Andorra is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year, but Andorra in December is particularly magical. The principality has a special sparkle to it during the winter months, as ski enthusiasts flock to the slopes for some skiing in Andorra in December and for some festive fun.
Here, in this blog post, we’ll outline all you need to know about skiing in Andorra in December, as well as setting out a list of the best things to do in Andorra in December away from the slopes. So, let’s take a look!
Best things to do in Andorra in December
The number one activity in the principality during the winter months is to go skiing. The ski resorts in the Pyrenees are famous around the world, offering dynamic descents and stunning scenery at the same time. Andorra skiing December holidays are especially popular, firstly because this is a good month for snowfall in the microstate and also because it’s a month when many people have holiday days to take off work over the festive period.
Of course, there are several other things to do in Andorra in December besides skiing. That includes snowboarding, which is another very popular sport and one which can be carried out on most of the same slopes as skiing. Away from the pistes, there are several other Andorra winter activities to pick from if you’re looking for some late year fun. Among these activities you’ll find opportunities to go on snowmobile rides, to try mushing, to give igloo building a go and much more.
For those planning a romantic getaway over the holidays, a visit to Caldea Spa Andorra is also an excellent option. With its capacity for 2,646 people, Caldea Spa Andorra isn’t just the largest thermal spa in the country as it’s actually the largest thermal spa in all of southern Europe. As such, it’s the perfect spot to spend a romantic and cosy winter afternoon.
Is Andorra good to visit in December?
December is widely considered to be one of the best months to visit Andorra. That’s made clear by the fact that there is always a spike in the number of visitors during the final month of the year. But, why exactly is visiting Andorra in December such a good idea?
Well, it’s because Andorra boasts a unique winter charm, with Christmas markets popping up around the country and especially in the capital city of Andorra la Vella. This gives off a special festive feel that few other locations around Europe can match. December is also a great month for skiers, since the majority of Andorra ski resorts are open for most of the month of December, with good levels of snowfall too.
Is Andorra good for Christmas?
You might be wondering why is Andorra such a good place to visit around Christmas time, and the Andorra Christmas markets are a major reason for this. The main Andorra la Vella Christmas market is usually open for the entire month of December, as it tends to go up in the final week of November and remain open until the first week of January.
Located in the Plaça del Poble, the Andorra la Vella Christmas market has many stalls selling a good range of products, from handcrafted gifts to artisan delights. Whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts for friends and family, or just to treat yourself, you’ll find all kinds of impressive and adorable products at this festive market.
The market is also famous for its food and drink offerings, with various stands selling hearty savoury dishes and delicious Andorran sweets, and with mulled wine and hot chocolate in plentiful supply too. There are Christmas activities to participate in as well, from an ice rink to a lights shows which take place every night.
Even away from the Christmas market, the rest of Andorra la Vella is also renowned for its shopping. Not only does the capital city boast a wide variety of stores and boutiques, but Andorra is famous for its low prices and you may well stumble across a Christmas bargain.
Is snow guaranteed in Andorra?
If you’re a ski enthusiast, you’ll want to know is there snow in Andorra in December. And the answer is that December is one of the months of the year with the highest snowfall. On average, there are 10.1 snowfall days in Andora in December, with 214 mm average snowfall.
This isn’t as high as January (13.9 snowfall days, with 483 mm average snowfall), February (14.3 snowfall days, with 254 mm average snowfall) or March (12.5 snowfall days, with 340 mm average snowfall), but the Andorra weather December time ranks as the fourth-best month of the year in terms of snowfall. So, skiing in Andorra in December doesn’t provide quite the same level of snowfall guarantee as the first few months of the calendar year, but December is still a month of great snowfall in Andorra, especially compared with other mountain ranges across Europe.
Combine that still-high level of snowfall with the added benefits of visiting Andorra during the fun and festive Christmas period, and that’s why many ski enthusiasts love spending time in the principality in the month of December. If you plan your next Andorra holiday for this same time of year, you too might become a big fan of Andorra’s December charm!