December with the snow, December and the Christmas lights, December with its traditions that change but always carry a sweet aftertaste of cinnamon, or December all about sports in the mountains. Whatever your idea of a winter holiday, here are our recommendations for the best trips to Europe in December.
View of the bay of Almyropotamos © Heracles Kritikos
1. Evia, Greece
December is not a usual month to visit Greece. ButEvia is not your typical Greek island. The second largest in the country, it boasts white Aegean beaches, a mountainous hinterland, archaeological sites and great food, but is mostly ignored by tourists. Athenians, on the other hand, love it, not least because it is only an hour from the capital, and offers a close refuge from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis (and thus teems with tourists in summer). Not so in winter, although it is large enough and populated enough to never remain deserted.
The December temperatures (highs hover around 15°C) may not be ideal for a dip, but they are perfect for strolling on the beach or hiking and cycling (the island has some beautiful trails). There are also many things to see, including ancient Eretria and its museum, the convent of Agios Nikolaos Galataki with its 16th century frescoes, and the old town, with a walk and great food in the capital Halkída. If you get cold, go to Edipsos, the largest thermal spa in Greece, with over 75 hot springs and numerous treatments.
Christmas in Liège, Belgium © Mali lucky
2. Liège, Belgium
Do you want a festive atmosphere that couldn't be more festive? Head to Liège. This feisty Walloon city is not only the birthplace of Belgium's oldest Christmas market, but has also been named the official European Capital of Christmas, and in December its historic centre becomes more festive than Lapland. No fewer than three Christmas villages spring up from nowhere, followed by food trucks, stalls and colourful lights; each village has a mayor, carol singers and various entertainments. There is also an ice skating rink, a nativity scene made of puppets, a Ferris wheel, sleigh rides and a sound and light show on the Cathédrale Saint-Paul.
Don't miss Liège's typical waffles, oval and scattered with caramelised sugar crystals, boulets à la liégeoise (meatballs with sauce), and peket (a liqueur made from juniper berries) as well as craft beers. Drinking is inexpensive in Liège, and the atmosphere remains genuine even when the Christmas markets are at their most splendid. Rue du Pot d'Or is the epicentre of nightlife; the Outremeuse district is quieter.
The houses of Colmar © kavalenkau
3. Alsace, France
Alsace is, well... Alsatian. It is located in France, but close to Germany and Switzerland, which gives it a unique, cultural melting-pot atmosphere, especially in December, when the pretty local towns dress up for Christmas. Delicate Strasbourg, Colmar with its canals, romantic Eguisheim, ancient Ribeauvillé all offer fairy-tale corners in pastel colours. The medieval ramparts and graceful church spires immediately give a festive feel; and all host markets that are a little bit Teutonic, a little bit French, and still charming.
Binge on local specialities, from Munster cheese and freshly baked pretzels to tarte flambée with bacon and onion, and then the typical brioche, choucroute (a mixture of kraut, potatoes and sausage) and pain d'épices (a kind of gingerbread). The wine is also good in Alsace, and you can choose from spicy winter whites such as Pinot Noir and Crémant d'Alsace.
Visit the picturesque village of Riquewihr, which looks like something straight out of the 16th century, where you can enjoy year-round wine tastings; then end the day in a traditional winstub, emptying jugs of red with which you can accompany tasty Alsatian specialities. In addition, the Vosges mountains in Alsace are among the best in France for cross-country skiing.
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Spilberk Castle and Brno's Old Town © Sanga Park
4. Brno, Czech Republic
Brno is cold in December. But this Moravian city has the perfect solution to escape the inclement weather: take refuge underground, in the vast labyrinth of corridors, crypts and cellars that stretch beneath the city. Start at the St Jacob's Church Ossuary, the second largest in Europe, which houses over 50,000 bodies buried here over the centuries (eerie, huh?). Then delve into a nuclear bunker: 10-Z, dug into the rock beneath Špilberk Castle, was designed to house 500 people in the event of a nuclear apocalypse; fortunately it was never used, but you can visit it. Finish the tour in the Labyrinth under the Cabbage Market, where 212 steps lead down into the basement, used as a storehouse by local merchants and as a shelter during World War II.
Once out in the fresh air, enjoy the atmosphere of Náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square), the Cabbage Market, Moravské náměstí (Morava Square) and Radnická Street, with stalls selling punch and handicrafts. Also visit the Old Town Hall and Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO site.
Skiing in the Swiss Alps © Elena Klippert
5. Vaud Alps, Switzerland
Fatbikes have not yet become commonplace, but they offer better grip and stability thanks to their wider wheels, making it possible for daring cyclists to tackle even icy or snow-covered terrain. This particular sport is beginning to catch on, and an International Fatbike Day is celebrated at the beginning of December.
The ski resort of Villars-Gryon/Les Diablerets in the Swiss Alps is a pioneer in this respect. It offers fatbikes for hire, weekly evening rides (ending with fondue!) and a 7-km descent dedicated precisely to fatbikes, open from mid-December (or even earlier if snow conditions permit). If the snow has not yet fallen on the slopes at lower altitudes, the Glacier 3000 will give you hours of fun.
Skiing, snowshoeing and sleigh rides, even dog sledding, are always possible. Alternatively, tackle the Peak Walk, a thrilling suspension bridge connecting two mountains. Warm up at the Les Bains de Lavey spa, fed by Switzerland's hottest spring.