By Puja Saikia
December transforms cities worldwide into festive wonderlands, from snow-dusted European squares to glittering city skylines. In Europe the air fills with the scent of Lebkuchen and mulled wine as centuries-old Christmas markets open their wooden chalets. Under twinkling lights, visitors shop for ornaments and handmade crafts, sample sweet treats, and soak up local yuletide cheer.
European cities light up with Christmas cheer in December. Imagine wooden stalls piled high with ornaments and sweets under a starry sky at a traditional market. Among the most magical is Nuremberg, Germany. The market will offer its storied experience: wooden booths brimming with traditional handicrafts, spicy gingerbread and spiced nuts.
In 2025, Vienna’s Christmas Market lights up Rathausplatz from 14 November to 26 December, welcoming visitors daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, with Christmas Eve winding down a little earlier at 6:30 PM.
Handcrafted ornaments and toys are hallmark features of European markets. In Munich, Germany, a picturesque market spreads out at Marienplatz (Nov 24 – Dec 24, 2025). A 25-meter fir tree, dripping with candles, lights up the New Town Hall square.
Even Scandinavia’s cold reaches shine. Tallinn, Estonia turns its medieval Old Town into a Christmas fairyland. The Tallinn Town Hall Square Market will run from Nov 21 to Dec 28, 2025. A 14-meter tree arrives from Kohila and is beautifully decorated.
Other European gems include Zurich’s festive villages and Edinburgh’s lavish winter festival. In Switzerland, the “Wienachtsdorf” market in front of the Opera House (Sechseläutenplatz) will run Nov 20 – Dec 23, 2025. No matter where you roam in Europe, these Christmas markets ‘offer old-world charm with modern comforts’. Millions of travelers flock here annually, so book early for flights and hotels in
November – December.
Here are this year’s marquee celebrations and what you need to know:
The Mayor of London’s fireworks by the London Eye (Thames riverside) is among the globe’s most famous NYE spectacles. For Dec 31, 2025 London has confirmed a fireworks show starting 8pm.
In Berlin, Germany, the iconic party is free but ticketed. Tens of thousands converge at the Brandenburg Gate on Dec 31, 2025 for Silvester an der Brandburg. The event features DJs on a stage at Pariser Platz and culminates in a massive fireworks finale at midnight over the gate’s Quadriga. According to Berlin’s official site, admission is free but visitors must register for a (no-cost) ticket in advance later in December.
Sydney, Australia, the first major city to greet 2026, will again host a double fireworks sequence. On Dec 31, 2025 Sydney ushers in the New Year with two shows on Sydney Harbour: a “Calling Country” family fireworks at 9pm, and the main midnight fireworks from the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
In New York City, the focal point is the world-famous Times Square Ball Drop. Each Dec 31, the crystal ball descends atop One Times Square and thousands gather for live music acts as local time ticks to midnight.
December truly is magical. From the old-world romance of European Christmas markets with their centuries-old traditions, to the pulse-pounding thrill of world-class fireworks on New Year’s Eve, the globe beckons with festive adventures. This December, let the season’s sparkle inspire your next journey.