December may be the busiest time of year, but it’s also a great time to plan your getaway. Whether you’re looking for a warm-weather holiday or a snowy getaway, there are plenty of destinations around the world to suit your needs. Ready for one last trip before the new year? Here’s our list of the best places to travel in December.
1. Lapland, Finland
Average temperature: -6°C/21°F
Season: Winter
Why go in December? Snow activities and the Northern Lights
A trip to Finnish Lapland in December is a winter adventure. You can experience a range of outdoor activities, from skiing and reindeer safaris to cross-country skiing and snowboarding. The chance to see the Aurora Borealis is a once-in-a-lifetime highlight, and cozy wooden cabins, warmed by crackling fireplaces, offer the perfect retreat after long days outdoors. Enjoy the Finnish tradition of a sauna, followed by a snow roll, and savor delicious local cuisine, including dishes like leip, juusto (cheese bread), and smoked salmon.
2. Vienna, Austria
Average temperature: 2°C/36°F
Season: Winter
Why go in December? Holiday markets and classical music
Next on our list of the best places to travel in December is Vienna. The Austrian capital transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays, with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The city’s famous Christmas markets, such as the one in front of the Rathaus (Jewish House), offer handcrafted goods, hot drinks, and delicious pastries. Classical music fills the air, making it a great time to catch a concert or opera. Don’t miss the impressive Belvedere Palace, home to an amazing art collection (and Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss”), and enjoy a cup of rich Viennese hot chocolate.
3. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Average temperature: 27°C/81°F.
Season: Dry. Why go in December? New Year’s Eve at the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
December marks the start of the dry season in Kuala Lumpur (KL to locals), making it a great time to visit. The Malaysian capital celebrates the holidays with colorful decorations, twinkling lights, and festive dishes. Visit Petaling Street to see the food stalls, holiday shopping, and some of the city’s most famous restaurants. Take a day trip to the Batu Caves and climb the 272 rainbow-colored steps to the temple cave. And enjoy watching the iconic Petronas Towers on New Year’s Eve, illuminated by a dazzling fireworks display.
4. Phuket, Thailand
Average temperature: 28°C/82°F
Season: Dry
Why go in December? History, culture, and island hopping
Next on our list of the best places to travel in December is Phuket. December brings clear skies and warm weather—perfect conditions for exploring Thailand’s largest island. Visit picture-perfect beaches like Patong and Kata and explore limestone caves and emerald waters on a longtail boat tour. Highlights include Bangla Road, Phuket Old Town, and the 45-meter-tall Big Buddha statue overlooking the island. Foodies will enjoy street staples at Naka Weekend Market such as Pad Thai, Som Tam (papaya salad), and satay.
5. Strasbourg, France
Average temperature: 2.5°C/36.5°F
Season: Winter
Why go in December? Holiday magic at Europe’s first New Year’s market
Strasbourg truly feels like a fairytale in December. Home to Europe’s first Christmas market, the UNESCO-listed Île Grande Île brings the city holiday magic. Wander among the 300 chalet-style market stalls, some 400 years old, and stop for hot drinks and brandels (Christmas cookies) along the way. Other attractions to add to your itinerary include Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Palais Rohan, and Petit-France. Take a boat tour or explore the Alsace capital on foot, but be sure to pack—December is Strasbourg’s snowiest month.
6. The Bahamas
Average temperature: 23°C/73°F
Season: Winter
Why go in December? Beach vibes and Junkanoo celebrations
The Bahamas is one of the best places to travel if you’re looking for guaranteed winter sun. December marks the start of the dry season, with mild temperatures, abundant sunshine, and pristine beaches. Spend your days swimming, snorkeling, and diving at one of the many picture-perfect beaches (Keeppel Beach and Pink Sands Beach are favorites), or head to Exomas to see the famous swimming pigs. Join the Junkanoo celebrations, which celebrate Bahamian culture through parades, costumes, and music on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Average temperature: 2°C/36°F
Season: Winter
Why go in December? Stunning architecture and traditional New Year’s markets
Traveling to Prague in December is a magical experience. The Czech capital is already one of the most beautiful cities you can visit in the world, and it goes all out during the holidays. Its Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture is adorned with twinkling lights, and snow blankets landmarks like the Astronomical Clock, Prague Castle, and Charles Bridge. Be sure to explore the city’s enchanting Christmas markets, such as the one in the Old Town Square, with their traditional crafts, warming drinks, and delicious Czech pastries.
8. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Average temperature: 22°C/72°F.
Season: Dry.
Why go in December? Sunny skies and the world’s largest fireworks display.
December is one of the best times of year to visit the most glamorous city in the Middle East. Dubai’s scorching temperatures typically cool down in December, making it a great time to explore all the city has to offer. It’s home to the world’s tallest building, the largest shopping mall (including an indoor ski slope), the longest urban zip line, and the deepest diving pool. Must-see attractions include Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, The Dubai Fountain, Madinat Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, the Old Souk, Dubai Creek, and the Dubai Frame. Don’t miss New Year’s Eve when the world’s largest fireworks display lights up the Dubai skyline.
9. Kerala, India
Average temperature: 25°C/77°F
Season: Winter
Why go in December? Lush landscapes after the monsoon season
If you’re looking for a lush tropical paradise, look no further than Kerala. In December, Kerala enters its dry season, with cooler temperatures and less rainfall. It’s the perfect time to explore the stunning natural beauty of this Indian state. From misty hill stations like Munnar to pristine beaches in Varkala, Kerala’s layered landscapes promise a truly epic journey. Visit enchanting backwaters with palm-fringed canals, boats, and villages; trek through the spice- and tea-covered Western Ghats; and explore nearly 600 kilometers of magnificent Arabian Sea coastline.
10. Queenstown, New Zealand
Average temperature: 15°C/59°F
Season: Summer
Why go in December? Long, sunny days for outdoor adventures
The final stop on our list of the best places to travel in December is Queenstown, New Zealand. Dubbed the “Adventure Capital of the World,” Queenstown is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. December marks the start of summer, making it the perfect time for thrilling adventures like bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, and skydiving. Looking for something safer? Take a stroll along the Queenstown Hill Walk, a local favorite for its stunning views of the city, Lake Wakatipu, and the Southern Alps.
Frequently asked questions for travelers about December destinations
Is Lapland worth visiting in December?
Absolutely. December is the perfect time to visit Lapland, as snow covers the landscape and activities such as dog sledding and seeing the Northern Lights are available, in addition to visiting the famous Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.
When do the Christmas markets in Vienna usually open?
Vienna’s charming markets, such as Schönbrunn and Rathausplatz, usually start in mid-November and continue until the end of December, and some even extend into early January.
Is traveling in December difficult due to traffic? And should extra time be spent planning?
Yes, December is peak season in many regions, especially in Europe and the Middle East. Therefore, it’s advisable to allow extra time when traveling to account for airport congestion or delays caused by weather conditions.
Are the suggested destinations suitable for families during this time?
Absolutely. Whether you prefer the festive atmosphere of Austrian markets or the tropical ambiance of Malaysia, December offers a variety of options to suit all members of the family.
How can these destinations compare in terms of festive atmosphere?
These destinations combine the charm of the Christmas markets in Vienna and Strasbourg with the sun-drenched beaches of Kerala and the Bahamas. Europe sparkles with lights and events, while the tropical destinations offer a different kind of festive experience on the beach.