A fitting alternate title might be "Urban Destinations I’ve Explored Without Ever Spotting the Sun—Yet Love Them Regardless," though that seems a bit harsh. I’ve made it a yearly habit to spend part of December in Europe. Initially, the draw was Christmas markets, but now this month has become one of my favorite travel periods. No, December’s weather in Europe is not its selling point—quite the opposite. That’s fine, because I’m not seeking sunbathing. I come to discover new cities and experience urban centers when the usual tourist facade is thinner, allowing the true character of each place to emerge. There are numerous reasons to visit Europe in December, but here are some of my most cherished experiences during this gray yet celebratory season.
Seasonal Markets
When I first began traveling to Europe during the Christmas season, I found it difficult to appreciate just how abundant these holiday markets truly are. Sure, the famous ones are widely recognized, but nearly every city and town hosts its own version—often smaller but equally enjoyable. Over the past six years or so, I’ve explored many parts of Europe during the holidays, from Paris to Northern Italy and everywhere in between. Along the way, I’ve encountered an incredible variety in market styles, foods, and traditions. These markets have greatly enriched my December journeys, and while I experience far more than just mulled wine and sausages, they undoubtedly remain a central part of each trip.
Must-See Landmarks
A major draw of any European vacation is the stunning landmarks—from the Vatican to the Eiffel Tower and countless others. During the holiday season, these iconic sites become even more enjoyable. For those who are religious, the numerous churches and cathedrals holding special seasonal services offer a unique experience not to be missed. You don’t need to understand the language to feel the significance. But even secular landmarks are delightful at this time. In the heart of Brussels lies the Grand Place, a vast square surrounded by imposing buildings such as the town hall and former guild headquarters. Throughout December, an elaborate music and light show illuminates these structures every fifteen minutes, drawing thousands of spectators and creating unforgettable memories. Similar special events occur across Europe all through December—you just need to know where to find them.
Tasty Treats
Europe is wonderful any day of the year largely because of its delicious food diversity, but during the holidays this reaches new heights of culinary wonder. First, the shops: every food-related storefront buzzes with activity, creating tasty treats for parties and family gatherings. One of my favorite memories is wandering the streets of Paris a week before Christmas, gazing at the elaborate window displays in pastry and confectionery shops. In the US, traditional bake shops have largely disappeared, so this was my first encounter with such mouthwatering displays, each featuring different edible desserts perfect for Christmas festivities. The variety of Yule logs was particularly stunning. The Bûche de Noël, or Yule log, is made from sponge cake that is rolled, frosted, and decorated to the hilt. As if that weren’t enough, Europe is renowned for its abundance of Christmas markets, from the tiniest village to major capitals. I’ve visited many over the years, and while I noticed some similarities, regional specialties also emerge. For savory dishes, the offerings resemble a European carnival, with Flammekuchen being my personal highlight. But as with the shops, desserts are the true stars, and I’ll never forget holding a warm Nutella crepe on a chilly night, listening to Bing Crosby, and watching thousands of people enjoying the season with their families.
Seasonal Magic
Perhaps I’m imagining it, but all these elements combine to create a special holiday spirit that I simply don’t experience back home. At home, most shopping now happens online, and there are precious few examples of holiday cheer outside of malls. We lack the grand markets and vibrant downtown cores of Europe—a fact that, while sad, makes traveling to Europe all the more important. After my first December visit, I had such an amazing time that I vowed to return for the holiday season whenever possible. The season offers experiences so unique that I want to relive them as many times as I can.
Best Places to Visit
Brussels. The very first Christmas market I ever visited in Europe was the Winter Wonders Festival in Brussels, and it will always hold a special place in my heart—not only for that reason but because it’s so much fun. This large festival takes over much of the city center, with tents and stalls spilling into side streets and public spaces. At its heart is the Grand Place, where a massive Christmas tree takes center stage, and for the past several years, a special light show occurs every night. Strolling through the always-busy stalls, you’ll find everything from traditional foods and drinks to more modern fare. It’s also simply enjoyable, with children ice-skating and adults sitting nearby, listening to local musicians enliven the evenings.
Vienna. The Viennese embrace the Christmas season in a way few other cities can match. Dozens of Christmas markets are scattered across the city, and the major shopping districts are illuminated at night with dazzling displays and lights. The main market in Vienna is located at the massive Rathaus. When I visited, the trees surrounding the market were adorned with hundreds of lighted displays—a real-life advent calendar leading to the market itself. One of the busiest in Europe, this market offered a nice mix of food and gifts, with many delicious pastries made only during the Christmas holidays. While the gifts were fine, the food was the clear winner, and my personal favorites were the freshly made desserts, from fudges and brownies to special apple doughnuts.
Strasbourg. This large city in the heart of Alsace provided a great introduction not only to this fascinating region but also to French Christmas market traditions. The Alsace region has a complex history, having alternated between French and German control over the years, so you’ll find a strong influence from both cultures throughout town. This unique background naturally affects the food, and in the markets I discovered everything from foie gras sandwiches to traditional beignets. There isn’t just one Christmas market in Strasbourg; there are many scattered around, making exploration of the downtown area fun and full of yuletide surprises nearly everywhere you go. Every region has its own culinary specialties, and while Strasbourg has many, it’s well known for its collective love of pretzels. You’ll find them in every size and shape, even lunch versions topped with generous amounts of cheese.
Heidelberg. December in Germany is all about holiday cheer, and Heidelberg offers plenty of yuletide options. It’s hard to pinpoint a single main market; instead, several are located along the country’s longest pedestrian-only street, the Hauptstrasse. In these markets, you’ll find almost any kind of classic German holiday dish, drink, and craft. They are busy, fun, and festive, and when you add the incredible backdrop of churches, shops, and ancient squares that only Heidelberg can provide, you have something truly special.
This article was first featured on LandLopers.
