December is an excellent month to travel in, whether it’s getting away from the madness of the holiday season for a short, relaxing break, heading for the sun to warm up away from the wet and cold, or diving head first into the festivities and seeking out the best Christmas destinations to celebrate in. Check out my top picks of the best places to visit in December below!
Best Places to Visit in Europe in December
Tromsø, Norway
Located in the heart of the Arctic wilderness, Tromsø is surrounded by stunning scenery of mountains and fjords, and is one of the best places to stay for a chance to see the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis. It’s possible to see the lights from the city centre, but to increase your chances, you can take a guided tour to more remote places with less light pollution.
What to do in Tromsø in December
- Go whale watching and catch a glimpse of Orcas, Humpback Whales and Minke Whales as they chase the herring shoals
- Take a tour of the fjords
- Go Husky or Reindeer sledding
- Take the Fjellheisen cable car up the mountain for amazing views over the city
- Relax in the Pust sauna
- Visit the Arctic Cathedral and enjoy a concert
- Explore the Tromsø Ice Domes
- Visit the seals at the Polaria Aquarium
How to photograph the Northern Lights
Here’s some tips on how to photograph the beautiful but tricky aurora borealis:
- Set the ISO high
- Set the aperture as wide as possible
- Set the shutter speed to the fastest you can
- If you have one, use a tripod, or rest your camera on something steady
- Set the timer for 2-3 seconds
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is a great starting point to visiting Iceland, known for its natural scenic beauty, culture, and history. The city centre combines small-town vibes with a cosmopolitan vibrancy, full of museums, theatres, galleries, cool little bars and cafes, and plenty of restaurants serving up fresh, local ingredients.
What to do in Reykjavik in December
- Go on a tour around the island and see the Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, and Thingvellir National Park
- Walk up Skólavörðustígur (also known as Rainbow Road) and visit the Hallgrímskirkja Church to view the city from the top
- See the Sun Voyager sculpture
- Relax in the spa pools of the Blue Lagoon, or alternatively, the recently opened Sky Lagoon
- Find some live entertainment in a local bar – there is always stand-up comedy, jazz, cabaret, drag shows and live music going on
- Take a Northern Lights tour
- Visit a museum like the Whales of Iceland exhibition, Phallological Museum, or Perlan Museum
- Grab a hotdog from Baejarins Beztu Pylsur
Highlands of Scotland
While not the first place you might think of to visit in Winter, the Scottish Highlands provides a beautiful place to travel through, with vast glens, forests, lochs, rivers, and coastlines to roam. Dolphins, porpoises and seals can be spotted off the coasts, and the region is full of rich history to explore.
What to do in the Scottish Highlands in December
- Follow the Malt Whisky Trail for the ultimate Scotch experience
- Visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle on the shore of Loch Ness and take a boat tour to hunt for Nessie
- Hop in a car and drive the SnowRoads Scenic Route, a 90-mile journey from Blairgowrie to Grantown-on-Spey
- Visit the largest second-hand bookshop in Scotland, Leakey’s Bookshop
- Snowshoe through Cairngorms National Park
- Take the train on the scenic West Highland Railway Line over the Glenfinnan Viaduct
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is full of historic sights, old traditions, and beautiful architecture, giving off a medieval feel when you walk through the winding streets of its Old Town. Each district of Tallinn is very distinct, from the grand Baroque palace of Kadriorg and its surrounding park, to the seaside district of Pirita, to the cultural hub of Telliskivi.
What to do in Tallinn in December
- Explore street art on the 2.5km Cultural Kilometer
- Take in the city from the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform
- Visit the Balti Jaama Market
- Eat and drink at Tallinn’s Christmas market
- Go Ice Skating in the Old Town
- Visit the beautiful Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Make your own treats at the Kalev Chocolate Shop and Workshop
Dublin, Ireland
There’s no better place to curl up in a cozy pub in December than in Dublin, and the busy capital fully embraces the festive season with vibrant attractions and welcoming locals. The weather might be wet and cold, but don’t let it stop you – bundle up and drink an Irish coffee to stay warm while joining in on the fun.
What to do in Dublin in December
- Visit the zoo and enjoy the holiday lights as well as the animals
- Visit the famous Temple Bar area and have a drink in one of the many pubs lining the streets
- Explore the Guinness Storehouse and finish the experience with a pint in the rooftop bar
- Take a tour in the Jameson Distillery to learn how whiskey is made
- Visit the Christmas Market at Dublin Castle
- See the Book of Kells at Trinity College Library
Best Snowy Places to visit in December
Lapland
Lapland in the Winter is the stuff of every child’s Christmassy dream, but people of all ages will enjoy the glorious snowy landscapes, rich local culture, and promise of cosy evenings by the fire. While mainly associated with Finland, Lapland is actually a region that spans Sweden, Norway, Finland, and part of Russia. There’s an excellent chance of spotting the Northern Lights from Finnish Lapland, while you can get up close and personal with the prevalent Sami culture in Swedish Lapland. Norwegian Lapland is more expensive to visit, but provides excellent skiing opportunities in Narvik.
What to do in Lapland in December
- Stay at the Ice Hotel in Swedish Lapland
- Watch the Northern Lights from a glass igloo in Finnish Lapland
- Go Husky Sledding
- Take a Snowmobile Tour
- Visit a Sauna in Finnish Lapland
- Organise to stay in the home of a Sami family and learn about their way of life
- Go Ice Fishing
Courchevel, France
Courchevel is primarily a ski resort, but offers lots of other Winter activities to take part in. Sitting within The Three Valleys, Courchevel is renowned for having the best snow cover in the whole of the Alps, making the area not only perfect for skiing, but for a scenic holiday in the mountains.
What to do in Courchevel in December
- Not a fan of skiing? Go tobogganing instead
- Take the leap and go hang-gliding, paragliding, or skydiving
- Have fun swimming at Aquamotion, which includes rapids, slides, heated pools, and a 25m training pool
- Lift off in a hot-air balloon
- Book a treatment and chill out in the Spa
- Spend time indoors bowling or watching a film in the cinema
- Watch the torchlit descent down the Saulire piste on Christmas Eve
- Enjoy an après-ski party at the Folie Douce bar, Meribel
Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Winter is the best time to visit Switzerland, with magical snow-covered peaks, charming Christmas markets, and an overall cosy atmosphere to enjoy. Fairy-tale towns like Grindelwald and Gstaad sit in the Alpines and offer great shopping and dining destinations in beautiful mountainous surroundings, while other towns like St. Gallen and Gruyères offer old-world charm with their medieval cobblestone streets and centuries-old houses.
What to do in Switzerland in December
- Take a trip on the Glacier Express train, which takes you through the stunning scenery of the Alps and connects the two mountain resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz
- Visit the largest indoor Christmas market in Europe, Christkindlimarkt, located inside the main train station of Zurich
- Go ice-skating on a frozen lake in Davos
- Take a thermal bath in the Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad or Leukerbad-Therme
- Have a Swiss Chocolate experience at Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory
- Take a gondola ride up the Grindelwald mountain for world-class views over the Alps
Best Places to go for Christmas
Want to enjoy the festive season in style? These are the best Christmas holiday destinations for you and the family.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
It’s truly a magical time in Amsterdam in December, with fairy lights draped over everything, warm treats like oliebollen available on every street corner, and the icy canals providing a wonderful Christmassy backdrop for exploring the capital. Come for the Christmas markets, stay for the cheery atmosphere.
What to do in Amsterdam in December
- Go ice skating on the frozen canals, or if they haven’t frozen over yet, visit Leidseplein for their outdoor rink
- Wander around the Amsterdam Light Festival
- Get out of the cold and visit the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum
- Visit the cats at De Poezenboot, the only floating cat sanctuary
- Plan a tour through the Anne Frank House
- Eat the best apple pie in the Netherlands at Winkel 43
- Visit the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo
- Take a day out to explore Efteling, where they decorate the theme park especially for Winter
Cologne, Germany
Let’s be fair, you could go to literally anywhere in Germany and have a magical Christmas, with places like the snow-dusted Black Forest region, party capital Berlin, or fairy-tale-like Hanau coming to mind. But Cologne stands out as one of the best places to visit for Christmas, with atmospheric Christmas Markets and a beautiful old town to explore.
What to do in Cologne in December
- Visit the numerous Christmas Markets around the city, especially the one in the square next to the Cathedral, and fill yourself up on gluhwein and good food
- Take the Christmas-Market-Express train between the markets and trundle through the decorated streets of the old part of Cologne
- See the glittering illuminations of the Christmas Garden at Cologne Zoo
- Take a boat trip on the Rhine
- Visit the Lindt Chocolate Museum and make your own chocolate bar
Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Father Christmas, so is probably one of the most Christmassy places you could possibly visit in December. If you want to visit Santa, then this is the trip to plan! But there’s plenty of other adventures to have in Rovaniemi as well, all surrounded by beautiful snowy landscapes.
What to do in Rovaniemi in December
- Visit Santa Park and attend Elf School, make cookies, post your letter to Santa and meet the man himself!
- Dig for your own Amethyst at the Amethyst Mines in Luosto
- Go on an Icebreaker Cruise through the Bothnian Sea
- Visit the Reindeer Farm and go on a sleigh ride
- See Arctic animals like Polar Bears, Arctic Foxes, Grey Wolves and Lynx at Ranua Wildlife Park
- Visit the stunning Arktikum Museum and learn more about Sami culture
- Take a Lappish Craft Workshop at Hornwork Studio
- Go Ice Floating in the lake
December Holiday Destinations outside of Europe
If you’re looking for something a bit further afield, then these are some of the best holiday destinations in December outside of Europe.
Montreal, Canada
December is a great time to visit Montreal, which looks like a winter wonderland complete with snow and glittery decorations. There are plenty of things to do in Montreal, regardless of if you’re travelling as a couple, solo, or as a family – just make sure you wrap up warm, as the weather is freezing!
What to do in Montreal in December
- See the animals at Zoo Ecomuseum, from Wolves to Lynx to Arctic Foxes
- Walk around the Botanical Gardens and stop for some maple syrup scooped straight from the fresh snow
- Visit the Biodome and immerse yourself in the carefully cultivated ecosystems
- Trek to the top of Mont Royal and take in the city views
- Catch an Ice Hockey game at the Centre Bell
- Take the time to walk down Saint Laurent Boulevard and browse the many shops, bars and restaurants, as well as the numerous pieces of street art dotting the area
- Wander around Montreal’s Chinatown
- Visit the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal and watch the Aura light show
Antarctica
It’s probably not the first place you think of for a Winter destination, due to the freezing temperatures and barren landscapes, but Antarctica should definitely be on your bucket list, and December is actually a great time to visit. Hungry whales are on the hunt, making them more likely to spot, and penguin chicks are beginning to hatch. Warmer temperatures and longer days also provide a great reason to visit at this time of year.
What to do in Antarctica in December
- Firstly, book a tour – there are plenty of options depending on how much time you want to spend in Antarctica, from 6-day tours to 30-day cruises, but these 11-day tours are a good start
- Camp under the stars
- Go Kayaking
- Visit the Vernadsky Research Station
- Head to Deception Island for a history lesson on whaling
- Get up close and personal with 6 different species of penguin in Antarctica
- Practice your photography! There are plenty of animals to spot on an Antarctic cruise, from Orcas and Humpback Whales, to Leopard and Elephant Seals, to Emperor Penguins and Albatross.
New York, USA
New York goes all out for Christmas, transforming the city into a place of festivities and wonder. There’s loads of events to attend, incredible lighting displays everywhere, Christmas markets open all around town and hundreds of performances to see. It’s a fun and romantic time, and everyone should visit New York in December at least once.
What to do in New York in December
- Attend The Nutcracker at New York City Ballet
- Check out the Dyker Heights Light Show
- Go Ice Skating at the Rockefeller Center and see the giant christmas tree
- See the Christmas lights show at Saks Fifth Avenue
- See ‘The Rockettes’ perform in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular
- Visit Santa at the Macy’s at Herald Square
- Browse the toys at FAO Schwarz, the oldest toy store in the United States
- Attend a basketball game – see the New York Knicks or Brooklyn Nets at either Madison Square Garden or Barclays Center
- Get out of the cold and visit the Museum of National History
Hokkaido, Japan
Hokkaido is an amazing place to see in December, with the drifts of powdery snow turning everywhere into a Winter wonderland. There are plenty of reasons to visit even if you’re not a skier or snowboarder, who flock to Hokkaido in December for the Winter sports, as the region is also renowned for the quality and freshness of its seafood, and the heated, mineral-rich waters of its onsens.
What to do in Hokkaido in December
- Travel to the top of Mount Hakodate for amazing views over the city
- Walk down the canals of Otaru and stop for some fresh seafood in the Sankaku market
- Spend the evening in Susukino, Sapporo’s entertainment district, and grill your own dinner at one of their famous Genghis Khan restaurants
- Relax in the Toyako Onsen at Lake Toya, or the nearby Noboribetsu hot spring resort
- Visit the Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa and eat a bowl of their famous ramen
- See the Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei
- Learn all about red-crowned cranes at the Akan International Crane Center
- Take a fascinating Drift Ice Cruise
Warm places in December to travel to
Not a fan of the cold and snow? Then maybe these hot destinations in December are more your style.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The dry season starts in December in Ho Chi Minh City, with pleasant temperatures and lots of sun, making it an ideal time to visit. Large and chaotic, there are plenty of things to do and see, and even though Christmas isn’t recognised as an official holiday in Veitnam, you can still feel the festive Christmas spirit around every corner.
What to do in Ho Chi Minh City in December
- Visit the the largest and busiest market in Saigon, Ben Thanh Market, or head to the Binh Tay Market for somewhere a bit quieter
- Go see the beautiful Tan Dinh Church
- Sail along the Mekong River in a sampan and take in the Mekong Delta
- Browse the fruit-filled Cai Be Floating Market in Tien Giang
- Walk down Nguyen Hue and Bui Vien to view the festive holiday lights
- Visit Chinatown and chow down on some dumplings
Perth, Australia
December is one of the peak seasons in Perth, as temperatures soar and people flock to the 19 different beaches to soak up the sun and catch the waves. If you don’t mind the crowds, you can have some truly amazing experiences with Perth’s vibrant food scene, Indigenous history, and abundant wildlife.
What to do in Perth in December
- Follow the Christmas Lights Trail, which showcases 35 unique large-scale light installations
- Catch the free Lotterywest Christmas Spectacular concert by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra
- Watch the Christmas Pageant as it passes by in the street
- Explore the beaches from North Fremantle to Mullaloo
- Browse the Scarborough Sunset Markets at Scarborough Beach
- Take a Mandurah Christmas Lights Cruise
- Take a picnic to Lesmurdie Falls National Park and have lunch in front of the magnificent scenery
- Take a picture with a Quokka on Rottnest Island
- Visit the award-winning Wildlife Park in Caversham
- View the Aboriginal art at the Aboriginal Art Gallery
- Catch a rooftop movie above the streets of Northbridge
Marrakesh, Morocco
Christmas isn’t celebrated in Morocco, so it’s a perfect destination for those looking to escape it. Marrakesh experiences cooler temperatures in December, but it still ranges between 6-20ºC, and the clear skies provide great opportunities to go stargazing in the desert.
What to do in Marrakesh in December
- Visit the beautiful Jardins Majorelle
- Go shopping in the souks, the Morrocan markets that are located right in the centre of the Medina
- Grab a bite to eat at Place Jemaa El-Fna in the evening and take some pictures of the sunset
- Take part in a pottery class
- View Moroccan art in the Musee de Marrakech
- Visit the incredible Islamic school Ben Youssef Madrasa
- Learn how to make a tagine with a local
- Ride camels, camp, and go stargazing on a Zagora desert excursion
- Attend the International Film Festival between the end of November and beginning of December
Bali, Indonesia
It’s rainy season in Bali in Winter, but there’s a reason so many tourists still head there in December despite the heavy monsoons, and you’ll likely experience as many clear and sunny days as wet ones. There are plenty of things to do and see in Bali regardless of the weather, and the Christmas and New Year celebrations are especially exciting.
What to do in Bali in December
- Attend the Denpasar Festival, where designers showcase their traditional wear in fashion shows, and there are musical performances, parades, and much more to get involved with
- Visit a Balinese Hindu Temple – Tanah Lot Temple, Ulun Danu Bratan temple, Uluwatu Temple, Besakih Temple, and Goa Gajah are the most famous ones
- See the sealife up close on a submarine tour
- Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest
- Explore the Bali Safari Park
- Go shopping at one of the Bali Markets
Best beach holidays in December
These hot destinations come with beautiful sandy beaches, perfect for rest and relaxation in the December sun.
Mauritius
December is a great time to visit Mauritius because of the beautifully warm weather, clear skies, and crystal clear waters. It’s dry and sunny, and you can enjoy relaxing on the gorgeous beaches or surfing in the sea.
What to do in Mauritius in December
- Go on an underwater sea walk
- Go shopping at the Port Louis Bazaar
- Book a jungle safari at the Casela Nature Park
- If it falls in December, enjoy the Fire-Walking Festival, Theemithi
- Experience true Mauritian life in the town of Mahebourg
- Go scuba diving at Blue Bay Marine Park
- Follow the Mauritius Tea Route and visit the Le Domaine des Aubineaux, Bois Cheri Tea Gardens and Le Domaine de Saint Aubin
Havana, Cuba
It’s dry season in Havana in December, and the city offers bright sunny days for sightseeing or spending the day at the beach. The weather is ideal for water sports, scuba diving, and snorkeling, and there’s plenty of festivities to get involved in as well.
What to do in Havana in December
- Explore El Morro Castle, otherwise known as ‘Castillo del Morro’
- Walk around the colourful labyrinth of Old Havana, or Havana Vieja
- Enjoy a cabaret show at Tropicana Nightclub Show
- Go for a tour of Havana in a Classic Car
- Head to the biggest beach in Havana, Santa María del Mar, or Playa Boca Ciega and Playa Jibacoa for something a bit quieter
- Explore the swamp-like forest of El Bosque De La Habana
- Treat yourself to an expensive meal at La Guarida in Centro Havana
Jamaica
If you don’t mind the crowds, December is a great time to visit Jamaica, with good weather and plenty of Christmas celebrations. The island offers spectacular white sandy beaches, crystal waters, and beautiful sunsets – perfect for those looking for rest and relaxation.
What to do in Jamaica in December
- Run to the beat in the Reggae Marathon
- Party the night away at the Maiden Cay Beach Party
- Go Bamboo Rafting down the Martha Brae River
- Go on a snorkeling tour from Seven Mile Beach and view the amazing marine life
- Get up close and personal with crocodiles on a Black River Safari
- Experience bioluminescence in the Luminous Lagoon
- Visit the Dunns River Falls and Green Grotto caves
- Go swimming in the Blue Hole
- Walk along the beautiful white sand of Seven Mile Beach
Phuket, Thailand
The largest island in Thailand, Phuket, is known for its incredible beaches. With over 40 of them dotted around the coastline you’re sure to find one suited just for you, whether you prefer lying back on the sand, swimming in the ocean, or getting involved with the various activities available on the beaches.
What to do in Phuket in December
- Wander around the Old Town of Phuket and admire the charming streets, colourful walls, and cute little bakeries and cafés
- Head to the Karon Viewpoint for stunning views of Katanoi beach, Karon Beach and Katayai beach
- Visit Rawai Village for a glimpse into the life of the Moken tribe
- Visit the Wat Phra That temple for its half-buried golden Buddha and other wonderful architecture
- Watch the traditional Thai dance performances, enjoy the live music, and browse the stalls of the Patong Carnival and Seafood Festival
- Feed the elephants at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
- Climb up to the iconic 45-meter tall white marble Big Buddha statue that sits at the top of Nakkerd hill
- Browse the wares at the Sunday Walking Street Market on Thalang road
- Watch a Muay Thai Boxing Match at Patong Boxing Stadium