The Best Places to Visit in December
December is one of the most exciting months to travel. It's the one time of year where you can take your pick between two completely different holidays: the twinkling, glühwein-scented magic of a European Christmas market, or a sunny escape with New Year's Eve fireworks by the sea. Winter wonderlands or warm winter sun: December has something for every type of traveller.
And with over 40 years of experience in escorted holidays across Europe, we know exactly where December works its magic best. From our Christmas market breaks to our Festive & New Year breaks, every one of our holidays is planned around the very best of the season.
In this article, we'll explore the best places to visit in December, from the Christmas markets of Germany, Austria, Italy and France to warm winter escapes in Spain and Italy, along with our top December travel tips and answers to your most frequently asked questions.
European Christmas Markets: The Magic of December in Europe
Picture wooden chalets strung with lights and the scent of roasted chestnuts drifting through the crisp evening air, as centuries-old squares transform into winter wonderlands. Here are four destinations that do the festive season quite unlike anywhere else.
Germany: A Festive Wonderland
When it comes to Christmas markets, Germany is where it all began – and nobody does it better. Cologne's most famous market sits beneath the city's Gothic cathedral, while over in Düsseldorf, themed markets line the elegant Königsallee. Munich's Marienplatz, meanwhile, glows with true Bavarian tradition. Average temperatures of 2–5°C and a good chance of snow mean that classic winter wonderland feeling is all but guaranteed. So wrap up warm, order a steaming mug of glühwein or a bag of roasted chestnuts, and browse the ornate market stalls at your leisure. For a taste of what awaits, see Christmas in Cologne.
Austria: Old World Charm at Christmas
Austria in December is synonymous with festive magic, from the imperial grandeur of Vienna's Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz to the snow-dusted Alpine towns of Innsbruck and Salzburg. It's little wonder Vienna consistently ranks among the best places to visit in December, with its classical architecture and cosy coffeehouse culture adding a wonderfully sophisticated backdrop to the festivities. For something truly unique, our festive rail experiences on the Glacier Express route glide through some of Europe's most spectacular winter scenery. Explore our coach holidays to Austria and winter wonderland tours.
Italy: Festive Markets and Alpine Magic
Italy in winter is often overlooked, yet it blends European Christmas market traditions with distinctly Italian charm. Market stalls brim with handcrafted gifts and local delicacies such as cheeses and cured meats, best enjoyed with a warming glass of vin brulé as the snow-dusted Italian Alps glisten above. Our coach holidays to Italy include itineraries through northern Italy and the Alpine regions at their most atmospheric.
France: Alsace Christmas Markets and the Châteaux of Paris
France offers two distinct (and equally compelling) December experiences. In Alsace, Strasbourg hosts one of Europe's oldest and most celebrated Christmas markets, the Christkindelsmärik, dating back to 1570; the region's half-timbered villages look like they've stepped from a storybook, and local specialities such as vin chaud and pain d'épices make it unmissable. Then there's Paris, which is utterly romantic in December. The grand boulevards are adorned with festive lights, while the châteaux of the surrounding Île-de-France, including Versailles, take on a magical, wintry quality. Perfect for culture and elegance alongside the festive season. Browse our coach holidays to France to discover both.
Where to Travel in December for Sun: Warm Winter Escapes with Leger
If your idea of festive bliss involves sunshine and sea views rather than snow, December is a wonderful time to head south – without straying too far from home.
Spain: Winter Sun and Festive Celebrations on the Coast
Spain in December is a fantastic alternative to cold-weather Europe, with mild temperatures averaging 15–20°C along the southern and eastern coasts. Expect golden sandy beaches without the summer crowds, charming old towns and a wonderfully relaxed pace of life. Spanish Christmas traditions bring it all to life too: first the famous Lotería de Navidad (Christmas lottery), then Nochevieja, when New Year's Eve is celebrated with twelve grapes at midnight and spectacular fireworks along the coast.
Our Christmas & New Year on the Spanish Coast tour is the perfect way to celebrate the festive season in the warmth, combining winter sunshine with New Year's Eve festivities in one perfectly planned itinerary. See our full range of coach holidays to Spain.
Italy: The Lakes and the Landscapes of Tuscany in Winter
Italy's milder central regions offer a very different December to the Alpine north: one of soft winter light and peaceful landscapes, without the summer crowds. Lakes Garda, Como and Maggiore take on a serene, romantic quality at this time of year: dramatic Alpine backdrops reflected in glassy waters, and lakeside towns beautifully decorated for Christmas. A mild microclimate keeps temperatures at a comfortable 8–12°C.
Tuscany, meanwhile, is a dream for the culturally curious. Florence sparkles with festive markets while its museums are blissfully quiet, and the surrounding countryside of rolling hills and vineyards is strikingly beautiful in the low winter light. It's not a destination for tropical weather, but with daytime highs of 10–12°C it's crisp (and warmer than the UK!). Ideal for travellers seeking warmth of spirit rather than scorching temperatures. Explore our coach holidays to Italy.
December Travel Tips
A little planning goes a long way in December. Here are our top tips for a smooth festive getaway.
• Book early. December is a busy travel month and the most popular festive tours fill up fast, so securing your place early means more choice of dates and departures.
• Pack properly. For European Christmas markets, layers are your best friend, along with comfortable waterproof footwear for those cobbled squares. Heading somewhere warmer? Pack lighter clothes, plus a jumper for cooler evenings.
• Consider your travel dates. Early December offers quieter markets; mid-to-late December is the most festive but often busier. Rest assured, our tours are planned around the best times to visit.
• Plan for Christmas with the family. Travelling over the big day? Leave gifts at home before you go, or offer to host a 'second Christmas' either side of your trip. Many of our guests say celebrating twice is the best of both worlds! A festive video call from abroad works wonders too.
• Choose an escorted tour. Everything is arranged for you, with expert Tour Managers on hand throughout. There's no stress of navigating busy cities, just comfortable travel from start to finish.
• Travel with confidence. Leger Holidays is fully ATOL and ABTA protected, keeping your money secure so you can book with complete peace of mind.
Your Perfect December Starts Here
From the glittering Christmas markets of Germany, Austria and Alsace to the winter sun of Spain's coast and the lakes and landscapes of Italy – whatever kind of December traveller you are, there's a fully escorted, stress-free Leger holiday to match. And with more than 40 years of experience behind every award-winning tour, you're in the safest of hands.
Ready to find your perfect winter escape? Browse our Festive & New Year breaks and Christmas market breaks, and start looking forward to something truly magical this festive season.
