel and enter Europe by road?
No. Contrary to what many believe, Israel is no more part of the Schengen countries. On a visit to Israel, you can only visit Israel and cannot cross over to Europe.
Which country’s Schengen Visa is easiest to obtain?
Poland, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic have some of the lowest visa rejection rates in Europe. In other words, obtaining a visa for these countries is drastically easier than for popular European countries like the UK, France, Germany, and Switzerland.
Which one is the largest Christmas market in Europe?
Cologne hosts the biggest Christmas markets. In reality, it’s not one Christmas market but a series of huge markets set up in the streets of Cologne, and they can get really crowded as the festival nears.
How do I get around in Europe?
The best way to get around in Europe is with the Eurail Pass. The train network is extensive, punctual, and well-managed. Most visitors find this mode of transportation feasible during their Europe tour.
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An Editor at TravelTriangle who seeks and tries to give off good vibes. It’s her heart that travels when she writes about a destination.
