Table of Contents
- Introduction
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- Lapland, Finland
- New York City, USA
- Vienna, Austria
- Maldives
- Tokyo, Japan
- Zermatt, Switzerland
- Quebec City, Canada
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Tulum, Mexico
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Final Thoughts
10 Best Places to Travel in December for an Unforgettable Holiday Adventure
December is a magical time to travel. It is the month when festive holiday lights, landscapes with snow cover, and winter activities are at their peak. Whether you are looking for a tropical getaway to break the cold or want to bask in the chill of winter, there isn’t a shortage of places that fit this bill. Here are the 10 best places to travel in December, offering unique experiences, breathtaking scenery, and festive vibes.
1. Lapland, Finland
With its inclusion, Lapland can confidently be on the list of best places to travel in December for a true winter wonderland. This snowiest region lies in the Arctic Circle and is aptly meant for viewing the northern lights, dog sledging, and meeting with Santa Claus. Rovaniemi is its capital, generally referred to as Santa’s official hometown, and here, you will find some fascinating snow-clad landscapes, reindeer safaris, and cosy igloos for a starry night.
Why Visit: With its land all afresh with snow, Lapland creates a magical winter wonderland perfect for experiencing its Arctic charm, seeing the northern lights, or visiting Santa Claus’s village.
Weather: Temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F) and long nights make it perfect for seeing the northern lights.
Key Attractions
- Santa Claus Village: This is a fantastic town; it’s the official home of Santa Claus in Rovaniemi. You could visit him, send postcards from Santa’s post office, and have fun in the magical spirit.
- Snowmobile Safaris are natural, pleasant, adrenaline-filled Arctic landscape drives with snowmobiles through snowy forests and frozen lakes.
- Reindeer farms: These offer visits to traditional Sami reindeer farms, where visitors can learn about their lifestyles and take a sleigh ride pulled by the reindeer themselves.
- Northern Lights: On clear nights, enjoy the breathtaking view of the lights of the north, also known as the aurora borealis, as they dance across the sky.
Events: Christmas celebrations in Santa’s Village, winter sports festivals, and Sami cultural events.
2. New York City, USA
If you like holidays, New York City should be among the 10 best places to travel in December. The Big Apple brightens with elaborate Christmas decorations, while iconic sights such as the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center and ice skating in Central Park turn even more festive. Visit 5th Avenue for holiday shopping or window displays at department stores like Macy’s.
Why visit: NYC is famous for its decorations during the holiday season. It is an iconic December destination with world-famous landmarks and endless activities.
Weather: The temperature averages from -3°C to 8°C. It also snows sometimes.
Key Attractions
- Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree: This globally known landmark is lit with thousands of luminaries during the holiday period, offering a perfect setting for taking holiday pictures.
- Central Park Ice Skating: Enjoy skating on ice at Wollman Rink amidst New York’s skyscrapers and snow-laden trees.
- Times Square: The iconic heart of Manhattan bursts at its seams in energy, lights, and abundant holiday shopping.
- Broadway Shows: December is an excellent time to catch a musical or holiday-themed performance on Broadway at the world’s theatre capital.
Events: Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade (late November), Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and New Year’s Eve in Times Square.
3. Vienna, Austria
For a slice of European Christmas markets, Vienna is one of the top contenders among the best places to travel in December. The city comes alive with famous markets, where one can taste mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and the bling of festive lights. For that holiday feeling, take an evening stroll around the Rathausplatz market or the Christmas market at Schönbrunn Palace.
Why Visit: Pretty Christmas markets, the historic charm of Vienna, and an overall festive atmosphere.
Weather: Cold, 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F) with light snow very often.
Key Attractions
- Christmas Markets: Many of Vienna’s historic markets offer festive decorations, artisan crafts, and tempting seasonal delicacies such as mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.
- Schönbrunn Palace: A spectacularly beautiful baroque palace decorated with a Christmas market and lights during holiday time.
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral: A Gothic beauty in the heart of Vienna’s Old Town, the most beautiful architecture paired with a festive church service.
- Belvedere: This Baroque historic site features beautiful art collections that are amazingly adorned during the holiday season.
Events: Vienna Christmas Market, New Year’s Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic, and holiday lights festivals.
4. Maldives
But if you’re dreaming of a warm sun on your skin, the Maldives is one of the 10 best places to travel in December. You are assured of ultimate relaxation in its crystal clear waters, overwater bungalows, and pristine beaches. This marks the beginning of the dry season, so get ready for clear skies and perfect beach weather.
Why Visit: The Maldives is considered an idealistic retreat for tropical getaways, especially if you want to enjoy white, sandy beaches with warm turquoise waters this December.
Weather: December marks the dry season with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
Key Attractions
- Snorkelling and Diving: The Maldives pride themselves on crystal-clear waters, a large amount of marine life, and coral reefs, which delight both snorkelers and divers.
- Overwater Bungalows: Stay in luxurious overwater villas with direct access to the ocean. These villas offer ultimate relaxation and an unforgettable view of the sunset.
- Private Island Resorts: Most resorts are on private islands in the Maldives, offering exclusivity and serenity.
- Pristine Beaches: A pristine white sand beach and aquamarine waters set the stage for a picture-postcard tropical haven.
Events include Christmas and New Year celebrations at resorts and water sports festivals.
5. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is one of the best places to travel in December, for during this period, the city becomes a wonderland of lights. Winter illuminations are stunning in the town, especially around Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Roppongi. Besides, you’ll be able to experience particular Japanese customs, from New Year celebrations to light displays of Christmas and shopping extravaganzas.
Why visit: Tokyo dazzles during December for the winter illuminations and uniquely merges Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Weather: Cool and crisp with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 12°C (39°F to 54°F).
Key Attractions
- Shibuya Crossing: Known as the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. Standing surrounded by skyscrapers and neon lights, one could feel the rhythm of the most wonderfully busy crossing.
- Tokyo Tower: The tower symbolizes the city and allows a panoramic view of the metropolis, illuminating it beautifully during December.
- Roppongi Hills Winter Illuminations: The Roppongi area twinkles in winter with special illuminations, lending a radiant wonderland touch to the city’s heart.
- Meiji Shrine: Nestled in Shibuya, this serenely tranquil Shinto shrine is a place to experience Japanese traditions-even making wishes for the coming New Year.
Events: Tokyo Christmas Market, New Year’s countdowns, and illuminations in parks and shopping districts.
6. Zermatt, Switzerland
Anyone who loves skiing should take Zermatt, which ranks very high in these 10 best places to travel in December. This village lies at the foot of the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps and offers excellent skiing, snowboarding, and après-ski opportunities. During December, the town also fills up with the cosy magic of holidays, from festive decorations to horse-drawn sleighs and unparalleled mountain views.
Why Visit: Zermatt is a paradise for ski enthusiasts, offering world-class slopes and breathtaking alpine views.
Weather: Cold, with temperatures ranging from -10°C to 0°C (14°F to 32°F) and heavy snowfall.
Key Attractions
- Skiing at the Matterhorn: Zermatt is popularly known because of the world-class ski resorts at the foot of the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic mountains in the world.
- Gornergrat Railway: Scenic cogwheel train ride with spectacular views toward the Swiss Alps, glaciers, and majestic Matterhorn.
- Car-Free Village: The village of Zermatt is also car-free, adding to this quiet alpine atmosphere, which is ideal for easygoing walks.
- Apres-Ski: End a day on the slopes with relaxing drinks and dining in intimate bars and restaurants, serving Swiss fondue and glühwein.
Events: include Christmas Eve services, après-ski parties, fireworks, and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
7. Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City is one of the best places to travel in December if someone wants a quaint and charming holiday destination. The city, with its cobblestone streets and architecture most inspired by European influences, is enchanting during winter. The Old Town comes alive as a snowy fairyland, complete with outdoor skating rinks, festive lights, and the renowned German Christmas Market.
Why Visit: Quebec City is a postcard-like winter wonderland, almost like a European city, replete with old-world charm and festive holiday cheer.
Weather: December temperatures can drop to -15°C (5°F) with frequent snowfall.
Key Attractions
- Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its cobblestone streets, charming cafes, and beautiful French-inspired architecture.
- Montmorency Falls: These are much larger waterfalls than Niagara, and during the winter, they create a dazzling view of snow and ice around them.
- German Christmas Market: Smack in the middle of Old Quebec is a market that’s a holiday wonderland of lights, wood stalls, and seasonal treats.
- Outdoor Ice Skating: Several outdoor skating rinks throughout the city, including one in the heart of Old Quebec, offer this absolutely magical winter activity.
Events: Quebec Winter Carnival (in February, but pre-events in December), festive markets, and ice skating.
8. Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is magical in December. With long winter nights and snow-covered landscapes, Reykjavik is one of the 10 best places to travel in December if you look forward to witnessing the surreal northern lights or participating in unique winter activities such as glacier hiking and ice cave exploration. Add in Christmas markets and holiday cheer for the perfect winter destination.
Why Visit: Reykjavik is such an extraordinary place to visit in December as it covers winter landscapes and northern lights.
Weather: Cold, with temperatures averaging around -1°C to 4°C (30°F to 39°F).
Key Attractions
- Blue Lagoon: geothermal spa set amidst a lava field to soak in warm, mineral-rich waters amidst snowy landscapes.
- Northern Lights tours: Reykjavik enjoys good access to Northern Lights tours, during which one can watch the aurora borealis illuminate the Arctic sky.
- Golden Circle: A super-popular tourist route, including visiting Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and the wonderful waterfall Gullfoss.
- Hallgrímskirkja: Greðja or higher is the name given to this Icelandic church, and from its observation tower, Reykjavik and its surroundings are just a view.
Events: Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival, Yule Town Christmas Market, and New Year’s Eve fireworks.
9. Tulum, Mexico
For those seeking a breath of warmth, Tulum is an ideal destination during this sun-drenched period in December. As one of the best places to travel in December, Tulum offers stunning beaches, crystal-clear cenotes, and the opportunity to study ancient Mayan ruins. Tulum represents everything you could ask for during your tropical winter escape: snorkelling, diving, or simply relaxing on the beach.
Why visit: For those chasing a warm and sun-drenched escape, the pristine beaches, Mayan ruins, and Cenotes in Tulum are just perfect tropical breaks this December.
Weather: Warm and pleasant, with temperatures around 20°C to 29°C (68°F to 84°F).
Key Attractions
- Tulum Ruins: Nestled atop a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, these ancient Mayan ruins offer an exciting look at Mexico’s rich history.
- Gran Cenote: Among the many other cenotes in this area, this one is a natural sinkhole with crystal-clear waters, excellent for swimming and snorkelling.
- Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve: It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers excellent biological diversity and a pristine environment for visitors to go on eco tours and kayak in.
- Tulum Beaches: With their white sand and turquoise-coloured water, many would say that the beaches here in Tulum rank among the prettiest beaches in the world.
Events: Christmas and New Year beach parties and cultural events are held nearby in Playa del Carmen.
10. Prague, Czech Republic
To visit Prague in December is like being in a fairy tale. Its medieval architecture, festive Christmas markets, and holiday lights make it among the top 10 places to travel in December. Visit the famous Old Town Square Christmas market, sip on hot mulled wine, and take in the magical atmosphere of cobblestone streets and Gothic towers.
Why Visit: Prague’s setting is fairytale-like, especially in December, with its twinkling Christmas lights, historical charm, and festive markets.
Weather: Chilly with temperatures ranging from -1°C to 4°C (30°F to 39°F).
Key Attractions
- Old Town Square: The very hub of the town, with brilliant medieval architecture, an Astronomical Clock, and a lively Christmas market in December.
- Charles Bridge: This picturesque bridge, lined with statues, crosses the Vltava River to the district of Malá Strana. It is even lovelier at night when it is nicely lit up.
- Prague Castle: An immense castle complex encompassing everything from Gothic churches and palaces to museums, commanding fabulous views over the city.
- Wenceslas Square: This area is pulsating with life, full of shops, restaurants, and bars, not to mention an ironic Christmas market.
Events: Prague Christmas Market, Advent concerts, and New Year’s Eve fireworks over the Vltava River.
Final Thoughts
Whether chasing the northern lights, soaking up tropical sunshine, or touring charming European cities, these 10 best places to travel in December have something for every sort of traveller. In December, you can indulge in festivities, holiday spirits, and unique winter activities and get away to warmer climates. Wherever you decide to go, a December vacation promises unforgettable memories.
If you want to visit in November, then visit these posts: 10 Best Places to Travel in November 2024
