December doesn't have to be snowflakes and sweaters. Sometimes it’s red rock lit by low winter sun, a warm porch in Florida, or music spilling into the streets of a Southern town. I went looking for places that felt like winter, just not the usual kind—places that slowed me down, surprised me, or made me forget what month it was entirely. These are the spots that stood out in the quiet stretch of the year. No sleigh bells required, just a little curiosity and a weekend bag.
Best Places to Visit in December:
Light and Stone in Page, Arizona
In December, Page felt like a secret. The crowds were gone, the air crisp but gentle, and the desert colors softened under the winter light. I drove into town with the windows cracked, red cliffs rising on both sides, the horizon stretched clean and wide. There was silence, but not emptiness—more like the land was waiting, patient and enormous. I pulled over at a lookout near Lake Powell and thought, “This is winter stripped to the bone—and it’s beautiful.”
Antelope Canyon was the reason I came, and it didn’t disappoint. I stepped into the slot canyon and everything changed—cool air, shifting light, sandstone walls curving like fabric in motion. The sun filtered down in golden shafts, and for a moment, the world narrowed to shape and color and stillness.
What I Loved Most: The quiet—so complete it echoed. Even the wind seemed to slow down inside those canyons.
My highlight? Dinner at Big John’s Texas BBQ, where I sat outside wrapped in a light jacket, the smell of mesquite smoke hanging thick in the air. I had the brisket plate—tender, smoky, cut with a plastic knife like it didn’t matter. It came with cornbread and baked beans, and the whole thing tasted like warmth and road dust. I sat with a paper plate, watching the sky fade pink behind the cliffs, thinking, “This might be the coziest meal I’ve had without a roof.”
Plan your December trip:
- Location: Northern Arizona, near the Utah border
- Vibe: Desert calm, awe-inspiring scale, off-season solitude
- Best For: Canyon tours, scenic drives, winter hiking
- Weather: Highs in the 40s–50s°F; chilly but dry
- Cost: Moderate; Antelope Canyon tours ~$60–100; meals ~$10–20
- Tip: Book tours early—even in winter, Antelope Canyon fills up fast
Front Porches and Football Echoes in Tuscaloosa
The stadium was quiet when I arrived. No roar, no band—just the shape of Bryant-Denny rising above the city like a reminder. In December, Tuscaloosa exhaled. The students had mostly gone home, the tailgate grills were packed away, and the city felt more like a town. I walked the University of Alabama’s campus under bare oaks, red brick buildings lit with low winter sun, and thought, “This place isn’t resting. It’s recharging.”
Downtown had a soft hum—holiday lights strung across lampposts, shops still open but never rushed. I drifted into the Civil Rights Trail, reading plaques and tracing stories I’d only skimmed before. Tuscaloosa had layers, and December peeled them back gently.
What I Loved Most: The way the stillness gave you room to hear the stories—on buildings, in museums, even in the silence of the quad.
My highlight? Brunch at Heritage House Coffee. I had the sweet potato biscuit sandwich—fluffy, warm, filled with eggs, cheese, and just enough spice to catch your attention. The café smelled like cinnamon and espresso, and I sat near the window, fog still on the glass, thinking, “This is the kind of town that knows when to slow down.”
Plan your December trip:
- Location: West-central Alabama
- Vibe: Collegiate calm, quiet pride, soft winter pace
- Best For: Architecture walks, Southern food, Civil Rights history
- Weather: Highs in the 50s°F, cool and comfortable
- Cost: Budget-friendly; meals ~$10–20
- Tip: Walk the riverfront park at sunset—it’s peaceful and beautifully lit in winter
Hilltops and Holiday Lights in Huntington, West Virginia
I arrived just as the town was lighting up. Huntington in December wasn’t flashy, but it had a warmth you could feel. Strings of lights stretched across downtown, kids clustered around hot cocoa stands, and the scent of pine from street-side wreaths drifted on the air. I wandered up and down 3rd Avenue, soft music leaking from open café doors, thinking, “This is the kind of cheer that doesn’t need a soundtrack—it’s already here.”
Ritter Park was quiet, but the trees wore their lights like jewelry. I walked beneath them as the sky dimmed, passing joggers in fleece and parents pushing strollers in mittens. There was a calm to it all—like the town knew winter’s secret wasn’t in the cold, but in how you warm up to it.
What I Loved Most: The low-key holiday joy—simple, sincere, and all around you.
My highlight? Dinner at Backyard Pizza and Raw Bar, where I ordered the wood-fired “Appalachian” pizza—smoked gouda, caramelized onions, and pork belly that melted under just a bit of char. It smelled like bonfire and spice. I sat near the oven’s glow, sipping hot cider and thinking, “This might be the coziest meal I’ve had all year.”
Plan your December trip:
- Location: Western West Virginia, along the Ohio River
- Vibe: Friendly, festive, neighborhood warm
- Best For: Small-town holiday charm, local eats, downtown strolls
- Weather: Highs in the 40s°F; coat weather, but not bitter
- Cost: Affordable; meals ~$10–25
- Tip: Check out the Winterfest events calendar—they add something new every year
Flavors and Flicker in Shreveport, Louisiana
The lights started early in Shreveport—stringed across rooftops, wound around fences, reflected in the Red River. But it wasn’t just about the holidays. There was something warm here in December that went deeper: smoky food, soul music echoing down the sidewalk, murals glowing under streetlights. “This place feels lit from within,” I thought, walking past the old Strand Theatre’s glowing marquee.
I ducked into a downtown gallery, then wandered toward the riverfront. Even in winter, the city had pulse. Neon signs blinked, jazz spilled from a side door, and the food smelled like pepper and something slow-cooked. Shreveport knew how to gather people, even on a cold night.
What I Loved Most: That mixture of grit and celebration—you could feel the city’s stories beneath your feet.
My highlight? Dinner at Orlandeaux’s Café, where I had a bowl of shrimp gumbo—rich, smoky, spicy enough to warm your whole chest. The roux was dark and deep, the shrimp plump and fresh. I sat near a window watching lights flicker across the river, thinking, “Winter isn’t cold when dinner tastes like this.”
Plan your December trip:
- Location: Northwest Louisiana
- Vibe: Lively, soulful, festive with heart
- Best For: Food lovers, live music fans, light displays
- Weather: Mild; highs in the 50s–60s°F
- Cost: Moderate; meals ~$15–30
- Tip: Don’t miss the Christmas in Roseland light display at the American Rose Center—it’s stunning
Golden Light and Quiet Trails in Martinez, California
The hills rolled soft and gold as I pulled into Martinez, the kind of California light that looks like it’s been filtered through honey. In December, the air was cool but not cold, crisp enough for a jacket, gentle enough for wide open windows. The town felt tucked into itself—historic, a little hidden, and proud of it. I walked past old storefronts and iron balconies downtown and thought, “This place doesn’t announce itself—it invites you in slowly.”
At the waterfront, I followed a path beside the Carquinez Strait, the sun low and glowing behind tugboats and cranes. John Muir’s home stood nearby, wrapped in tall trees and the kind of stillness you can only hear when everything else fades. Martinez had the feeling of a place you could settle into for a while, even if you didn’t mean to.
What I Loved Most: The golden hour that seemed to last all afternoon—and the way the landscape asked you to keep looking just a little longer.
My highlight? Breakfast at Copper Skillet Courtyard, where I ordered the corned beef hash and eggs—crispy edges, soft center, served with sourdough toast and jam made by someone local. The whole place smelled like coffee and nostalgia. I sat near the heater on the patio, light on my shoulders, thinking, “This is how you ease into winter in California.”
Plan your December trip:
- Location: East Bay, northern California
- Vibe: Historic, mellow, nature-wrapped
- Best For: Trail walks, quiet town days, history buffs
- Weather: Highs in the 50s–60s°F; chilly mornings, sunny afternoons
- Cost: Budget-friendly; meals ~$10–20
- Tip: Visit John Muir’s home in the late afternoon—the light and shadows make it feel especially cinematic
Moss and Market Strolls in Brooksville, Florida
The oaks in Brooksville wore Spanish moss like scarves, soft and swaying in the warm breeze. December here didn’t feel like winter—it felt like a slower autumn that had decided to stick around. I walked through downtown just as the antique shops were opening, their doors creaking and wreaths rustling as people stepped inside. “This is Florida without the beaches,” I thought. “And it’s kind of perfect.”
There was history tucked into every corner—Victorian homes, wraparound porches, and old citrus crates turned into café stools. The walking trails through Chinsegut Hill offered a wide view of the forest, and the breeze carried a scent of pine and orange peel. I didn’t feel like I was visiting a destination—I felt like I’d wandered into someone’s hometown, and they didn’t mind me being there.
What I Loved Most: The quiet holiday charm—wreaths on lamp posts, jazz playing softly from shop windows, and a pace that felt like the opposite of December rush.
My highlight? Lunch at Main Street Eatery, where I had the chicken salad croissant—flaky, buttery, with sweet grapes tucked into the filling. It came with a side of pasta salad and a slice of homemade banana bread. Everything smelled like someone’s kitchen, and I sat under a ceiling fan thinking, “This is how winter feels when it doesn’t need to prove anything.”
Plan your December trip:
- Location: Central Florida, north of Tampa
- Vibe: Small-town Southern, historic, unhurried
- Best For: Antiquing, gentle weather, quiet reflection
- Weather: Highs in the 60s–70s°F; mild and pleasant
- Cost: Affordable; meals ~$10–20
- Tip: Stop by the monthly farmers market if your timing’s right—it’s full of crafts, baked goods, and friendly hellos
Warm Wind and Island Light in Puerto Rico
Stepping off the plane in San Juan, I felt it instantly—humidity, yes, but also joy. Puerto Rico in December is all rhythm: coquí frogs chirping at dusk, waves rolling into cobblestone coves, music trailing down alleys lit with holiday lanterns. The sun hit the pastel walls of Old San Juan and I thought, “This is December without the hurry—just color, sound, and sun.”
I wandered through the narrow streets past bright buildings and into history: forts, plazas, doorways framed in bougainvillea. The holidays here are long and full of celebration—parrandas, lights, roast pork, and laughter in every corner. It didn’t feel like a vacation. It felt like I’d been invited to a party that had already started, and everyone was happy I’d arrived late.
What I Loved Most: The island’s rhythm—joyful, unfiltered, and deeply rooted.
My highlight? Dinner at Cocina Abierta, a modern Puerto Rican restaurant tucked into Condado. I had the mofongo—mashed plantains, garlicky and rich, topped with shrimp in a sofrito that smelled like tomatoes and sweet pepper. Each bite felt both familiar and brand new. I sat under soft lights, ocean air at my back, thinking, “This is what warmth tastes like in December.”
Plan your December trip:
- Location: San Juan and surrounding areas
- Vibe: Tropical, vibrant, welcoming
- Best For: Holiday festivals, beach breaks, cultural immersion
- Weather: Highs in the 80s°F; warm and humid
- Cost: Moderate; meals ~$15–35; no passport needed for U.S. travelers
- Tip: Try to catch a local holiday market or a parranda—they’re unforgettable
Brick Walks and Southern Ease in Auburn, Alabama
Auburn felt like a memory before I even parked the car—brick streets, tall trees, a college town winding down for winter break. December gave it breathing room. I strolled through Toomer’s Corner, past shops still dressed for the holidays, the air cool and clean. Students had mostly gone home, and what was left felt calm and deeply local. “This town knows how to rest without sleeping,” I thought as I wandered past Samford Hall’s clock tower chiming into the quiet afternoon.
Even the football energy had softened, like it had given way to peppermint bark and coffee. I browsed the indie bookstore on Magnolia Avenue and sat with hot tea in a sunlit café while a slow playlist drifted through the air. Auburn moved gently in December—and it let you do the same.
What I Loved Most: That cozy, lived-in feel—like staying in someone else’s small town, where everyone already knows where the good soup is.
My highlight? Dinner at The Hound, where I had a bourbon-glazed pork chop with roasted root vegetables and grits so creamy they didn’t seem real. The smell of rosemary and seared meat hung in the air. I sat in a leather booth under warm lighting and thought, “This is comfort food with purpose—and maybe a little magic.”
Plan your December trip:
- Location: East-central Alabama
- Vibe: Southern charm, college-town quiet, holiday glow
- Best For: Slow weekends, good food, warm hospitality
- Weather: Highs in the 50s–60s°F; cool and pleasant
- Cost: Affordable; meals ~$15–25
- Tip: Visit the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art for a warm, quiet hour indoors
Sun, surf, and spirit in Honolulu
The moment the door of the plane opened, I knew: this was going to be a different kind of December. Honolulu smelled like salt and flowers and warm pavement just kissed by rain. The breeze was soft. The sun was steady. Waikiki shimmered in the distance as I walked along the shoreline, bare feet pressing into the sand, and thought, “This isn’t a break from winter—it’s a complete rewrite.”
I hiked Diamond Head in the morning, ocean light pouring over the trail, and swam at Kaimana Beach in the afternoon. All around me, the world felt both awake and relaxed—holiday music played in open-air markets, surfboards leaned casually outside cafés. There was no urgency. Just sunlight, turquoise waves, and time.
What I Loved Most: The way December disappeared here—not erased, just replaced with something slower, brighter, softer.
My highlight? Lunch at Helena’s Hawaiian Food, where I had kalua pork, lomi salmon, and pipikaula short ribs that tasted like smoke and sweet earth. The pork was tender, the rice perfectly sticky. The room was warm and smelled like history. I sat with a full plate and a quiet mind, thinking, “This might be the calmest holiday season I’ve ever had.”
Plan your December trip:
- Location: Honolulu, O?ahu, Hawai?i
- Vibe: Tropical, laid-back, blissfully detached from the mainland rush
- Best For: Warmth, swimming, hiking, recharging at a slower pace
- Weather: Highs in the low 80s°F; warm, breezy, occasional showers
- Cost: Higher-end; meals ~$15–40; hotel ~$250+ per night
- Tip: Book a sunset sail—it’s peaceful, unforgettable, and the best view of Diamond Head you’ll ever get
December, Rewritten
This month is supposed to be about endings, but it didn’t feel that way. December, I realized, isn’t just cold and pine-scented—it’s also golden hills, coastal wind, and warm bowls of gumbo on quiet streets. Every place I visited offered a different kind of closing note: stillness in the desert, light on the ocean, or the soft murmur of a college town catching its breath. It wasn’t about avoiding winter. It was about seeing what else it could be. And sometimes, that shift in rhythm—that quiet, surprising moment—is the very best gift of the season.
Next read: Christmas Vacation Ideas
Sydney: Long Walks, and a Room to Come Back To
“I don’t need to see everything,” I told myself on day two, somewhere between a ferry ride and a café table in Surry Hills. Sydney moved quickly—buses, boats, commuters in pressed shirts—but it never felt like it was leaving me behind. It gave me just enough space to move at my own pace. That was the gift of staying at 57 Hotel: knowing the city would be there when I came back, and I didn’t have to chase it.
What I Loved Most: Sitting by the window in my room at night, the skyline blinking through sheer curtains while the city breathed below me.
My highlights? I walked from Surry Hills to Circular Quay, cutting through Hyde Park, past sandstone buildings and jacarandas dropping purple petals onto the sidewalk. The Sydney Opera House felt smaller than I imagined, but no less graceful. At a café in The Rocks, I had sourdough toast with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and lemon oil—bright, creamy, a little peppery. The air smelled like eucalyptus and sea salt. Later, I rode the ferry to Manly just to feel the breeze. That night, back at 57 Hotel, I closed the blackout curtains and let the quiet wrap around me. Everything I needed was already done.
Plan your visit:
- Location: Sydney, based in Surry Hills at 57 Hotel
- Vibe: Coastal city meets everyday rhythm
- Best For: Solo travelers, walkers, first-time visitors looking for balance
- Don’t Miss: The Rocks, Circular Quay ferry ride, café mornings in Surry Hills, evening quiet at 57 Hotel
- When to Go: Spring or fall for mild temperatures and soft golden light
Jump to a Spot...
- • Light and Stone in Page, Arizona
- • Front Porches and Football Echoes in Tuscaloosa
- • Hilltops and Holiday Lights in Huntington, West Virginia
- • Flavors and Flicker in Shreveport, Louisiana
- • Golden Light and Quiet Trails in Martinez, California
- • Moss and Market Strolls in Brooksville, Florida
- • Warm Wind and Island Light in Puerto Rico
- • Brick Walks and Southern Ease in Auburn, Alabama
- • Sun, surf, and spirit in Honolulu
- • Sydney: Long Walks, and a Room to Come Back To