9 Best Places To Visit In Europe In December With Family are Lapland (Finland), Paris (France), London (UK), Vienna (Austria), Barcelona (Spain), Salzburg (Austria), Rome (Italy), Prague (Czech Republic), and Copenhagen (Denmark).
These cities offer Christmas markets, winter festivals, lights, family-friendly attractions, and mild-to-cold winter weather that creates a magical holiday atmosphere.
December also is one of the most exciting months to explore Europe with your family. Cities light up with Christmas decorations, festive food, winter activities, and joyful events.
If your family loves snow, culture, food, or warm winter sunshine, Europe has a perfect holiday spot for you.
Here what makes them special and some evidence from high-quality tourism and weather sources.
9 Best Places To Visit In Europe In December With Family | Best Places to Visit in Europe:
1. Lapland, Finland – The Ultimate Family Christmas Destination
Best for: Snow, Santa Claus, Northern Lights
Spots: Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village, Arctic Circle
Lapland is one of the most magical places to visit in December. It’s the official home of Santa Claus, which makes it perfect for children.
Why Families Love Lapland
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Snow everywhere
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Santa Claus Village
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Friendly reindeer
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Winter adventures like husky rides
Top Activities
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Meet Santa at Santa Claus Village
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Stay in glass igloos
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Ride a snowmobile
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Watch the Northern Lights
Evidence & High-Site References
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The Finnish Meteorological Institute confirms heavy snow coverage across December.
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The European Space Agency (ESA) says Lapland is one of the best regions for northern lights.
2. Paris, France – The City of Lights Becomes Even Brighter
Best for: Culture, shopping, kids’ activities
Spots: Eiffel Tower, Disneyland Paris, Champs-Élysées
Paris in December is beautiful and festive. Christmas lights cover major streets and families enjoy magical experiences.
Why Families Love Paris
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Lights everywhere
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Christmas window displays
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One of Europe’s best theme parks
Top Activities
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Visit Disneyland Paris for special holiday shows
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See decorations on Champs-Élysées
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Enjoy ice skating near the Eiffel Tower
Evidence & High-Site References
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The Paris Tourism Office announces December as one of the most festive months of the year.
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According to UNESCO, Paris hosts world-leading cultural sites.
3. London, United Kingdom – Classic Holiday Fun for All Ages
Best for: Christmas shows, museums, winter markets
Spots: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Tower of London, West End
London becomes a winter festival in December with lights, markets, and family attractions everywhere.
Why Families Love London
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Free world-class museums
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Holiday events in every neighborhood
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Great shopping
Top Activities
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Enjoy Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
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Watch a family show in the West End
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See Christmas lights at Oxford Street
Evidence & High-Site References
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The UK Met Office reports mild winters, making outdoor activities easy for families.
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According to Visit Britain, December is one of London’s peak tourism seasons.
4. Vienna, Austria – The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe
Best for: Christmas markets, classical music, cozy cafés
Spots: Vienna Christmas Market, Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Vienna is famous for its elegant Christmas markets and warm family traditions.
Why Families Love Vienna
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Safe, clean, and easy to explore
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Delicious winter snacks
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Fairy-tale buildings
Top Activities
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Visit the Vienna Christmas Market
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Explore Schönbrunn Palace
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Taste hot chocolate and warm pastries
Evidence & High-Site References
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The Austrian Tourism Board ranks Vienna Christmas markets among Europe’s best.
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The UNESCO Heritage List identifies Vienna for its cultural value.
Read Others: 9 Best Places To Visit In Europe In December With Family
5. Barcelona, Spain – Warm Weather + Festive Vibes
Best for: Mild temperatures, food, culture
Spots: Sagrada Familia, La Rambla, Park Güell
Barcelona is great for families who want a festive December without cold weather.
Why Families Love Barcelona
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Mild winter weather
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Fun outdoor attractions
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Beautiful holiday lights
Top Activities
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Visit Sagrada Familia
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Walk La Rambla
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Spend time at the Barcelona Aquarium
Evidence & High-Site References
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The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) confirms Barcelona’s mild December climate.
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Cultural sites recognized by UNESCO boost tourism.
6. Salzburg, Austria – A Real-Life Christmas Story
Best for: Snow, classical music, holiday decorations
Spots: Hohensalzburg Fortress, Old Town, Christmas Market
Salzburg looks like a fairy tale in December.
Why Families Love Salzburg
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Snow-covered mountains
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Home of “Silent Night” song
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Cute shops and bakeries
Top Activities
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Visit the Salzburg Christmas Market
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Take the funicular to Hohensalzburg Fortress
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Tour locations from “The Sound of Music”
Evidence & High-Site References
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The Austrian Meteorological Service notes regular December snowfall in Salzburg.
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The UNESCO World Heritage Centre lists Salzburg’s historic center.
7. Rome, Italy – Warm Winter Sunshine + Family-Friendly History
Best for: Mild weather, history, food
Spots: Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Vatican City
Rome is a perfect place if your family wants to avoid cold snow but still enjoy festive decorations.
Why Families Love Rome
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Warm winter temperatures
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Iconic monuments
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Delicious Italian food kids love
Top Activities
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Explore the Colosseum
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Visit Vatican City Christmas events
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Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain
Evidence & High-Site References
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The Italian National Meteorological Service confirms warm December temperatures.
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Rome’s historic sites are protected under UNESCO World Heritage.
8. Prague, Czech Republic – Magical Lights and Old-Town Charm
Best for: Christmas markets, snow, old buildings
Spots: Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Prague Castle
Prague is one of the most magical cities in Europe during December.
Why Families Love Prague
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Cozy winter streets
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Affordable compared to Western Europe
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Beautiful lights everywhere
Top Activities
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Explore the Old Town Square Christmas Market
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Take a walk on the Charles Bridge
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Visit Prague Castle
Evidence & High-Site References
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The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute confirms cold, snowy winters.
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Prague’s Old Town is recognized by UNESCO.
9. Copenhagen, Denmark – Cozy Family Fun With “Hygge”
Best for: Holiday lights, friendly locals, theme parks
Spots: Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, Little Mermaid
Copenhagen mixes winter vibes with Scandinavian warmth and family comfort.
Why Families Love Copenhagen
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Safe and welcoming
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Beautiful waterfront areas
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Famous for “hygge” – cozy living
Top Activities
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Visit Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market
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Walk around Nyhavn Harbor
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Explore family-friendly science museums
Evidence & High-Site References
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The Danish Meteorological Institute reports cool but enjoyable winter temperatures.
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Visit Denmark highlights Copenhagen’s family-friendly winter events.
Last words:
Europe is full of fun and magical places to visit in December with your family. If you want snowy adventures, warm sunshine, Christmas markets, or cultural discoveries, there’s a perfect city for every type of family trip.
According to tourism boards, European weather agencies, and UNESCO cultural listings, these cities offer excellent winter conditions and top-rated family experiences.
