When December arrives, the world glows a little brighter. Fairy lights shimmer on cobblestone streets, the air smells of roasted chestnuts and cinnamon, and every city seems wrapped in its own festive story. Whether you’re dreaming of snowy Christmas markets or mild coastal sunshine, December offers the perfect mix of celebration, comfort, and travel value.
Better still, it’s one of the smartest months to explore. Early December brings off-peak prices before the holiday rush, while late December delivers full festive magic. And with Travelupo, you can bundle flights and hotels to find the best deals across Europe and beyond — so your December adventure feels magical and affordable.
From alpine capitals dusted with snow to seaside cities glowing under winter sun, here are 10 of the best cities to visit in December 2025.
1. Vienna, Austria – Europe’s Christmas Heartbeat
Average December temp: 0–5°C
Why go: Fairy-tale markets, classical charm, and rich winter flavours.
Stay for less: Hotel Beethoven Wien – boutique comfort steps from Naschmarkt from €125/night via Travelupo.
Vienna in December feels like a living Christmas card. The city’s grand squares transform into markets filled with wooden stalls, glühwein steam, and carol music echoing through the air.
Start at Rathausplatz’s Christkindlmarkt, then wander to Schönbrunn Palace’s artisan fair under twinkling lights. Between markets, indulge in hot chocolate and Sachertorte at Café Central, or attend an Advent concert in a candlelit church.
Insider tip: Visit mid-December for full festive atmosphere before New Year crowds peak.
2. Prague, Czech Republic – Fairytale Charm in the Snow
Average December temp: -2–3°C
Why go: Gothic architecture, snow-dusted rooftops, and cozy taverns.
Stay for less: Hotel U Prince – old-world elegance overlooking the Astronomical Clock from €110/night.
Few cities capture December magic like Prague. When the first snow falls, its cobbled lanes and Baroque towers seem frozen in time.
The Old Town Square hosts one of Europe’s most beloved Christmas markets — think mulled wine, trdelník pastries, and a giant sparkling tree before Týn Church. Cross the Charles Bridge at dawn, when mist rises from the Vltava River, and you’ll understand why winter is Prague’s most poetic season.
Highlights: Try roast duck with dumplings, sip grog (Czech rum punch), and catch a classical concert in a candlelit hall.
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3. Seville, Spain – Winter Sunshine & Andalusian Soul
Average December temp: 16–20°C
Why go: Mild weather, Moorish beauty, and Christmas lights in orange-scented streets.
Stay for less: Hotel Casa 1800 Seville – romantic stay in a 19th-century mansion from €130/night.
While northern Europe shivers, Seville basks in golden light. December brings crisp mornings and warm afternoons, ideal for exploring the Alcázar’s courtyards or sipping sangria on rooftop terraces.
The city sparkles with Christmas lights, but without the crowds of summer. Plaza Nueva hosts a festive market selling handmade nativity figures, while street musicians fill the air with flamenco rhythms.
Insider tip: December 8–12 (Immaculate Conception week) features parades, choirs, and live flamenco across the city.
4. Tallinn, Estonia – Nordic Fairytale by the Baltic
Average December temp: -3–1°C
Why go: Medieval old town, glowing markets, and winter wonderland ambience.
Stay for less: Hotel Telegraaf – historic boutique comfort from €135/night via Travelupo.
Tallinn’s walled old town is pure enchantment in December. Snow piles on pointed rooftops, lanterns flicker in narrow alleys, and the scent of gingerbread drifts from wooden stalls at Town Hall Square.
Warm up with local mulled wine (glögi) and black bread with smoked fish. By evening, the city’s cafés glow invitingly behind frosted windows — perfect for hygge-style relaxation after sightseeing.
Highlights: Climb Toompea Hill for panoramic views of snowy spires and the frozen Baltic Sea.
5. Lisbon, Portugal – Cozy Light & Coastal Warmth
Average December temp: 14–18°C
Why go: Winter sunshine, soulful music, and seasonal food by the sea.
Stay for less: Lisboa Pessoa Hotel – literary boutique with rooftop views from €120/night.
Lisbon proves that December travel doesn’t have to mean frostbite. The city’s soft winter light, affordable rates, and lively markets make it perfect for a cultural city break.
Start your day with a pastel de nata, stroll Alfama’s steep lanes, and listen to fado music echoing through intimate taverns. Evenings are for seafood stews, vinho verde, and watching trams sparkle through decorated streets.
Insider tip: Christmas Day is quiet, but New Year’s Eve on the riverfront is spectacular — free concerts and fireworks over the Tagus.
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6. Kraków, Poland – History, Lights & Comfort Food
Average December temp: -1–4°C
Why go: One of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, low prices, and charming architecture.
Stay for less: Hotel Grodek – boutique warmth near the Main Market Square from €95/night.
Kraków turns into a fairy-lit wonderland every December. The Main Market Square hosts wooden stalls selling amber jewellery, pierogi, and handmade ornaments, while horse-drawn carriages trot through snowy streets.
Warm up with mulled wine or hearty Polish soup, then explore Wawel Castle glowing in the winter dusk. The atmosphere is festive yet intimate — perfect for travelers seeking culture without crowds.
Highlights: Don’t miss the annual “Szopka” nativity scene competition — uniquely Polish and delightfully creative.
7. Innsbruck, Austria – Alpine Magic Meets City Comfort
Average December temp: -2–5°C
Why go: Ski slopes, mountain views, and Tyrolean charm.
Stay for less: NALA Individuellhotel – design hotel near the old town from €140/night.
Where else can you step from a medieval street to a ski lift in minutes? Innsbruck blends alpine adventure with baroque beauty.
In December, its Christmas markets sparkle under the Nordkette mountains, while cozy cafés serve apple strudel and hot punch. Skiers can hit nearby resorts like Axamer Lizum by day, then return to the city for festive lights and live music at night.
Insider tip: Visit the Hungerburg Market — perched above the city with panoramic views and twinkling lights.
8. Copenhagen, Denmark – Hygge, Lights & Nordic Charm
Average December temp: 0–4°C
Why go: Scandinavian design, cozy cafés, and Tivoli’s famous Christmas park.
Stay for less: Hotel SP34 – stylish minimalism and warm hospitality from €150/night.
Few places do winter coziness like Copenhagen. The Danish concept of hygge (comfort and warmth) comes alive in December — think candlelit cafés, wool blankets, and mugs of gløgg.
Tivoli Gardens becomes a winter wonderland with rides, music, and over half a million lights. Wander Nyhavn’s colourful harbour, shop for Scandinavian gifts, and enjoy hearty smørrebrød with aquavit.
Highlights: Try a Christmas lunch menu — an entire feast of herring, pork roast, and rice pudding.
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9. Tokyo, Japan – Lights, Food & Festive Wonder
Average December temp: 8–12°C
Why go: Epic illuminations, seasonal desserts, and modern celebrations.
Stay for less: Mimaru Tokyo Ueno North – family-friendly suites from €125/night via Travelupo.
Tokyo in December is a sensory spectacle. The city’s winter illuminations — from Shibuya’s blue tunnels to Roppongi’s golden trees — are world-famous.
While Japan doesn’t celebrate Christmas traditionally, it embraces the festive spirit with style: themed cafés, strawberry shortcake, and dazzling store displays. Combine it with onsen getaways or Mount Fuji day trips for a perfect winter balance.
Insider tip: Visit between Dec 10–25 for full illumination shows before New Year holidays begin.
10. New York City, USA – The Classic December Dream
Average December temp: 0–6°C
Why go: Iconic sights, festive spirit, and timeless movie magic.
Stay for less: Arlo Midtown – chic micro-hotel near Times Square from €180/night.
New York is December. Skating at Rockefeller Center, the giant Christmas tree, the sparkle of Fifth Avenue — it’s every holiday film come to life.
Walk through Central Park after a fresh snowfall, shop the Bryant Park Winter Village, and watch Broadway’s seasonal shows. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the city’s energy feels extra electric during the holidays.
Highlights: For budget travelers, early December brings hotel discounts before Christmas week peaks.
Why December is the Perfect Month to Travel
December isn’t just the end of the year — it’s the month that transforms ordinary cities into living postcards. You get the best of both worlds:
- Early December: Fewer crowds, cheaper flights, and local markets in full swing.
- Mid to Late December: Full festive atmosphere, fireworks, and winter magic everywhere.
Beyond the celebrations, December travel also means deeper connections — with culture, comfort, and the people you meet along the way. When the world slows down, you finally have time to savour it.
Travelupo Tips for Booking Your December Escape
- Book early: December is peak holiday season — secure hotel deals now on Travelupo for the best rates.
- Bundle smart: Flights + hotels can save up to 25%.
- Pack flexible: Mix layers — even warm cities get cool evenings.
- Travel midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday flights are cheaper.
- Stay central: Short daylight hours mean proximity matters for sightseeing.
- Look local: Seek small Christmas markets or festivals unique to each city.
Articles Recommended:
- 10 Best Christmas & New Year Warm Destinations (Sun Instead of Snow)
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Final Thoughts
December 2025 promises more than just lights and snow — it’s a month of rediscovery. Whether you’re wandering Vienna’s markets, chasing sunshine in Lisbon, or sipping sake beneath Tokyo’s lights, every city offers its own kind of festive magic.
👉 Start planning your December 2025 city break today with Travelupo — where you can compare flights, find boutique hotels, and unlock luxury for less.
The Spirit of December Travel
It’s not just about where you go — it’s about how you feel when you get there.
Warm hands around a coffee cup, laughter echoing through a winter street, the sparkle of a city that feels alive again.
That’s December — fleeting, beautiful, and worth every moment.
