12 Best Places to Visit in Europe in December 2025 (Low Prices & Fewer Tourists)

December isn’t beach weather in most of Europe, but it’s still one of the best times of year for cultural city trips. Airfares and hotel prices are often much lower in early December, and you’ll be able to visit iconic landmarks, museums, and Christmas markets without the overwhelming crowds you’ll find in summer. For budget-conscious travelers, December is a smart time to visit Europe — especially if you can avoid the Christmas and New Year’s weeks, when flights and hotels get booked solid.

1. Europe’s best December beach destination
2. Europe’s 11 best December city destinations

(Editor’s Tip: If you are planning a Christmas or New Year’s trip to Europe, book your flights as early as possible. Holiday airfare is notoriously expensive — even to cold-weather cities — because of families flying home for the holidays. The earlier you book, the better your chances of finding a good deal.)

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

• December avg high: 71°F/22°C
• December avg low: 61°F/16°C
• December avg precip: 1.7″/4.3cm

Tenerife is the only place in Europe where you’ll find mild, beach-friendly weather in December. While it’s not quite warm enough for serious sunbathing, it’s still pleasantly spring-like, with temperatures far better than the chilly mainland. For travelers from northern Europe, especially the UK and Scandinavia, a cheap flight to Tenerife can be a perfect quick escape from winter.

That said, if you’re coming from farther away, like North America, it often makes more sense to fly to the Caribbean or Southeast Asia if true beach weather is what you’re after. Tenerife is more about relaxed coastal walks, casual sightseeing, and enjoying the café culture, rather than laying on the beach all day.

The southwest coast — around Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas — is where you’ll find the most English speakers, along with plenty of good-value hotels and all-inclusive resorts. It’s also worth looking at the other Canary Islands, such as Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, for slightly quieter alternatives with similar weather.

Hotel prices in December

• 3-star hotels from: US$66 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$113 per night for two people
• All-inclusive resorts from: US$199 per night for two people

Paris, France

• December avg high: 43°F/8°C
• December avg low: 40°F/4°C
• December avg precip: 2.2″/5.5cm

Paris in December has a special charm. The city’s iconic landmarks, grand boulevards, and cozy cafés feel even more romantic in winter, and you’ll find far fewer tourists compared to the summer months. It’s a fantastic time to enjoy the museums, take a Seine River cruise, or just wander the festive holiday markets and illuminated streets.

That said, while airfares to Paris can be quite reasonable in early December, hotel prices remain oddly high year-round — even in what’s technically low season. It’s not uncommon to see 3-star hotels with small rooms charging premium rates, so it pays to book early and look for properties with consistently good reviews.

The good news is that once you’re in Paris, it’s easy to enjoy the city without spending a fortune. Many of the best experiences — from strolling along the Seine to people-watching in a café — are free or very affordable. December is also a smart time to visit major attractions like the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower, as lines are much shorter, though it’s still wise to book tickets in advance. If you want to do most of the famous attractions you should check out our review of the Paris Pass.

Hotel prices in December

• 3-star hotels from: US$134 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$154 per night for two people

Rome, Italy

• December avg high: 57°F/14°C
• December avg low: 41°F/5°C
• December avg precip: 3.5″/8.8cm

Paris in December has a special charm. The city’s iconic landmarks, grand boulevards, and cozy cafés feel even more romantic in winter, and you’ll find far fewer tourists compared to the summer months. It’s a fantastic time to enjoy the museums, take a Seine River cruise, or just wander the festive holiday markets and illuminated streets.

That said, while airfares to Paris can be quite reasonable in early December, hotel prices remain oddly high year-round — even in what’s technically low season. It’s not uncommon to see 3-star hotels with small rooms charging premium rates, so it pays to book early and look for properties with consistently good reviews.

The good news is that once you’re in Paris, it’s easy to enjoy the city without spending a fortune. Many of the best experiences — from strolling along the Seine to people-watching in a café — are free or very affordable. December is also a smart time to visit major attractions like the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower, as lines are much shorter, though it’s still wise to book tickets in advance.

Hotel prices in December

• 3-star hotels from: US$72 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$85 per night for two people

Barcelona, Spain

• December avg high: 58°F/14°C
• December avg low: 42°F/6°C
• December avg precip: 2.0″/5.0cm

Barcelona in December is a great choice if you enjoy city strolls with a view of the sea, but don’t necessarily need beach weather. While it’s too cool for swimming or sunbathing, the city’s waterfront promenades and outdoor cafés are still lively and enjoyable, especially in early December before the holiday rush.

The cooler temperatures also make sightseeing much more comfortable than in the scorching summer months. Iconic attractions like the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter are much easier to explore without battling massive tour groups. The city also gets beautifully decorated for the holidays, with Christmas markets and festive lights adding to the atmosphere.

Hotel prices in Barcelona tend to stay fairly high year-round, so don’t expect huge bargains even in low season. That said, you’ll have a much better chance of finding availability at popular properties in early December, and you’ll avoid the sky-high rates of peak tourist months.

Hotel prices in December

• 3-star hotels from: US$90 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$93 per night for two people

London, England

• December avg high: 47°F/8°C
• December avg low: 38°F/3°C
• December avg precip: 2.2″/5.5cm

London in December is expensive — there’s no way around that. But it’s also magical. The city goes all-in on Christmas markets, festive lights, and elaborate shop window displays, making it one of the most atmospheric cities in Europe during the holiday season. If you don’t mind bundling up and the occasional drizzle, London in early December can be a fantastic experience with fewer tourists clogging the top sights.

Attractions like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul’s Cathedral are much less crowded than in summer, but tickets still add up quickly. If you’re planning to visit several of London’s top sights, the London Pass is worth considering. It bundles many of the city’s most popular (and expensive) attractions into one discounted ticket, and can save you both time and money — especially with skip-the-line privileges at places like the Tower of London.

While hotels in London rarely come cheap, early December is one of the few times you might find decent availability at reasonable prices, especially if you book early.

Hotel prices in December

• 3-star hotels from: US$112 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$146 per night for two people

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• December avg high: 44°F/7°C
• December avg low: 36°F/2°C
• December avg precip: 2.8″/7.0cm

Amsterdam is a city that feels just as charming in winter as it does in summer — maybe even more so. While the weather in December can be cold and a bit gray, most of the city’s top attractions are indoors, including world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House. Plus, when the city gets a light dusting of snow, the canals and historic buildings look like something out of a postcard.

Amsterdam’s compact size makes it perfect for a winter city break. You can explore much of the city on foot, and the cozy cafés and canal-side pubs are ideal for warming up after a chilly stroll. December also brings festive lights and Christmas markets, adding a little extra magic to the atmosphere.

Hotel prices don’t drop dramatically in winter, but early December is still a good time to find deals before the Christmas crowds arrive. Just make sure to book in advance, as the better-value places tend to fill up early.

Hotel prices in December

• 3-star hotels from: US$71 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$103 per night for two people

Florence, Italy

• December avg high: 51°F/11°C
• December avg low: 36°F/2°C
• December avg precip: 3.6″/9.0cm

Florence in December is a refreshing change from the packed and pricey summer months. The weather is cool but comfortable for sightseeing, and you’ll be able to enjoy the city’s world-famous art and architecture without weaving through massive tour groups. Museums like the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia (home of Michelangelo’s David) are mostly indoors, so you can take your time exploring without worrying about the weather.

The historic city center is compact and walkable, making Florence an ideal winter city break. December also brings festive lights and Christmas markets to the piazzas, adding an extra layer of charm to your visit.

One of the best things about Florence in December is that hotel rates are much more reasonable compared to the sky-high prices of summer. You can stay in central, well-rated hotels for a fraction of what they charge in peak season — as long as you book early.

Hotel prices in December

• 3-star hotels from: US$85 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$96 per night for two people

Venice, Italy

• December avg high: 44°F/7°C
• December avg low: 32°F/0°C
• December avg precip: 2.1″/5.3cm

Venice in December is a completely different experience compared to the overwhelming crowds of summer. The canals often get a soft layer of mist in the mornings, giving the city a mysterious, almost magical feel. It’s a wonderful time for photographers and anyone who wants to enjoy Venice’s beauty at a slower, more peaceful pace.

That said, Venice is best for a short visit. While it’s undeniably stunning, the food scene tends to be underwhelming compared to other Italian cities, especially in the heavily touristed areas. A couple of days to wander the canals, visit St. Mark’s Basilica, and maybe take a vaporetto (water bus) ride is usually enough.

Hotel prices in December are far more reasonable than in peak season, and the crowds are much smaller. If you’ve always wanted to see Venice but were turned off by stories of massive cruise ship crowds, this is the time to go.

Hotel prices in December

• 3-star hotels from: US$81 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$129 per night for two people

Istanbul, Turkey

• December avg high: 52°F/11°C
• December avg low: 42°F/6°C
• December avg precip: 4.2″/10.5cm

Istanbul is one of the most fascinating and affordable cities in Europe — or Asia, depending on which side of the Bosphorus you’re standing. December can be a bit chilly, but it’s still a fantastic time to visit, especially if you want to explore iconic sights like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar without battling massive tour groups.

The cooler weather actually works in your favor here, since many of Istanbul’s highlights are either indoors or semi-sheltered. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar or relaxing in a traditional hammam (Turkish bath) is far more enjoyable when it’s cool outside. You’ll also find that restaurants and cafés are cozier and less crowded compared to the peak tourist months.

Hotel prices in Istanbul remain some of the best value in Europe, especially in early December. You can stay in a highly rated, centrally located hotel for a fraction of what you’d pay in Western Europe, making it a great destination for budget-conscious travelers looking for a rich cultural experience.

Hotel prices in December

• 3-star hotels from: US$57 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$73 per night for two people

Athens, Greece

• December avg high: 57°F/14°C
• December avg low: 44°F/7°C
• December avg precip: 2.7″/6.8cm

Athens is one of Europe’s best off-season destinations. December brings cool but generally sunny weather, making it a comfortable time to explore the city’s ancient landmarks without the scorching heat or the overwhelming tour groups of summer. You might not want to linger for long at the top of the Acropolis if there’s a chilly breeze, but the crowds are so small you’ll be able to enjoy the experience in a way that’s impossible during high season.

One thing to keep in mind: if you’re dreaming of visiting the Greek Islands, December isn’t the time. Most islands are virtually shut down from November through March, with very few restaurants and hotels operating. Athens, however, remains lively year-round and offers more than enough to fill a few days, from world-class museums to fantastic (and affordable) food.

Hotel prices in Athens are excellent value in December, especially for 4-star properties, which often dip under US$80 per night. It’s a great time to base yourself in the city and enjoy its rich history without the crowds or high prices.

Hotel prices in December

• 3-star hotels from: US$55 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$70 per night for two people

Lisbon, Portugal

• December avg high: 59°F/15°C
• December avg low: 49°F/9°C
• December avg precip: 4.8″/12.0cm

Lisbon has been trending as a travel hotspot for the past few years, but it still feels underrated compared to Europe’s biggest capitals. December is an excellent time to visit, with mild temperatures, festive lights, and far fewer tourists than in peak season. It’s a perfect city for casual sightseeing, long café stops, and enjoying its famous custard tarts without standing in line.

While Lisbon is famously hilly, its historic neighborhoods are very walkable, and there’s always a tram or funicular to help you up the steepest streets. Many of the city’s top sights, like the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tile Museum, are indoors, so the occasional rainy day won’t slow you down much.

Hotel prices in Lisbon remain a bargain compared to other Western European capitals, especially in early December. You can stay in a well-rated, centrally located hotel for a fraction of what you’d pay in Paris or London. If you’re looking for a laid-back city with great food, scenic views, and excellent value, Lisbon is an easy choice.

Hotel prices in December

• 3-star hotels from: US$48 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$78 per night for two people

Madrid, Spain

• December avg high: 50°F/10°C
• December avg low: 39°F/4°C
• December avg precip: 2.2″/5.5cm

Madrid often gets overshadowed by Barcelona when travelers plan a Spain trip, but it’s a fantastic city in its own right — especially in December. While it’s a bit cooler than Lisbon, the weather is still pleasant enough for sightseeing, and the city feels much calmer and less touristy compared to the summer months.

If you enjoy art, culture, and food, Madrid delivers. The city’s famous “Golden Triangle” of art museums — including the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza — are perfect for cooler days, and the tapas bars and food markets are lively year-round. The historic center is also very walkable, with elegant plazas and parks that are far less crowded in winter.

Hotel prices in Madrid are generally more affordable than in Barcelona, especially in early December. It’s a great opportunity to stay in a central location without stretching your budget. If you’re looking for a classic European capital experience with great food, world-class museums, and smaller crowds, Madrid is an excellent choice.

Hotel prices in December

• 3-star hotels from: US$69 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$99 per night for two people