For many of us, December is one of our favourite months. Beyond the Christmas festivities, lights and songs, it is also a time to bond and reunite with family and loved ones, enjoy the holiday's bliss and spend time reflecting and preparing for the new year.
With many cities to explore, magical views and fun activities, Europe is one of the best places to visit in December. We've got you covered if you are looking for where to visit this December or in the ones to come.
Let's start with the popular summer destination in Greece. If you have visited Santorini in the summer, you haven't seen its majestic beauty enough. The experience in Santorini is a lot different during the winter. The climate is milder than in other parts of Europe, and the city becomes a peaceful escape with fewer visitors. The iconic whitewashed buildings and the skylines are as breathtaking as ever. From taking thermal baths on Palea Kameni in Oia to exploring the archaeological Museum of Thera and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Santorini is a December destination of dreams. Outside Fira, savage the thrill of wine tasting and observe the wine-making process at Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum, occupying a natural cave eight metres below ground level.
Venice in December is cold and damp with moderate rain and heavy fog, making it the perfect weather for a cold, cosy, romantic feel for your planned December trip. With the growing number of tourists at other times of the year, Venice regains its traditional title of 'La Serenissima' ('the most serene') in December. This gives you more freedom to enjoy solitude or interact more with the locals without other tourists getting in your way. As mist settles over the canals and Piazza San Marco is not now less crowded, visiting Venice in December sets a romantic ambience.
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Bruges is widely known for its preserved medieval landscape, and it has become a winter wonderland in December. The city's canals and cobblestone streets are decorated with twinkling lights, and the canal cruise offers a unique perspective of the city's festive decorations. Visitors can enjoy ice skating in Market Square and then indulge in Belgian chocolate and waffles. The Winter Glow is always a pleasant experience showcasing Bruges' famed Christmas Markets, the light experience trail, the artificial ice rink with pirouettes and skating on the Lake of Love, the magical Vorst Winter Bar and a lot more exploration experiences.
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It would have been impossible to leave out Strasbourg, the 'Capital of Christmas' (Capitale de Noel), from this list. A culture that has lasted since the 16th century, the city's Christmas Market is France's oldest and most popular, with over 300 stalls and enchanting decorations and lights. The city's Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is filled with half-timbered houses and festive stalls offering Alsatian delicacies. The Strasbourg Cathedral is usually illuminated with Christmas lights, further adding to the city's magical atmosphere.
Salzburg makes this list for the breathtaking views of its snow-capped mountains in December, the amazing Advent experience, and its baroque architectural structures. The Salzburg Christmas Market on Domplatz and Residenzplatz opens from the penultimate Thursday in November until January 1st. Advent in Salzburg is arguably one of the most beautiful experiences in the world. The intentionality of preserving the tradition over the years makes it an enchanting experience for visitors and natives. As it is his birthplace, December in Salzburg is usually blessed with many musical concerts featuring the magnificent works of Franz Mozart.
Tallinn in December looks like an animated mediaeval paradise from a Disney movie that comes alive during the December holiday season. The Town Hall Square hosts the award-winning Christmas Market featuring a giant Christmas tree lit on the First Sunday of Advent, which also marks the market's opening with stalls selling Estonian crafts and food. Purchasing a Tallinn Card gives you free access to museums and popular tourist attractions and three hours of free bike rental.
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Europe is one of the best places to be in December, with dazzling holiday lights, festivities and cosy weather to share with loved ones. Grey makes a significant difference for travellers seeking financial convenience and flexibility. By offering seamless multi-currency accounts and affordable exchange rates, Grey allows you to manage expenses effortlessly across Europe.
Whether shopping at Strasbourg's Christmas markets or booking a last-minute trip to Salzburg, having the right financial partner ensures you can focus on enjoying your journey without the hassle of traditional banking constraints. Get started today by creating a free account.
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