Best places to go in December

Where to go in December?

December brings a mix of sparkling cities, snowy landscapes and warm weather escapes, making it a naturally exciting month to explore. Some destinations glow with festive lights and winter traditions, while others offer bright sunshine and laid back beach days. From ski towns to tropical islands, December opens the door to some of the season’s most memorable vacations.

• Best places to go in Europe in December
• Where to go for snow in December
• Where to go in the US in December
• Where is cheap to travel in December

Best places to go in Europe in December

From sunny coastlines to twinkling Christmas markets, Europe packs more variety into December than most places do all year.

Europe in December has a split personality in the best way possible. Half the continent is bundled up for cozy days at twinkling Christmas markets, the other half is basking in surprisingly warm sunshine.

December in the sun

Southern Europe delivers mild days and blue skies in December, where coastlines and islands trade snowflakes for sunshine.

• Canary Islands: Pleasant weather across these Spanish islands means it feels like an endless spring. With golden beaches and volcanic landscapes, popular vacation spots like Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are great to explore.
• The Algarve: Portugal’s southern coast stays mild throughout the year, perfect for coastal walks and fresh seafood feasts.
• Costa del Sol: Sunny days without the summer crowds make Spain’s southern coast ideal for a winter recharge.

Hot tip:

Many coastal towns shut down after summer, so check local events calendars for festivals and open restaurants. December in these spots is more authentic but less busy.

Festive city breaks

Europe’s cities sparkle in December, with Christmas markets, glowing streets and celebrations that carry straight into New Year’s Eve.

• Vienna: World-famous Christmas markets filled with twinkling lights, treats, and holiday cheer.
• Prague: Gothic charm glows under festive decorations across cobblestone squares.

• Munich: Cozy markets serve hearty food and seasonal traditions.

• Paris: New Year’s Eve fireworks light up the Champs-Élysées.

• Edinburgh: Hogmanay delivers one of the world’s biggest and boldest street parties.

Holiday Tip:

Book accommodation near the city center. It’s worth it for the short walk back to your bed after a long night of festivities, especially when public transport is jammed or closed.

Where to go for snow in December

Fresh powder, cozy mountain towns, and stunning landscapes straight out of a holiday movie.

Not all vacations need palm trees. For travelers who want the real "white Christmas" experience, a snowy escape in December is hard to beat.

Canada

December transforms Canada into a snowy playground, with world-class ski resorts, festive cities and endless winter adventures.

• Whistler and Banff are legendary for skiing, snowboarding, and postcard-perfect mountain towns.
• Toronto and Montreal mix festive charm with a good chance of snow, making them ideal for city lovers who don’t mind bundling up.

Top TIp:

Canadian ski resorts often run pre-Christmas deals, since the big crowds don’t usually arrive until the holiday week itself.

Austria

Austria blends charming alpine villages with festive spirit, making it one of Europe’s top snow destinations in December.

• Innsbruck: The city is surrounded by mountains, combining ski access with vibrant markets and plenty of culture.

• Kitzbühel: This resort is famous for its medieval town center, glamorous ski scene and legendary downhill runs.

• St. Anton: The village is a favorite for serious skiers, with challenging slopes and some of the liveliest après-ski in the Alps.

Top tip:

Many ski passes include access to multiple resorts, so it’s easy to hop between slopes without breaking the budget.

Where to go in the US in December

Desert sunshine, snowy slopes, or big-city sparkle: December in the US covers all the bases.

Sometimes the best December trips don’t even require a passport. America is packed with destinations that shine in winter, whether it’s a balmy escape or a snow-filled adventure.

Warm places in December in the US

December brings plenty of sunshine across the southern states, where beaches, deserts and outdoor adventures replace winter coats with T-shirts.

• California: Southern California stays sunny, with beaches in Los Angeles and San Diego offering a break from winter layers. Meanwhile, Palm Springs adds desert vibes and stylish relaxation.

• Arizona: December is ideal for exploring the Grand Canyon without the scorching summer heat. Phoenix and Scottsdale offer warm days, outdoor dining, and desert hikes under clear skies.

• Florida: The Sunshine State is balmy in December, with Miami’s beaches, the Florida Keys’ laid-back island vibe, and Orlando’s theme parks all buzzing with activity.

Hot TIp:

National parks like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite are dramatically quieter in December. Dress in layers and enjoy epic views without the summer traffic.

Where to go for Christmas in the US

The holiday season in the US transforms cities and towns into festive wonderlands filled with lights, markets and traditions old and new.

• New York City: The Rockefeller Center tree, ice-skating rinks, and festive lights make the city iconic in December.

• Chicago: The Christkindlmarket serves German-inspired treats and ornaments in a festive downtown setting.

• Boston: Snow-dusted streets and historic charm create a cozy holiday atmosphere.

• San Antonio: The River Walk sparkles with thousands of holiday lights reflected in the water.

holiday TIp:

Christmas in big cities can get pricey. Look for free light displays and other outdoor events, which can even outshine the ticketed attractions.

Where to go for New Year’s Eve in the US

When the clock ticks down to midnight, US cities celebrate with everything from iconic ball drops to beach parties and live music under the stars.

• New York City: Times Square is legendary for the ball drop and midnight countdown.

• Las Vegas: Fireworks and street parties transform the Strip into one giant celebration.

• Miami: Beachside parties last until sunrise with music and fireworks.

• New Orleans: Jazz, parades, and fireworks over the Mississippi bring Southern flair.

• Nashville: Live country music and a giant music note drop make for a unique celebration.

Top TIp:

In most major cities, the best NYE fireworks views are from across the river or on higher ground. Skip the main crush of the crowd and still catch the show.

Where is cheap to travel in December

Warm beaches, tempting street food, and epic adventures that don’t break the end-of-year budget.

December doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Some destinations combine low prices with warm weather and unique experiences, making them perfect for budget-friendly vacations.

India

India is a fantastic December escape for budget-conscious travelers.

• Goa buzzes with beach parties around Christmas and New Year’s.

• Rajasthan offers a mix of colorful cities, desert forts, and majestic palaces in comfortable winter weather.

Traveling between regions is affordable, and the diversity of experiences makes every dollar stretch further.

Foodie TIp:

Street food is both delicious and cheap, but stick to the busy stalls with long lines as that’s where the locals know it’s safe and tasty.

Thailand

Thailand is a December classic, offering tropical weather at wallet-friendly prices.

• Phuket and Koh Samui are perfect for lazy days on the beach

• Bangkok blends glittering temples with buzzing night markets and world-class street food.

Even in December’s high season, local street food, markets and island activities remain affordable and help stretch the budget without missing out.

Top Tip:

Skip the most crowded islands over the holidays and head to Koh Lanta or Koh Phangan: they’re cheaper, calmer, and just as beautiful.

The Philippines

The Philippines shines in December with turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and more than 7,000 islands to explore.

• Palawan offers some of the best island-hopping in the world, with hidden lagoons and dramatic limestone cliffs.

• Boracay is famous for its white-sand beaches and balances relaxed days in the sun with lively nightlife after dark.

Travel costs stay relatively low, making it one of the best-value tropical destinations for the season.

Travel Tip:

Flying between islands is faster and often cheaper than long ferry rides. Book domestic flights early for the smoothest connections.