December may mean the year is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean your travel plans have to. If you’re looking for the best places to visit in December, here are some of Lonely Planet’s top picks. Whether you want stunning northern lights, tropical beach adventures, or cozy Christmas markets, here are some great options to add to your December travel plans.
Where are the best places to travel in December for relaxation?
1. Palawan, Philippines
Why now? Dry skies for wet adventures.
Dubbed “the Philippines’ last ecological frontier,” pristine Palawan—the country’s westernmost province—is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a haven of biodiversity above and below the water line. There are over 1,700 islands here, covered by virgin forest, edged by limestone cliffs and fringed by coral reefs. The diving is varied and spectacular. At El Nido, in the north, there are 20-plus dive sites where exciting sightings range from nudibranchs and seahorses to turtles and huge shoals of snapper. Around Coron Island, there’s thrilling wreck diving, with numerous WWII remnants to explore. There’s also decent diving in easy reach of the capital, Puerto Princesa—sites include walls and pinnacles, a variety of corals, plenty of unusual macro species, colorful reef fish, crustaceans, schooling barracuda and jacks, rays and reef sharks. Puerto Princesa is also the gateway to the Subterranean River National Park, a navigable underground waterway through incredible karst formations.
2. San Diego, California
Why now? For city life, winter sun, Santa and cetaceans.
This cool California city might seem like an odd pick for great winter destinations in North America, but hear us out. In San Diego rain is more likely, but days remain mild (average highs: 66°F/19°C). It’s certainly still warm enough to wander the city’s village-like neighborhoods—fancy La Jolla, surfy Encinitas, alternative Ocean Beach, foodie Little Italy, the lively, bar-packed Gaslamp Quarter—and to lose yourself in enormous Balboa Park, with its museums (Air & Space, Art, Natural History) and world-famous zoo.
For further wildlife encounters, book a boat tour, or head to the cliff-top trails of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in the hope of spotting dolphins and migrating gray whales, which pass along the coast here between December and March. For a different kind of “wild life,” try a pub crawl in hipster-chic North Park or “coastal cool” Pacific Beach, and dive right into San Diego’s craft beer and cocktail scene.
3. Puerto Vallarta, México
Why now? It’s the most wonderful time of the year for sun, sand and surf.
Usually, by December, the Bahía de Banderas region of Mexico’s Pacific Coast is well into its dry season. (The wet season usually lasts from June to October.) With daytime highs reaching around 81°F (or 27°C) and just over an inch (or 33 mm) of rain for the entire month, Puerto Vallarta offers pretty much the perfect weather to enjoy picture-perfect days at some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches. If you like getting active in the water, drive north to Punta de Mita or Sayulita on the Riviera Nayarit for beaches with fantastic surf breaks, or take a boat ride south to Majahuitas or Yelapa for secluded beaches with uniquely spectacular scenery.
For those who prefer adventures on dry land, Puerto Vallarta has much more to explore beyond the beach. At Isla Río Cuale, you can explore this lush and verdant park at the heart of the city, and you can peruse the offerings at the local artisan market. At the Zona Romántica neighborhood to the south of Río Cuale, you’ll find many of the city’s finest art galleries and liveliest nightlife. And all around town, keep your eyes out for some incredibly tasty local restaurants and food stands.
Where are the best places to travel in December for wildlife and nature?
4. Central Kalahari, Botswana
Why now? For cheaper prices and greater game.
In this immense wildlife reserve, covering 50,000 sq km (19,305 sq miles) and one of the largest in the world, rain does not stop play. Indeed, it positively encourages it. While December marks the start of the rainy season in Botswana, it’s the best time to visit the semi-arid Central Kalahari. In the northernmost areas, around Northern Deception Valley in particular, the flush of wildflowers and grasses attracts great gatherings of grazers, which in turn attract predators—large numbers of hyena, leopard and the reserve’s famed black-maned lions are all found here. This is also the best time for birding, as many species are wearing their breeding plumage and migrants are around. Roads may become trickier to navigate but the payoff is excellent wildlife viewing and, at times, soul-stirringly stormy skies. There are opportunities to engage with the San people too.
5. Arctic Sweden
Why now? Sleep on ice beneath the Northern Lights.
At the Swedish village of Jukkasjärvi, one degree of latitude north of the Arctic Circle, the sun never rises in the last three weeks of the year. In December, darkness is the dominant state—perfect for watching the Aurora Borealis. Jukkasjärvi is the home of the original Icehotel, where you can spend a night in a bed made of ice. The area is also a base for cross-country skiing, husky sledding, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, meeting reindeer—we consider their seasonal migration to be one of the seven wonders of winter—and learning about traditional Sámi culture—magical for kids and grown-ups alike. Some 100km (62 miles) to the northwest, Abisko National Park is even further removed from the light, an otherworldly landscape offering arguably the world’s best aurora-watching.
6. Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
Why now? Chill mountains and cool vibes in this “City Different.”
Usually, when folks think of great skiing in North America, they envision the hallowed mountains of Aspen and Vail in Colorado. Yet further south in the Rocky Mountains, you can discover a different kind of winter ski experience in and around the “City Different” of Santa Fe. Not only can you enjoy the remarkably scenic “High Road” to the world-class slopes of Taos, but you can even enjoy fun slopes for skiers at all levels at Ski Santa Fe (which is only 16 miles [or 26km] from town).
Even if you’re not into skiing, Santa Fe places you in the heart of Northern New Mexico’s greatest of great outdoors. From the artistically inspiring landscapes of Abiquiú to the ancient history at Bandelier National Monument, and the local Foothill Trails that lead into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe has plenty of amazing parks and public lands to keep you active.
Where are the best places to travel in December for culture?
7. Martinique
Why now? Sing carols with a Creole twist.
December doesn’t just mean Christmas in the French Caribbean. It means Chanté-Nwel. One of Martinique’s biggest annual festivities, held across the island from November to Christmas Day, it sees people gather to sing carols to Creole rhythms (a practice dating back to the days of slavery) and feast on local favorites including yams, pâtés, boudin créole (blood sausage), yule logs and potent shrubb—a Christmas cocktail crafted from dried orange peel, sugarcane syrup and white rum. Very festive. All that’s missing is the snow: with sunny skies and average highs of 82.4°F (28°C), this is perfect beach weather; chill out on the vast sweep of white sand at Les Salines or the black sand of Anse Noire.
8. Chhattisgarh & Odisha, India
Why now? For cultural encounters in milder weather.
The neighboring states of Odisha (Orissa) and Chhattisgarh (a breakaway chunk of Madhya Pradesh) offer perhaps the most authentic insight into rural India. These regions are largely neglected by tourists, perhaps due to their lack of “big” sights. But the appeal here is in getting away from the cities and meeting the people, such as the majority Gond (famed for their vibrant art), the tattooed Kutia Kondh, the Indigenous groups of the jungles around Jeypore, the bead-wearing Bonda or the cultural melee of a haat bazaar (weekly market), where many tribal groups gather to haggle over everything from butter and salt to clothes and jewelry. The Bastar region of Chhattisgarh is a good place to start—visit markets, hike between village homestays and witness tribal festivals: the Madai Festival, which moves around the communities of Bastar, Kanker and Dantewada, is celebrated from December to March (when temperatures are mild, too).
9. London, England, UK
Why now? For an extra festive holiday spirit you can’t find anywhere else.
You can easily hear London calling year-round, but there’s something extra special about visiting this storied British mega-city in December. Sure, other European cities have their own Christmas markets, but London’s Christmas markets go above and beyond to get you in the perfect holiday spirit while you load up on tasty treats and charming gifts. Beyond the Christmas markets, you can also expect plenty of holiday cheer at iconic landmarks like Kew Gardens, the London Zoo, Hyde Park, and the “Hogwarts in the Snow” Harry Potter experience at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.
While London tends to get rain and somewhat chilly temperatures during December, you probably won’t have to worry about the weather dampening your travel plans. If anything, this is a great time to take advantage of the (relatively) thinner tourist crowds and check more places off your London bucket list.
Where are the best places to travel in December for food and drink?
10. Black Forest, Germany
Why now? For a touch of Teutonic magic.
The Black Forest is Germany’s most romantic, fairy-tale-laced region, and it’s always a solid pick for fun winter destinations in Europe. And never more so than in December, when its rolling hills and dense-packed evergreens might be sprinkled with snow and when everywhere is sprinkled with Christmas. The lively university town of Freiburg is a fine festive choice.
Its medieval center of cobbled lanes and gabled houses is lovely to wander at any time, but now smells of Glühwein (mulled wine) and gingerbread; browse the Christmas market, where you can make your own candles and cookies, ride the Ferris wheel and feast on raclette and wurst. Further afield, take the train or bus to nearby Hinterzarten for the striking Ravennaschlucht market, where traditional stalls cluster in a gorge beneath the Devil’s Valley Railway viaduct.
11. Puerto Rico
Why now? For a never-ending Noel.
If you’re looking for some unique Christmas vacation ideas, look no further than sunny and spirited Puerto Rico! Other places may celebrate the 12 days of Christmas, but Puerto Rico stretches it all the way to 60 days, starting with Thanksgiving (this is a US “unincorporated territory,” after all) and not finishing until mid-January. Visit in December and you’ll likely come across shops stacked with festive trinkets, late-night parrandas (carol singing in the streets), church Masses filled with aguinaldos (Christmas songs) and the hearty consumption of festive feasts: lechón (suckling pig), arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), pork-and-potato pasteles (steamed plantain tamales) and coquet (sweet spiced coconut drink). The Día de los Inocentes (28 December) is particularly fun, akin to April Fool’s Day, when people play tricks on each other—head to Hatillo for the best high-jinks.
Season’s greetings aside, Puerto Rico may be one of the most underrated and over-achieving warm winter destinations in the US. In December, the weather is wonderful for exploring this proudly Latino Caribbean idyll. Wander the bright alleys of Old San Juan (founded 1521) and lively second-city Ponce; venture into El Yunque for rainforest hikes; check out the surf at Rincón; and consider sailing over to the islands of Vieques and Culebra for quieter sands and dazzling after-dark kayaking in Bioluminescent Bay.
12. Santiago, Chile
Why now? For fantastic flavors and scenery worth savoring.
At first glance, Santiago seems like an odd place to visit in December. But once you remember that Chile is in the Southern Hemisphere, you realize that December brings ample warmth and almost no rain to Chile’s capital city. Even better, Santiago has a slew of innovative and downright revolutionary restaurants—such as Boragó and 99 Restaurante—worth splurging. Even if you’re more in the mood for street food, Santiago has you covered with a wide array of markets and stands offering local seafood, empanadas, and authentic Chilean hot dogs that you simply have to taste to believe.
Of course, since you’re in Chile, this is your prime opportunity to head out and explore wine country. Fortunately, wine regions like the Casablanca, San Antonio and Maipo Valleys are nearby. For something even closer, check out Santiago’s best local wine bars.
Where are the best places to travel in December for adventure?
13. Slovenia
Why now? Crowd-lite, multi-sport, fairytale snow fun.
While snug-sized Slovenia can’t compete with Europe’s winter-sports big boys, the country is still splendid when the snow starts to fall. There is good skiing, albeit on a smaller scale.
Resorts such as lively Kranjska Gora, reliable Krvavec and family-friendly Vogel aren’t huge but also aren’t as busy as other Alpine hubs. But where the country really excels is in multi-activity winter breaks, combining downhilling and snowboarding with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow-hiking, ice-climbing or even igloo-building and night tobogganing. The landscapes are thrilling, too, with most resorts located in and around the handsome Triglav National Park. Photographers will love the high peaks, frozen waterfalls, snowy forests, beautiful Lake Bohinj and magical Lake Bled, with its lake isle and castle shimmering in the frost.
14. Vancouver Island, Canada
Why now? For really wild times.
As winter arrives, the restive region where Arctic and subtropical air collides shifts south, and low-pressure systems build in the Gulf of Alaska. This equals stupendous storms, which thwack the Pacific coast of Vancouver Island, stirring up gigantic swells, roaring winds and epic skies. It’s Mother Nature at her most marvelously unhinged and cinematic—and it’s worth braving a bit of weather for front-row seats. On the edge of Pacific Rim National Park, the little town of Ucluelet (meaning “people of the safe harbor”) is a great place to watch the action unfold.
15. Andermatt, Switzerland
Why now? This town offers the ultimate ski town paradise.
Sure, Andermatt may not be anywhere near as recognizable (to foreigners) as Switzerland’s most famous ski resort towns, such as St. Moritz and Zermatt. But really, this is a great reason to come here for ski season. Once a quiet and seemingly hidden military outpost, Andermatt has recently evolved into a more sophisticated resort town, yet at heart it’s still a ski town that caters to all.
For beginners of all ages, the Nätschen Mountain has areas set up to help you hone your skills, including a “moving carpet” that you just have to try for yourself. For more advanced skiers, Gemsstock is the mountain to ski for next-level adventures, especially the north-facing slope that gets the most reliable snowfall. No matter where you go to ski (or even if you don’t ski at all), stick around town, and Andermatt won’t let you down for après-ski fun, from casual drinks at the village’s established pubs to uniquely upscale offerings at The Chedi hotel.
Finally, let’s answer some questions.
Where's the best place to vacation in December?
Really, this is for you to decide. But if you’re still feeling a little stumped, here are a few basic pointers to keep in mind. If you prefer a warm escape to a tropical island, December may be the best time of the year to head to the Caribbean and enjoy the pleasantly warm weather and abundant sunshine.
On the flip side, if you prefer engaging in winter sports activities during the winter season, the European Alps is the ultimate nirvana for skiers and snowboarders. In addition, the Rocky Mountains has some of the United States’ top ski destinations in Colorado and New Mexico.
What is the warmest place to travel in December?
As noted above, the Caribbean has plenty of warm, sunny days during the winter season. In addition, Mexico’s Pacific Coast beach resort towns—such as Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos—tend to stay pleasantly warm and dry in December.
Heading beyond North America, December is a good month to head to the Middle East and enjoy the cooler (but still warm) temperatures in places like Cairo, Sharm-el-Sheikh, Dubai, and Muscat. And for something completely different, keep in mind that December marks the start of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Should you opt for a December trip to Chile, South Africa and Australia, you’ll head south for a hot summer festive season.
Are there specific places with notable holiday festivities in December?
If you like the idea of winter travel that really lets you feel the spirit of the season, then Europe is one continent full of winter wonderlands. Not only can you head up the Alps for beautiful snow-covered mountains and forests, but many cities host expansive Christmas markets featuring tasty treats and heartwarming stocking stuffers.
If you prefer celebrating the warm and cozy spirit of the winter holidays in actual warm weather, you have some great options throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Some standouts include Mexico’s nearly month-long Christmas celebrations full of Posada caroling, colorful Nochebuena Christmas Eve traditions and tasty tamales available all season long. Also, don’t sleep on Puerto Rico, as this US Caribbean island territory really comes alive with incredibly heartwarming (and belly-filling!) celebrations throughout December.
Where are some budget-friendly travel destinations for December?
Last, but certainly not least, you might be wondering where are the best places to travel in December on a budget. Unfortunately, December usually marks the high season at a number of tropical beach resorts and snowy ski resorts where travelers love to flock during this most wonderful time of the year. With this said, you can find some good deals if you know where to look.
For instance, you may be able to save on a Caribbean beach vacation by booking in advance and taking advantage of all the free activities in Puerto Rico, as opposed to following the crowds to the mega-popular resorts in places like Aruba and the Virgin Islands. Meanwhile for skiing, more underrated mountain towns like Santa Fe will likely go easier on your wallet than the major-league Colorado ski towns that tend to command top dollar rates in December.
Want more expert recommendations for every month of the year? Check out the brand-new edition of Where to Go When.
