10 Places to Visit in December
During my travels over the past four decades, I’ve been continually amazed by how diverse the experiences can be depending on where you go in December. You can go to a cozy ski lodge in the Rockies, enjoy dazzling Christmas lights displays in a city, indulge in a warm desert escape, or even hop over to a tropical island. This is exactly why I decided to share my favorite things in in the winter, including December, January and February, so that you can use my guides as an inspiration to plan your own vacation.
So which one do you choose? A lot depends on what you like to see, how long you have to complete your trip and the budget...
Page, Arizona
Looking for an affordable winter escape with plenty of sunshine? We loved visiting this desert town in Arizona during its annual Holiday Parade in December.
I have to admit that before our trip, I only knew about the iconic Antelope Canyon. You can see it on a Navajo guided tour with a local guide. But there was a lot more to Page, especially the dining scene.
I thought it was fantastic that there's so much great dining to choose from. There's Southwestern-inspired Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge and State 48 Tavern. Or you can go for casual local favorites like Big John’s Texas BBQ (no reservations...first come, first served!), where you can dine outside on the patio (it reminded me of our home in Texas). For breakfast, stop by BirdHouse for comfort food. Ranch House Grille was my favorite for a hearty family diner.
Also while in Page, don't miss the iconic panoramic view of the Colorado River at Horseshoe Bend, and visit the massive Lake Powell.
- Average December temperature: 45°F – 61°F (7°C – 16°C)
What I loved best:
Page Community Center is a local secret. It transforms into a festive hub with gingerbread houses, photo ops with Santa, and performances by local carolers.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Since we've moved to the South, we've had time to explore different cities in Alabama. Once of my favorites in December to visit is Tuscaloosa. Why? You'll find heaps of light displays, music, and even holiday parades.
In fact, December here felt like stepping into a Christmas story. Don't miss the annual Holidays on the Plaza celebration. You can watch the riverfront come alive with ice skating, decorations, and fun seasonal cheer all around.
Throughout December (and into January actually), downtown T-Town really shines. We loved the Tinsel Trail at Government Plaza where you can admire dozens of creatively decorated Christmas trees.
- Average December temperature: 39°F – 59°F (4°C – 15°C)
A downside? I have to warn you, though, that parking can be a challenge in December!
Martinez, California
Visiting the Bay Area in December is always a fun vacation idea. I highly recommend Martinez because it's calm and cozy. It's a low-key winter but you have the option to hop to busier Bay Area destinations. Martinez was a unique winter weekend getaway from San Francisco!
For me, Downtown and the waterfront in Martinez are must-sees. Downtown feels especially inviting this time of year, with small shops, cafés, and restaurants ready to welcome you. Museums and historic buildings downtown are ideal stops to stay warm while learning about the area’s past.
The John Muir National Historic Site is worth visiting year-round. I think that the cooler temperatures actually make walking around the grounds more comfortable.
What about festive events? There's the Martinez Holiday Frolic and tree-lighting, full of holiday spirit.
- Average temperature: 44°F – 59°F (7°C – 15°C)
What I loved best:
Waterfront walks with views of the Carquinez Bridge were my favorite highlight.
One negative I need to tell you about is that days are definitely short in December. On our winter visit, we found that starting with a morning walk, a museum stop, and a long dinner made for a really pleasant day.
Brooksville, Florida
In December, you really can't go wrong with a trip to Florida. One challenge is finding an off-the-beaten path destination this month. For this reason, Brooksville quickly became one of my favorite December places to visit! The weather was pleasantly mild and sunny, with daytime highs in the 70s. In addition, instead of crowded beaches, we discovered peaceful parks, hiking trails shaded by Spanish moss, and Old Florida vibes.
Visiting in December was absolutely perfect because it meant less humidity, smaller crowds, and heaps of holiday decorations in town. You'll find festive events like the Brooksville Christmas Parade and the annual Christmas on Main Tree Lighting downtown.
Under an hour's drive from Tampa, I enjoyed Brooksville’s antiques on Main Street, exploring the historic courthouse square, and enjoyed the scenic drive itself getting there and back.
- Average temperature: 52°F – 73°F (11°C – 23°C)
What I loved best:
Going for a stroll through Tom Varn Park, then unwinding with Southern comfort food at a cozy local restaurant.
Auburn, Alabama
With a population of approximately 80,000, Auburn is only a bit smaller than Tuscaloosa. Another thing both cities have in common is a large student population: 38,000 students at The University of Alabama (UA) in Tuscaloosa, vs 35,000 students at Auburn University.
We found plenty of Southern hospitality in both places. In fact, you can easily visit both cities in the same long weekend since they are less than three hours apart. We did so and I instantly thought our road trip was worth it!
We loved all the seasonal events in December. You can enjoy the Auburn Christmas Parade, and festive concerts at the university’s Gogue Performing Arts Center. Strolling through Toomer’s Corner lit up for the holidays and wandering among the boutique shops downtown had that “winter village” feeling, Southern-style.
We stayed for at The Laurel Hotel & Spa for two days (The only AAA Five Diamond hotel winner in Alabama so you can trust it's a quality place!).
We capped our evenings with live music and hearty Southern meals downtown. Just like Tuscaloosa, we loved that Auburn is such a cool destination for foodies! Food options range from refined Southern dining at The Depot (you'll find it in a restored 19th-century train station), to modern American fare at Acre, where locally sourced ingredients really shine. For casual dining, we loved breakfast at The Hound for hearty comfort food.
- Average temperature: 39°F – 59°F (4°C – 15°C)
What I loved best:
I loved Byron’s Smokehouse for classic Alabama BBQ! (I thought it's as good as in Texas where we live.)
Boise and Idaho Potato Drop
We had such an amazing time in the Mountain West during the holiday season, which begins in late November and carries on right through December and a few days into January. If you’re looking for a New Year's Eve celebration that’s truly unique, check out this Idaho gem. The Idaho Potato Drop in downtown Boise is super fun for the whole family and it’s easily one of the most original New Year’s traditions I've ever been part of.
Each year, thousands of people gather in front of the Idaho State Capitol to watch a giant illuminated potato descend from the sky at midnight. I absolutely loved this Idaho tongue-in-cheek twist on the New York's Times Square ball drop.
You can also visit events like the Winter Garden a Glow at the Idaho Botanical Garden, where over half a million lights turn the gardens into a wonderland with lights at night.
We flew into Boise Airport and stayed for four care-free days in an Airbnb. We skated at The Village at Meridian, sipped spiced cider downtown, wandered through Julia Davis Park (be sure to dress warmly!), and ended with a cozy evening performance of The Nutcracker by Ballet Idaho.
- Average temperature: 26°F – 41°F (-3°C – 5°C)
What I loved best:
Stopping by the Capital City Public Market’s holiday edition for local crafts.
Maui
When Chris and I lived in Hawaii for six years, this was my absolute favorite Hawaiian island to travel to in December. The Big Island may be my favorite island to live, but Maui truly does the holidays well.
I found Napili Kai Beach Resort ($460/night) to be a hidden gem with a great beach for our son, comfy accommodations, and super friendly staff. Their Sea House Restaurant restaurant serves amazing dishes that are reasonably priced.
- Average temperature: 65°F – 82°F (18°C – 28°C)
What I loved best:
Watching the whales arrive from their long journey from Alaska to Hawaii in December (see my photos) is the most beautiful thing!
Puerto Rico
Love the idea of Maui but want a more affordable island to visit this month? Check out Puerto Rico! You'll find historic plazas decorated with Christmas lights, and festive parrandas (caroling traditions). The beaches of Puerto Rico let you relax and warm up in December.
You can attend seasonal events like the San Sebastián Street Festival, the holiday markets in Plaza Las Américas, and the Misa de Aguinaldo (traditional dawn masses with music).
We flew into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan and stayed for a wonderful sunny week in a vacation rental.
- Average temperature: 72°F – 85°F (22°C – 29°C)
What I loved best:
Sampling coquito (a unique holiday drink).
Glenorchy, New Zealand
If you have time for a longer escape, you'll find perfect weather Down Under in the Southern Hemisphere. One of my favorite December places to travel to is Glenorchy, New Zealand/ We loved long days, lovely sunsets over Lake Wakatipu, and stunning mountain views where many scenes from the feature film Lord of the Rings were filmed.
We drove from Queenstown along one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand, stopping at lookout points to admire the lake and surrounding mountains. We stayed for two weeks in a cozy Airbnb in the Glenorchy (nicknamed the "Gateway to Paradise"). Our days were spent hiking, enjoying hearty meals at the local tavern, and stargazing at night.
- Average temperature: 48°F – 68°F (9°C – 20°C)
What I loved best:
For me, Glenorchy is one of the best places to visit in December. It's romantic, peaceful, and a favorite escape I can’t wait to return to!
Standing on the Glenorchy Wharf at sunset felt like being inside a postcard (see my photos).
Sydney
Since many airlines actually route through Sydney when you go to New Zealand from the USA, stopping here as well in December made total sense. I loved how Sydney is the first major global city to ring in the New Year with its iconic harbour fireworks.
You'll also find giant Christmas trees, and a lively atmosphere on beaches. No snow tho, since December is a summer month Down Under!
There are still plenty of seasonal events, like the Martin Place Christmas Tree Light & Sound Show , the Carols in the Domain concert, and the Darling Harbour Christmas Markets (of course!).
I flew into Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport and stayed for five days at Hotel 57 Surry Hills. I thought is was one of the most unique Sydney hotels.
- Average temperature: 65°F – 79°F (18°C – 26°C)
What I loved best:
For me, Sydney is one of the best December places to visit. In addition to enjoying holiday cheer, we swam at Bondi Beach, wandered through the Royal Botanic Garden with the Opera House in view, did my holiday shopping in the Queen Victoria Building, and admired the Harbour Bridge.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
