There’s something about December that invites us to pause—to reset before the year turns over, to seek warmth or wonder, stillness or celebration. Whether it’s snow falling on quiet mountain towns or ocean waves washing away the rush of months past, this is a time to choose places that meet you where you are.
When I traveled in December, I wasn’t chasing the typical. I wanted something that felt like an exhale—an old city glowing with festive light, a tropical cove without the crowds, a snowy trail that led to nowhere but quiet. I learned that this month is a gift, if we use it well.
These destinations offered me something special: space to breathe, beauty to marvel at, and meals that nourished both hunger and heart. Whether you’re craving misty mornings in Porto, reef dives in Fiji, or snowy escapes like Telluride or Sun Valley, there’s a corner of the world in December that’s ready to welcome you.
Best Places to Visit in December:
Sipping warmth and wonder in Porto, Portugal
Porto wrapped me in old-world magic the moment I arrived. Narrow cobblestone lanes led to quiet corners filled with music and tiled walls glinting in the low December sun. As I sipped tawny port by the Douro River, watching boats drift past, I thought, “Some places feel like a secret worth keeping.”
What I Loved Most: Wandering the Ribeira district under twinkling lights, ducking into bookstores and cozy wine bars as the air cooled.
My highlights? Dinner at Taberna dos Mercadores, tucked away near the river. I had grilled octopus with olive oil and potatoes, paired with a local red. Every bite tasted like the sea and fire.
Plan your vacation:
- Why December Works: Fewer tourists, crisp air, festive lights, and port tastings by the fire
- Top Experiences: Livraria Lello, São Bento Station, wine caves in Vila Nova de Gaia
- Weather: 45–60°F (chilly, damp, romantic)
- What to Pack: Warm layers, waterproof shoes, and something stylish for long dinners
- Getting There: Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO)
Soaking in Southern charm in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston in December surprised me—it was gentle and golden, with just enough chill to justify coffee strolls and carriage rides. Gas lanterns flickered along cobbled alleys, and wreaths hung from pastel-colored porches. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of winter warmth you feel in your bones, not your coat.”
What I Loved Most: Watching the sun set from Waterfront Park, the breeze just brisk enough to feel seasonal without rushing you indoors.
My highlights? Brunch at Poogan’s Porch—buttermilk fried chicken on a biscuit with honey butter and a side of creamy grits. Southern comfort on a Charleston veranda.
Plan your vacation:
- Why December Works: Holiday lights, historic homes decked out, cool days perfect for walking
- Top Experiences: Rainbow Row, Boone Hall Plantation, Charleston City Market
- Weather: 50–65°F and mostly sunny
- What to Pack: Layers, walking shoes, and something festive for rooftop cocktails
- Getting There: Charleston International Airport (CHS)
Snow-globe stillness in Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley in December felt like stepping into a winter postcard. The snow was soft and deep, pine trees heavy with white, and the town glowed with golden light. After a morning on the slopes, I sat fireside with a mug of mulled wine and thought, “I’ve never been this cold and this content at the same time.”
What I Loved Most: Skiing Bald Mountain, then strolling through downtown Ketchum, where holiday lights flickered off icicles hanging from rooftops.
My highlights? Dinner at Enoteca—a wood-fired pizza topped with prosciutto and arugula, shared with locals and warmed by good wine and better company.
Plan your vacation:
- Why December Works: Perfect ski conditions, festive town energy, fewer crowds than other mountain resorts
- Top Experiences: Baldy Mountain skiing, Nordic trails, hot springs nearby
- Weather: 10–35°F, snow-covered and crisp
- What to Pack: Ski gear, warm layers, snow boots
- Getting There: Fly into Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN)
Rainforest magic and golden light in Costa Rica
Costa Rica in December felt like everything waking up at once—lush, warm, humming with life. I walked through the cloud forest as mist dripped from the leaves, the air heavy with orchids and birdsong. Somewhere on that trail, I whispered to myself, “This is how it feels to breathe fully.”
What I Loved Most: Floating down the Río Celeste and watching the water shift from blue to turquoise like a spell cast by the jungle itself.
My highlights? A seaside dinner at El Avión in Manuel Antonio. I had grilled mahi-mahi with passion fruit sauce and coconut rice. As monkeys chattered in the nearby trees, the ocean turned pink beneath the sunset.
Plan your vacation:
- Why December Works: Dry season begins, vibrant landscapes, warm but not stifling
- Top Experiences: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Manuel Antonio beaches
- Weather: 70–85°F depending on region
- What to Pack: Lightweight clothes, bug spray, hiking sandals, and a waterproof layer
- Getting There: Fly into San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR)
Romantic Places to Visit in December:
Hot springs and quiet skies in Calistoga, California
There was something deeply restorative about Calistoga in December. Steam rose from geothermal pools while vineyards stretched out in winter stillness. I sunk into a mud bath and let the silence soak in, thinking, “This isn’t just relaxing—this is repair.”
What I Loved Most: Driving Silverado Trail under soft, gray skies with barely another car in sight. The world felt slower in the best way.
My highlights? A candlelit dinner at SAMs Social Club—braised short ribs over polenta, paired with a peppery local Zinfandel. Earthy, warm, and grounding.
Plan your vacation:
- Why December Works: Off-season quiet, spa specials, cozy wine tastings
- Top Experiences: Hot springs, mud baths, wine caves, Petrified Forest
- Weather: 40–60°F, occasional rain, misty mornings
- What to Pack: Sweaters, boots, and something soft for the spa
- Getting There: About 2 hours from San Francisco by car
Island ease and December sunshine in Fiji
In Fiji, time felt like something you could hold in your hands—slow, soft, and warm. I watched the sunrise from a hammock, toes brushing the sand, and thought, “This is the life people write songs about.”
What I Loved Most: Snorkeling above coral gardens so colorful and alive it felt like drifting through a kaleidoscope.
My highlights? A beachside dinner at Lomani Island Resort—fresh-caught reef fish with taro mash and lime. Served under palm trees with waves lapping just feet away, it was simplicity at its most beautiful.
Plan your vacation:
- Why December Works: Beginning of the wet season means fewer crowds and lush green scenery
- Top Experiences: Snorkeling, waterfall hikes, village visits, sunset cruises
- Weather: 75–85°F, humid with afternoon showers
- What to Pack: Lightweight clothes, swimwear, sun protection, and flip-flops
- Getting There: Fly into Nadi International Airport (NAN)
Family-friendly Places to Visit in December:
Snow-dusted charm and mountain stillness in Telluride
Telluride in December felt like walking into a snow globe where everything sparkled just a little more. The box canyon framed it all—peaks, pines, and powdery trails—and I stood at the top of the gondola, whispering, “This is the kind of beauty that leaves you quiet.”
What I Loved Most: Strolling the old mining town streets as snowflakes drifted down, the smell of woodsmoke and pine following me everywhere.
My highlights? Dinner at 221 South Oak—elk tenderloin with truffle mash and huckleberry glaze. Rich, soulful, and earned after a full day on the mountain.
Plan your vacation:
- Why December Works: Peak ski season, festive atmosphere, cozy downtown vibes
- Top Experiences: Skiing, the free gondola ride, Telluride’s Historic District
- Weather: 10–30°F and snowy
- What to Pack: Ski gear, winter coat, and après-ski layers
- Getting There: Fly into Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), ~1.5 hours away
Salty breeze and island time in Key West
I arrived in Key West just as the sun was starting to dip low, casting gold on conch-style homes and lazy bicycles. December here felt like cheating winter. As I leaned on the edge of Mallory Square at sunset, I thought, “This is the softest goodbye to the year I could’ve asked for.”
What I Loved Most: Wandering through Old Town, from Hemingway’s house to palm-lined lanes filled with roosters and rum punch.
My highlights? A sunset dinner at Latitudes on Sunset Key—pan-seared grouper with key lime beurre blanc, toes in the sand, and stars overhead.
Plan your vacation:
- Why December Works: Dry season begins, tropical without the summer heat
- Top Experiences: Duval Street, snorkeling tours, sunset celebrations at Mallory Square
- Weather: 70–80°F, breezy and bright
- What to Pack: Linen, flip-flops, a light sweater for nights
- Getting There: Key West International Airport (EYW)
Sun, surf, and spirit in Honolulu
Honolulu in December was sun-soaked and sweet. I watched surfers carve into waves off Waikiki, palms swaying behind them, and the scent of plumeria in the air. Somewhere between hike and hammock, I thought, “There’s no better time to feel this free.”
What I Loved Most: Hiking Diamond Head early in the morning, then cooling off with a pineapple shave ice on the beach.
My highlights? Dinner at MW Restaurant—miso butterfish with pickled vegetables and rice. Bright, balanced, and deeply Hawaiian.
Plan your vacation:
- Why December Works: Warm holiday escape, surf season, pre-peak pricing
- Top Experiences: Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor Memorial
- Weather: 70–85°F, occasional showers
- What to Pack: Swimwear, sandals, aloha shirts, and sunscreen
- Getting There: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
Off-season serenity in Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza in December was something entirely different. Gone were the crowds and clubs—what remained was quiet coves, citrus trees, and sun-drenched stone towns. As I stood on a cliff above Cala d’Hort, wind in my hair, I thought, “This island has more than one rhythm—it has a soul.”
What I Loved Most: Morning walks through Dalt Vila, where the old city walls glowed amber under a winter sun.
My highlights? Lunch at La Paloma in the countryside—homemade focaccia with burrata, olive tapenade, and roasted vegetables. Pure, seasonal, and so much heart in every bite.
Plan your vacation:
- Why December Works: Peaceful, reflective, with mild weather and holiday charm
- Top Experiences: Dalt Vila, local markets, quiet beaches, hikes in Es Amunts
- Weather: 55–65°F, sunny with cooler nights
- What to Pack: Layers, walking shoes, and a scarf for evenings
- Getting There: Ibiza Airport (IBZ), with winter connections via Barcelona or Madrid
Wrapping Up Your December Escape
December travel doesn’t have to be about holiday crowds or packed itineraries. It can be about rediscovery—of nature, of joy, of stillness. The places we choose this time of year shape how we leave one chapter and step into the next.
So whether you're dreaming of key lime pie by the sea, street art in San Juan, or steaming spa pools in Calistoga, choose what feels like peace. Choose what feels like you.
And if you're already thinking ahead to the new year, here are a few more guides to inspire your next journey:
- Places to Visit in January
- Places to Travel in February
- Best Time to Visit Orlando, FL
- Best Time to Visit San Diego, CA
Wherever you go this December—go gently, go warmly, and let the season surprise you.