London  - Ex-Beatle Paul McCartney is set to go on a European tour before Christmas, starting in Hamburg, the north German city where the Fab Four kicked off their legendary career 49 years ago.

"Starting in Hamburg, ending in London and rocking everywhere in between. I'm very much looking forward to ending the year on a high," Sir Paul, 67, said on his website Thursday.

The Good Evening Europe tour starts in Hamburg on December 2, followed by Berlin on December 3 and Cologne on December 16. Paris, Dublin and the Dutch town of Arnhem are also on the tour schedule. Tickets are due to go on sale from next Monday.

A "festive spectacular" is planned to end the concert series at London's O2 Arena, the former Millennium Dome, on December 22. (dpa)