Where to go in December: festive cities and winter light

Three kinds of December trip

December trips tend to fall into three categories. There's the classic festive break, with markets, mulled wine and lights. There's the winter sun escape, swapping cold and dark for mild southern afternoons. And there's the New Year celebration, when cities around Europe throw big parties.

The first half of the month is often quieter and better value. Travel around Christmas and New Year is very busy, so book early if you want specific dates.

Festive markets

Germany and Austria are the heartland of Christmas markets. Munich, Stuttgart, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Hamburg and Berlin all have several, each with its own character, from medieval-themed stalls to designer crafts. Vienna's markets in front of grand buildings are especially atmospheric, and Prague's old town square becomes a winter fairy tale.

Zurich and Amsterdam have festive markets and lights too, though on a smaller scale. Warm up with hot drinks, roasted nuts and seasonal pastries, and look for handmade decorations to take home.

Winter sun

If you'd rather skip the cold, head south. Faro, Lisbon, Palma, Heraklion and Athens often have mild, bright days in December, perfect for sightseeing and walking without summer heat. Nice and the Riviera have a special festive atmosphere, with lights along the seafront and markets in the old town.

Days are short, so start early and plan indoor visits for late afternoons. Many coastal restaurants keep going through winter, especially in cities.

New Year's Eve

Big cities such as London, Berlin, Rome, Madrid and Barcelona host large public celebrations, often with fireworks. In Madrid, the tradition of eating twelve grapes at the twelve strokes of midnight is a fun custom to join. Vienna marks the new year with concerts and dancing, including the famous waltzes.

Crowds can be enormous at popular viewing points, so plan your evening and transport carefully, and book restaurants well in advance.

Packing for December

For cold destinations, pack warm layers, gloves and waterproof shoes. Winter coats take up space, so a checked bag can make life easier, especially if you plan to bring gifts home. Adding one online usually costs €29.

If you're torn between festive and sunny, combine the two. Spend a few days among the markets and lights of Munich, Vienna or Prague, then fly south for a few mild days by the sea in Lisbon, Palma or Faro. Open-jaw bookings make such a combination straightforward and give you the best of December in a single trip.

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