Today we bring you a list with some of the most important more economical destinations to visit in Europe during the December long weekend. December is an ideal month to travel around the continent, where the cities are filled with Christmas markets lights everywhere and that festive atmosphere that those of us who enjoy the winter like so much.
We have been to each of the cities we will mention, and we will give you our recommendations thinking about what you can do in December and the type of weather you can find. In the list you will see from classic destinations to feel Christmas and its flea markets, up to the warmer corners Get your suitcases ready, there are options for all tastes!
🌞Change of plans?
We also have an article with our recommendations for cheap travel in Spain on the December long weekend.
1. Belgium
If you are looking for a cool Christmas destination without breaking the budget, Belgium is an option that you will love. It's not that it's very cheap, but compared to other typical Christmas sites such as Vienna or Zurich The price is much lower.
The best of all is that with the December long weekend you can make a good route through the country and visit all its typical cities: Bruges is a fairy tale in December: canals, lights and streets that look like a movie. If you want something a little quieter, Ghent It is perfect for walking and enjoying its medieval castle Antwerp has a huge Christmas market and lots of atmosphere, ideal if you like the more urban. In Brussels, the Grand Place is transformed into a light show and the Christmas market is huge. And if you prefer something more relaxed, Leuven is a small city, but with a lot of charm and less tourists.
We did just this trip on a long weekend in December and we really loved it. Of course, dress warmly because it is a cold that peels! If you want to see all our route and more recommendations:
- What to visit in Brussels in one day
- Brussels at Christmas: the best Christmas lights and markets
- Where to stay in Belgium
➤ Budget for Belgium: $$
2. Porto
For those who prefer something more southern but without losing the Christmas charm, Porto is a city that we love and we think it is perfect for a long weekend in December. Although it is not as Christmas-like as other European cities, it has a special touch with lights, markets and a cozy atmosphere. Also, is a fairly inexpensive destination This makes it perfect to spend at least a week visiting Oporto and its surroundings.
Strolling through the Duero river with a glass of port wine is a great plan at any time of the year, but in December, with the Christmas decorations, it has an even more special air. The historic center, with its narrow cobbled streets and tile facades You will fall in love with it. Personally we did this trip also in a long weekend in December and it is a great plan, plus we did super good weather. The details of our trip:
➤ Budget for Porto: $
3. The Netherlands
Going back to the most Christmas and cheapest European destinations, a route by Netherlands We think it is perfect to enjoy different atmospheres. You can start at Amsterdam where the illuminated canals and the Christmas markets will get you right into the festive spirit. They also usually have ice rinks for skating, great plan!
After exploring Amsterdam, you can take a short trip to Delft which is much quieter but just as beautiful, or take an excursion to the villages of Edam, Volendam and Marken The wooden houses and its rural air are ideal for a winter getaway. Here are our posts to make the most of the trip:
➤ Budget for the Netherlands: $$
4. Sardinia
If you are looking for a sunnier destination for the December long weekend, Sardinia is an option that does not disappoint. Although it is winter, temperatures on this Italian island are usually much more pleasant than in other parts of Europe, so you can enjoy the outdoors without getting cold. In addition, as it is low season, you will find lower prices both in accommodations and flights.
You can explore Cagliari The capital, with its narrow streets and castle, or relax on the nearby beaches, which although not for swimming in December, do offer quiet walks and spectacular views. Nor can you miss the city of Alghero or a visit to the most impressive beach we have ever seen, La Pelosa.
The best thing about Sardinia at this time of the year is that avoid crowds This will allow you to get to know it calmly and enjoy its delicious food without rushing. Perfect for those looking to disconnect and not have the typical winter cold of Europe. If you have several days and want to make a route around the island do not miss our posts:
➤ Budget for Sardinia: $
5. Croatia
For the December long weekend, Croatia It's a fantastic option if you're looking for a mix of history, sea, and Christmas atmosphere. Although it's best known for its beaches in the summer, it has its charm in the winter and is much more affordable Zagreb is perfect if you are looking for Christmas markets lights and a festive atmosphere. In fact, the Zagreb Christmas market is one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe.
If you have enough days we recommend you to make a roadtrip around the country, visiting Split which has a milder climate and an impressive historic city, or Dubrovnik with its walled old town and its Game of Thrones scenery for the geeks.
Croatia in December is a good option if you want to avoid crowds summer and enjoy lower prices.
- Route through Croatia in 12 days
- 12 things you should know before going to Croatia
- Recommended hotels in Croatia
➤ Budget for Croatia: $
6. Hamburg
If you are in the mood for an authentic Christmas destination, but without the hustle and bustle of the more touristy cities, Hamburg is a great option for the December long weekend. The city is transformed into a Christmas scene, with several flea markets scattered throughout its squares, being the one of Rathausmarkt the most popular, where you will find from typical sweets to local handicrafts.
Hamburg has a different air from other German cities: its port, one of the most important in Europe, gives it a unique touch. You can take a stroll along the Speicherstadt The famous warehouse district, which looks spectacular with the Christmas lights. And if you like the cold, you can enjoy a stroll along the Alster with its incredible views.
All in all, Hamburg is ideal if you are looking for a Christmas destination with fewer tourists, good food and an authentic festive atmosphere.
➤ Budget for Hamburg: $$
7. Athens
Athens seems to us a luxury option for the December long weekend if you feel like a destination with good weather and a lot of history. Although it is not the typical Christmas destination, at this time it has a very special atmosphere, with fewer tourists and a pretty good weather for walking and sightseeing.
You will be able to visit without haste mythical places such as the Acropolis the Parthenon or the Ancient Agora without the summer crowds, which makes the experience much quieter. In addition, the center of Athens is filled with Christmas lights, especially on the Syntagma Square The Christmas tree is placed there and there are usually concerts and open-air events.
In terms of prices, in December are lower both in accommodations and restaurants, which makes Athens a very affordable option for this time of the year. A good mix of culture, good weather and Christmas atmosphere.
➤ Budget for Athens: $
8. Budapest
If you are looking for a Christmas destination with a festive atmosphere and affordable prices, Budapest is your place. The Hungarian capital is full of lights and flea markets, being the one of Vörösmarty tér one of the most popular, with typical food stalls, mulled wine and local crafts. In addition, the city offers plenty of holiday activities, such as ice skating on the City Park or take a night cruise on the Danube with spectacular views of the illuminated Parliament.
Winter in Budapest is cold, but there is nothing better than a good bath in the famous thermal baths of Budapest Széchenyi can't fix. In December, the contrast between the warm water and the cold air is an experience not to be missed. And best of all: Budapest is one of the most economical capitals of Europe, so you will enjoy all this without spending too much.
➤ Budget for Budapest: $
9. Prague
Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and in December it becomes even more magical. During the December long weekend, the Czech capital fills with Christmas markets the most famous being that of the Old Town Square The Christmas tree with its huge Christmas tree and the astronomical clock in the background. Here you can try the famous trdelník (a typical sweet) and enjoy the atmosphere while strolling through the medieval streets.
The Charles Bridge and the Prague Castle are also a must, and at this time of the year, with fewer tourists and a layer of snow (if you are lucky), they have a special charm. In addition, Prague is a city quite economical The city is an ideal destination for the long weekend.
➤ Budget for Prague: $
10. Marrakech
Although technically not Europe, to escape from the European cold Marrakech is a great option for the December long weekend. Although it is not a typical Christmas destination, its warmer weather and crazy atmosphere will make you disconnect completely. Temperatures in December are perfect for strolling through the Medina visit the Majorelle Gardens or get lost in the souks without suffocating in the heat.
In addition, prices in Marrakech tend to be much lower than in many European cities, both in accommodation and food. And if you have time, you can make an excursion to the Atlas Mountains which are beautiful at this time of the year.
In short, Marrakech is ideal if you are looking for a different getaway, with good weather, good food and lots of culture. And best of all, without the winter cold that you would find in other destinations.
➤ Budget for Marrakech: $
If you want to read other articles ideal for your trip that complement 10 cheap trips to Europe for the long weekend of December you can visit our posts about International routes.
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