Eastern Europe and the Balkans are spectacular destinations to visit in December. When winter approaches and the temperatures dip, the fun is about to begin. Imagine the scene – bedazzling ice shows on open-air rinks, Advent markets with wonderful food, budget-friendly ski resorts and thermal spas, traditional carol singers and real Christmas trees, remote villages and World Heritage cities, and those mysterious snow-clad castles.
Romania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Croatia, and Serbia are the most visited countries in Eastern Europe (and safe for travel). Even so, away from the iconic sites (Transylvania’s Bran Castle of Dracula fame is legendary and historic Prague is the most popular city in East Europe), the majority of Eastern Europe remains remarkably unknown to international tourists.
A tapestry of landscapes which crosses Europe from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea, and includes the Balkan Peninsula, Eastern Europe is a fascinating mixture of cultures and linguistic diversity which you need to discover.
If you’re thinking of visiting Eastern Europe this winter, here’s our choice of magical places to visit.
Related Posts on the best destinations to visit in Europe in December:
▶ Best Places to visit in Western Europe in December
▶ Places to Visit in December in Northern Europe (Nordic Countries & Baltics)
▶ Best Destinations to Visit in Southern Europe in December
The best cities, Christmas markets and winter destinations for a trip to Eastern Europe in December, recommended by world travellers.
ROMANIA
1. Sighisoara
In the heart of Romania’s historic region of Transylvania, you’ll find Sighisoara, an authentically preserved walled Medieval town. Because of its location, Sighisoara is a popular day-trip destination (just 4 hours by train from the capital of Bucharest and about the same from Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania’s capital), so the tiny town gets pretty busy during the weekends. You can of course stay locally in town, to soak in more of the atmosphere!
Winters in Sighisoara can be brutal, so make sure to dress accordingly. The historical centre is easily explored on foot, but do wear good hiking boots as the cobblestones can get slippery, especially if it snows! Head for Citadel Square (Piata Cetatii). This is Sighisoara’s main square, beautiful at any time of year, during the December holidays it’s a wondrous sight with festive decorations and the Christmas market craft stalls, and even a carousel for the children.
Banish the cold with mulled wine or a shot of fiery palincă, and try the traditional foods – such as meat-filled cabbage rolls (sarmale), chimney cake (Kürtőskalács), beans with smoked pork (ciolan cu fasole), soup or stew with meat and vegetables (gulyás), or sour cherries pastry (placinta cu visine).
If you want to burn some of those calories, the Old Town is waiting to be explored. Stroll along the cobblestone-lined streets, climb to the top of the Clock Tower (Turnul cu Ceas) and go inside to see the museum.
Walk up the Scholar’s Staircase (Scara scolarilor) to the Church on the Hill (Biserica din Deal). Then visit the nine towers set in the Medieval walls. For some outstanding views of the area, follow the Panoramic Road, which circles the old city walls.
Come nightfall, you can imagine Sighisoara citadel centuries ago as the sound of carol singers fills the crisp air, candlelit holy parades flicker through the narrow streets, and the town’s Christmas tree stands shimmering against a backdrop of Transylvanian towers.
Enjoy more of Romania on while you’re here. Castelul-Bran, Dracula’s notorious castle, is only couple of hours away from Sighisoara (book a tour, get a taxi or hire a car to get there). Meanwhile, a large Christmas market is held in Sibiu, just a 2 hours by train. Finally, if you love winter sports, Poiana Brasov is within easy reach (4 hours by train). There are seven slopes catering to all levels of skiers.
Recommended by Cris from LooknWalk
POLAND
2. Zakopane
Zakopane is the de facto winter capital of Poland. When December swings around, the snow starts a-falling, blanketing the whole of the surrounding valley in metres of the white stuff. That adds a real fairy-tale air to the traditional gorale (highlander) architecture – all gnarled wood beams and overhanging gables topped by chimneys that send smoke swirls into the chilly air.
The town itself sits at the base of the Tatra National Park, a reserve that contains the highest peaks in the whole of Poland. You can stroll in from the centre to hike on lower paths to frozen waterfalls in less than 30 minutes.
Higher paths tend to be shut because of avalanche risk but there’s skiing to be done if you want to clamber above the tree line. To don the salopettes, hit up Kasprowy Weirch (which has a top station at 1,987 metres) or even the nearby spa resort of Bialka Tatrzanska (the largest ski resort in the country, a 20-minute transfer through the hills).
Back in the down-town of Zakopane after your winter wanderings, make for Krupowki Street. That’s the main drag; a kilometre of beer-sloshing taverns warmed by real fires and stalls selling smoked sheep’s cheese with cranberry (the local delicacy). A Polish Christmas market clusters at its south end. Go there to buy carved wooden spoons, woollen socks, and festive baubles.
The area around Zakopane is special in the wintertime, largely because it’s famed for its all-weather thermal baths and spa towns. The best of them lie in the nearby mountain village of Chocholowska, where you can soothe the muscles in sulphury pools while gazing at the High Tatras scoring the horizon.
Recommended by Asia of Krakow Buzz
3. Warsaw
For anyone looking for the perfect December break to celebrate Christmas, look no further than Warsaw, one of the most fascinating cities in Poland.
While Poland is not on many people’s radar it is an emerging travel destination in Europe and there is so much to discover in Warsaw. Being the capital of Poland you will find plenty to see, do, taste and learn when you are there but during December the city comes alive in the most stunning way to see the festive season in.
Throughout the streets, and especially in the Warsaw Old Town area, you will see the traditional wooden stalls that are a part of the amazing Christmas market. Locals and tourists love the markets that bring people together. As you sample the tasty Polish cuisine, you’ll end up chatting as you eat with someone from any part of the world. Try some Kielbasa sausages, Zapiakanka baguettes, and Grzane wino (mulled wine) or, if you dare, the infamous Grzane Piwo mulled beer.
You can visit the markets at any time in the day but go along in the evening to see something really special, one of the best city illuminations in Europe.
As a part of the Warsaw Christmas Festival, the city is festooned with fairy lights and incandescent LED displays. Start at the Royal Square (Plac Zamkowy) where a huge Christmas tree stands in front of Warsaw Castle, and walk the Royal Route past the Holy Cross Basilica.
Talking about beautiful places of prayer, pop into one of Warsaw’s churches to feel the true spirit of Christmastime culture – see the Nativity scenes, listen to carols, and attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve.
Meanwhile, if you’re travelling with children to Warsaw in December, don’t miss the little Santa’s village or ice-skating at the old town square.
Once you have had your fill of the markets you can also find plenty of museums like the Poln Museum and The Warsaw Uprising Museum to spend some time in. Sitting and enjoying a Chopin concert is another popular activity in Warsaw, as well as a visit to Wilanow Palace which has a stunning winter light show.
New Year’s Eve is known as St Silvester’s Day in Poland and is one of the country’s top celebrations. Warsaw’s best street party takes place in the old town with fireworks down by the river and dancing to live bands. If you’re looking for a more sophisticated event, reserve a table for a special meal at one of the city restaurants, or check out the clubs for parties and masquerade balls.
Recommended by Bec from Poland Travel Expert
CZECH REPUBLIC (Czechia)
4. Prague
If you’re looking for a fabulous place to visit in Europe this December, Prague may be the perfect place to add to your family bucket list.
When visiting the capital of Czech Republic, travellers will get to experience traditional European holiday festivities. In the heart of the city, the Old Town Square hosts a popular Christmas Market where the magic of the holiday season occurs.
The Christmas Market in Prague runs each year from the end of November to the first week of January. There you’ll find a genuine festive atmosphere with a mix of tourists and locals.
When in Prague, it’s important to taste some local foods and treats. Trdelník, a crispy rolled pastry with sugar and cinnamon, is freshly served at Christmas Markets. It goes well with a warm and comforting mulled wine! For an authentic dinner meal, try a traditional Czech beef goulash.
Prague in the winter is not only about Christmas Markets, there are plenty of other things to do and see in December. Of course, you’ll want to walk around town to see the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and the Prague astronomical clock.
Ice-skating is also a fun winter activity to do while in Prague. There are many options, but the open-air ice-skating rinks at Ovocny Trh or at Čapadlo are great options.
A guided walking tour of Old Town is also a good way to explore the World Heritage City of Prague and learn about its history.
If time allows, a day trip to Terezin Concentration Camp is an interesting way to learn more about WWII history. A visit to the Kutna Hora Bone Church is another unique day trip to do while in the area.
Recommended by Emilie of Love Life Abroad
HUNGARY
5. Budapest
Hungary’s capital, Budapest is a wonderful city to visit any season. But at Christmastime it’s doubly magical!
From the colourful Christmas markets to the soothing thermal baths and dazzling New Year’s Eve parties, if you decide to visit Budapest in winter you’ll be guaranteed a fun time.
By late November, Christmas markets are already opening in Budapest. If you want to avoid the crowds but still enjoy the festive atmosphere, early December is a great time to visit. The large Christmas fair at Vörösmarty Square is extremely popular. Whether you want to drink mulled wine, grab an ornament for your Christmas tree, or buy gifts for your loved ones, the 100 stalls have plenty on offer!
Nearby, you can find the much smaller but gorgeous Basilica Christmas Market, which takes place in front of the famous Szent István Basilica (St. Stephen’s Basilica).
Indulge in some local cuisine while you’re at the stalls! The famous chimney cake (Kürtőskalács), poppy seed roll (beigli), soup or stew with meat and vegetables (Gulyás), or deep fried flatbread (Lángos) are perfect winter foods that can be enjoyed at the markets. Feeling the chill? Then warm up with mulled wine!
Now it’s time to burn a few calories ice-skating in Budapest City Park. The Városliget ice-rink is not only fun, the setting is spectacular with views to Vajdahunyad Castle.
If the exercise and wine didn’t warm you up enough, close to the ice-rink you’ll find Széchenyi Thermal Baths. The biggest and most fashionable hot-water spa in Budapest, this is the best place to relax, unwind, and …warm up, of course! On the other side of town, in Buda, Gellért thermal baths are also immensely popular.
Fancy partying to welcome the New Year? Street parties abound in Budapest but you can also choose one of the many clubs to dance the night away. Layer up and ring in the New Year while watching the fireworks over the Danube.
Recommended by Cris of LooknWalk
CROATIA
6. Zabreb
Zagreb, Croatia
Croatia is a beautiful and romantic country anytime of year, even in the depths of winter! Beginning in late November, Croatia’s capital is transformed into a wintertime wonderland. Think twinkling lights, artificial snow, Christmas trees on every corner, and tiny wooden huts overflowing with tasty holiday treats.
What makes the Zagreb Christmas market so special is that it sprawls out to nearly every corner of the city, unlike other European markets that cluster around the main square. Piazzas, parks, lanes, and alleyways throughout the city are thoughtfully decorated and designed, each with its own unique atmosphere.
On King Tomislav Square, families and children, in particular, enjoy the open-air ice-skating rink illuminated by the glow of Christmas lights. At the same time, couples head to the upper town for romantic strolls along the Strossmayer promenade overlooking the Zagreb skyline.
And those who love a good holiday party? Singles and groups of friends take to ‘fuliranje’ for free-flowing cocktails and live DJs that play late into the night.
Further enhancing the holiday spirit of Zagreb’s famous winter festival is the daily entertainment programme focused on music and art. In addition to classic Christmas tunes, visitors can enjoy live rock concerts, jazz bands, choirs, folklore groups, and performances by famous Croatian singers. Voted Europe’s best Christmas market three years in a row, Advent in Zagreb is the top event to visit during the December holidays.
Of course, no market is complete without delicious food! While wandering the fairy-tale streets, pop by a few food stalls to sample some traditional Croatian dishes. Warm strukli (a savoury pasta dish), grilled sausages, and fritule (freshly fried mini donuts) are all local favourites. When it comes to beverages, you can’t go wrong with a steaming cup of mulled wine or creamy hot chocolate.
With its next-level Christmas decorations and many things to do and see, no other European city will get you in the festive spirit as Zagreb does. For these reasons, Zagreb is an absolute must when visiting Europe in December.
Contributed by Olivia from Inspired by Croatia
SERBIA
7. Mokra Gora
Have you thought about visiting Serbia this winter? Compared to its neighbouring countries in the Balkans, Serbia is an underrated destination that is often overlooked by European and international travellers. All the more reason to go!
The mountains and valleys of southwestern Serbia are particularly enchanting, with traditional villages of log cabins hidden away in the coniferous forests. Mokra Gora is one of these.
Located in a wooded valley near Zlatibor mountain, Mokra Gora is an ideal choice for a December getaway in Europe. Especially for nature lovers looking for authenticity in an unspoiled environment away from the usual tourist circuits!
Surprisingly, one of the best winter resorts in Serbia, Zlatibor is only 40 km from Mokra Gora. This makes a good day out as there are plenty of things to do there, from horse riding to skiing. Meanwhile, Uzice is the nearest city to Mokra Gora, some 45 minutes by road.
Despite being not too far from the more popular tourist spots, Mokra Gora is practically unknown.
The village is really worth visiting as it has some rather unique attractions – the Sargan Eight Heritage Train, for example. This looping railway line (which looks just like a figure 8 seen from the air) once connected Belgrade and Sarajevo in Bosnia when they were under Yugoslavia.
Nowadays, you can board the Sargan Eight for a scenic 40-minute train ride on the historical narrow-gauge railway from Mokra Gora to Sargan Vitasi.
While in Mokra Gora, include Drvengrad on your itinerary too. Originally a film set, you can now visit this ‘traditional’ Serbian village of steep-roofed wooden houses, complete with an Orthodox church, art gallery and cinema. The restaurant serves local Serbian food and the cake shop has homemade goodies, so it’s really quite authentic.
Mokra Gora may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a trip to Europe in December, but I can assure you that Mokra Gora, and Serbia in general, is a great place to spend the holidays!
Recommended Marya of The Beau Traveler
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