Europe is the number one vacation destination for American vacationers, but with summer in full swing, many people find it hard to travel during that time of year. However, by planning European vacations during December, you can still hit all the major sights without dealing with the heat and crowds that Europe sees in high season.

Just because it’s winter in some countries doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beauty and culture of other countries. The weather isn’t going to stop you from traveling the world. Whether you want to take a relaxing vacation or a more exciting one, I hope this guide helps you plan the perfect trip in December. You’ll be able to cruise with beautiful snow-capped mountains or visit the land of smiles. Whatever your heart desires, this list should have all the resources you need! December 22nd, 2016 was the last day that I traveled to another country. That was 10 days ago. In the span of those 10 days I’ve been in 5 countries and several cities in two different continents and even a few asteroids. My trip started out at Iceland’s Keflavik Airport and ended in Paris, France. Its been phenomenal.

European Vacation In December

A variety of weather conditions are present in Alaska. One day you may be laughing out loud with friends, the next day you may be experiencing a late summer snow storm. Fall, winter and spring bring with them many beautiful changes. The fall months are a period of colorful transitions with the forest greens becoming more prominent each day, the leaves begin changing in preparation for their winter slumber, and wildlife is actively on the move throughout our wildlife refuges. This can be an exciting time to visit Alaska if you are traveling through during this time of year.

European Cities That Are Even Better in Winter

Summer temps can’t compete with mulled wine and snow-dusted canal houses.

BY CAITLIN MORTON

November 19, 2020

Europe in Winter 21 European Cities That Are Even Better in the OffSeason

There are warm-weather devotees among us to quick to pass on a visit to Europe in winter, instead waiting for the sunkissed summer season. But we’re for embracing the colder weather and making the most of the chillier months. A 20-degree-Fahrenheit day in Europe can be, dare we say, blissful—and certainly beautiful. Some cities, beyond the Christmas market rush, are refreshingly crowd-free and inexpensive during the colder months, and they offer cozy experiences well worth traveling for. (Seriously, how good does a real hot chocolate in a riverside Belgian café sound right now?)

While we’ll be putting our international travel plans on hold this year, these photos of Europe in winter have us preparing for 2021. Read on for 21 European cities—and a few villages, if we’re getting technical—that we think are best when the temperature drops.

This gallery was last published in December 2019. It has been updated with new information.

GettyViennaVienna was voted the best city in Europe in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards—a title that holds true no matter the season. But we’re particularly fond of the Austrian capital in the winter, when you can double down on hot chocolate and sachertorte, a local chocolate cake, watch free outdoor simulcasts of the opera (loads of people attend, even when it’s freezing), listen to classical holiday concerts, and snap photos of Schönbrunn Palace and St. Charles Church (pictured), covered in snow.
GettyBergen, NorwayBergen has all the makings of an idyllic Nordic village: colorful wooden buildings, a scenic harbor, and sweeping views of the surrounding fjords. The town looks beautiful in the summer, sure, but it’s during the winter months that you get to view the Northern Lights during their peak season. If you’re going to be freezing up in Scandinavia, you might as well get to cross an astronomical wonder off of your bucket list.
GettyAmsterdamAmsterdam is magical during the holidays—with Christmas celebrations that last for the entire month of December—but we recommend visiting the Dutch capital during the later winter months as well. While the city is no stranger to overtourism, those infamous crowds noticeably thin out when the temperatures drop, meaning you can enjoy snow-shrouded canal views and cozy restaurants in peace. And we swear—Dutch food, hearty with lots of bread and potatoes, is even more satisfying on cold days.

WATCHWinter in Sweden

- GettyTallinn, EstoniaTallinn practically overflows with charm, thanks to its turreted castles and a lovely location on the Baltic Sea. The city has one of the best-preserved historical centers in Europe, with many of its medieval churches and merchant houses falling under UNESCO protection. The views of the city center from Toompea Castle are beautiful no matter the season, but they pop even more under a layer of snow—in fact, they make those cold, Baltic winters downright bearable.
- GettyHallstätt, AustriaYes, it’s technically a village, but perhaps none other fits the phrase “storybook setting” better than Hallstätt, which sits pretty on the shores of Austria’s Hallstätter See (about an hour’s drive east of Salzburg). The town’s 12th-century churches, candlelit restaurants, and market square only become more charming during the winter months, especially when the already-scenic Dachstein Mountains are capped with snow. As with most Austrian towns, Hallstätt does winter activities well; go skiing, snowshoe hiking, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride.
- GettyBruges, BelgiumEurope’s best-preserved medieval city is also one of its most charming, especially during the holiday season. Let’s start with its light displays, when every tree and storefront seems ablaze with twinkle lights (just look up as you wander the cobblestone streets). When your fingers start going numb, warm up with mugs of Belgian hot chocolate in the historic Craenenburg Cafe.
- GettyParisParis is always a good idea. During the winter, it’s an even better idea—especially when you see how Parisians enjoy a snow day. The City of Light becomes especially dazzling with its twinkle lights on the Champs-Elysées and over-the-top Christmas displays at Galeries Lafayette. Most magical of all? The notorious lines to get into the Eiffel Tower and Louvre shrink to a fraction of their usual lengths. Just wear your chicest winter coat—it gets cold.