You might have noticed by now Winter is my favourite time to explore Europe. The crowds are gone, the cities feel cosier, and everywhere you turn there’s either a festive market, twinkling lights, or snowy peaks.
Did I mention crowds, especially in bigger cities like Rome or Paris, are a little less?
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Colmar, France
Let’s start with the most popular. Colmar in December is like stepping into a Christmas card! Half-timbered houses, canals, and festive markets make this Alsace town feel straight out of a storybook.
I loved strolling through Petite Venise with a hot wine in hand, and every square had its own market with unique stalls. It’s also the perfect base to explore the Alsace wine route.
20 Things You’ll Want to Do in Colmar (Trust Me!)Where to stay in Colmar
($) Ibis Colmar Centre
($$) Hotel Le Colombier
($$$) La Maison des Têtes – Relais & Châteaux
Strasbourg, France
Known as the Christmas Capital of the World, Strasbourg is overflowing with festive cheer in December. The entire city centre is draped in lights, and the markets are some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.
I spent hours wandering between stalls, tasting Alsatian treats, and just soaking in the cozy vibes. It’s magical, especially at night when the cathedral glows.
Hotels with a View of Strasbourg Cathedral
($) Hôtel Rohan
($$) Hotel Gutenberg
($$$) Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
This medieval walled town feels frozen in time, and December makes it even more magical. Imagine walking the cobbled streets dusted with snow and browsing the traditional Christmas market in the main square.
Don’t miss the German Christmas Museum. It’s quirky but so charming. The whole town feels like it came straight from a Christmas fairytale.
Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck is surrounded by snow-covered mountains, and it’s the perfect blend of city and alpine magic. I stayed at Hotel Nala, which I loved for its boutique charm, and every morning I woke up to views of the Nordkette peaks.
The Christmas markets here are small but atmospheric, and you can take cable cars straight from the city into the mountains.
Waking up to Mountain Views in Innsbruck? Yes, Please.
($) Hotel Zach
($$) NALA Individuellhotel
($$$) aDLERS Hotel Innsbruck
Ljubljana, Slovenia + Lake Bled
From here, you have to do a day trip to Lake Bled. Even in winter, the views are spectacular, maybe even better! The island church, the castle, and the snowy mountains make it look unreal. The best part? It’s quiet, so you get those postcard views almost to yourself.
Waking Up to Castle Views in Ljubljana? Yes, Please.
($) ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (where I stayed)
($$) Bloom Hotel
($$$) Grand Hotel Union Eurostars
Rome, Italy
Rome in December is a dream and actually my favourite time to go. The crowds are gone, the weather is mild enough to walk around comfortably, and the city glows with holiday lights. I loved seeing the Christmas tree at St. Peter’s Square and wandering the quieter streets around Trastevere.
Plus, you can actually enjoy the Colosseum and Vatican Museums without the summer chaos.
Hotels with a view of the Colosseum
Paris, France
Paris in December feels extra romantic. The streets are twinkling, shop windows are beautifully decorated, and even just grabbing a hot chocolate feels magical.
I loved wandering the Champs-Élysées with all the lights on and visiting small Christmas markets around the city. If you’re lucky, you might even see a light snowfall!
Hotels with Eiffel Tower views
($) Hôtel La Comtesse
($$) Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
($$$) Shangri-La Hotel Paris
Athens, Greece
Athens might not scream “winter getaway,” but I loved visiting in December. The weather is mild, the crowds at the Acropolis are minimal, and the city still has festive lights and markets.
It’s the perfect mix of ancient history and holiday vibes. Bonus, you can sit outside for dinner even in winter!
Where to Stay in Athens
($) Adrian Hotel
($$) A for Athens
($$$) Hotel Grande Bretagne
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is packed with Christmas markets, each with its own theme and atmosphere. It’s easy to hop between markets, warming up with mulled wine, and trying local treats.
Beyond the markets, Berlin has so much history to explore, and December makes it feel even more atmospheric. Don’t miss the view from the TV Tower on a clear day.
Where to Stay in Berlin
($) Meininger Hotel Berlin Tiergarten
($$) Hotel AMANO Grand Central
($$$) Hotel Adlon Kempinski
Nuremberg, Germany
Home to one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world, Nuremberg is a must in December. The market is huge, full of traditional crafts, and the smell of gingerbread fills the air.
I spent hours just wandering, trying every snack I could find, and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Waking Up Surrounded by History in Nuremberg? Absolutely.
($) B&B Hotel Nürnberg-City
($$) Hotel Victoria Nürnberg
($$$) Le Méridien Grand Hotel Nürnberg
Verona, Italy
Verona in December is simply charming. The Christmas markets add a festive touch to the already romantic city, and the Arena looks incredible lit up at night. It’s also so much easier to get an affordable meal with a view!
I loved walking along the river, seeing Juliet’s balcony without the usual crowds, and enjoying cozy dinners in trattorias.
Where to stay in Verona
($) Hotel Accademia
($$) Hotel Milano & Spa
($$$) NH Collection Verona
FAQs About Visiting Europe in December
Read More ✈️
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Is Rome Worth Visiting in Winter? Things to Do if You Go
Things to Do in Salzburg in Winter (Guide for First-Time Visitors)
The Absolute Best Day Trips from Rome in Winter!
Epic Winter Day Trips from Paris (That Aren’t Overrated)
What to Do in Innsbruck in Winter (Top Sights and Activities)
Is Visiting Florence in Winter Worth it? YES!
Things to Do in Athens in Winter
Is Verona Worth Visiting in Winter? Here’s Everything to Do If You Go
Cozy Things to Do in Paris in Winter
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