Many people travel in December and there are so many wonderful reasons to do so. Whether you’re after a winter weekend getaway, looking to escape the cold, ride the slopes, or dreamed of travelling Europe at Christmas to see the markets, winter is a great time to travel. So many of the best places to travel in December are in their low season, so prices can be pretty good. Plus, a lot of companies have a Christmas shutdown so it’s a great way to escape reality for a bit without having to use too much of your holiday allowance!
So, if you’ve been dreaming of that perfect Christmas trip, here are the 10 best places to travel in December for a wonderful winter escape!
The top 10 Great Places to Travel in December
Whether you’ll after a winter weekend getaway, a sun seeker looking to escape the cold, a snowboarder wanting to ride the slopes, or dreamed of seeing cute European Christmas markets, winter is a great time to travel.New York city
The city that never sleeps is a thriving hub of activity all year round and certainly doesn’t let a few inches of snow grind it to a halt. In fact, if anything, it makes the city sparkle even more!
Ice skate on the top of the Rockerfeller Center, learn to visit New York City on a budget with a spot of Christmas shopping at one of NYC’s huge outlet malls. And don’t forget to admire the dazzling lights and enormous tree in Times Square.
There are so many amazing things to do in New York City and it’s definitely one of the best places to travel in December.
Iceland
Iceland is a wonderful winter weekend getaway, especially if you’ve always to see the Northern Lights. They are most visible from October until late March and 100% a bucket-list-worthy experience.
Besides that, see the incredible Golden Circle and then warm up in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon thermal pool. You can go on a whale watching tour, visit puffin island and see some truly incredible waterfalls and natural beauty
But bring a thick coat and many, many layers as temperatures in Iceland can drop as low as -10 degrees Celcius in the winter months!
Belgium
Belgium’s Christmas Markets are one of the best in Europe. Wander down the super cute streets with cobblestones and colourful buildings. See the strings of lights, Christmas trees, stalls and homemade Christmas delights, making it another of the best places to travel in December.
There are some wonderful things to do in Belgium and Brussels has its own Winter Wonderland around the Grand Palace that is sure to delight. Plus, who can resist a steaming mug of Belgian hot chocolate? Delicious!
Thailand
If you’re looking for the best places to visit in December, are you craving some sun in those chilly winter days? Look no further – Thailand is a great destination for a tropical escape at the end of the year.
Laze on the beach, explore the beautiful temples or visit monkey, elephant or tiger sanctuaries! Also, Bangkok is an incredible city to explore and puts on one of the best New Year’s Eve fireworks displays in the world. This is closely followed by their even bigger Chinese New Year display a little later. Plus, being a backpacker’s heaven, you won’t need a huge budget to visit Thailand either!
Finland
Do you fancy a trip to Lapland to visit Santa Claus?
Have you ever wanted to be pulled through the snow by huskies or on a reindeer sleigh ride?
Or sleep in an igloo under that stars and watch the Northern Lights?
If any of those sounds like a winter dream come true, then Finland is the place for you! Plus, with an expanse of Scandinavian history and architecture, this is 100% one of the best places to visit in December!
Mexico
Another sunny winter destination! Mexico’s peak season is from December until April but the resorts are a little quieter earlier on in that period.
Mexico is a great destination for adrenaline junkies and will bring out the adventurer in you. There are cenotes to swim in, Ancient Wonders of the World to explore and, of course, unlimited access to the best tacos, fajitas and tequila in the world. What a wonderful way to avoid the cold!
London
London at Christmas is wonderful! It makes the perfect winter weekend getaway and is definitely another city that’s just as good to explore in winter as in summer.
Wander the variety of Christmas markets and visit Hyde Park’s famous Winter Wonderland. See the giant Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square and welcome in the New Year with one of Europe’s best fireworks display on the bank of the River Thames. Be sure to watch like a true Brit, with a nice hot cup of tea!
Brazil
As one of the warm winter escapes in December, Brazil is perfect for beach-lovers and city-explorers alike. However, the New Year fireworks display from Copacabana beach in Rio is totally a bucket list experience!
Everyone traditionally wears white to encourage happiness into the New Year. Pair that with a carnival and a giant beach party and it’s no wonder that Rio has been voted one of the best shows in the world.
Whilst in Rio, be sure to see the unmissable sights of Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and explore the Brazilian culture.
Switzerland
It is one of the more expensive European destinations, but there’s no doubt that Switzerland is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe. And, especially in winter!
See the lakes of Geneva, wander the old town of Zurich or ride the famous red railway. You can also hop into a cable car to explore a glacier, or head up the Swiss Alps for some skiing or snowboarding!
Switzerland is such a pretty country and also famous for its delicious Swiss chocolate! So make sure you eat plenty of it while you’re there!
Australia
The other side of the world (for some!), Australia is another warm winter vacation spot. In December, their summertime is just beginning. This makes the land down under a wonderful escape to much warmer temperatures, while a lot of the world goes into snowy mode.
Australia is a huge country to explore with so much to see and do. Even 2 weeks won’t be enough to see it all, so you’ll most likely end up coming back! However, for New Year’s Eve, Sydney puts on a spectacular fireworks display from the harbour, which absolutely makes it one of the best places to travel in December!
Some great destinations here. I went to Innsbruck in Austria once in December and can highly recommend that, the perfect Christmas destination!
Oooh that sounds lovely! I’ve always wanted to go to Austrian Christmas markets, like Salzburg os Innsbruck! 🙂
I would love to be at one of the “cold” destinations, before the snow hits, like a log cabin. I could go out and play in the snow and then back inside by the fireplace. 🙂 But, if traveling is involved, I’m better suited for the warmer places, like Mexico.
All the pictures are stunning!!
Thanks for sharing!
Yes! A log cabin with a hot tub! I can never decide between hot or cold destinations. I do love hot destinations as a break from the UK but there’s something so charming about winter places 🙂
Lovely post, I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland, it seems like a beautiful place! Xx
It’s such a bucket list destination! 😀
Great post Alice! I love to travel in December, it is one of the best times of the year and that Christmas feeling is everywhere you go 😄
Regards from Alice from Germany 😉
Thanks and I love December too! It’s such a magical time of year! 🙂 Us Alices definitely have to stick together 😛
Such a great round up of winter getaway! Switzerland would be a beautiful visit in December. We have only been there in the Spring and hoping to get back there during winter
Thank you! December is definitely a great time of year to get away! 🙂
Iceland is absolutely beautiful! And I would really like to visit Thailand some day.
Totally agree and literally cannot wait for Thailand! Off there in 2 weeks! 🙂
If you love the snow, I think Canada should definitely be worth consideration! The landscapes are beautiful and there are many great outdoor activities during the winter months. From beautiful ski resorts to the opportunity to ice skate along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa. If you haven’t had an opportunity to look into it, I highly recommend it.
Yes! Canada is somewhere I’ve always wanted to go. I’d love to see Niagara Falls and Banff National Park and Ottawa too! Will definitely make it there someday! 😀