The Geminids, the year’s richest meteor shower, are active from 4 to 20 December; the International Meteor Organization expects the peak around 14:00 UTC on 14 December (ZHR about 150 under a perfect sky; 40–50 an hour is more realistic from a dark site). That falls in daylight for Europe, so watch the nights of 13–14 and 14–15 December. The Moon helps this year: a 21%-lit crescent sets early (Vienna 20:04, Istanbul 21:32 on the 13th, by our Astronomy Engine calculation), leaving the rest of the night dark. The radiant near Castor and Pollux rises in the evening and is high after midnight. Unusually, the parent is an asteroid, 3200 Phaethon. Our take: dress warmly, look away from the radiant and give your eyes 20 minutes.
ZHR 150peak rate under ideal skies (IMO)
21%lit crescent Moon, sets in the evening
13–14 Decbest night