Top 50+ Best Places to Travel in December for a Magical Getaway

As the year winds down, Best Places to Travel in December offers the ultimate opportunity to escape the everyday and dive into a world of wonder ✨. Whether you dream of cozying up in a snowy alpine village, celebrating Christmas markets under twinkling lights, or basking on a sun-drenched tropical beach, December has it all. From festive cityscapes in Europe to exotic island paradises in the Pacific, this is the season where travel dreams truly come alive.

Top Holiday Destinations to Travel in December for Unforgettable Moments

Planning a winter honeymoon? A solo retreat to reset? Or a family holiday full of cheer? December brings with it not only cooler temperatures in many parts of the world but also a warmer sense of connection, joy, and celebration ❤️. It’s when destinations sparkle a little brighter, traditions come alive, and the spirit of travel feels more magical than ever.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the Top 50+ best places to travel in December—each with its own unique charm, weather, events, and travel vibes. Whether you’re after snow-capped peaks, glowing lantern festivals, or serene sunsets over turquoise waters, your dream December getaway awaits. 🌟

So, grab your suitcase, bundle up (or pack your swimsuit!), and let’s explore the most enchanting places to visit this holiday season!

🎄 Winter Wonderland Destinations

Experience snow-covered cities, festive lights, and cozy vibes in these classic winter escapes:

1. Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹

Famous for its Christmas markets, classical concerts, and charming architecture.

2. Prague, Czech Republic 🇨🇿

Medieval streets, snowy rooftops, and magical Old Town Square.

3. Lapland, Finland 🇫🇮

Meet Santa Claus, ride reindeer sleds, and chase the Northern Lights.

4. Zermatt, Switzerland 🇨🇭

Ski lovers’ paradise under the iconic Matterhorn mountain.

5. New York City, USA 🗽

See the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, ice skate in Central Park, and shop festive markets.

🌞 Warm & Sunny Escapes

Escape the cold and head to sunny destinations with golden beaches and blue skies:

6. Maui, Hawaii 🌺

Lush jungles, waterfalls, and winter whale watching.

7. Phuket, Thailand 🇹🇭

Relax on beaches, eat street food, and enjoy warm tropical weather.

8. Dubai, UAE 🏙️

Sunny skies, luxury shopping, and thrilling desert safaris.

9. Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦

Table Mountain views, vineyard tours, and summer temperatures.

10. Canary Islands, Spain 🇪🇸

Mild December climate with plenty of sun, sand, and volcano hikes.

🎅 Best Christmas Markets in December

For travelers who love holiday spirit, cozy vibes, and Christmas treats:

11. Strasbourg, France 🎁

Often called the “Capital of Christmas” for a reason!

12. Nuremberg, Germany 🎄

Traditional crafts, mulled wine, and gingerbread galore.

13. Tallinn, Estonia ❄️

Fairy-tale Christmas vibes with medieval charm.

14. Brussels, Belgium 🍫

Try Belgian chocolates while shopping festive stalls.

15. Copenhagen, Denmark 🇩🇰

Enjoy hygge moments and the charming Tivoli Christmas market.

⛷️ Adventure & Ski Holidays in December

Craving thrill and snow-covered peaks? These places offer the ultimate winter sport fun:

16. Banff, Canada 🇨🇦

Glacier-fed lakes, alpine slopes, and hot springs.

17. Aspen, Colorado, USA 🎿

A celebrity favorite with luxury lodges and scenic runs.

18. Chamonix, France 🏔️

Breathtaking skiing with Mont Blanc as your backdrop.

19. Hakuba, Japan 🇯🇵

Powder-perfect snow and incredible sushi after skiing!

20. Queenstown, New Zealand 🌨️

Though summer here, the mountain scenery and adventure activities still shine.

🏝️ Exotic Island Retreats in December

Lay back, relax, and sip on coconuts in these tropical paradises:

21. Maldives 🌊

Overwater villas, coral reefs, and luxe resorts.

22. Mauritius 🏝️

Beaches, waterfalls, and diverse cuisine.

23. Bali, Indonesia 🌴

Yoga retreats, temples, and beachfront cafes.

24. Seychelles 🇸🇨

Granite boulders and turquoise seas await.

25. Boracay, Philippines 🇵🇭

Fine white sand and beautiful sunsets.

🌆 Urban December Getaways

Explore world-famous cities lit up for the holidays, full of food, art, and fun:

26. London, UK 🇬🇧

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, shopping on Oxford Street, and cozy pubs.

27. Tokyo, Japan 🎌

Dazzling illuminations, quirky cafes, and festive shopping.

28. Paris, France 🇫🇷

Sip hot chocolate under twinkling Eiffel Tower lights.

29. Rome, Italy 🇮🇹

Fewer crowds, beautiful churches, and warm winter meals.

30. Barcelona, Spain 🇪🇸

Enjoy Gaudi’s architecture and festive lights.

🏞️ Nature & Wildlife Escapes in December

For the explorers and nature lovers, here are serene destinations for December magic:

31. Patagonia, Chile & Argentina 🇨🇱🇦🇷

Epic hikes and otherworldly views of glaciers and mountains.

32. Costa Rica 🇨🇷

Rainforests, wildlife tours, and volcanoes.

33. New Zealand 🇳🇿

Summer in full swing—go hiking, kayaking, and exploring.

34. Tasmania, Australia 🇦🇺

Wild beauty, national parks, and coastal adventures.

35. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador 🐢

Meet giant tortoises, penguins, and marine iguanas.

🎆 Unique New Year’s Celebrations Places in December

Celebrate the countdown to 2026 in style with firework displays and cultural events:

36. Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺

Be one of the first in the world to welcome the New Year!

37. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 🇧🇷

Beachside fireworks and samba rhythms all night long.

38. Reykjavik, Iceland 🇮🇸

Watch fireworks under the northern lights!

39. Las Vegas, USA 🎰

All-out parties and incredible shows to end the year.

40. Edinburgh, Scotland 🎇

Hogmanay festival brings music, fire, and magic.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Holiday Places in December

Fun for all ages — perfect for kids and memorable for adults too:

41. Orlando, Florida, USA 🎡

Christmas at Disney and Universal is a magical experience.

42. Dubai, UAE 🌟

Global Village, indoor skiing, and family-friendly beaches.

43. Singapore 🇸🇬

Beautiful gardens, futuristic lights, and cultural festivals.

44. Cancun, Mexico 🇲🇽

All-inclusive resorts with activities for everyone.

45. Barcelona, Spain 👨‍👩‍👧

Kids love the beach and Gaudi’s fantasy-like buildings.

🧳 Off-the-Beaten-Path Picks Places to Travel in December

Less crowded, equally breathtaking — for the travelers who like to wander differently:

46. Georgia (the country) 🇬🇪

Snowy mountains, warm hospitality, and wine culture.

47. Colombia 🇨🇴

Cartagena’s charm and December festivals.

48. Bhutan 🏞️

Spiritual vibes, snowy peaks, and colorful traditions.

49. Rajasthan, India 🇮🇳

Camel fairs, desert forts, and festive lights.

50. Jordan 🇯🇴

Visit Petra with fewer tourists and enjoy the Dead Sea.

Hidden Gems for Best Places to Travel in December

51. Hallstatt, Austria 🏘️

A storybook town that looks even more magical with snow.

52. Bled, Slovenia 🏞️

Lake views, castle visits, and alpine charm.

🎒 Ready to Pack for December?

Whether you want a white Christmas, a warm beach escape, or a cultural adventure, this list of the best places to travel in December covers it all. Make this festive season unforgettable — book your trip early, grab your camera, and start exploring!