December is all about celebration. It might be the middle of winter throughout Europe, but there’s plenty of joy and celebration swirling around – perhaps as a bit of a remedy for all that cold and wet weather you have to suffer through? Either way, there are plenty of festivals, festivities and fantastic European events to see you through, and with Christmas and New Year to celebrate there’s never a better time to book one of our luxury villas, chateaux and holiday homes, get a few friends together and throw a festive party that you’ll never forget.
But it’s not all grottos and Christmas markets – there’s still some great music and culture to absorb while you’re away, and even slightly off-the-wall celebrations such a Star Wars day in Monte Carlo! Wherever you’re going to be this December, we’ve rounded up all the best events and festivals across Europe in one handy guide so you can make the most of the season.
Britain and Ireland – Events and Festivals in December
Cornwall
– Earlier in the month, the Padstow Christmas Festival in Cornwall runs between the 3rd and the 6th December. There’s loads to see and do including fireworks displays, a Santa fun run and demonstrations by celebrity chefs including Rick Stein.
– You can do your bit to raise everybody’s Christmas spirit with Late Night Shopping at Truro Cathedral in Cornwall (Wednesday 25th December, 6.30-8.30pm). There are charity stalls, activities for children and the chance to enjoy the building’s impressive architecture.
Devon
– Head to Devon to take your own magical Christmas journey with the Polar Express Tram Ride in Seaton – there’s singing, hot chocolate and even a visit from Santa himself! It’s an absolutely unmissable treat for the kids that runs from the 4th to the 24th December.
– Dartmouth also plays host to a festive journey, but this time by train and with an added panto! The Santa Express from Paignton is performing Peter Pan this year, but get in quick as tickets are limited.
Lake District
– The Rheged Centre in Cumbria has a whole host of events on through December, including art and film, wine tasting and a traditional Christmas market. There’s something for every taste!
Buckinghamshire
– Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire plays host to a 5 kilometre run on Boxing Day – great if you feel the need to work off that festive excess.
Somerset
– The Bath Film Festival (3rd – 13th December) sees the city of Bath celebrating all things celluloid, with showings of classics and new releases, competitions and more.
– The Festival of Light at the beautiful country house of Longleat in Somerset is the largest collection of Chinese lanterns in Europe, and there’s a train trip to Santa’s grotto for the kids too. It runs from the 13th November to January 3rd.
– Travel back in time at Tyntesfield, a spectacular Gothic mansion in North Somerset. Their Very Victorian Christmas invites you to peek into the life of a country house at Christmastime, with a rumoured visit from a celebrity of the era! It runs between the 28th November and the 3rd January.
– Staying at Tyntesfield, you can also enjoy some Christmas Concerts in the Chapel. Running every Friday and Saturday from the 4th to the 19th December, the price of admission also includes mulled wine and a mince pie.
Ireland
– There’s a treat for kids of all ages in Kildare at Santa’s Magical Trail, which is a wonderful tour through a Christmas wonderland that take in Elves, Santa, reindeer and a whole lot more. You can even have a sleepover to make things extra magical!
Wales
– The Caerphilly Castle Christmas Fayre can be visited on the 12th and 13th December, with the castle decked out in full medieval merriment and loads of stalls, entertainment, food and drink for the whole family to enjoy.
– If you fancy a flutter at a day at the races, The Coral Welsh Grand National is one of the biggest events in the Welsh racing calendar, and is kicking off on the 27th December in 2015.
Scotland
– Scotland is renowned for throwing the best New Year’s parties with Hogmanay – there are loads of events on in Edinburgh, with full details available at the Edinburgh Hogmanay website.
France – Events and Festivals in December
Brittany
Brittany
– The Transmusicales in Rennes has been going strong for 30 years now, bringing the very best of upcoming new musical talent to the stage before they make it big. Its runs from the 2nd to the 6th December.
Burgundy
– The Beaune Blues Boogie Festival features (as you might guess) the top stars of France’s Blues and Boogie scene. You can get your groove on at a number of venues throughout Beaune between the 2nd and the 6th December.
– The village of Santenay is holding a sumptuous Chocolate Market on the 6th December. You can taste and buy tons of different types of luxurious chocs, and there’s even workshops and entertainment to keep the kids sweet.
Dordogne
– The Sarlat Christmas Market, which runs throughout December, is a fun-filled treat for all the family with an ice-skating rink, local craftsman showing off their wares and a ton of stuff for the kids. Not one to be missed!
Côte d’Azur
– To celebrate the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, La Rascasse in Monte Carlo is holding a special Star Wars Party, the highlight of which may very well be a life-size ice sculpture of Han Solo! The Force can be with you on 11th December.
– Join in Nice’s celebration of one of the most delicious (and expensive!) delicacies on the planet, with the Truffle Market being held on the 13th December between 10am and 5pm. There’s demonstrations of truffle dogs, farm animals and of course, loads of gourmet foods to try.
– Nice also hosts a variety of operatic performances and shows throughout December – check out the Opera Nice website for details and revel in a little high culture.
Languedoc
– The 13th of December sees a culinary celebration in the village of Corconne when the annual Olive Festival kicks off. Though the whole thing revolves around the humble olive, there’s loads of other food and drink on offer and entertainment for children to enjoy.
Normandy
– The Scallop Fair in Grandcamp-Maisy commences on the 5th December 2015, and celebrates the new season for scallop fishing with boat tours, cooking competitions, concerts and markets. Bring your appetite!
– The whole centre of Rouen gets Christmassy each December, so if you’re in the area pop along for an ice rink, the festive market outside the Cathedral, the snow market and the big wheel that takes in the whole of the city from a spectacular height.
Provence
– If you’re in and around Brantes just after Christmas, you might want to check out Brantes under the Stars. Running on the 27th, 28th and 29th of December, it’s an opportunity to meet local artists and craftsmen and join them on a journey under the stars. We’re guessing you might have to speak some French here though!
Italy – Events and Festivals in December
Puglia
– Pettole Nelle Gnostre in the town of Noci is a celebration of all things delicious that appear around Christmas! Pettole are fried dough balls that are a traditional festive treat, and you pick up a whole load of nuts, chocolate and other wintry wonders at the many stalls and markets.
Tuscany
– San Quirico celebrates one of Italy’s finest exports in December – you can enjoy the Festa dell’olio, which marks the production of the first batches of new olive oil, between 6th – 8th December. It’s not all about cuisine though, taking time to look at the olive’s cultural and artistic importance.
– Honouring an age-old tradition, Montefollonico holds the Vin Santo festival from the 5th to the 8th of December. Vin Santo is a type of Italian dessert wine typical of Tuscany, and the festival adopts a medieval carnival atmosphere with jugglers, music and stalls.
Umbria
– This is one Italian Christmas tradition you’ll find difficult to miss – quite literally! The Gubbio Christmas Tree is the largest of its kind in the world, with a whole mountainside covered in lights to create a 650m high sculpture in light. It’s switched on every year on December 7th and remains lit until early January.
Venice and Veneto
– If you feel like taking in some Italian religious art, over 400 nativity scenes are exhibited in Verona in the International Exhibition of Nativity Scenes in Art. The exhibition runs from the start of December and only closes at the end of January, and make sure you check out the huge star sculpture in Brà Square too.
Skiing – Events and Festivals in December
Courcheval
Courcheval
– Indulge in a little winter sport at the Women’s Alpine World Cup, but perhaps not as you might expect! December 19th sees the slalom bid along with cycling and tennis exhibitions, with the main event of the women’s giant slalom on the 20th.
– The centre of Courcheval also plays host to a charming Christmas village from the 20th December onwards, with stalls full of gifts and treats.
– And you can treat yourself to a pre-New Year’s Eve spectacular with an Ice Skating Gala on December 30th. There’s music, magic and a performances from the French national skating team.
Spain – Events and Festivals in December
Andalucia
– The Verdiales Music Festival of Málaga takes place just outside the city and features groups known as “pandas” taking each other on in the three different forms of Verdiales flamenco. The dance is hugely energetic, so expect lots of singing, motion and movement!
