Best places to visit in December: 29 warm and wintry escapes

Looking for the best places to visit in December? Whether you want a winter wonderland of snow and twinkle lights, the Northern Lights or a sun-kissed tan on a hot beach, these are the December trips not to miss.

December is the ornate signature at the end of the year: the month in which Christmas finally rolls around, complete with all its jolliness and activities.

But it’s also the month where (if you’re in the northern hemisphere) the days are at their very shortest and where you realise that you’re completely burnt out from a long year.

I don’t know about you, but December at home can be, well… a little overhyped. What better time to plan a little (or big) escape?

This guide covers both kinds of December trip. There are the places that do winter properly, with Christmas markets in Copenhagen, Berlin, Vienna and Prague, the Northern Lights in Lapland, Tromsø and Iceland, and snow in Trentino and Québec. Then there are the places where December means peak sunshine, from the Yucatán and the Caribbean to Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka and the southern hemisphere summer.

A few of them I know first-hand in winter (Copenhagen, Trentino, Prague, Tromsø and Lapland), and I’ve added what I learned there. For every entry, the temperatures are the average daily high and low for December from the national weather service, and the markets and events have their dates for this coming season where they’ve been announced.

Put those holiday days to good use and discover where to travel in December.

Tip: If you missed out on the best places to travel in November, what better time to make up for it than December?

Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you decide to purchase through one of my recommended partners.

Best places to visit in December

Tulum

Average temperatures: 29°C high; 18°C low

Season: Dry season

The Mexican hotspot of Tulum is hands-down one of the best December escapes. Sure, it’s technically winter in Tulum in December, but let me tell you, Tulum winter and London winter are not the same thing at all.

December is the start of the dry season on the Yucatán Peninsula, so you swap foggy and drizzly days for sun-drenched beaches, and pitch-black evenings for sundowners with kaleidoscopic sunsets. It’s also high season: the week between Christmas and New Year is the busiest (and priciest) of the year, so book early.

Sounds pretty wonderful, right? But what should you do when you get there?

There are the beaches, of course, and epic beach parties at venues like Papaya Playa Project. Most of the beach is lined with hotels and beach clubs, so expect to pay for a lounger or a minimum spend.

It’s not all about the beach life, though: Tulum was one of the last great cities built by the Maya, so the clifftop Tulum ruins are an obvious must-see. Go first thing, before the heat and the tour groups arrive, and bring your swimwear for the beach below.

Add to that snorkelling, swimming or (if you’re feeling adventurous) diving in the area’s many cenotes, and you can see why it makes the perfect December escape. Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos are the famous ones, but the quieter cenotes are well worth seeking out.

Getting there is easier than it used to be, too. Tulum now has its own international airport, so you no longer have to fly into Cancún and drive down the coast.

Read next: Two weeks in Mexico: a step-by-step itinerary Suggested stay: Copal Tulum Hotel

Copenhagen

Average temperatures: 5°C high; 2°C low

Season: Winter

Copenhagen is made for December if you love whimsical, frosty cities with canals and streets overflowing with Christmas charm. Although Copenhagen is a cool destination at any time of the year, the city really comes into its own in the winter months.

I’ve visited Copenhagen so many times, in every season, but it was winter that took me most by surprise. Where I’d expected it to be bleak and grim, I found a cosy city filled with lights, snug spots and late-night haunts.

The sun sets before 4pm, but that’s when the markets start glowing.

Grab a steaming mug of gløgg (mulled Danish wine with almonds and raisins) and meander through the city’s Christmas markets. Tivoli Gardens is decked in holly and lights for Christmas from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, and the Christmas market on Nytorv and Gammeltorv has a free ice rink. Nyhavn’s waterfront Christmas market is a classic too (its dates are usually announced late, so check before you go). Then hit the rink and go ice skating for ultimate festive vibes.

Don’t forget to visit the holly-bedecked Tivoli Gardens after dark or the numerous Copenhagen castles for which the city is known. Plus, a canal cruise from the famous Nyhavn canal is a must, even in winter (just wrap up).

When you need to thaw out, Copenhagen’s coffee culture is on point, and food halls like Torvehallerne, next to Nørreport station, are the perfect place to warm up over lunch.

Read next: Copenhagen in winter: a visitor’s guide Suggested stay: Generator Copenhagen

Jamaica

Average temperatures: 30°C high; 23°C low

Season: Dry season

Swap your snow boots for some flip-flops and prepare to get festive in sunny Jamaica! December brings the start of the dry season, and the Atlantic hurricane season officially ends on 30 November.

A note before you book: Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica hard in October 2025, especially the south-west around Black River and St Elizabeth. Tourism has bounced back, with all three international airports running again and Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Kingston open for business, but some hotels and smaller towns were still rebuilding in 2026. Check directly with your hotel and any tour operators before you travel.

While there are classic experiences like bamboo rafting, snorkelling and even trying out the bobsled ride at Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios, Christmas here is a celebration all of its own.

Look out for Grand Market on Christmas Eve, when town squares fill with stalls, music and food late into the night, and for Jonkonnu masquerade bands. Glasses of sorrel (a spiced hibiscus drink) and slices of rum-soaked Christmas cake are everywhere.

It’s one of the unexpectedly festive places to visit in December. Oh, and don’t forget to see the glowing Luminous Lagoon near Falmouth while you’re there. It’s not every day you see bioluminescence in action, so you can’t miss it.

Read next: The most beautiful islands in the Caribbean Suggested stay: Skylark Negril Beach Resort

Trentino

Average temperatures: 5°C high; -2°C low

Season: Winter

If pretty cobbled streets and plenty of carbs is your vibe, Trentino is a dream in December.

You may not want to escape the snow in winter, so why not embrace it? Trentino has a lot of natural wintery beauty, especially when the snow hits the slopes of the Dolomites in December. The temperatures above are for Trento, down in the valley; up in the ski resorts, expect it to be well below freezing.

I spent ten days in Trentino in winter, and it was phenomenal. I’m a pretty terrible skier, so I started as if I’d never been near a slope: within an hour on the first day I was bossing the nursery slopes, and by the end of the trip I’d made it down a red run (very slowly).

Madonna di Campiglio is a stunning ski resort, and a ride in a horse-drawn carriage through the snow in Val di Sole is pure magic. I genuinely felt like I was in the middle of a fairytale.

So naturally, snowboarding and skiing are top activities. But so are drinking hot, alcohol-drenched bombardinos and tucking into Trentino’s incredible food.

The food culture is strong here with robust tastes and hearty dishes, so bring your appetite. Foodies, you’ve been warned!

December is Christmas market season too. Trento’s Christmas market runs from 20 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, and there are lovely smaller markets in Rovereto, Levico Terme and Arco.

Pop into the Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti for an indulgent spa session for an hour or a day. I love a good pamper sesh, so I’d say go for the latter: I spent a whole morning drifting between the saunas, steam rooms and relaxation areas (my favourite was the rosemary sauna).

Read next: Winter in Trentino: the ultimate Italian winter getaway Suggested stay: Villa Orso Grigio

Mauritius

Average temperatures: 31°C high; 23°C low

Season: Summer

Mauritius might be tiny, but it has plenty to offer in its warm December months. I’ve visited three times, and it has never disappointed.

December is the start of the island’s summer: hot, humid and a little wetter. It’s also the start of cyclone season, which runs from November to April, so take out travel insurance and keep an eye on the forecast.

From sea cave kayaking to swimming with dolphins, there are plenty of water-based activities to make it one of the best December holidays for water babies.

Visit Port Louis for cosmopolitan shopping, Grand Baie for relaxing beachfronts with warm waters and soft sandy shores, or venture inland to the tea plantations.

If you’re looking for more nature, try the Black River Gorges National Park and its ribbon-thin waterfalls or the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark at Chamarel. My visit to Chamarel Waterfall was one of the real highlights of my time on the island, and the Chamarel rum distillery nearby is well worth a stop.

Read next: Visiting Chamarel Waterfall in Mauritius Suggested stay: Azure Beach Boutique Hotel

Patagonia

Average temperatures: 17°C high; 4°C low

Season: Summer

Patagonia might be experiencing its summer, but prepare yourself for a chill! The temperatures above are for Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine. Out on the trails the weather changes fast, and the famous Patagonian wind is at its strongest in summer.

Glacier tours in Los Glaciares National Park, kayaking, rock climbing and spectacular hikes through Torres del Paine, and that’s just during the day. The days are long, too: in December, the sun doesn’t set until around 10pm.

December is peak trekking season, so if you want to hike the W Trek, book your refugios or campsites months in advance.

By night you can turn your eyes to the vast, dark heavens. The Geminid meteor shower peaks on the night of 13 to 14 December 2026, under a thin crescent moon that sets early. The Geminids are at their best from the northern hemisphere, but Patagonia’s dark skies still give you a good chance of catching some. If you’re the outdoor type and are looking for the experience of a lifetime, Patagonia is a brilliant December adventure.

Read next: Torres del Paine W Trek, Patagonia Suggested stay: Río Serrano Hotel + Spa

Atacama Desert

Average temperatures: 28°C high; 7°C low

Season: Summer

When considering where to travel in December, the Atacama Desert might not be the first place that comes to mind. But you’re missing out if you don’t consider it.

It’s one of the most gorgeous places in Chile, with rose-pink valleys, red dunes, and spiked terrain covered with a blanket of sparkling stars each night. The Salar de Atacama is otherworldly in its beauty, and December, before the summer rains of the high Andes arrive in January and February, is prime time to witness it.

Rainbow Valley is also a breathtaking sight, and if you continue to the Valle de la Luna, you’ll think you’ve teleported to a Martian landscape. Tickets for Valle de la Luna are sold online, so buy yours before you go.

Oh, and don’t even get me started on the Tatio geysers. Just go see for yourself. Tours leave in the small hours to reach them for sunrise, and at around 4,300 metres it’s below freezing even in summer, so pack warm layers.

The Atacama is one of the best places on Earth for stargazing, too. Book a stargazing tour for the nights around the new moon in early December, when the sky is at its darkest.

Read next: 12 extraordinary things to do in Chile Suggested stay: La Casa de José

Gold Coast

Average temperatures: 28°C high; 21°C low

Season: Summer

Some of the best December holidays involve sunscreen and hot sand between your toes. It’s summertime in Australia, and the Gold Coast has stunning beaches and lush hinterland rainforest waiting just for you.

Hit the surf (swim between the red and yellow flags on the patrolled beaches), check out Dreamworld, or visit Sea World and catch its dolphin presentation.

The beaches are where the parties are, though. Christmas events take place on the sandy shores, and nearby bars and restaurants feature holiday specials, so get a sun-kissed Christmas tan with your ice-topped cocktail.

Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads Beach and Currumbin Beach are among the best beaches to choose from. Queensland’s summer school holidays start in mid-December, so expect the coast to be busy, and plan around the afternoon storms that are common at this time of year.

Read next: Winter sun destinations Suggested stay: voco Gold Coast

Kerala

Average temperatures: 33°C high; 22°C low

Season: Dry season

India is a brilliant December destination for adventurers seeking exotic treasures, and Kerala, in the far south, is one of its warmer spots. The monsoon is over, the backwaters are lush and green, and the humidity has eased.

It boasts palm-fringed beaches, serene tea plantations around Munnar and wildlife reserves like Periyar, where you might (if you’re very lucky) spot a tiger.

You can visit Kochi with its colonial history, hipster art galleries and many museums, like the Indo-Portuguese Museum in Fort Kochi or the Museum of Kerala History, for a history fix.

Kerala has a large Christian community, and Fort Kochi’s churches, including St Francis Church, the oldest European-built church in India, are lit up for Christmas. Stick around for New Year and you’ll catch the Cochin Carnival, which builds through the last week of December and ends at midnight on New Year’s Eve with the burning of a giant effigy, the Pappanji.

If you’re an art lover, note that the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, the country’s biggest contemporary art event, takes place every two years. Its sixth edition ran from December 2025 to March 2026, so there isn’t one this December.

Suggested stay: Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra

Sri Lanka

Average temperatures: 30°C high; 24°C low

Season: Dry season on the south and west coasts

December is when Sri Lanka’s south and west coasts come into their own. The seas calm down, the skies clear and the beach season runs through to around April. The north and east get their rain at this time of year, so save places like Trincomalee and Arugam Bay for the summer.

I spent two weeks in Sri Lanka in December. I started in the hill country at Santani, a wellness retreat near Kandy, where I could not stop taking pictures of the views, and the traditional Sri Lankan dinner turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip.

Then I headed south to Tri, on Koggala Lake near Galle. I arrived flustered after hours of traffic, and within moments I was sipping a sundowner and watching dusk fall over the infinity pool and the lake. The next morning, I got up to watch the sunrise over the water.

From the south coast, explore the ramparts of Galle Fort, go whale watching from Mirissa (the season runs roughly from December to April) or head to Yala National Park to look for leopards. The pilgrimage season on Adam’s Peak also begins with the December full moon, if you fancy a pre-dawn climb.

It’s peak season over Christmas and New Year, so book your hotels and drivers well ahead.

Read next: Unmissable things to do in Sri Lanka Suggested stay: Santani Wellness Resort & Spa

Malaysia

Average temperatures: 32°C high; 24°C low

Season: Wet season on the east coast

You won’t be stuck for December holiday ideas if you choose Malaysia as your destination. My first visit was something of an afterthought, tacked on to the end of a longer trip, but there’s plenty to fill a whole holiday.

View the tallest twin towers in the world, the PETRONAS Towers in Kuala Lumpur, and admire the view of KLCC Park below from the skybridge.

Malacca has the most vibrant and interesting architecture from its Portuguese period and a plethora of art galleries, museums and other historical sights like A Famosa. Time your visit for a weekend so you can shop at the Jonker Street Night Market.

You can also visit the orangutans and sun bears in Sepilok, in Malaysian Borneo, or embark on some mega treks in the Taman Negara National Park (it’s wetter in December, so pack for rain).

One thing to plan around: December is monsoon season on the east coast of the peninsula, and many resorts on the Perhentian and Redang islands close until around March. Stick to the west coast, where Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Penang and Langkawi are all good bets.

Read next: 20 fantastic things to do in Malaysia you shouldn’t miss Suggested stay: Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel

Cambodia

Average temperatures: 31°C high; 21°C low

Season: Dry season

The balmy weather of Cambodia is perfect if you’re dreaming of warm places to go in December. It’s also one of the best times to see the sights in Cambodia, as it’s the cool, dry season and there’s little rain.

Not only is it free from the icy embrace of a northern winter, but it’s also full of incredible heritage sites like Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.

You can channel your inner Lara Croft (or Indiana Jones) and explore the ruins of the 900-year-old Hindu “temple-mountain”, pay your respects at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and wander around the beautiful Phnom Penh. December is busy at Angkor, so get there for sunrise or head to the outlying temples to escape the crowds.

Before you book, check the latest UK travel advice. After fighting in 2025, the government advises against all but essential travel to within 20km of the Thai border, and the land border crossings with Thailand are closed. Siem Reap, Angkor and Phnom Penh aren’t in that zone.

Read next: Three awesome Southeast Asia travel routes Suggested stay: Lotus Blanc Hotel

Québec City

Average temperatures: -3°C high; -11°C low

Season: Winter

Dreaming of a conventional white Christmas? Then Québec City is your city.

With plenty of snow-related fun, buttery pastries everywhere, and Christmas decor dripping from 17th-century architecture, you might forget that you’re not in the heart of Europe.

Go dog-sledding or cross-country skiing, indulge in a shopping trip, and head for the German Christmas Market, which spreads across six sites in Old Québec from 19 November to 23 December 2026 (it opens Thursday to Sunday, plus 21 to 23 December). Stroll the streets of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take in cultural attractions like Place-Royale and the Petit-Champlain district. The Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, about 35km east of the city, is a superb point of interest that you’ll want to add to your itinerary, too.

Read next: Best places to visit in winter Suggested stay: Monastère des Augustines

Berlin

Average temperatures: 4°C high; -1°C low

Season: Winter

For many people, the festive displays are a big part of a December holiday, and few places do Christmas quite like Berlin.

So why not nurse a steaming cup of glühwein in this sparkling Christmas city? With ice rinks, twinkling lights and some of the finest Christmas markets in Europe, it’s a joy.

The funfair at Alexanderplatz is a blast, and the Botanic Garden springs to illuminated life with glowing sculptures for Christmas Garden Berlin, from 18 November 2026 to 10 January 2027. Be sure to also stop at the Spandau Christmas Market in its old town, see the market in front of Charlottenburg Palace, and spend an evening wandering around Gendarmenmarkt for the ultimate festive feels. Most of the city’s markets open in the last week of November, and Gendarmenmarkt’s stays open until New Year’s Eve.

Read next: Best European places to visit in winter Suggested stay: Hotel ROMY by AMANO

Finland

Average temperatures: -5°C high; -11°C low

Season: Winter

Finland makes an obvious choice amongst the best countries to visit in December because of its association with the Big Guy in red, old Saint Nick himself.

As well as spending a weekend eating, drinking and being merry in Finnish Lapland, there are also the Northern Lights to bask beneath on a good night, ice hotels, dog sledding through the Finnish landscape, and the stunning architecture of Helsinki to admire.

In Rovaniemi, which sits right on the Arctic Circle, the sun barely rises in December, giving you a couple of hours of soft twilight around midday and long, dark nights for aurora hunting. The temperatures above are for Rovaniemi, and it can drop much lower.

Santa Claus Village is open every day and free to enter, and meeting Santa is free too (it’s the official photos that cost). SantaPark, the underground Christmas theme park, reopens on 31 October 2026, Snowman World’s ice restaurant opens on 6 December 2026, and the Arctic SnowHotel opens from 15 December.

I visited Rovaniemi in March rather than December, timing my trip for the spring equinox, and stayed four nights in a glass-roofed Kammi suite at Apukka Resort. I saw the aurora at the resort, through the glass in the middle of the night, and out in the wilderness on a reindeer excursion. Husky sledding was one of the highlights of my trip.

Christmas in Lapland books up months ahead, so sort your accommodation and husky or reindeer safaris as early as you can.

Read next: Things to do in Rovaniemi, Finland Suggested stay: Arctic City Hotel

Tromsø

Average temperatures: 0°C high; -4°C low

Season: Polar night

If you want the full Arctic winter experience, Tromsø in December is about as dramatic as it gets. The city is in the middle of the polar night, which runs from roughly 27 November to 15 January, so the sun doesn’t rise at all. That doesn’t mean it’s pitch black all day: around midday, the sky still glows a deep blue, sometimes streaked with pink.

All that darkness makes it prime time for the Northern Lights. I went in February, just after the polar night, and spent five days chasing them. On my first night, it was 100% cloud. On my second, I caught a faint green glow from my bed in a glass-roofed cabin at ÆRA, then headed down to the lake for a better look.

The best night came after I added an extra night to my trip. I spent the day mapping the cloud forecast on Windy.com Premium against known viewing spots, drove out to Oldervik and watched the lights dance for two hours under a completely clear sky.

The lesson? Give yourself as many nights as you can, and chase clear skies rather than the Kp index. If you’re not used to driving on snow and ice in the dark, a Northern Lights chase tour is the way to go. Read how I did it in my guide to the Northern Lights in Tromsø.

In the short blue hours of the day, go and feed reindeer with Sámi herders (my tour with Wondering Reindeer and my guide, Ula, was one of my favourite things I did in Tromsø) or ride the Fjellheisen cable car for views over the city lights. The Arctic Cathedral is beautiful lit up at night, and it’s worth checking its calendar for seasonal concerts.

One thing to note: the Tromsø Ice Domes, which I visited on my trip, aren’t opening for winter 2026/27.

Read next: Things to do in Tromsø in winter Suggested stay: Enter St. Elisabeth

Iceland

Average temperatures: 3°C high; -2°C low

Season: Winter

Iceland in December is dark, dramatic and surprisingly festive. Around the winter solstice, Reykjavík gets only about four hours of daylight, which means long nights for the Northern Lights and a low winter sun that bathes the landscape in golden light for most of the day.

Christmas here comes with its own cast of characters: the 13 Yule Lads, mischievous troll-like figures who arrive one by one on the 13 nights before Christmas, starting on 12 December, and leave small gifts (or a potato) in children’s shoes. And New Year’s Eve in Reykjavík is legendary, with neighbourhood bonfires followed by a city-wide explosion of fireworks at midnight.

My own Northern Lights trip to Iceland was in September, around the autumn equinox. I stayed at Hotel Rangá on the south coast and saw the aurora two nights in a row, including a Kp 8 storm on the night both forecasts had called the weakest. Rangá will even ring your room when the lights come out.

In December, the same rules apply: get away from the city lights, watch the cloud forecast and be patient. Winter driving here is serious, so check road.is and safetravel.is before every drive, or leave it to a tour. On the days in between, soak in a geothermal pool or join a guided ice cave tour on Vatnajökull, which only run in winter.

Read next: Why you need to visit Iceland in winter Suggested stay: Hotel Rangá

Austria

Average temperatures: 5°C high; 1°C low

Season: Winter

The heart of European Christmas beats in Austria. Come December, Vienna lights up with the ultimate festive cheer.

The city’s Christmas markets open from 13 November 2026, led by the big Christkindlmarkt in front of the City Hall on Rathausplatz. Live music flows from the Art Advent market on Karlsplatz, where the stalls tote unique crafts and organic foods.

Salzburg also has Advent Singing, with traditionally clothed Alpine folk choirs, and its Christkindlmarkt on Domplatz and Residenzplatz, the city’s oldest and largest, runs from 20 November 2026 to 1 January 2027. Nearby Oberndorf is where “Silent Night” was first performed, on Christmas Eve in 1818.

In Innsbruck, the old-town Christmas market sits right beneath the Golden Roof, with the snowy Nordkette mountains as a backdrop.

Suggested stay: Grand Ferdinand Vienna

Prague

Average temperatures: 5°C high; 1°C low

Season: Winter

Prague in December looks like it’s been lifted straight off a Christmas card: Gothic spires, cobbled lanes and a giant Christmas tree on Old Town Square, surrounded by wooden stalls selling mulled wine, sausages and handmade decorations.

The Christmas markets usually open in late November and run until 6 January, and the biggest are on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.

I visited Prague in winter, in January, and it was my first time in Czechia (spoiler alert: it won’t be my last). Winter is the time to see the Charles Bridge: I’d heard it becomes something of an assault course in peak season, but in winter there was enough space for a leisurely walk without having to elbow anyone out of the way.

I also tried a beer spa, which I was sure would be an overhyped tourist gimmick, and actually really enjoyed it. You don’t bathe in beer itself, but in the ingredients (mostly hops) that go into making it, and my skin came out much smoother than when I went in. My favourite beer of the trip came from the brewery at Strahov Monastery, and a food tour is the best way to get to grips with Czech cooking.

Read next: Things to do in Prague in winter Suggested stay: Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa

Mexico

Average temperatures: 22°C high; 9°C low

Season: Dry season

December might mean winter in Mexico, but it’s still a warm destination at this time of year. In Mexico City, the days are sunny and mild and the nights are chilly, so pack a jacket.

With the rainy season over, it’s the perfect time to indulge in some architectural delights. There are the Templo Mayor Aztec ruins to peruse and the Frida Kahlo Museum to visit (book your timed tickets well in advance, as it sells out). Then there are the posadas, the pre-Christmas celebrations from 16 to 24 December, with punch, traditional food, piñatas and candy.

On 12 December, millions of pilgrims celebrate the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe at the Basilica in Mexico City, and on 23 December, you can buy a carved radish at the Night of the Radishes in Oaxaca.

I spent two and a half weeks on the road discovering different parts of Mexico, and my itinerary below will help you plan your own trip.

Read next: Two weeks in Mexico itinerary Suggested stay: Cadillac Hotel Boutique

Cape Town

Average temperatures: 26°C high; 16°C low

Season: Summer

Cape Town will welcome you with a warm embrace in December, with ideal temperatures for hiking, biking and spending time outdoors. It’s peak season, so book ahead, especially over Christmas and New Year, and be ready for the strong south-easterly wind that locals call the Cape Doctor.

The Table Mountain cableway doesn’t open early enough for sunrise (the first cars go up at around 8am), so either hike up first thing or ride the cable car up in the late afternoon and watch the sun set over the Atlantic. I hiked up via Platteklip Gorge, the shortest route, on my first morning in the city, and I’d recommend you do the same. Then pack in some epic shopping at the cosmopolitan V&A Waterfront.

Head over to Boulders Beach to watch the adorable penguins, then drive to Cape Point for its wild clifftop views. (The idea that the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet there is a myth; their official meeting point is Cape Agulhas, further east.)

Finish the day by hiking up Lion’s Head and watching the sun set over the city.

Read next: Unmissable things to do in Cape Town Suggested stay: Bliss Boutique Hotel

Solvang

Average temperatures: 19°C high; 4°C low

Season: Winter

Where to go in December that oozes Christmas cheer? How about Solvang in southern California?

Founded by Danish settlers in 1911, it has a European atmosphere with windmills, bakeries, shops and Danish-style Christmas festivities.

Twinkle lights, Christmas trees, holiday markets and a tree-lighting weekend: Julefest runs from late November to early January, and there’s almost no end to the seasonal cheer here. Pick up some æbleskiver (Danish pancake balls) from one of the bakeries, then head out to the vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley, which surround the town.

Read next: The ultimate California road trip Suggested stay: Corque Hotel

Dubai

Average temperatures: 26°C high; 16°C low

Season: Winter

Dubai is an oasis of light and futuristic architecture in the warm desert. What’s not to love?

Stand on the world’s tallest building (Burj Khalifa) for incredible views, or have fun cooling off at Aquaventure on Palm Jumeirah (Wild Wadi Waterpark is closed until further notice). Go on desert safaris by camelback or visit the Dubai Aquarium for some impressive aquatic entertainment.

There’s also the Dubai Shopping Festival to look forward to, which usually runs from early December into January, and the Dubai Miracle Garden, which reopened for the cooler months on 8 October 2026, for floral delights.

Before you book, check the latest UK travel advice for the UAE. Regional tensions in the Middle East have caused flight cancellations and airspace closures, so check it again before you fly.

Read next: Luxury destinations to add to your bucket list Suggested stay: Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates

Madrid

Average temperatures: 10°C high; 4°C low

Season: Winter

You’ll adore Madrid when the heat doesn’t drain you in the cooler winter months.

Enjoy iconic monuments like the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum, take a day trip to the castle in Segovia, and warm up with crunchy churros and hot chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés. Ride the Naviluz Christmas bus past the city’s lights, take in the Christmas market on Plaza Mayor, or meander through the winter wonderland of the Real Jardín Botánico, which lights up for Christmas.

The city’s Christmas lights usually go on in late November and stay up until 6 January. Just don’t forget to seek out the conventional touristy sights like El Retiro Park during your festive getaway.

Read next: The perfect Spain itinerary Suggested stay: Ocean Drive Madrid

Peru

Average temperatures: 21°C high; 8°C low

Season: Summer (rainy season in the Andes)

Peru makes one of the best December holiday spots for a healthy dose of ancient culture and hiking. Just be ready for rain: December is the rainy season in the Andes, so expect afternoon showers in Cusco, though mornings are often clear. On the coast, Lima’s sunny summer is just getting going.

Strap your hiking boots on and walk the Inca Trail, or climb to Machu Picchu and marvel at the ruins (stopping only to watch the adorable llamas grazing nearby). The Inca Trail is open in December, but it closes every February for maintenance, and permits sell out months ahead.

The city of Cusco is a delight, with its cathedral, the Qorikancha and the Plaza de Armas standout landmarks. On Christmas Eve, the plaza fills with the Santurantikuy market, where artisans sell nativity figures and crafts. Oh, and put your foodie taste buds to the test by trying some cuy.

Read next: 16 incredible things to do in Peru Suggested stay: Hotel Hacienda Cusco Centro Histórico

Krabi

Average temperatures: 31°C high; 22°C low

Season: Dry season

Thailand has the potential to offer you one of the best holidays in December, especially in Krabi. The dry season has arrived on the Andaman coast, the seas are calm, and it’s the perfect time for island hopping to Railay and the Phi Phi Islands.

With sparkling turquoise waters, limestone karsts and beach-ready temperatures, it’s a clear winner. You can climb the 1,200+ stairs of Wat Tham Sua or dip in the hot springs at Klong Thom for some much-deserved R&R.

There are also prehistoric caves to explore at Khao Khanap Nam and lush jungle treks to enjoy. Stop at the night markets and eat until you’re fit to burst. It’s high season, so book ahead for Christmas and New Year.

Read next: 50 best things to do in Thailand Suggested stay: The Brown Hotel

Rio de Janeiro

Average temperatures: 30°C high; 23°C low

Season: Summer

Rio de Janeiro is a vibrant, colour-filled city brimming with energy and an almost perpetual carnival aura. I’ve been back time and time again, and its summer weather makes it a brilliant December choice if you want to avoid the snow and instead party it up under the sun.

Fill your itinerary with spectacular sights such as the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain, or bask in the glorious sun on Copacabana Beach or Ipanema Beach. Go early in the day, as December is hot and humid, with frequent summer storms in the afternoon.

Stay for New Year’s Eve if you can. Réveillon on Copacabana Beach is one of the biggest parties on the planet, with crowds dressed in white and fireworks lighting up the bay at midnight.

Read next: The best things to do in Rio de Janeiro Suggested stay: Hilton Copacabana

Miami

Average temperatures: 26°C high; 18°C low

Season: Dry season

Miami is known for its gorgeous winter weather, but it also boasts many cultural events throughout December.

Music concerts, ballet performances and Art Basel Miami Beach, which takes over the city in the first week of December, are wonderful ways to spend time there. During Art Basel week, satellite fairs and parties spill out across Wynwood and the Miami Design District, which is my favourite part of Miami to explore.

If Christmas cheer is what you covet, check out Christmas Wonderland in Tropical Park, which took over the site of the much-loved Santa’s Enchanted Forest after it closed for good. You could even make a detour to Disney World, about three and a half hours’ drive away in Orlando, for a couple of days if you fancy a really special holiday.

Read next: The best things to do in Miami Suggested stay: citizenM Miami Brickell

Singapore

Average temperatures: 31°C high; 24°C low

Season: Wet season

Singapore is a delightful Asian retreat during the cold winter months, when the weather is warm but not stiflingly so. Just be aware that December is one of its wettest months, with short, heavy downpours most days, so plan some indoor time.

Visit the Gardens by the Bay with over 1.5 million plants and the iconic Supertree constructions, or take to the skies in the Singapore Flyer for incredible city views at night. In December, Christmas Wonderland takes over Gardens by the Bay (it’s ticketed separately), and the lights along Orchard Road are a Christmas tradition.

You can also visit Madame Tussauds or the National Gallery Singapore, as well as the cultural hotspots of Little India, Chinatown and Kampong Glam. Head to Universal Studios or Sentosa Island for fun and games. There’s no limit to the fun that can be had.

Read next: 18 cool places in Singapore for you to explore Suggested stay: Grand Park City Hall

Practical tips for travelling in December

• December is peak season in many of these places, especially over Christmas and New Year, from Lapland and the Alps to the Caribbean, Cape Town and Sri Lanka. Book flights, hotels and popular tours (husky safaris in Lapland, the Inca Trail, refugios in Torres del Paine) as far in advance as you can.
• The earlier you book your flights, the cheaper they tend to be, and flying in early December is usually cheaper than in the run-up to Christmas. You can search Skyscanner to get the best deal.
• Check Christmas market dates before you book. Most open in mid to late November, but some close before Christmas, while others run into early January.
• Pack according to the weather of the place you’re travelling to. Places like Berlin and Copenhagen get incredibly cold, and in Lapland, Tromsø and Québec City temperatures regularly fall well below freezing, so thermal layers, a proper winter coat and waterproof boots are essential. My guide to what to wear to see the Northern Lights covers the layers.
• Daylight is in short supply in the far north. Tromsø gets no sunrise at all in December, and Rovaniemi and Reykjavík only get a few hours of light, so plan your sightseeing around the middle of the day.
• In the tropics, check the weather patterns: December is cyclone season in Mauritius, and monsoon season on Malaysia’s east coast and in Singapore.
• Take out travel insurance, and check the UK government’s travel advice for your destination before you book, especially for the Middle East and Cambodia’s border with Thailand.

Best places to travel in December: map

More winter travel guides

• The best places to visit in January
• Finland in winter: an insider’s guide
• Things to do in Norway in winter
• Why you need to visit Iceland in winter
• Copenhagen in winter: the ultimate guide
• Trentino: Italy’s gorgeous winter wonderland
• 2 weeks in Mexico: the ultimate itinerary
• The best things to do in Cape Town
• Things to do in Tromsø in winter
• Things to do in Prague in winter

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