Forget summers; December is officially the holiday season. It is the final month of the year, so why not create a milestone in December 2023?
The countdown to New Year and the delight of Christmas make for the most exciting time of the year. Christmas trees twinkling in the resorts, lights strung up the streets, freshly fallen snow wafting from mountains, and hot chocolates served in igloo cafes — the month is overwhelmed with festive fever.
14 Beautiful Destinations for Holidaying in December
Whether you want to ski in the snow-capped mountains of Canada or enjoy glamping in Dubai’s desert, you’ll have it all in these top destinations to visit in December. This list covers the contrasts of wanderlust.
1. Dubai
Who doesn’t love luxurious spas, high-rise buildings, spine-chilling adventures, and lovely culture together? While the Northern Hemisphere is snuggled down in layers of cloth, Dubai receives relentless sunshine and remains toasty. The festivities, fervor, and fireworks in December blow off the roof. Dubai ushers in a stack of unbelievable attractions: a garden with over 150 million natural flowers (Dubai Miracle Garden), a shopping bonanza that introduces a 90% discount (DSF), and a mega multicultural park (Global Village). Long story short, the future is here.
Average Temperature: 16°C to 26°C
Best Things to Do and See: Dubai Miracle Garden, Dubai Shopping Festival, Global Village Dubai, Burj Khalifa
2. London
Drowned in the Christmas frenzy, London is one of the magical holiday destinations in December. Celebrate your year-end break in the British capital with jingle bells, carols, mulled wine, and mince pies. There are tree-lighting ceremonies, socially distanced concerts, Harry-Potter-inspired events, bottomless brunches, pretty handmade souvenirs, and more to make it a guilt-free vacation. Just a friendly tip: carry an umbrella because London could rain anytime.
Average Temperature: -2°C to 7°C
Best Things to Do and See: Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, Southbank Centre Winter Festival, Hogwarts in the Snow, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square
3. Paris
Called a swan song for honeymooners and revelers, visiting Paris in December is the cherry on the cake. The City of Light dazzles with millions of fairy lights, from the Eiffel Tower to the Seine River. Check out the Christmas pop-up markets, Gothic-style churches, classical music concerts, rhythmic parades, ballets, theaters, and concerts. Beyond the mayhem of festivities, you can escape to peace and contemplation as you duck into the Louvre Museum or stroll at Parc Monceau. Do not miss out on hot chocolate at Angelina, the wintery sights of Jardin des Tuileries, and a shopping spree at Champs-Elysées.
Average Temperature: 4°C to 8°C
Best Things to Do and See: Galeries Lafayette, Jardin des Plantes, Disneyland Paris, Seine River Cruises, Sainte-Chapelle
4. Miami
If you are looking for a warm-weather hideaway, Miami is your best bet. Weary travelers can thaw on white sand, and the adrenaline junkies can enjoy deep-sea fishing. It is one of the peaceful places to visit in December. You can find a strong Latin and Caribbean influence in its arts, culture, and food scene. The highlights of the winter month are subtropical wilderness in the Everglades, creative holiday lights, a river ride at Zoo Miami, a 420-acre extended Deering Estate, and a shelter to rare species at Fairchild Tropical Garden. Kids will run into Santa Claus at Pinecrest Gardens, and families can enjoy the famous ballet, The Nutcracker.
Average Temperature: 19°C to 24°C
Best Things to Do and See: Art Basel, Everglades, Santa’s Enchanted Forest, Virginia Key Beach Park, Ballet The Nutcracker
5. Oahu
Protruding from the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Oahu has a laid-back and easygoing island life. Of the twenty islands in Hawaii, Oahu is one of the picture-perfect and cheapest places to visit in December for Christmas. It is blessed with tropical temperatures, thriving rainforests, and abundant adventures. You will be smitten with its gleaming decorations, beach villas, boat parades, and epic wintertime waves. Go hang out with Santa and even play the ukulele with him.
Average Temperature: 21°C to 26°C
Best Things to Do and See: Honolulu City Lights, Festival of Lights Boat Parade, Aloha Tower, Rumfire, Polynesian Cultural Centre
6. Banff
A montage of fluffiest snow, glacier-hew fjords, shimmering lakes, thermal springs and jagged mountains, Banff is tucked at 1400 m to 1630 m above sea level. Hemmed in by Banff National Park, it is located in Alberta’s Rockies, approximately 126 km west of Calgary and 58 km east of Lake Louise. The landscape looks bewitching in December, where you can admire some of the finest alpine racers in the World Cup at Lake Louise Ski Resort. Lace up your boots and get ready to explore the vast wilderness through cross-country skiing.
Average Temperature: -14°C to -5°C
Best Things to Do and See: Banff Upper Hot Springs, Whyte Museum, Banff Gondola, Lake Louise Ski Resort, Christmas at the Castle
7. Penang
It is the missing puzzle in your Malaysia holiday! Penang is an island that serves old-world Asia into a modern soup. It is teeming with palm-fringed beaches, Chinese shops, farms growing nutmeg and durian, street arts, and pretty temples. All you have to do is find your starting point and prepare for paradise. Hunt the biggest gifts at Sunway Carnival, take a funicular tram ride, enjoy a fun tour of George Town’s Historic Centre, walk back to nature at National Park, and stack up treats from Christmas markets.
Average Temperature: 24°C to 31°C
Best Things to Do and See: Gurney Paragon Christmas Market, Penang Hill, Sunway Carnival, Penang Botanical Gardens
8. Goa
Home to 400 churches, glorious beaches, countless yoga retreats, Portuguese colonies, off-the-beaten pathways, posh seafront hotels, and unmatchable parties, Goa has earned its reputation as the trend-setting state in India. Be it letting your hair down to the beats of the best DJs or participating in the merrymaking at the Saturday night market, this petite island in December is full of surprises. Take a breather post-Christmas celebration to bask in the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of the Sunburn Festival. We tell you, to be in Goa at Christmas is some luck.
Average Temperature: 24°C to 32°C
Best Things to Do and See: Sunburn Festival, Club Hopping, Hot Air Balloon Ride, Mandovi River Cruise, The Basilica of Bom Jesus
9. Greenland
Ever spent a holiday on an island where sunlight stayed for a mere three hours? Turned into a polar desert in the brisk winter, Greenland is one of the awe-inspiring destinations to visit in December. Visitors can explore the untamed wilderness, glacial lagoons, endless ice sheets, and otherworldly landscapes. Although it has small cities and settlements, the festivities and fireworks are massive and loaded with excitement. Whether it is the Christmas-themed decorations that illuminate the streets or the mind-blowing Northern Lights scintillating the sky, you will have the holiday of a lifetime.
Average Temperature: -8.6°C to -3.5°C
Best Things to Do and See: Northern Lights, Nuuk and the National Museum, Whale Watching, Ilulissat Ice-fjord, Viking Ruins
10. Phuket
Is there any greater place to unwind and dance than Thailand? One of the favorite locations in the country is Phuket. The monsoon bids goodbye as the weather becomes pleasant and sunny in December. Escape from the mundane lifestyle and perch on one of the breathtaking white-gold beaches. The best vantage points, like Khao Rang and Samet Nangshe, are calling out for attention. Food is enjoyed with incomparable gusto, and explosive beach parties are organized. Dig out the magnificent landscape that is hidden away by kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling. Travelers hungry for adventure may never want to leave.
Average Temperature: 24°C to 32°C
Best Things to Do and See: Big Buddha, Karon Viewpoint, Wat Chalong, Phang Nga Bay, Kata Beach
11. Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, the world’s most cosmopolitan city that holds its heritage like a diamond in the crown, is sophisticated, presentable and luxurious. December heralds the onset of a cool climate and chirpier atmosphere. While your one leg will step back in time, the other will embrace the future. Studded with the floating Louvre Museum, sprawling palm trees, stunning Presidential Palace, colossal mosque, and incredible architecture, the entire city looks like a dream station out of a storybook. Mangroves, beaches, deserts, mountains — you name it!
Average Temperature: 17°C to 26°C
Best Things to Do and See: Yas Island, Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi Food Festival, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, FIFA Club World Cup
12. New York City
NYC is one of the most popular destinations to visit in December, and it deserves all the hail. From malls to flea markets, holidaymakers witness the biggest bargains here. Watch the dazzling tree light ceremonies, see your wildest imaginations come true at LuminoCity, cozy up for a rooftop movie, go ice skating, and feast on delectable Christmas dishes. Its buzzing nightlife, legendary clubs, epic decorations, flapper fun, and non-stop events are perfect for night owls and partygoers. See you on the dance floor!
Average Temperature: 0°C to 7°C
Best Things to Do and See: Rockefeller Christmas Tree, Central Park, Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, Holiday Train Show
13. Venice
Pronounced by cobbled-stone streets, baroque architecture, white churches, time-honoured canals, and the biggest skating rinks, Venice is the city to experience the authentic Italian-style holiday. Wine, waltz, and winter, December in Venice is extraordinary. It has a chilly climate, fewer people, and moderate rainfall. This is a quaint and joyful city where you will stumble upon pop-up markets and decorated gondolas. Float on the gondola rides through the foggy landscape, enjoy a hot cup of cocoa, take an inside tour of St. Mark’s Basilica on Christmas, and admire the genius in the Leonardo da Vinci Museum.
Average Temperature: 1°C to 8°C
Best Things to Do and See: Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, Gondola Tour, Rialto Market, Lido Beach
14. Auckland
Are you scouting the warmth of the sun during the bleak December month? Auckland is one of the warmest places to visit in December, resulting in a swell of tourists. Either you are a hopeless romantic or holidaying with family, Auckland fits the bill. Laze off by the beaches, trek across the island, and take advantage of occasional deals. Dive into a myriad of outdoor adventure activities, like bungee jumping and skydiving. The festive spirits are high, skyscrapers are glaring, and nature looks merrier.
Average Temperature: 14°C to 22°C
Best Things to Do and See: Sky Tower, Wine Tasting, Rangitoto Island, Private Cruise, Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari
Tips for Travelling in December
- Confirm the above-mentioned events and festivals before booking the tickets.
- Buy flexible tickets to avoid cancellations in unforeseen situations.
- It is not the winter season in December for the entire world. Pack your clothes, sweaters, sunscreen, shorts, or swimwear as per the weather at the destination. So, research beforehand, as the Northern Hemisphere has low temperatures while the Southern Hemisphere is warm.
- Carry your prescribed medicines, first-aid kit, and other necessary items to avoid a panic scene in case of emergencies.
- Learn simple and frequently used phrases in the local language of the destination for a smooth conversation.
FAQ About Travelling in December
A. What are the best places to visit in December?
The UAE, Italy, Thailand, Malaysia, and the USA are some of the best countries to plan a trip to in December.B. What are the best places to visit in December in Europe?
London, Paris, and Venice are the best European cities to visit in December.
C. What are the best places to visit in December in Asia?
Dubai, Abu Dhabi Penang, Phuket, and Goa are must-visit places in Asia in December.
D. What are the warm places to visit in December?
Miami, Auckland, Phuket, and Goa are some of the warmest cities in December.E. What are the budget-friendly places to visit in December?
Phuket, Oahu, Banff, and Goa are a few of the budget-friendly places to visit in December.Conclusion
As the calendar turns to the last month of the year, our eyes are peeled out for a long-term vacation. This is the perfect bucket list for you, whether you want to soak up the Christmas carousel or just sit back and bask in the sun. It’s hoopla!
