As many use up their last remaining vacation days and take advantage of the holidays, you might be thinking of the best places to travel in December. It’s a tremendous month to travel as travelers can find almost anything they desire. We love it for destinations and activities and find some of the best places to visit in December, such as Vienna for its famous Christmas market, Costa Rica for surfing, Patagonia for hiking, and excellent beach time. It’s hard to beat Thailand and the Maldives.
As winter sports fanatics, it’s our favorite time of year as the ski season is in full swing by December, and there is plenty of holiday cheer across the Northern Hemisphere. Of course, if you’re not a fan of the cold, it’s a tremendous time to head to warm destinations like Portugal, St. Lucia, South Africa, and Morocco. Or venture to the world’s least accessible destination, Antarctica.
Whether you seek warmth or winter weather, let’s dive into the best places to travel in December.
The Best Cold Places to Visit in December
Florence, Italy
Florence, Firenze, is the capital of Tuscany and a highlight of any trip around Italy. You have to add this city to your Italy itinerary if it’s not already. The city is famous for its world-class cuisine, museums, works of art, and surrounding countryside. The architecture in Florence pulls you in and begs you to get lost in its historic heart.
History nuts will go nuts as Florence is known for being the birthplace of the Renaissance and packed with treasures. Say “hello” to David! Walking the narrow cobbled stone streets appears as if little has changed over the centuries with marble basilicas, dark chapels, gas lanterns, and enchanting frescos. You have the opportunity to get lost in time.
It’s one of the best places to visit in December since the streets are alive for a holiday, but the weather is still comfortable. December is the beginning of winter in Italy, and the average temperature drops to 13°C nationwide. You’ll need a packable down jacket, but it’s still an excellent time to visit a famous city without the crowds.
Innsbruck, Austria
There aren’t many cities in Europe quite like Innsbruck. It’s coined the title “Capital of Alps,” and it’s easy to understand why once you set foot in the town. Flanked by the impressive Nordkette mountain range towers over the city, nature never feels far away.
It’s the only city where you can ski, explore a grand palace, window shop, and savor a strudel all in one day—making it the perfect place to visit in December – especially around the holidays. No one does Christmas markets like the Austrians!
There are plenty of things to do in Innsbruck, which has the Austrian Alps and is rich in history. In many ways, it’s everything we love about Austria, all packed into a modern city and historic city. We love that you can be in a beautiful medieval old town and then place yourself in the heart of the Alps within minutes with cowbells ringing and fresh Alpine air.
Park City, Utah
If you like skiing, snowboarding, and chasing fresh powder, you can’t go wrong with Salt Lake City in the winter. Resorts like Snowbird, Brighton, Park City, and Solitude get endless amounts of fluffy fresh pow that is a dream to ski on.
Snowbird is our favorite ski resort in the region, as the terrain and snow quality are unparalleled in the world. However, it’s tough for the holidays and early season skiing to beat the vibes around proper ski towns like Park City.
All are close to Salt Lake City, meaning you can enjoy the city restaurants and breweries at night and venture into the mountains by day! Book your trip well in advance. Rates around the holidays in this winter destination may make your eyes water.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is one of Europe’s most well-preserved old towns and is well worth a stop in December. We recommend at least two days to make the most of a trip. However, we were able to have fun for only a day. In December, head to the buzzing Christmas market with folk dancers.
The closer to Christmas, the more lively it gets! Eat around the Medieval old town, check out the beautiful Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, walk the city walls, ice skate, and more! The city center is very compact and easy to walk around. It’s best done as a weekend getaway trip for those already in Europe.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna has been voted the most liveable city in the world several times over, and it’s known for its abundantly happy citizens. It’s a beautiful city full of historic buildings and palaces. Most notable is the Habsburg’s palace, The Hofburg, a stunning example of Baroque architecture and awe-inspiring gardens.
Vienna opera house is known for being one of the best in the world, and don’t forget to try the famous Sachertorte (chocolate cake). Vienna also hosts great Christmas markets during December, which only get better and better as the holidays roll around. In our opinion, everyone should experience Vienna during the winter at least once in their lives!
Helsinki, Finland
Few cities in Europe feel as forward-thinking as Helsinki. The Finns have pushed into the modern era and embraced design, food, and art. No place is this more evident than in Finland’s capital. It’s a marvelous city that delighted us with plenty of things to do.
For such a modern city, you never seem too far from nature. The town features an extraordinary amount of green space as it’s spread across a series of islands in the Baltic Sea. Add the city’s delicious restaurants and Finn’s apparent affinity for having a good time, and you have a brilliant mix.
The Finns know how to live with “kalsarikannit,” a word to describe sitting at home in your underwear, drinking without the intention of going out—it’s tough not to love their humor. Helsinki is a beautiful city to explore, full of things to do and delicious food to eat. We spent a week here around Christmas and could not have had a better time exploring the city.
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
The city and country embody many quintessential European cities and countries. It’s a great place to visit in December as the Christmas cheer is everywhere. We were lucky to see it during Christmas, catch one of the first snowfalls, and even participate in Luxembourg’s fabulous Christmas markets.
Luxembourg City is a mix of the old and new, with highrises rising all over the city and a pleasant old town in the center. It’s a melting pot of nationalities, and you’ll often hear English on the streets as many foreigners come to work for banks and tech companies based in the city. It brings a pleasant expatriate vibe to the town and adds to its character.
Hokkaido, Japan
Hokkaido is Japan’s second-largest island and is best characterized by its charming rural lifestyle. The northern island receives polar temperatures throughout the winter and enormous snowfalls that blanket the countryside and mountains. This provides exceptional winter landscapes, activities, and the world’s best powder skiing/snowboarding.
Aside from its beautiful mountains and landscapes, the cities of Hokkaido are well worth exploring. Sapporo is one of the culinary capitals of Japan, with exceptional seafood. At the same time, the charming cities of Otaru, Matsumae, and Hakodate are not to be missed. There’s so much to Hokkaido that it’s nearly impossible to explore on one trip.
However, the ski season draws visitors every year as ski resorts such as Niseko, Rutsusu, Furano, Kiroro, and many hidden gems receive huge amounts of powder. That’s why we consider the ski season months of December to March the best time to visit Hokkaido. Winter winds can be frigid, but it’s nothing that a hot bowl of ramen and soak in an onsen (traditional Japanese hot spring) can not fix.
Banff, Canada
Banff National Park is the crown jewel of Parks Canada and arguably one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. The park is famed for its endless pine forests, wildlife, dramatic peaks, glaciers, and stunning alpine lakes. It is a tremendous destination to visit no matter the season, and in the winter, visitors can choose from three ski resorts in Banff. The views from Lake Louise ski resort are arguably the best from a ski resort in the world.
The whole park becomes a skier or snowboarder version of heaven in the winter. We came for a few weeks in 2018 and now own a home in this little paradise. Snowfall is more or less guaranteed in December, as it regularly begins to fall by October! It’s a cold part of a very cold country. Expect snow and fog and only a few hours of sunshine a day.
Don’t expect the crowds to hit the mountains until the holidays, so if you arrive anytime between December 1 and 20, you can expect pretty quiet and powdery runs. Banff and Canmore get busy around the holidays—it’s one of the most popular places in Canada, so book your holiday early!
Lech Am Arlberg, Austria
If we were to pick one of our favorite ski resort towns in Europe, it would be Lech Zurs Arlberg. The village ambiance is tough to beat in the winter due to a wide selection of boutique hotels, all intimate in size due to strict ordinance laws. You won’t find mega hotels or foreign investments in this former farming village. Everything is understated, and the skiing is nothing short of exceptional.
It’s distinctly Austrian, with local families running restaurants, hotels, bars, chalets, and B&Bs. Everything in the village is modern and luxurious but understated, so you won’t be gobsmacked here. It’s a known watering hole of the well-to-do and attracts quite the clientele. This charm continues to draw regulars, celebrities, and royalty.
Narvik, Norway
Norway in the winter can be a deeply rewarding destination to visit in the winter. It has dramatic landscapes, cultural experiences, and plenty of winter activities. It’s often a joke amongst the Norwegians that they are born with skis on their feet, and a vast network of cross-country ski trails stretches across the nation.
We found a fantastic winter home in Narvik where we could spot the Northern Lights and go snowboarding all in one day. On our first night in Narvik, we went for a dog sled at night led by head torches with the Aurora Borealis above us. If you plan to see the Northern lights in Northern Norway, I’d advise you to rent a car to guarantee your chances. Northern Norway is dominated by a coastal climate that can make for very localized and unpredictable weather.
Narvik is also where you can visit Narvikfjellet, one of Norway’s most famous ski resorts. Off-piste riding is a significant draw for Narvikfjellet as their brand-new gondola provides access to some big terrain with views of the fjord below.
Madonna Di Campiglio, Italy
This is the jewel of the ski and winter scene in the Trentino region and one of the best places to travel in December. It’s a well-known resort that hosts many Italians looking for solid skiing, dining, and relaxation in a posh environment. It still holds on to its claim to fame as the summer vacation spot of Austrian Royalty and Princess Sissi. The town is a beautiful little gem set at the base of the Dolomites and has all the charm of a mountain town.
Madonna Di Campiglio is nearly car-free, and taking an evening stroll after a day on the slopes is easy. We spent our evening window shopping while checking out the 19th-century architecture with a cappuccino. Charming wooden homes line the streets at the foot of the Dolomites. It is easy to see why the resort town is well cherished in Northern Italy and a great spot to travel to in December.
Grindelwald, Switzerland
The little mountain village provides access to two ski areas and numerous hiking trails. High above Grindelwald lies the Bernese Alps and a famous mountain face. That mountain is Eiger’s notorious North Face. The village has a long main road and many accommodation options for tourists who journey up the valley from Interlaken.
The town lacks the charm of the surrounding villages, such as Gimmelwald, Murren, or Wengen. Still, it does provide fantastic access to the mountains – great for skiers and those after a solid European winter holiday.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the best countries to visit in December. Zermatt is a winter wonderland that offers exceptional skiing. Under its blanket of snow, this chocolate-box alpine village is set against the backdrop of the iconic Matterhorn and is a must on anyone’s Swiss itinerary.
Whether you’re into skiing or not, you can’t help but fall under the charm of this beautiful village. It will enchant you with its little back roads, traditional and modern chalets, lack of traffic (a car-free village), and the restaurants and shops that line the main street.
Skiers are spoiled for choice with the kilometers of slopes on offer. A trip up to the Klein Matterhorn or a journey on the train to the Gornergrat is a must for non-skiers. There is a lively après-ski scene and many restaurants catering to all tastes, from traditional Swiss fayre to Japanese, Chinese, Italian, and more. It is also an excellent resort for families visiting Zermatt, although it does come with a hefty price tag.
Malbun, Liechtenstein
We’ve been on a mission to explore some of the smallest countries in the world. It’s what recently brought us to Luxembourg and took us through Swaziland. On our grand tour of the Alps, we visited Austria and Switzerland, so it only allowed us to stop by the country sandwiched right between them. Liechtenstein has an area of just over 160 square kilometers, making it the fourth smallest country in Europe, with a population of only 38,000!
Malbun is a small town in the Alps that is great for a winter vacation in Europe. Here, you can enjoy the best winter things to do in Europe – snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and fondue dipping! We even went for a winter walk in the woods with llamas!
We spent two full days in Liechtenstein and thought it was the ultimate place for families looking for winter travel during December. The mountain and town are big enough to have some fun in, but also small enough to let children run wild and free should you want to have some gluhwein.
New York, New York
On the ground, gritty New York may not be the most beautiful city, and there are undoubtedly plenty of ugly spots. Take a few rides on the New York subway, and you’ll see plenty of the ugly. However, no skyline in the world is more iconic than New York, with its architectural feats, bridges, and Central Park.
It’s next to impossible not to be amazed by the Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, Flatiron Building, Grand Central Station, One World Trade Center, New York Public Library, Chrysler Building, and the Statue of Liberty — the list could go on. New York’s world-class restaurants, bars, street food, museums, concert venues, art galleries, and neighborhoods.
There is no shortage of things to do in the city that never sleeps. It’s a city that assaults your senses and paints a vibrant tapestry before your eyes. Around the holidays is, in my opinion, when the city truly shines. There is special holiday cheer in the air. The shops, coffee shops, and general street vibe are so magical. There are Christmas markets, parties, and then, of course, the lighting of the tree in Rockafeller Center. It’s a city one must visit sometime in their life.
Venice, Italy
There is no denying that Venice is a tourist trap, but it is undoubtedly the most stunning tourist trap in the world. Every alley, canal, and scene looks like a film production crew had ideally set them. History oozes out of every corner, along with delicious cicchetti and bubbly spritz. Love or hate Venice, there is no denying its popularity.
It is the most beautiful historic city on the planet, but it is also besieged by tourists, except in the winter. The sinking city is a network of 118 islands connected by bridges. Buildings here are old, and if you manage to escape the crowds, it feels like you’ve stepped back five centuries. It is surreal, and after several visits, we still have a soft spot for Venice.
In our opinion, Venice is best visited on the shoulder and offseasons. December is a great time to visit Venice; we went around Christmas (when the above photo was taken) and barely experienced crowds. The canals of Venice are notorious for harboring a lot of waste, and in the summer, the smell can get pretty bad; however, in the cooler months, there are fewer tourists, less waste, and the scent is at bay. If you were to ask us, Venice is the most beautiful city in Europe, except in the summer months.
Antarctica
By December, the cruise season for the Antarctica Peninsula is in full swing. A cruise to the seventh continent is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Granted, no cruise to the continent comes cheap, with the average cruise around 10,000 USD per person. There is no easy way to reach Antarctica as it requires serious travel time. A journey to the continent requires most travelers to reach Ushuaia, Argentina, nicknamed Fin Del Mundo, or the world’s end.
However, that’s only the beginning, as from there, it requires a multi-day sail across one of the world’s most notorious bodies of water, the Drake Passage. Those who make it to Antarctica are rewarded with some of the most staggering landscapes on the planet. Mile-high glaciers, icebergs larger than a town, and staggering peaks are home to penguins. The scale of the continent is tough to comprehend.
Of all the months to visit Antarctica, December is one of the best. It’s relatively warm (for Antarctic standards) and sees long hours, though you will still want to pack warm clothing for Antarctica. Wildlife is also the most active time for wildlife and is a fantastic time to see whales, penguins, and seals! If Antarctica is on your bucket list, pick the right time.
Best Beach/Warm Destinations to Travel in December
Saint Lucia, Caribbean
For North Americans, the Caribbean is one of the most sought-after places to holiday in December. Breezy temperatures, sunshine, and beautiful water make it an ideal destination for those looking for a suntan rather than frostbite.
One of the best places to visit in the Caribbean is the stunning island of Saint Lucia. This country in the West Indies is regarded as one of the most beautiful islands to visit in the Caribbean. It’s the perfect travel destination for the holidays, but be forewarned – rates are at their highest around this time, especially if you book high end properties like Jade Mountain.
Lagos, Portugal
Golden beaches, seaside cliffs, golf resorts, charming, colorful cities, reliable sunshine, and excellent surf have placed the Algarve in Portugal on many travelers’ bucket lists. It’s a destination that offers something for everyone, from buzzing Lagos to the undeveloped west coast.
One of the best places to travel in December is Portugal. We spent a month in the Algarve during December and had a fantastic time. In all honesty, we were looking for some warm weather while traveling around Europe, so we booked a one-way flight to Lagos and enjoyed the sunshine and beautiful Algarve beaches.
Sunshine, no crowds, and low prices met us in December. Southern Portugal is one of the best places to visit in December. We were able to save a lot on accommodation, car rentals, and experiences this time. We spent many days walking around Lagos, watching old Portuguese men play chess, enjoying their coffee, and soaking in the sunshine without the crowds.
Cape Town, South Africa
One of the best countries to visit in December is South Africa! In particular, the Western Cape, a staggeringly gorgeous part of the world, enjoys beautiful weather in December. Cape Town is a city too beautiful for its own good. One can get easily lost in the depths of nature, grab a bite from a food truck, check out an art gallery, peruse a local market, or enjoy fine dining.
There are many things to do in Cape Town; making the most of your time is tricky unless you have a full year. But if you don’t have a year and are looking for a fantastic city to spend time in December, you’re in luck. Cape Town is heading into the summer season in December, meaning more visitors are coming. The average temperature in Cape Town is a nice 25°C. It’s also pretty dry compared to other places.
The weather across South Africa is generally very hot in December. Some may say it gets unpleasantly hot in some places, but Cape Town stays pretty moderate. It should be visited before the holidays and high season! We recommended heading to Cape Town before going to Stellenbosch and the Winelands for a trip, followed by a safari at Gondwana Tented Camps.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Chefchaouen is situated in northwest Morocco, in the beautiful Rif Mountains. “Chaouen,” as locals call it, is a small city renowned for its charming streets of blue. Besides the blue streets, Chefchauoen is a popular tourist destination for its hashish, which is grown prolifically throughout the region.
We went to Morocco’s blue city to escape the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities in Morocco. We had seen the photos online detailing all the shades of blue and knew we had to get to this Moroccan town. It is as impressive as it looks on the internet! Most people wander around and take photos in the town, but there is also some good hiking through the Rif Mountains.
December is one of the most excellent months of the year… in Morocco. If you’re looking for winter sun, it’s an excellent time to visit the country! Visiting Morocco in December is not really about the beaches and coast; Morocco in December is about seeing the sights and exploring a bit of nature.
Melbourne, Australia
Australia has astonishing diversity and offers an array of travel experiences that cater to every taste and curiosity. With its vast and varied landscapes, from pristine rainforests brimming with unique wildlife to bustling cosmopolitan cities and from the harsh and rugged Outback to the mesmerizing coastlines, this remarkable country ensures that adventurers and explorers will find their desires met.
Melbourne is one of the most exciting cities to visit in Australia. The buzzing city has nightlife, great food, festivals, and outdoor activities. It is tough to hate on the city, bringing people in from all over the world. People often go to Sydney to see the Opera House on their trip to Australia, but I think Melbourne is the better option as it has less of that big city feel. There may not be snow here during the winter, but it’s summer in Australia, making it the perfect place to visit in December after a warm escape!
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is a great city/town on New Zealand’s South Island. It’s one of the most visited spots in the country and one of the main places everyone seeks to live in. The town sits on Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by the Southern Alps. If you are lucky enough to score a lakeside Airbnb rental, you’ll have uninterrupted views of ” The Remarkables,” the mountain range around the lake.
Queenstown is dubbed the adventure capital of the southern hemisphere and is where you will find a wide range of travelers getting an adrenaline high. Bungee jumping, paragliding, and canyoneering are everyday things in Queenstown. The city also serves as a jumping-off point to the Milford Sound and Lake Wanaka.
Like in Australia, December means it’s summer in Queenstown. You can expect pleasant temperatures and long hours of daylight! It’s another warm place to visit in December for adventure.
Costa Rica
December marks the start of the dry season in Costa Rica, and many North Americans are trying to escape the cold up north. There are plenty of flights running to San Jose during this month. It’s a great time to travel to Costa Rica at the beginning of the month, as the end of the month sees plenty of vacationers taking advantage of a Christmas in paradise.
Pay attention to your destination in Costa Rica in December. The Caribbean Coast is currently deep into its rainy season in Costa Rica. Flash downpours, rather than day-long rains, are par for the course in the coastal areas. The Central Valley is starting to dry up this time of year. Even though it’s not scorching, that makes it a good time of year to try out some adventure sports in the great outdoors. We suggest heading to Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve to enjoy waterfall chasing and bird watching!
The Maldives
Social media and the jaw-dropping resorts atop the Atolls of the Maldives have placed them firmly on many traveler’s “bucket lists.” Luxury Maldives resorts, azure waters, excellent surf, and some of the best diving in the world have visitors clamoring to visit.
December marks the dry season in The Maldives, and if you’re forking out the cost for an epic vacation, you will likely want ideal weather. It’s Christmas, after all, and who doesn’t want to spend the holiday vacation in the Maldives? It’s sunny, beautiful, and fantastic, and it’s one of the best times to visit the Maldives. However, it is high season in what is already known as an expensive destination.
Patagonia
Patagonia is all about wild landscapes, dramatic peaks, and adventures. It’s tough to comprehend its size as it’s an immense destination with gigantic sights and landscapes. Undoubtedly, it’s earned a solid, if not notorious, reputation for adventurers such as Charles Darwin, Paul Theroux, and William Hudson. These days, it’s more known for modern adventurers who push the bounds of what humans can do through climbing, alpinism, skiing, and even surfing.
It’s a region of extremes with punishing winds, snow, and rain. However, December falls in the brief period of more stable weather when hikers and climbers from around the world head to explore its wilds. It’s all about the natural world here, with world-renowned hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and climbing.
El Chalten in Argentina and Torres del Paine in Chile are the most famous destinations. Few peaks in the world can stir the soul like Fitz Roy. It’s truly awe-inspiring. Most importantly, the local’s warmth and hospitality are at the heart of a trip to Patagonia.
Thailand
December marks the end of Thailand’s rainy season, and many destinations, such as Phuket, Bangkok, Khao Lak, and Chiang Mai, have ideal weather. This is a great time to visit the Northern stretches of the country. It’s a great time to snorkel around Phuket, lay on the beaches of Khao Lak, or enjoy the jungle mountains. Destination choice is key, though, as the Lower Gulf (Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, and Ko Tao) are pretty rainy in December.
The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are always a dream destination, but there are better periods to visit than others. The best time to see the Keys is between December and April. This is when the Florida Keys are the dryest, and temperatures are bearable. You also miss hurricane season, which is always a relief.
We love starting our trip in Key Largo, staying a few days, and then driving the Overseas Highway to Key West. Some of the best stops are Islamorada and Marathon. When you reach Key West, try El Siboney, one of the best restaurants there!
Best Places to Visit in December FAQ
Where is the best travel destination for December?
First, it’s best to decide if you want to spend your December vacation in hot or cold weather because it is possible to have both. Some of the best places to visit in December are Innsbruck, Salt Lake City, and Vienna for cold weather. For warm weather, try the Florida Keys, St Lucia, and Portugal!
Where do you go on vacation in December for Christmas?
If you want to get into the Christmas spirit somewhere, you can’t go wrong with Vienna or New York City!
Where to Travel in December for a White Christmas?
Trust me, you are nearly guaranteed a white Christmas in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada!
Where Are the Best Countries to Visit in December for Hot Weather?
The hottest weather in December can be found in various regions depending on the hemisphere. Since December is winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere, the hottest weather in December will typically be in countries closer to the equator or in the Southern Hemisphere. This means you can find hot weather in Southeast Asia, Australia, Africa, and countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.
How Is Travel In Europe in December?
If you want to enjoy cool weather and low crowds, Europe is fantastic in December, especially if you find yourself in some of the places where the famous Christmas markets are! For instance, Germany is famous for its traditional Christmas markets (often called “Weihnachtsmärkte.”) Cities like Nuremberg, Cologne, Munich, and Dresden host some of the most renowned Christmas markets in the country!
Where in Europe is warm in December?
Not many places in Europe are described as “warm” in December, though the Mediterranean has a milder climate. If you want somewhere warm in Europe, try the Canary Islands in December.
Plan For Your Trip
- Protect Your Trip: We don’t travel without travel insurance, nor should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
- Find Cheap Flights: Sign up for Going (formerly Scotts Cheap Flights) to get notified when prices get low.
- Book a Rental Car: We use Discover Car to book all our rental cars! You can also read our top tips for renting a car abroad here.
- Travel Adapter: Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.
- Travel Backpack: We like the Nomatic Travel Backpack for our travels. Check the price here.
- Our Favorite Travel Shoes: Our answer to this question is always Allbirds! Check them out on their site!
- Get a Travel Credit Card: We travel worldwide for free because we have leveraged our spending into points. See how you can do the same with our favorite travel credit cards.
