Advises / Routes

Warm Christmas in Europe – where to go to celebrate under the palm trees

by Iryna Savina0

If you are looking for a warm Christmas in Europe, you should choose destinations closer to the coast or islands – where the winter is milder, and the festive atmosphere is combined with comfort.

  • If the priority is maximum festive mood + infrastructure, then Malaga, Barcelona or Madeira are very good options.
  • If you want peace, nature + winter softness, then choose Cinque Terre.
  • If you want impressions, events and museums, then Rome and Malta stand out among the others.

December is often associated with snow, heavy coats, hot chocolate and evergreens. But if you’re looking to escape the cold and snow and pack shorts and a T-shirt instead of a hat and gloves this December, there are plenty of warm places to stay in Europe.

A guide to a “warm” Christmas in Europe is perfect for solo travelers looking to combine the festive spirit with a mild winter, sunshine and new experiences.

Malaga (Andalusia, Spain)

Malaga is located on the Spanish Costa del Sol and is known worldwide for its beautiful beaches with yellow sand and historic buildings of the city. Even in winter, the temperature remains warm here – during the day +15 – 18°C ​​​​in December, so Malaga is the perfect place to enjoy the warm weather during Christmas. Feliz Navidad!

Christmas markets in Malaga:

Stroll along the stalls at the main markets in Parque de Málaga, Plaza de la Marina and Plaza Muel Uno. These are really good places to get into the holiday spirit and buy gifts and food.

The garage market, located in the La Malagueña car park, has over 2,000 square meters to enjoy Christmas crafts and decorations.

Fuengirola Christmas Market. In Plaza de España you will find a large number of stalls that open for the Christmas holidays in the city of Fuengirola.

Torremolinos Christmas Market, located in the heart of Torremolinos. Here you can enjoy several stalls dedicated to Christmas, where they will sell the work of local artisans that can decorate your home.

Christmas traditions in Malaga:

  • In Malaga, large light and music installations are installed on the central pedestrian street Calle Larios. The lighting starts in the evening at approximately 18:30–20:00 and lasts until late at night.
  • Also popular are the “belénes” – Christmas nativity scenes that can be seen in squares and many public spaces of the city. The municipal nativity scene in the House of Culture and the nativity scene in the Cathedral of Malaga are especially famous.
  • For local residents, an important event is the drawing of the El Gordo lottery on December 22.
  • On Christmas Eve, large family dinners are held and the Misa del Gallo (Mass of the Rooster) – takes place at midnight, after which the Family Dinner (Nochebuena) takes place. The streets of Malaga are quieter at Christmas as families spend the day together, but you’ll still find bars and restaurants open for a festive meal or drink.
  • Traditional dishes include turrón (nougat), borrachuelos (wine-flavoured pastries) and serrano hamon.
  • New Year’s Eve (“Nochevieja”) in Malaga is a celebration of community and good fortune. Many people first enjoy dinner at home with their families, then gather in Plaza de la Constitución to celebrate with live music and a countdown to midnight. At midnight, the Spanish tradition of eating twelve grapes, one for each chime of the clock, ensures good fortune for the coming year. And don’t forget the red underwear – a quirky tradition that is said to bring love and prosperity in the new year!
  • The culmination of the festive season is the grand Three Kings Parade on January 5th, where the kings throw sweets to children.

What to see in and around Malaga during the Christmas holidays:

  • A stroll through the centre of Malaga with its festive lights is an event in itself. You can also visit the old centre, the port, the cathedral.
  • While here, you can visit the Picasso Museum, which displays the works of this famous Spanish artist, the ancient fortress of the Alcazaba or visit the Plaza de la Constitución, which is decorated with festive decorations.
  • You can even take a gastronomic tour of the city and taste the local dishes and drinks that are sure to please your taste buds.
  • Relaxing at a spa in Malaga is a great alternative to the beach during Christmas. For example, you can go to the “Hammam Al-Andalus – Arab Baths in Malaga“.
  • Located in the centre of Malaga, it is ideal for a holiday during Christmas.
  • Go to neighboring towns to compare how they celebrate Christmas in Malaga, and, for example, Ronda – a wonderful white city, which can be reached by train or bus.
  • Book a walking tour of the Caminito del Rey gorge in El Chorro. You can do it yourself (here is my own experience), or buy an excursion tour from Malaga. This will add bright emotions to the Christmas atmosphere.
  • More information: One week road trip in Andalusia

Regarding restaurants and supermarkets: tourists’ conversations indicate that many establishments are closed or have reduced hours on December 24–25, so it’s worth booking in advance.

Where to stay in Malaga during Christmas

  • Apartamentos Debambú≫ – Great place to stay, the apartment is very bright, clean and spacious. Perfect location in the center of the old town.
  • H-A Hotel Trebol≫ – Great location, within walking distance of tourist attractions and plenty of bars and restaurants. Short walk to metro station for easy airport transfers. Friendly, attentive staff and simple self-service breakfast. Lift and roof terrace.
  • Hostal Larios≫ – The hostel is very centrally located. It is clean and free of foreign smells. There are rooms for one person – they are very cozy and quiet. Friendly staff. For those who want to go further, there is a bus stop a few minutes walk from the hostel.

I recommend you to read: Where to stay in Malaga

Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain)

The first time I saw Barcelona was during Christmas – we wanted to go somewhere warm, not cold. But there is a festive atmosphere, the lights are twinkling and you can walk under the lights in light sweaters. In December, the daytime temperature in Barcelona can be up to +20 ℃. But as soon as the sun sets, you have to put on a hoodie and a jacket.

Barcelona starts its festive program at the end of November – light shows, concerts, fairs. We had a great time in the winter city, and the holidays here, like in all of Spain, end on January 5, unlike Germany and other northern countries.

Christmas Markets in Barcelona

Barcelona truly becomes one of the most magical cities in Europe during Christmas – full of lights, traditions, music and festive spirit.

  • One of the main Christmas markets is the Fira de Santa Llúcia, located in front of the Gothic Cathedral, which has been held in front of the cathedral since 1786. The place is beautiful at night, especially with the cathedral’s huge doors illuminated. You will find around 50 stalls here selling a variety of handmade goods, most of which are Christmas-themed.
  • The next market is the Fira de Nadal near the Sagrada Familia, located across the street from Barcelona’s most famous landmark. The arrangement of the stalls around the park and within sight of the Sagrada creates a picturesque scene. Here you will find several food stalls selling churros, chocolate and roasted chestnuts.
  • Port Vell Christmas Market – Christmas by the sea with a giant tree, lights and festive treats
  • Gran Via Christmas Market – ideal for buying gifts, toys and crafts.

The main avenues, such as Passeig de Gràcia, are the most popular, and the lighting is switched on in a grand manner. As for the business hours: restaurants and shops in tourist areas are often open, although there may be fewer options on December 25th.

Casa Batlló Christmas Light Show – runs from late November until early January. During this time, the facade of Gaudí’s masterpiece comes to life every 30 minutes with a magical 3-minute light and music show.

This year, the Sagrada Familia will also have special Christmas illuminations too.

Catalan Christmas traditions:

  • A unique feature of the markets in Catalonia is the sale of Caganer figurines if they poop. Yes, you read that right. In Catalonia, it is considered good luck to add one of these figurines to your Christmas nativity scene. It is believed to be a remnant of a pagan tradition celebrating fertility. Men, women, children, politicians and cartoon figures can be purchased and added to your Christmas decorations. Many families create elaborate nativity scenes with the Caganer as the centerpiece.
  • The Caga Tió is a decorated log with a face and a red hat that is “fed” with treats in the weeks leading up to Christmas. On Christmas Eve, children gather around, sing songs and hit the log with a stick until it “poops” small gifts and sweets. Yes, the Catalans seem to be a bit obsessed with this topic…
  • Missa del Gall: Traditional midnight mass on Christmas Eve.
  • Cant de la Sibilla: Medieval Gregorian chant a cappella performed before midnight mass in cathedrals and other churches.
  • Cavalcada del Pare Noel a Sants: Santa Claus parade held in the Sants district, featuring floats and dancers.
  • Christmas food and drinks: Turrón – a type of nougat, traditional Christmas sweets, Roscón de Reyes – a ring-shaped cake eaten on Three Kings Day, January 6. Escudella y carn d’olla – a traditional Catalan stew eaten during the winter holidays.

What to see around during the Christmas holidays:

If you’re hoping for shorter lines at the top attractions, reasonably sized tour groups and lower prices, then December and other winter months are ideal. We were pleasantly surprised when we went for a walk in Gaudi’s Park Güell and there were very few people there. The cable car that goes from the port of Barceloneta to Montjuic was completely empty.

Apart from the classic sights (Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, etc.), the atmosphere of the city center with its lights and markets is wonderful.

You can combine the city with an easy trip to the Montserrat monastery or to the small towns on the coast – Catalonia allows this in mild winters.

I recommend you to read: Barcelona – what to see for three days

Where to stay in Barcelona during Christmas:

Malta

Malta is one of the warmest places in Europe in winter – daytime temperatures in December can reach +15 degrees? and a minimum of +10 ℃. Winter in Malta is mild, with a festive mood expressed in street decorations, nativity scenes and church services.

In the capital Valletta and other cities you will see light decorations. Restaurants, especially in tourist areas, are usually open, although it is worth checking in advance.

Christmas traditions in Malta:

Most locals prefer to celebrate the New Year in Valletta, where the party ends with a huge fireworks display at midnight. But there are also popular celebrations in St. George’s Square and on the Valletta waterfront. St. Anne’s Street in the nearby town of Floriana is another place for a huge street party, where people gather to celebrate the countdown.

New Year’s Eve in Malta traditionally involves a big family dinner, coffee and traditional festive sweets. Locals choose to dine out on the occasion, and well-known restaurants offer special menus (advance booking is essential).

Another interesting event to visit in December is the Chocolate Festival. Held in Hamrun, this event showcases the best edible products from chocolatiers. You can taste and buy some of the creations that are displayed on tables lined up along the local streets.

What to see around during the Christmas holidays:

In addition to the city, the islands provide a great opportunity for walks along the coast, exploring mountain villages, and beautiful bays.
You can rent a car or use public transport to spend a day or two outside the capital – this will help you feel the nature and atmosphere of the island.

Life hack: Bring a light jacket/scarf for the evenings – although the day may be pleasant, the evening can get cool.

I recommend you to read: Winter on Malta – My Travel Experience in February

Where to stay in Malta for Christmas:

I advise you to look towards the following hotels located in the center of Valletta:

Malta – how to spend time in 7 days

Rome (Italy)

Rome is truly beautiful in December with its lights, decorations and Christmas trees, and many visitors choose this period to see the sights.

On Christmas Eve, Rome is filled with pilgrims who head to the Eternal City to attend special masses or see the Pope. And for tourists, Rome is even more beautiful in winter than usual, thanks to the Christmas lights and decorations. The average temperature is 9°C with alternating sun and rain. But we visited Rome on December 14-16 and it was sunny and very warm.

Christmas traditions in Rome

It goes without saying that visiting Rome during Christmas adds to the city’s charm. Right on Christmas Day, the Vatican will be packed with pilgrims and visitors to St. Peter’s Basilica. But on other days in December, there are almost no lines to get to the Basilica and the Vatican Museums.

In front of the Basilica, there is a Christmas tree and a themed nativity scene – each year a different Catholic country decorates it in its own style. When we were in Rome for Christmas, it was a Mexican nativity scene with cacti, llamas and other interesting non-standard decorations. Well, that’s really cool!

There are many different Christmas markets scattered throughout the city, starting with the most famous one, located in Piazza Navona, where you can also admire Bernini’s famous Fountain of the Four Rivers. From there you can easily walk around the city center and reach many other attractions such as the Pantheon, the church of San Luigi dei Francesi with paintings by Caravaggio, the Torre Argentina with its ruins and cats or the Quirinale hill with the buildings of the Italian government.

There is a very beautiful Christmas tree in Piazza Venezia opposite Vittorio Emanuele. It is traditionally decorated at the end of November. This year, there is renovation and construction of the metro there, so you should not wait for the tree.

Also, don’t miss the “100 Nativity Scenes” exhibition in the Vatican. It takes place in the Pius X Hall at via dell’ Ospedale 1.

What to see in Rome during Christmas

  • While Rome is beautiful at any time of year, it is a fantastic place to visit in winter. The mild temperatures will allow you to stroll through the ruins of the ancient capital, from the Colosseum and the Roman Forum to the Baths of Caracalla.
  • And if it rains, you can always go to the Vatican Museums.
  • Or visit the Borghese Gallery, the Capitoline Museum and the Montemartini Centrale, where antiquity and modernity are wonderfully combined.
  • The main beauty of Rome in winter is that, with the exception of the Christmas period, you will not find the huge queues of the summer months. Winter is also the perfect time to curl up in cozy cafes, in a typical Italian bar for a delicious cappuccino and croissant. Or enjoy Roman cuisine in one of the many traditional restaurants of Trastevere.
  • And also, only in winter will you see such a phenomenon in Rome as muttering – when thousands of swifts fly in the sky at the same time and move as a single organism.

You will also feel the Christmas spirit in other areas of Rome. Open-air markets are located in many large squares, where local products from the Lazio region or other parts of Italy are sold. These include clothes, jewelry, Italian wool products such as hats, scarves and sweaters, household items and anything that could make a nice Christmas gift.

Where is the best place to stay in Rome for Christmas:

  • The Center Of Rome B&B≫ – We stayed at this hotel when we first came to Rome. The hotel is very close to the Vatican and other attractions of Rome. Despite its central location, it is quiet and peaceful. The rooms are small but very clean, air conditioning. I definitely recommend it.
  • Domus Terenzio≫ – Clean hotel, close to public transport and away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. It is a very safe area of ​​Rome. There is a lovely garden behind the building where you can have breakfast.
  • Hotel Martino Ai Monti≫ – hotel located in Monti, but halfway between the Colosseum and Termini station. Very convenient location on a quiet street, excellent service – daily cleaning, and many restaurants and historical buildings around, to the Colosseum down a beautiful green street 20 minutes walk. The rooms are small, but well equipped: there is everything you need – a few extra pillows, toiletries in the bathroom, tea, coffee, sugar, white towels.

I recommend you to read: Rome in winter – what to do in three days

Madeira (Portugal)

Madeira is a beautiful island with a perfect warm climate, stunning natural landscapes and excellent infrastructure for tourists. Funchal is its capital and largest city, and a great place to celebrate the winter holidays. Madeira has a warm climate, regardless of the season. To give you an idea, the average temperature in December, January and February (the coldest months) is around +16 ºC.

We were on the island in January – it was wonderfully warm, we even swam in the ocean: the water was +19 ℃, the air temperature was the same. We even found holiday decorations in Funchal and at some of the viewing points – the municipalities are in no hurry to remove them, because tourists love the holidays.

Funchal – a guide to the capital of Madeira

Christmas traditions in Madeira

  • Madeira’s true Christmas traditions can be seen in various locations across the island from 9 to 23 December. The most famous is the market night at the farmers’ market in Funchal on 23 December – Noite de Mercado. Many locals come from all over the island to do their Christmas shopping at the market stalls. Fruit, vegetables, mistletoe and wheat pots are sold here, among other Christmas delicacies.
  • The evening culminates with carol singing in the Fish Market. It all ends in the early hours of the morning, when locals enjoy homemade liqueurs and traditional sandwiches of “carne de vinha d’alhos” (pork cubes in wine and garlic).
  • In the capital, Funchal, the lights are switched on on 1 December and last until 7–8 January.
  • The streets, squares and ports are illuminated, creating an immersive experience. Tourist establishments are usually open, although it is worth checking the hours.
  • On New Year’s Eve in Madeira, you can see one of the largest and most beautiful fireworks in Europe.

What to see around during the Christmas holidays:

  • Cable car rides, botanical gardens, and viewing platforms overlooking the ocean are just the thing for a winter getaway. For example, the Curral das Freiras valley. Or the levada routes (canal paths) – they are also accessible in winter.
  • Many people come here to ride the sledges that run along the paved road in Monte above the capital – Funchal. In the mid-19th century, this was one of the modes of transport used throughout the city. Although it is a tourist attraction, it is also a 170-year-old tradition, in which gentlemen who have inherited the profession of sled drivers work.
  • This experience can be complemented by a cable car from the center of Funchal with magnificent views.

Life hack: Due to the popularity of the season, prices may be higher – plan accommodation and transportation in advance.

Go to Madeira – guide of the island

Where to stay in Madeira during Christmas holidays:

  • Social Lodge – Happiness≫ – The accommodation is in a very convenient location, next to a shopping center with everything you need. The bus stop, which you can take from the airport or back, is right across the street. The room is clean, the beds are comfortable.
  • Caracas Escape by LovelyStay≫ – Good value for money, new clean apartment, nearby Continente supermarket. Wi-Fi is fast enough. Perfect location with close access to the promenade, ocean, beach, supermarket and bus stop. The apartment is well equipped with household appliances.
  •  Travellers Pearl by Storytellers –An aparthotel in the historic center of Funchal, where we stayed for a few nights. Convenient self-check-in and access by code. I chose this accommodation for its own parking and the ability to prepare breakfast or dinner – there is a kitchen and the necessary utensils, as well as a washing machine. Parking in the center of Funchal is a very important option for travelers with a rental car.

Cinque Terre (Liguria, Italy)

Чінкве-Терре за один день

Cinque Terre is world-famous for its colorful villages that hang from the cliffs over the sea. Thousands of tourists come here in the warm season. But in winter, there is a special miracle that can only be seen during the Christmas holidays. In winter it is warm here, during the day it can be up to +12-16 ℃ with alternating sun and clouds. On this picturesque coast of Italy, winter is a less busy tourist season, which allows you to calmly enjoy the scenery and the festive atmosphere.

Manarola is a tiny village that can be completely explored in about an hour. So you will have enough time to also visit Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Monterosso and Vernazza. And to admire all the diverse landscapes of the Cinque Terre. And in the evening, plan a visit to Manarola. Because every day at 5:00 PM, the lights are turned on here, illuminating the largest nativity scene in Italy – Presepe.

Christmas traditions in Cinque Terre

Liguria’s best winter attraction is this huge Christmas installation in Manarola in the Cinque Terre. The Presepe is made entirely of recycled materials and is illuminated by thousands of light bulbs that recreate 300 characters spread over an area of ​​4,000 square meters.

To enjoy this spectacle to the fullest, head to Manarola on December 8th, the day of the special opening ceremony. On the same day, there will be a gospel concert in the church of San Lorenzo, followed by a spectacular torchlight procession at 5:30 p.m., followed by the lighting of the Nativity scene and fireworks.

What to see in Cinque Terre

Walks between villages along the coast, easy tracks – winter days can be very pleasant. Especially if the weather is sunny and favorable. The distances between the villages are small – you can plan 2-3 days to cover all the routes.

Where to stay in Manarola

  • Bianca Luna≫ – Great apartment in a beautiful city. The room is very spacious and the kitchen is comfortable and nice. The location was on the upper walkway and it was very quiet.
  • Sea-Cret, TerreMarine≫ – If you are lucky enough to visit Manarola, this is the place to stay. The location is great, the views are incredible, clean, nice decor, new appliances, air conditioning. The apartment is located above the crowd, has a beautiful balcony, comfortable bed, easy access (no stairs) to the main center of the village.
  • The Manarola Main Plaza≫ – Incredible view from the window. There is a bar right below where you can have a snack and a drink in the evening. The apartment is clean. The owner responds quickly to guests’ requests.

Lisbon (Portugal)

Lisbon is the perfect winter getaway for those who dream of spending the winter holidays in a warm and beautiful city. It is one of the sunniest cities in Europe, and thanks to its Mediterranean climate, the average maximum temperature during the winter months is +15℃.

As December approaches, Lisbon transforms into a festive playground filled with twinkling stalls, warm pastries, fairy lights and joyful music. Wonderland Lisboa offers ice skating, rides and family entertainment, while the Rossio Christmas Market takes on a more traditional feel with handmade crafts, hot chocolate and local delicacies. It is one of the most atmospheric ways to experience the magic of Christmas in Lisbon, where every corner smells of cinnamon, roasted almonds and winter nostalgia.

Christmas traditions in Lisbon

In December, Lisbon’s Plaza do Comercio feels especially magical thanks to Lisbon’s enormous Christmas tree, one of the tallest in Europe. As music fills the square and lights twinkle over the river, locals gather, children dance, and travelers stop to enjoy it all.

Christmas Eve in Lisbon feels spiritual and deeply cultural. Locals dress warmly and stroll the quiet streets to attend the Missa do Galo — midnight mass — where the sounds of choirs fill the candlelit churches. Whether you’re religious or just curious, stepping into Lisbon’s Cathedral of the See or São Roque at midnight feels like an intimate, meaningful, and truly local evening.

Walking through Lisbon at night in December is like wandering through a glowing storybook. The city is ablaze with arches of golden lights, giant decorations, moving projections and festive music. Grab a warm drink and take your time, as watching the lights is one of the easiest and most magical things to do in Lisbon in December.

O Madeiro de Natal (Christmas bonfire) is one of those Portuguese Christmas traditions. A few weeks before Christmas, groups of young people gather wood for the bonfire. This preparation is often as important as the bonfire itself, because it’s a moment that brings everyone together. On the night of December 24th, a huge bonfire is lit in the main square. Friends, neighbors and families gather around it, chatting, laughing and enjoying the cold night with the warmth of the fire.

Things to do in Lisbon during the winter holidays:

  • It’s a city where locals continue to enjoy coffee and pascal de nata (custard tartlets) in street cafes year-round.
  • As an added bonus, the trees are covered in ripe oranges from December to February, so be sure to grab a glass of freshly squeezed juice.
  • Lisbon is becoming an increasingly popular city to visit during the summer months, but crowds thin out considerably in the winter. This means you’ll encounter minimal or no queues at major attractions, such as the Santa Justa cable car, which offers panoramic views of the city.
  • It’s also easier to find a seat on the iconic number 28 tram that runs through the city, or wander the narrow, winding streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest and must-see district.
  • Delicious Portuguese food and wine are affordable year-round in Lisbon, but in winter there are more hotel rooms available and they cost almost half the price of summer. It’s the perfect place for a last-minute winter getaway.
  • To complete your cold-weather escape, take a day trip to Sintra National Park, where you can take a leisurely stroll through lush gardens or along the sandy beach.

Where to stay in Lisbon for the winter holidays:

Summary

If you are looking for a warm Christmas in Europe, you should choose destinations closer to the coast or islands – where the winter is milder, and the festive atmosphere is combined with comfort.

  • If the priority is maximum festive mood + infrastructure, then Malaga, Barcelona or Madeira are very good options.
  • If you want peace, nature + winter softness, then choose Cinque Terre.
  • If you want impressions, events and museums, then Rome, Lisbon and Malta stand out among the others.

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Iryna Savina

View all posts by Iryna Savina →

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