16 of the best places to visit in December (2024)

December would be a dreary season to travel in much of Europe and North America were it not for most of the month being swept up in a whirl of Christmas lights, shopping, mulled wine and carols, with just a brief pause before New Year’s Eve celebrations. Though it’s dark, it isn’t usually the coldest time of the year. At the other extreme, it’s gearing up to be the peak holiday period in tropical and southern hemisphere destinations, providing an escape from the chill of winter. If you have the chance to take a big, sunny trip in the first half of the month, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds. These are the best places to visit in December.

Main photo: Wharariki beach, New Zealand (Getty Images)

1. Berlin, Germany

Why go in December? For many variations on a German-style Christmas
Christmas markets in Berlin may not have been around for as long as in some other German cities, but they make up for it in variety. More than 100 take place around town, in locations from the glass façades of Potsdamer Platz (also a popular venue for ice skating) to the quaint streets of Spandau in the western suburbs. You’re never far from a glass of glühwein or lebkuchen, but you’ll also find less traditional arts and crafts. Base yourself near Kurfürstendamm to see the boulevard splendidly lit up, and to raid the vast candy counter at KaDeWe — the queen of Berlin department stores. Sir Savigny is a boutique hotel two blocks north of Kurfürstendamm, with a book-filled lounge and retro details in the rooms to create a sophisticated city bolt hole.

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2. Nassau, Bahamas

Why go in December? For a Junkanoo party to see out the year
There’s some nitpicking as to whether the Bahamas count as a Caribbean country in purely geographical terms, but when it comes to culture there’s no doubt. Proof comes at the end of December with street parades to match any carnival in the islands to the south. Bahamian Junkanoo celebrations take place mainly on December 26 and New Year’s Day: a masquerade of dazzling costumes to the sound of goombay drums across the islands. It’s a popular travel period with little rain. If you’re staying on New Providence Island, largely taken up by Nassau, it’s not about low-key escapes: the SLS Baha Mar is part of a complex of luxury beach hotels and is styled throughout for maximum Instagram appeal.

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3. Prague, Czech Republic

Why go in December? For architectural treasures in the home of Good King Wenceslas
Of all the European capitals, Prague might have the best claim to look like a vintage Christmas card backdrop. Snow isn’t a sure thing (it’s more likely in January) but even without frosted roofs, this gothic-baroque medley looks atmospheric on short December days. During Advent only, a lamplighter does the rounds on the famous Charles Bridge at about 4pm. While Christmas is a busy period, earlier in the month is a cheaper time to arrive for markets and ice rinks in historic squares. The Mala Strana quarter, in the shadow of Prague Castle, has just as much labyrinthine appeal as the Old Town. On a cobbled square here you’ll find the Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa. It’s spread across a cluster of buildings — the oldest going back 500 years — and staying in one of its 46 rooms and suites feels like waking up on the set of an opera.

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4. Luang Prabang, Laos

Why go in December? For river trips through temple-dotted countrysideLaos is southeast Asia’s only landlocked country, but with the mighty Mekong flowing through its length, river cruises are understandably popular. At this time of year there is very little rainfall but the rivers are still full, and temperatures are at their lowest — though still comfortably in the 20s. The one-time royal capital of Luang Prabang is key to many river trips through the limestone cliff scenery of the north, and is also a top destination for culture with its gilded temples and lines of saffron-robed Buddhist monks. In the sleepy centre of Unesco world heritage-listed Luang Prabang, 3 Nagas has plenty of historic appeal, with 15 rooms decorated in dark wood, and bikes for guests to explore the old city.

5. Norbotten, Sweden

Why go in December? For aurora-spotting and other winter activities in Swedish Lapland
Sweden’s northernmost county largely overlaps with the historic region of Lapland — and with the Arctic Circle running through it, anywhere north of that line sees at least one day in December when the sun never rises. The long nights are an advantage when spotting the northern lights, but even if this natural show proves elusive, Norbotten has other winter marvels. Near the town of Kiruna in the north is the original ice hotel at Jukkasjarvi, while on the outskirts of the southern city of Lulea is the world heritage-listed Gammelstad, its dinky red cottages now under pillowy snow. One for the unusual stays bucket list: the Treehotel has seven boldly designed rooms perched high in a forest an hour’s drive north of Lulea.

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6. Kerala, India

Why go in December? For emerald beauty after the monsoons
With an abundance of swaying coconut palms along its coast and backwaters, Kerala is India’s most lushly tropical state. The six-month rainy season that allows all this to happen lifts in December, so this month is an obvious (and in-demand) time to visit. Backwater cruises in a kettuvallam (house boat) are a highlight in Kerala, and the city of Alappuzha is a starting point for many. Hotel Purity at Lake Vembanad overlooks the famously long lake outside Alappuzha, and offers ayurvedic treatments and morning yoga classes in its serene grounds.

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7. Edinburgh, Scotland

Why go in December? For Auld Lang Syne, and other ways to light up the night
While the biggest party in the Scottish capital comes with the Hogmanay celebrations to see in the New Year, there’s much to raise the spirits during the other 30 days of the month. With the sun gone before 4pm, it’s up to the Christmas lights to brighten Edinburgh’s old stone façades; the most spectacular decorations are on George Street. Out of the centre, the Royal Botanic Garden and Dalkeith Country Park are also transformed into night-time wonderlands. Back in the New Town, Christmas market stalls bring mulled wine and more to Princes Street Gardens. Set in two Victorian villas away from the city centre bustle, the Roseate Edinburgh showcases seasonal Scottish produce and rare single malts.

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8. Vermont, US

Why go in December? For New England villages decked out in baubles and snow
Russet-coloured leaves might be New England’s signature seasonal look, but the region is a winter beauty too. In the mountains of Vermont, around one in three December days are snowy, and the lead-up to the 25th sees many of the state’s small towns decorated to the nines. Ski resorts such as Stowe usually start their season in the last week of November, and other winter activities away from the groomed runs include cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and dog-sledding. It’s enough to justify more maple syrup on your breakfast pancakes. Running since 1833, the Green Mountain Inn is set in a complex of historic buildings in the original centre of Stowe, seven miles from the ski resort, and is filled with four-poster beds and other traditional touches.

9. Cartagena, Colombia

Why go in December? For tropical Christmas traditions at the start of dry seasonChristmas festivities may look a little different in an equatorial country, but Colombia’s temperatures are graded less by month and more by altitude: from ones that nurture coconut palms on the coast, to cooler climes in the highland capital Bogota or among the aromatic plantations of the Zona Cafetera. On the night of December 7, the festival of Dia de las Velitas sees towns and cities adorned with little candles and coloured lanterns. Centuries-old Cartagena is queen of the Caribbean coast, where the nationwide tapering off of the October-November rainy season is especially marked. Graceful, antique-filled Hotel Casa del Arzobispado is a colonial-era original in the walled city of Cartagena, with a pool in the central patio.

10. Dubai, UAE

Why go in December? For big-ticket spectacles and mild winter daysNational Day on December 2 marks the independence of the United Arab Emirates in 1971, celebrated today with fireworks, LED shows and displays of heritage in this Gulf state where the contrast between old and new is so marked. It’s also usually around this time that the most populous of the emirates, Dubai, hosts its part of the Rugby Sevens series. With the oppressive summer heat gone, and average temperatures in the 20s, this month is generally a more pleasant time to venture beyond air-conditioned spaces. Building traditional Arabian elements into a modern design, Vida Downtown is super close to the action around the Dubai Mall and the world-record skyscraper Burj Khalifa.

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11. Rome, Italy

Why go in December? For timeless delights in the Eternal City
Christmas and New Year are usually chilly in Rome (around 8C), though still a tad warmer than many European cities in December. The Christmas tree custom is slowly catching on in Italy: there are splendid examples in St Peter’s Square (thanks originally to Poland-born Pope John Paul II) and outside the Colosseum. Rome certainly goes in for lavish nativity scenes, plus panettone and other seasonal sweets. Stay among the tight-knit streets around Campo de’ Fiori and you’ll be equidistant from the Vatican and Roman Forum, near the Christmas market at Piazza Navona, and also Hanukkah celebrations in Rome’s old Jewish quarter. Behind an ivy-covered façade, the Boutique Hotel Campo de’ Fiori is cosy and unapologetically indulgent, with velvet drapes and gilded mirrors.

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12. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil

Why go in December? For a wonder of nature at its fullest flow
The world’s largest waterfall system is a year-round wonder, but December marks the start of its mightiest performance. The trade-off is having to dodge heavy rain showers and sweat out the height of tropical heat, as well as working around busy South American Christmas holidays. Though the Argentine side accounts for the greatest share of the falls, and the best trails to their thunderous heart, the Brazilian portion has more spray-free viewpoints, helicopter rides, and a bigger choice of facilities in its gateway town. The answer, of course, is to visit both national parks. Of the two hotels right by the falls, the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas on the Brazilian side edges it for its country-estate style and chance to stroll to viewpoints ahead of the tour buses.

• Guide to Iguazu Falls: everything you need to know

13. Southern Alps, New Zealand

Why go in December? For summer adventure in epic sceneryThe start of the southern hemisphere summer brings changes all across New Zealand, but nowhere more so than in the mountains of the South Island. Although Aoraki/Mount Cook and the other highest peaks should keep their crowns of snow, at middle altitudes the way is open for hikes such as the legendary Routeburn Track. Visitor attractions get particularly busy as Christmas holidays approach, so if you can, go earlier in the month to enjoy outdoor activity hotspots such as Queenstown and Te Anau. Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel offers sophisticated rooms, some with views of the peaks of the Remarkables, a short walk from the centre of Queenstown.

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14. Bratislava, Slovakia

Why go in December? For old-world atmosphere in an under-the-radar European capital
The L-shaped square at the historic heart of the Slovak capital is less well known than its Prague Old Town equivalent, but visit in December and you’ll also find it cheerily decked out with Christmas market stalls against a backdrop of stately baroque and art nouveau buildings. There’s no guarantee of white rooftops (snow-seekers should add on a trip to the peaks of Tatra National Park on the border with Poland) but this is definitely the time of year when typical dishes such as goulash most hit the spot. And with Vienna just 35 miles up the Danube, what better chance for two-in-one, compare-and-contrast Christmas market shopping? A short stroll from both the Old Town and the Danube riverside, Marrol’s Boutique Hotel has the vibe of a traditional club with a crackling fireplace and deep armchairs.

15. Bequia, St Vincent and the Grenadines

Why go in December? For street parties and beach time in the CaribbeanThe islands of St Vincent and the Grenadines are a trusty ticket to winter sun, but also bring a uniquely Caribbean twist to Christmas. The shimmying starts on December 16 and the Nine Mornings Festival rewards early risers with dances and steel band concerts, and the all-important tradition of a sea bath. The country is divided between St Vincent proper, mountainous and jungle-clad, but also where most Vincentians live and play, and the Grenadines — smaller islands such as Canouan and super-luxury Mustique where you’re more likely to find white sands. Bequia (pronounced “beck-way”) is the second largest of the islands, and a happy compromise of glorious beaches and local culture. Bequia Beach Hotel gives right onto the crescent-shaped beach at Friendship Bay, and is decorated inside to evoke the era of steamer trunks, rattan armchairs and slowly twirling ceiling fans.

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16. Cape Town, South Africa

Why go in December? For beaches and nature
With summer just beginning in South Africa, temperatures are at a manageable average high of 27C in Cape Town. It’s warm enough if you want to head to the coast — and there are some gorgeous beaches just outside of the main centre — but also affords some cooler days if hiking up Table Mountain is on your agenda. Don’t restrict yourself to city perimeters though. Hire a car and you’re in the Cape winelands in under an hour, or go further south to the tip of the Cape Peninsula where, at the Cape of Good Hope, you’ll feel like you’re at the end of the world. Radisson RED V&A Waterfront is within walking distance of Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, and there’s a great collection of bars and restaurants in the area.

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Additional reporting by Qin Xie.

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