Looking for somewhere to have the perfect winter vacation? I know I am! Every year we plan our winter trip for right after Christmas, and this year is no exception! So I asked Google what are the best European destinations in December and came up with my own perfect list of places to visit this holiday season – from places I’m dying to visit to places I’ve already fallen for, here are the top winter European vacations you need to take!
The Best Winter European Vacations for 2019
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Vienna, Austria
- Paris, France
- Budapest, Hungary
- Bergen, Norway
- Zermatt, Switzerland
- Venice, Italy
- Sevilla, Spain
- London, England
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Lapland, Finland
- Borovets, Blugaria
- Copenhagen, Denmark
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Is Europe worth visiting in winter?
Absolutely, yes!
Winter is one of my favorite times in Europe since it’s so magical!
Between the snow-capped mountains, the elegant cityscapes, and tons of adorable Christmas markets, winters in Europe have a special place in my heart.
And besides all that, there are usually less tourists during the winter months which means cheaper airfare, cheaper hotels, and less crowds overall!
Now, on a side note – any of these destinations will be amazing at any time of the year, but if you’re like me, and you’re looking for a magical winter wonderland type of vacation, then you have to read the rest of this list!
How do I travel light in winter?
Traveling light is so important to me and I wasn’t just going to give that up during winter time!
The most important things to keep in mind for winter travel are these:
- Wear your heaviest items on board to prevent weighing down your carry on
- Color coordinate everything so you can pack less – minimalist capsule wardrobe, anyone?
- Take only a few high-quality, warm clothing items and really think before you pack something you don’t need
You deserve to travel more!
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The 13 Best Winter European Vacations
1) Prague, Czech Republic
Topping off the list for 2019 is Prague – a small city that more than holds it’s weight amongst other European capitals.
And for the perfect winter wonderland, Prague seems to have it all.
Not only are the hotels, food, and transportation cheaper than in other major cities, but the multiple Christmas markets and snow-capped architecture will leave you wondering why you didn’t visit Prague sooner!
Some of my favorite things to do in Prague include wondering around Prague castle drinking mulled-wine and climbing to the top of the old town bridge tower for sunset.
This year we’ll be visiting the Christmas markets in December for the first time and can’t wait to stuff our faces with Christmas cookies buy tons of little souvenirs 😛
2) Vienna, Austria
Vienna has to be on this list because of the elegant buildings, traditional Austrian Christmas markets, and the ability to see the opera while you’re there!
And while Vienna itself is reason enough to visit Austria, Hallstatt is only a short train ride away, making Austria a fairy-tale winter destination that you can’t ignore!
So bring out your best faux-fur coat, book a pair of opera tickets, and don’t forget to try the famous Viennese sachertorte during your trip!
3) PARIS, FRANCE
J’adore Paris!
Paris will always make the list if I’m in charge 😉
And while I really do adore autumn in the city of lights, the newly fallen snow transforms the streets of Paris into a sight of sheer beauty.
Imaging cuddling up in your hotel room staring out at the Champs-Élysées or the Arc de Triomphe while the snow is falling.
Pair that with a box of croissants and a few pieces of Christmas marzipan and it sounds like heaven to me!
4) Budapest, hungary
What could be more relaxing than soaking in Budapest’s famous Szechenyi Baths while it’s snowing out?
Pair that with less tourists during the winter months, cheaper rates overall, and some amazing Hungarian food, and it sounds like a great time!
And of course, there’s plenty of nightlife to keep you entertained.
Or if that’s not your style, you can always rent a pair of skates and go ice-skating on the frozen Városligeti Tó which converts to an ice rink during the winter months!
5) Bergen, Norway
Bergen will always have a special place in my heart.
We visited during winter a few years ago and didn’t know what to expect – but needless to say we were pleasantly surprised!
Bergen is a little warmer than the rest of Norway since it’s on the water, which makes it perfect for walking around and seeing the sights.
Since Norway is so high up in latitude, the days are quite short, but there is no shortage of restaurants in Bergen and plenty of things to do at night!
During the day you can take the funicular railway to the top of Mount Fløyen and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while looking out over the city.
Or spend the afternoon eating your way through the fish market until it’s time to have dinner 😛
6) Zermatt, Switzerland
You’ve probably never heard of Zermatt, but I can promise you that this picturesque little town deserves a place on this list!
Not only is there no traffic here – since it’s a car-free zone, but skiers and snowboarders will love hitting the slopes here, as the town itself is located in the middle of the Alps.
Make Zermatt part of your winter bucketlist, or come back during any other time of year for amazing skiiing year-round!
7) venice, italy
Venice is such a great stop on any Italy trip, but the winter months in Italy make it particularly magical!
During this time of year you can take advantage of the better (cheaper) prices, since it’s the off season and there will be way less people flocking to the city.
And not only are there less crowds, but the wintertime brings a crisp feeling to the air and Italians are no strangers to Christmas-time celebrations!
Plus, Italy as a whole has a Mediterranean climate, which means that winters stay at around 40° F – perfect for walking around and drinking Italian wine!
8) sevilla, spain
I bet you didn’t know that Sevilla also has Christmas markets!
But they do, plus a bunch of rooftop bars to choose from, stunning architecture, and winters that stay at around 45-60° F on average!
So if snow isn’t really your thing, than Sevilla is the perfect place for you.
Pack a light jacket and leave some room in your luggage to take back some amazing Spanish wine, because Sevilla is a great place for your winter travel!
9) London, england
London in winter?
Maybe it doesn’t seem like the best spot for a winter vacation.
But imagine this – snow falling outside while you sit inside a cozy pub eating fish & chips, and a fireplace in the corner.
Doesn’t that sounds amazing?
Plus London has a vibrant nightlife, perfect for spending New Years’s Even in the city!
10) reykjavik, iceland
Iceland has gained popularity in the last few year and for good reason!
There are so many things to do in Reykjavik including seeing the beautiful Aurora Borealis, visiting some of the amazing thermal pools, or attending a few of the countless winter festivals!
Reykjavik also makes an excellent starting point for any Iceland road trip along the popular Ring Road!
11) lapland, finland
If you’re looking for a true winter wonderland, complete with igloos, log cabins, and even reindeer, than Lapland is where you need to be!
Book a trip around the area to explore the beautiful snowy trails through the forest – and choose from dog sledding, snowmobiling, or even a reindeer-drawn sleigh!
Plus when you get back to your cabin you can enjoy a relaxing sauna and a cozy fireplace to end the night!
12) Borovet, Bulgaria
Borovet is another winter playground that’s perfect – even on a budget!
So whether you enjoy skiing, snow-shoeing, or dog sledding, Borovets has you covered!
Plus there are plenty of things to do besides winter sports like spa days, local thermal baths, and horseback riding!
So if you’re looking for the perfect winter destination on a low budget, head to Borovets for an amazing trip!
13) Copenhagen, denmark
Copenhagen is one of our favorite cities because it’s completely walkable (or bike-able) and there are so many things to do!
One of which is the Tivoli Gardens – the second oldest amusement park in the world – originally built in 1843!
Just imagine walking around colorful Nyhavn with a cup of mulled wine, visiting the local Christmas markets, and the letting all your cares melt away in a relaxing sauna – sounds like a great way to spend the season!
Any of these winter European vacations would be an excellent choice for a winter getaway this season! Now all you have to do is pick your destination and book the flights!
And for more travel resources, subscribe to our free travel resource library! It will help you plan your trip like a pro and it only takes 5 seconds!
Happy travels!
– Veronica
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