The best places to travel in December are Finnish Lapland, Vienna, New York City, Hokkaido, Iceland, the Canary Islands, Dubai, the Maldives, southern Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cape Town, Patagonia, New Zealand’s South Island, Sydney, Costa Rica, Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Cartagena, Marrakech, Egypt, and Kerala.
December is one of the most interesting months to travel because you can choose almost any kind of trip. You can go north for snow, Christmas markets and the Northern Lights, or head south for beaches, hiking and long summer days. In tropical destinations, December often brings some of the best weather of the year.
Here is the quick version:
• Finnish Lapland for snow, Santa, reindeer and Northern Lights.
• Vienna for Christmas markets, cafés and a classic European festive atmosphere.
• New York City for holiday lights, shopping, ice skating and New Year’s Eve.
• Hokkaido for powder snow, skiing, hot springs and Japanese food.
• Iceland for winter landscapes, hot springs and aurora hunting.
• Canary Islands for easy winter sun without leaving Europe.
• Dubai for warm weather, beaches, restaurants and city experiences.
• Maldives for a tropical beach escape and honeymoon-level relaxation.
• Southern Thailand for islands, beaches, food and warm weather.
• Sri Lanka for beaches, wildlife, tea country and a varied tropical trip.
• Cape Town for summer, beaches, vineyards and mountain views.
• Patagonia for trekking, glaciers and long summer days.
• New Zealand’s South Island for road trips, hiking and dramatic scenery.
• Sydney for beach weather, harbour views and New Year celebrations.
• Costa Rica for rainforests, wildlife, volcanoes and the start of the dry season.
• Yucatán, Mexico for beaches, cenotes, Mayan ruins and warm weather.
• Cartagena for Caribbean sunshine, colorful streets and nightlife.
• Marrakech for souks, riads, food and cooler sightseeing weather.
• Egypt for Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and comfortable winter temperatures.
• Kerala for backwaters, beaches, tea hills and a slower tropical escape.
The right choice depends on whether you want winter or sun, how far you want to fly, and whether you are traveling in early December or during the Christmas and New Year peak. Below, we break down why each destination works so well at this time of year.
Finnish Lapland: Best for snow, Santa and the Northern Lights
If your idea of December involves deep snow, frozen forests and cabins glowing in the dark, Finnish Lapland is hard to beat. Rovaniemi is the most famous base, especially for families, but Levi, Saariselkä and Inari are also excellent choices if you want more wilderness and less Santa-focused tourism.
December is full winter in Lapland. You can go on husky rides, visit reindeer farms, try snowmobiling, sleep in a glass-roof cabin and spend evenings watching for the Northern Lights. Rovaniemi also leans fully into Christmas, with Santa Claus Village, festive lights and activities that make the whole trip feel like stepping into a winter film.
The trade-off is daylight. Days are very short, especially farther north, and temperatures can be seriously cold. That is part of the experience, but it means you should plan fewer activities per day and leave room for weather changes.
Best for: families, couples, winter lovers, Northern Lights trips and once-in-a-lifetime Christmas travel.
Vienna, Austria: Best for Christmas markets and festive city breaks
Vienna in December is one of Europe’s easiest answers when someone asks where to go for Christmas atmosphere. The city fills with Advent markets, lights, decorated streets, concerts and the smell of roasted chestnuts and hot punch.
The big markets around Rathausplatz, Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere and Stephansplatz are the obvious stops, but Vienna works because the festive mood is not limited to one square. You can spend the morning in a museum, stop for cake and coffee in a historic café, walk through a Christmas market after dark and finish the evening with classical music or a long dinner.
It is cold, but the trip is mostly city-based, so it is easy to warm up indoors between walks. If you want the classic European December experience without building an entire ski holiday around it, Vienna is a very strong choice.
Best for: couples, Christmas market fans, culture lovers, weekend trips and first-time winter travel in Europe.
New York City, USA: Best for iconic Christmas atmosphere
New York in December is busy, expensive and slightly chaotic. It is also one of the most fun times to see the city if you actually want the holiday energy.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Fifth Avenue windows, Bryant Park Winter Village, ice skating, Radio City, Broadway shows and decorated neighborhoods make December feel completely different from a normal New York trip. The city also builds toward New Year’s Eve, with Times Square as the famous option and plenty of less intense celebrations across the five boroughs.
You do not need snow for the trip to feel festive. What matters more is the combination of lights, music, shopping, food and the fact that almost every part of the city is doing something seasonal.
Book early if you want to travel in the second half of the month. Hotel prices can rise quickly around Christmas and New Year.
Best for: city lovers, shopping, festive trips, couples, families and New Year’s Eve.
Hokkaido, Japan: Best for skiing, powder snow and hot springs
Hokkaido is one of the best places to travel in December if your ideal holiday includes skiing in the morning, ramen at lunch and an outdoor hot spring while snow falls around you.
Japan’s northern island starts moving into full winter during December. Major ski areas such as Niseko, Rusutsu, Furano and Tomamu usually begin their season around this period, although conditions are naturally better and more reliable later in the month than right at the start.
You can combine a ski stay with Sapporo for food and city life, Otaru for a smaller historic atmosphere, or an onsen town for a slower few days. Seafood, soup curry, miso ramen and Hokkaido dairy are another reason to come hungry.
Best for: skiers, snowboarders, food lovers, couples and travelers who want winter with great infrastructure.
Iceland: Best for dramatic winter landscapes and hot springs
Iceland in December is not the easiest trip on this list, but it can be one of the most memorable. Think black beaches, icy waterfalls, geothermal pools, snow-covered lava fields and long dark nights that give you a better window for seeing the Northern Lights.
Reykjavík is the simplest base for a short trip. From there, you can add the Golden Circle, the South Coast, hot springs and guided winter excursions. If you are planning a self-drive itinerary, keep it conservative. December weather changes quickly, daylight is limited and road conditions can affect plans.
This is a destination where flexibility matters more than squeezing in every stop. Build a route with backup options and treat the weather as part of the trip rather than an inconvenience.
Best for: photographers, couples, nature lovers, hot spring fans and travelers comfortable with winter conditions.
Canary Islands, Spain: Best for winter sun in Europe
If you want warm weather in December without a long-haul flight from Europe, the Canary Islands are one of the easiest options. Daytime temperatures are often mild enough for beaches, terraces and hiking, with the islands averaging around 22°C in December.
Tenerife and Gran Canaria give you the widest mix of beaches, towns, restaurants and nightlife. Lanzarote feels more volcanic and design-focused, while Fuerteventura is a strong choice if beaches and water sports are the priority.
Do not expect tropical heat every day. The evenings can feel cool, the weather varies between islands and microclimates, and the ocean is fresher than in the tropics. Still, compared with most of Europe in December, it feels like a completely different season.
Best for: winter sun, couples, families, hiking, beach time and easy European getaways.
Dubai, UAE: Best for warm weather and an easy luxury break
December is one of the most comfortable times to visit Dubai. The intense summer heat has eased, so you can actually spend the day outside, walk around different neighborhoods, sit by the beach and enjoy desert activities without planning your entire schedule around air conditioning.
A good Dubai trip does not have to be only malls and skyscrapers. Mix the modern side of the city with Old Dubai, a dhow or abra ride, desert landscapes, beach time, restaurants and a day around Jumeirah or Dubai Marina. December also brings a busy calendar of events and a big festive-season atmosphere.
The downside is demand. This is peak season, especially around Christmas and New Year, so hotels and popular restaurants can be expensive.
Best for: winter sun, luxury trips, families, food, shopping and travelers who want reliable infrastructure.
Maldives: Best for a pure beach escape
The Maldives is one of the clearest answers if your only December goal is to escape winter completely. You come for warm water, bright lagoons, snorkeling, diving, slow mornings and the kind of beach days that require almost no planning.
December sits around the transition into the drier high season, so conditions are generally attractive for a tropical holiday, although short showers can still happen. The second half of the month is also one of the most popular and expensive periods of the year.
Resort islands are the classic choice, but local islands can make the Maldives more affordable and give you a less isolated experience. Either way, choose the island carefully. Transfers, house reefs, beach quality and restaurant options can matter more than the room itself.
Best for: honeymoons, couples, diving, snorkeling, luxury and complete relaxation.
Southern Thailand: Best for islands, food and warm beach weather
December is a great month for Thailand because the country is in its cooler season and the southern islands are moving into a much more comfortable travel period after the monsoon.
For a first trip, look at Krabi, Phuket or Koh Lanta on the Andaman side. Krabi is especially good if you want limestone cliffs, island trips and a mix of beach time and activities. Koh Lanta works well for a slower stay, while Phuket gives you the biggest choice of hotels, restaurants and nightlife.
You can also combine the south with Bangkok or Chiang Mai if you have two weeks or more. That gives you a much more complete trip than flying in only for a resort.
Best for: beaches, food, couples, backpackers, island hopping and first-time Southeast Asia trips.
Sri Lanka: Best for beaches, wildlife and a varied tropical route
Sri Lanka is one of the best December destinations if you get bored staying in one place. In a relatively compact country, you can combine beaches, tea hills, wildlife, temples, train rides and old forts.
December is particularly good for the south and southwest coast. Places such as Mirissa, Weligama, Unawatuna, Galle and Bentota move into their more popular season, with calmer seas and better beach weather than during the southwest monsoon months.
A strong first-time route could combine Colombo or Negombo, the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, Ella, a safari and a few days on the south coast. Just do not try to fit the entire island into one week. Sri Lanka looks small on the map, but travel between places can take longer than expected.
Best for: couples, wildlife lovers, surfers, food, culture and travelers who want variety.
Cape Town, South Africa: Best for summer without the tropical humidity
December is the start of full summer energy in Cape Town. Days are long, beaches are busy, restaurants spill outdoors and the city’s mountain-and-ocean setting looks especially good in clear weather.
Cape Town Tourism describes November and December as a lively summer period with very little rain and typical temperatures around 17°C to 28°C. That makes it a good month for Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, the Cape Peninsula, beaches and outdoor dining.
Leave at least one day for the Winelands, especially Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, and another for the drive toward Cape Point and the penguins at Boulders Beach. If you have more time, add the Garden Route.
Best for: couples, food and wine, beaches, road trips, hiking and summer city breaks.
Patagonia, Argentina and Chile: Best for hiking and big landscapes
December is early summer in Patagonia, which means longer days, more open trails and much better access to the region’s famous outdoor routes than during winter.
On the Argentine side, El Calafate is the base for Perito Moreno Glacier and El Chaltén is the place for trekking around Mount Fitz Roy. On the Chilean side, Torres del Paine is the big draw for multi-day hikes, day walks and dramatic scenery.
Patagonia is not a warm beach destination. Even in summer, the weather can change quickly and the wind can be intense. Pack layers and do not build a route with zero flexibility.
The reward is space, huge landscapes and some of the best hiking scenery anywhere in the world.
Best for: hikers, photographers, road trippers, adventure travel and nature-first trips.
New Zealand’s South Island: Best for road trips and outdoor adventures
December is the beginning of summer in New Zealand, making it one of the best months for long road trips, hiking and days built around the outdoors.
Queenstown is the obvious adventure base, but the South Island gets much better when you keep moving. Add Wānaka, Aoraki Mount Cook, Milford Sound, the West Coast, Abel Tasman or the wine regions around Marlborough depending on how much time you have.
Summer days are long, but New Zealand weather still changes fast, especially in alpine areas. You can have sunshine, rain and cold wind in the same route, so bring layers even if the forecast looks good.
This is also a popular travel period for locals and international visitors, especially around Christmas, so book key stays early.
Best for: road trips, hiking, couples, active families, scenery and adventure.
Sydney, Australia: Best for a summer city break and New Year’s Eve
December in Sydney means the start of summer. The city shifts outdoors, with beach days, harbour ferries, coastal walks, outdoor cinemas and long evenings.
Do the famous things, but do not spend the whole trip only around Circular Quay. Walk from Bondi to Coogee, take a ferry to Manly, explore the food scene, spend time in the eastern beaches and add a day trip to the Blue Mountains if you want a break from the city.
The final week of December is especially busy because Sydney is one of the world’s most famous New Year’s Eve destinations. If seeing the harbour fireworks is part of the plan, accommodation and ticketed viewing areas need to be organized well in advance.
Best for: beaches, city life, New Year’s Eve, food, couples and first-time Australia trips.
Costa Rica: Best for wildlife, rainforest and active travel
Costa Rica is a strong December choice if you want warm weather but do not want a trip that is only about lying on a beach.
December marks the transition into the dry season in much of the country, especially on the Pacific side. The landscape is still green from the rainy months, while the weather starts becoming more reliable for hiking, wildlife tours and beach days.
A classic route might combine Arenal for volcano views and hot springs, Monteverde for cloud forest, and a Pacific beach area such as Manuel Antonio, Nosara or Guanacaste. The Caribbean coast follows a different weather pattern, so check the specific region rather than assuming the whole country is dry.
Best for: wildlife, families, couples, hiking, beaches and active holidays.
Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico: Best for beaches, cenotes and Mayan ruins
The Yucatán Peninsula works very well in December because you can mix warm Caribbean weather with culture, food and day trips.
You can base yourself around Tulum, Playa del Carmen or Isla Mujeres for beaches, but the region becomes much more interesting when you add Valladolid, Mérida, cenotes and Mayan sites such as Chichén Itzá or Uxmal.
December is part of the more comfortable season, with less oppressive heat than the middle of summer. The Christmas and New Year period is very busy in the Riviera Maya, though, so prices can climb quickly.
If you want better value, spend more time inland and less time inside the most famous resort zones.
Best for: beaches, history, food, couples, families and easy multi-stop trips.
Cartagena, Colombia: Best for a colorful Caribbean city break
Cartagena is warm all year, but December falls into one of the drier periods and is a particularly fun time to see the city.
The old walled center is the main reason to come: colorful colonial buildings, balconies, plazas, rooftop bars and restaurants packed into a walkable historic core. Stay long enough to also explore Getsemaní and take a boat trip toward the Rosario Islands for a beach day.
Cartagena is not a quiet hidden gem in December. It is lively, social and popular, especially around the holidays. That is a plus if you want atmosphere and nightlife, but less ideal if your dream trip is total calm.
Best for: couples, friends, nightlife, food, architecture and short winter-sun escapes.
Marrakech, Morocco: Best for culture, food and cooler sightseeing
Marrakech is a smart December destination if you want sunshine and color without needing beach weather.
The cooler temperatures make walking through the medina much more comfortable than in the peak heat of summer. You can spend your days between souks, riads, gardens, palaces, hammams and long meals, then add an overnight trip toward the Atlas Mountains or the desert if you have more time.
Do not pack as if Morocco is hot all year. December evenings can be cold, and desert nights are colder again. Bring proper layers.
Marrakech is also good for a shorter trip. Four or five days is enough to enjoy the city at a relaxed pace without turning it into a checklist.
Best for: couples, food lovers, design, culture, short breaks and first-time Morocco trips.
Egypt: Best for ancient sites without summer heat
December is one of the most comfortable times to explore Egypt. Winter days are much easier for sightseeing than the extreme heat of summer, especially in Luxor and Aswan.
For a first trip, combine Cairo and Giza with several days in Upper Egypt. Luxor has an extraordinary concentration of temples and tombs, while Aswan feels slower and works well with a Nile cruise or a trip to Abu Simbel.
Winter days are generally mild and sunny, but evenings can be cool, so bring a light jacket. The holiday period is popular, which means major sites can be busy, but the weather advantage is worth it.
Best for: history, archaeology, culture, Nile cruises, couples and bucket-list travel.
Kerala, India: Best for backwaters, beaches and a slower tropical trip
Kerala is one of India’s easiest December recommendations because the weather is usually more pleasant than during the humid pre-monsoon months or the heavy summer rains.
Start around Kochi for history and food, then move toward the tea hills of Munnar, the backwaters around Alappuzha or Kumarakom, and a beach area such as Varkala. You can make the trip active, but Kerala is best when you do not rush it.
Houseboat stays are popular, but you do not need to spend every night moving. A mix of small hotels, homestays and one backwater experience usually gives you more variety.
Best for: couples, food, wellness, nature, slow travel and first-time visitors to South India.
How to choose the best December destination for your trip
The best December vacation is not automatically the warmest or the most famous. It is the place that matches the kind of month you want.
For guaranteed winter atmosphere
Choose Finnish Lapland, Vienna, Hokkaido, Iceland or New York City. Lapland is the most magical if you want snow and Christmas. Vienna is easiest for a short European break. Hokkaido is best if skiing is the priority.
For warm weather and beaches
Look at the Maldives, southern Thailand, Sri Lanka, Dubai, the Canary Islands, Cartagena or Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. The Maldives is the pure relaxation option, while Thailand and Sri Lanka are better if you want more movement and local experiences.
For hiking and outdoor adventure
Patagonia, New Zealand, Costa Rica and Cape Town are some of the strongest choices. December gives Patagonia and New Zealand their summer season, while Costa Rica starts moving toward drier weather on the Pacific side.
For culture and sightseeing
Vienna, Marrakech, Egypt, Kerala and the Yucatán Peninsula all work well. Cooler temperatures make places such as Marrakech and Luxor much easier to explore than during the hottest part of the year.
For a big New Year’s Eve trip
Sydney and New York are the headline options, with Dubai also a strong choice if you want warm weather and a large-scale celebration. Just expect higher prices and book early.
If you are still deciding where to go this year, our guide to the best travel destinations in 2026 is a good place to start. If budget matters most, compare the full trip rather than only the flight. Our guides to the best budget travel destinations in 2026 and the best budget travel destinations in Europe in 2026 can help you find lower-cost alternatives.
What to know before traveling in December
December is not one single travel season. Early December and the final two weeks of the month can feel like completely different markets.
If you can travel in the first half of December, you can often get the atmosphere and seasonal weather with lower prices and fewer crowds. Around Christmas and New Year, flights, hotels, resorts and popular experiences can become much more expensive.
Also check daylight. In Lapland and Iceland, short winter days affect how much you can realistically do. In Patagonia, Cape Town, Sydney and New Zealand, the opposite is true: long summer days make it easier to spend more time outside.
Finally, check regional weather instead of country-level weather. Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Thailand and even the Canary Islands have major local differences. A destination can be perfect in December on one coast and rainy on another.
FAQ: Best places to travel in December
What are the best warm places to travel in December?
Some of the best warm destinations in December are the Maldives, southern Thailand, Sri Lanka’s south and southwest coast, Dubai, Cape Town, Costa Rica, Cartagena, the Yucatán Peninsula and the Canary Islands. The Maldives and Thailand are strongest for beach-focused trips, while Cape Town and Costa Rica are better if you want more activities.
Where is hot in December?
For genuinely hot weather, look toward the Maldives, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Dubai, Costa Rica, Cartagena and parts of Mexico. Cape Town and Sydney are in summer, but temperatures are generally more moderate than in tropical destinations.
What are the best places to visit in December for Christmas?
Finnish Lapland and Vienna are the strongest classic Christmas picks. Lapland gives you snow, reindeer, Santa experiences and winter wilderness. Vienna is better for markets, cafés, concerts and a festive European city break. New York City is another great option if you want big-city holiday energy.
What are the best places to travel in December for a honeymoon?
The Maldives is the obvious choice for a luxury beach honeymoon. Cape Town works well if you want food, wine, beaches and activities. Sri Lanka and Thailand are better for couples who want a mix of beach time and exploration. Lapland can also be surprisingly romantic if you prefer snow to sand.
Where should I go in December for a beach holiday?
For a pure beach trip, choose the Maldives, southern Thailand, Sri Lanka’s south coast, the Canary Islands, Dubai or the Yucatán Peninsula. If you want beaches plus city life, Cape Town, Sydney and Cartagena are stronger.
Is December a good time to visit Europe?
Yes, if you want Christmas markets, winter atmosphere or milder southern weather. Vienna is one of the best festive city breaks, Lapland is ideal for snow, and the Canary Islands are one of the easiest European options for winter sun.
Is December expensive for travel?
It depends heavily on the dates. Early December can be relatively good value in many destinations, while the period from roughly the week before Christmas through New Year is one of the most expensive travel windows of the year. Beach resorts, ski destinations and famous festive cities tend to see the biggest price jumps.
How far in advance should I book a December trip?
For normal early-December travel, start watching flights and hotels a few months ahead. For Christmas, New Year, Lapland, the Maldives, ski resorts or Sydney on New Year’s Eve, book much earlier if you have specific hotels or experiences in mind.
Plan your December trip with EasyMiles
December trips can be surprisingly complicated to plan. Winter destinations have short daylight and weather changes. Beach destinations can have completely different conditions from one coast to another. Christmas and New Year also change opening hours, prices and availability.
EasyMiles helps you turn the destination into an actual trip. Tell it where you are going, your dates and the kind of experiences you like, and it can build a day-by-day itinerary with activities, restaurants and realistic travel time between places. It can also help you adjust the plan when the weather changes or your day does not go as expected.
Instead of keeping dozens of tabs open and trying to work out what fits together, you can start with a trip that already makes sense.
Plan your trip with EasyMiles and spend December enjoying the destination, not organizing it!