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Best destinations to visit in December in Europe

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Munich
Bavarian capital of beer gardens and museums
8.7
Christmas markets have been held on Marienplatz for hundreds of years. Stalls sell gingerbread, roasted almonds and Gluhwein, a spiced hot wine. The Residenz palace has its own market with a quieter mood. Winter days are cold, so warm beer halls are good places to rest.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Climb St. Peter’s Church tower for city views
  • 🏰 Visit the grand Nymphenburg Palace and gardens
  • 🍺 Raise a stein at Oktoberfest in Theresienwiese
Cologne
Gothic cathedral, Roman ruins and Kölsch
8.4
Under the twin spires of Cologne Cathedral, 515 feet tall, the air smells of roasted almonds and Glühwein, spiced hot wine. The market by the cathedral has dozens of wooden stalls under a huge tree while more markets are spread around the old town and along the Rhine.
Highlights:
  • 🍺 Taste authentic Kölsch beer in a traditional brewhouse
  • 🌇 Stroll along the Rhine River promenade at sunset
  • ⛪ Climb the Cologne Cathedral towers for panoramic Rhine views
Nuremberg
Imperial castle, gingerbread and Christmas market
7.5
About two million people visit the Christkindlesmarkt each year. It is among the most famous Christmas markets in Germany. A young person dressed as the Christkind, a Christmas angel figure, opens it from the Frauenkirche balcony. Lebkuchen gingerbread and small grilled sausages are the local treats.
Highlights:
  • 🚶‍♂️ Stroll through the medieval lanes of Nuremberg’s Old Town
  • 🏛️ Learn about history at the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
  • 🏰 Explore Nuremberg Castle and enjoy panoramic old town views
Münsterland
Moated castles and flat cycling country
7.4
Compared with the busy markets in Munich and Nuremberg, markets here are quieter and set in castles and small towns. Many castles stand in the middle of moats. Nordkirchen Castle holds a Christmas market in its courtyard. Cycle paths between villages are flat and well signed.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Admire the romantic moated castles of Nordkirchen and Vischering
  • 🏛️ Visit Münster’s historic Prinzipalmarkt square and its Gothic town hall
  • 🚴‍♂️ Cycle along the famous 100 Castles Route through the countryside
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