If you’re dreaming of a December escape, I’ve got some amazing suggestions. These enchanting places to visit in December are perfect for wrapping up the year—whether you’re into snowy wonderlands, holiday festivities, or a warm-weather retreat to recharge.
Highlights:
- If you're after that classic Christmas vibe, you’ve got to experience Salzburg, Austria. I’ve wandered through Christmas markets there, soaked in the twinkling lights, and felt like I was in a holiday movie with its alpine charm.
- If you’re more of a sun seeker like me, Maui, Hawaii is the place to be. You can spend your days at the beach, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and just basking in the warmth.
- One of my favorite December trips was to New York City. It’s nothing short of magical—ice skating at Central Park, seeing the tree at Rockefeller Center, and checking out the festive window displays. You won’t believe how festive the city feels.
- If you’ve ever wanted to chase the Northern Lights, Tromsø, Norway or Fairbanks, Alaska are the places to go. I can’t even describe how breathtaking it is to see the lights dance across the sky. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.
- And if you’re craving that European charm, Quebec City, Canada is where it’s at. I’ve spent time there enjoying the winter fun, cozy cafés, and the gorgeous European feel that makes the holidays feel extra special.
Unique Places to Visit in December:
1. Porto, Portugal
Spending December and the holidays in Porto, Portugal will often lead to better deals than can be found any other time in the year, given that the weather is a bit chillier than average and the rainy season is in full swing. However, even though the weather isn’t pristine, there are still plenty of delightful attractions to enjoy, such as indoor ice skating for children and adults, Christmas performances in and out of theaters, and many restaurant and hotel deals that can’t be found at other times of the year. In Porto, despite the weather, there are always plenty of places to enjoy delicious local food and port wine.
2. Antwerp
Conveniently located less than one hour from Brussels, Antwerp is an exciting city with many attractions on offer for visitors. Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy the juxtaposition of historic old buildings in Medieval Antwerp alongside modern buildings like the Port House. If you love museums you have come to the right place – you can visit Rubens House, MAS Museum aan de Stroom and the wonderful Chocolate Nation Museum. Walking Antwerp is a great way to explore this vibrant city, and you can choose from several self-guided walking tours according to your interests. A few of the most popular include the Diamond District Walk or the Baroque Electrifies Walk.
3. Cortina D' Ampezzo, Italy
Nestled in the southern Alps of northern Italy, Cortina D' Ampezzo was built along the Boite River and has been entertaining Italian and international tourists for many years. Because it sits in a valley, Cortina D’ Ampezzo often has more mild temperatures than the surrounding areas, making it the ideal location when visiting the southern Alps. Cortina D’ Ampezzo is well known for its winter sports, and was even host to the Winter Olympics in 1956. Visitors to this town in December will enjoy festive markets, holiday celebrations, and unbridled access to world class skiing without the inconvenience of long travel times.
4. Costa Rica
As the rainy season typically comes to an end and the sun starts to shine more and more, visitors who find themselves in Costa Rica during the month of December will most likely be enjoying time on the beach or hiking in nature. Given the ideal weather, December is often one of the busiest times for Costa Rica, as most hotels are filled with tourists and many of the adventure packages will be booked up. For those guests who plan ahead and book many months in advance, visiting Costa Rica in December can lead to the perfect sunshine holiday that will keep them coming back time and time again.
Romantic Places to Visit in December:
5. Calistoga
It feels like Calistoga is created for relaxation. A small city in the Napa Valley in California, Calistoga is famous for two things: Fantastic wineries and healing hot springs and mud baths. The wineries are world class and one of several tours will take you through the orderly rows of vines to some fascinating wineries. One of the most scenic is located in Castello de Amorosa, a true medieval castle. While you are strolling through town, visit the Ca’toga Galleria dARte to see works by renowned Italian artist Carlo Marchiori. For a bit of history, take a hike through Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park and visit the well-preserved 1846 mill.
6. Fiji
Visitors to the Fiji Islands in December will be braving the wet season, but it is not without its rewards. The weather will oftentimes be rainy, but because it is not during the peak of tourist season, guests will often find accommodations to be less expensive, and booking for adventure trips, restaurants, and other attractions is much easier to achieve. Depending on which island is the primary destination, the weather may change in accordance with the stormward and leeward sides of the islands. The ocean at this time of year is frequently the ideal temperature for swimming, and if the sun is out it makes for a wonderful day at one of Fiji’s many beaches.
Family-friendly Places to Visit in December:
7. Germany
With thousands of Christkindlmarkt, or Christmas Markets, spread throughout the country, visitors to Germany in December would be hard pressed not to stumble across one of these markets while exploring whatever town they may be in. These markets are typically filled with open air vendors, food, spiced mulled wine, handcrafted toys, games, jewelry, trinkets, and clothing, as well as performances of traditional holiday songs. Some cities, like Berlin for instance, often have over 70 different markets scattered throughout the city going on at the same time. Guests still in Germany for New Years will be greeted with a display of fireworks, a tradition that is said to stem from the desire to scare away evil spirits before the new year begins.
8. Honolulu, USA
Hawaii, and specifically Honolulu, is one of those destinations that makes for an interesting December getaway. If you visit during the first three weeks of the month, you’ll experience a more relaxed atmosphere—far less crowded and much more affordable than the bustle of the final week, when the city fills up with tourists celebrating Christmas and New Year’s.
Although December is part of the rainy season in Honolulu, don’t let that scare you off. The warm, wet climate brings lush tropical flowers and vibrant plants to life. I’ve found that as long as you pack a light, breathable rain jacket, the occasional shower is more of a refreshing bonus than a drawback. Honolulu in December offers a tropical paradise—perfect for sunny beach days, occasional rain showers, and endless stargazing under clear skies.
9. Ibiza, Spain
Mild temperatures that may require a light jacket or sweater certainly do not keep tourists away from Ibiza, Spain , during the winter months. With a wide array of events happening throughout the month, some to celebrate Christmas, others to celebrate New Years, and some just for the fun of it, visitors to this island city will find more than enough entertainment to keep them busy during their stay. When the sun sets, there are many dance and nightclubs open to entertain you until the early morning hours, and many visitors may find the brisk weather more enjoyable after dancing the night away.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What holidays are celebrated in December?
- December is a month packed with holiday cheer! You’ll find celebrations like Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year's filling the calendar with joy.
- What weather is typically associated with December in the northern hemisphere?
- If you’re in the northern hemisphere like me, December usually means cooler weather, and there’s a good chance of snow if you’re lucky!
- Why are certain destinations popular in December?
- December is one of those months where specific destinations really shine. Whether it’s for holiday cheer or winter activities, many places offer something special during this time of year.
- Why do some places become popular in December?
- Some destinations get really popular in December because it’s one of the warmest months—perfect for sunny escapes, while others are known for being the snowiest, making them ideal for winter sports.
- What kind of December vacation are people looking for?
- In December, you might be dreaming of pristine ski slopes, sunny beaches with warm sand, or holiday celebrations that make the season extra special. The good news? You can find all of those—and maybe in a place you never expected!
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