The end of the year is the perfect time for a little escape. Let’s look at some of the best places to visit in December from the UK. The weather varies widely in December, with the chance to make the most of every season.
As well as enjoying London in the winter or celebrating Christmas in Paris, you could head down to the Southern Hemisphere for beach days and sunny adventures. Meanwhile, countries like Canada and Germany are fabulously festive.
Where to go in December in Europe
If you don’t want to travel too far for your December holiday, Europe is a great bet. Check out my top places to visit in December for skiing, sightseeing, or general seasonal festivities.
1. Munich, Germany
- Learn more: Munich Christmas markets
- Why visit in December: The mesmerising Christmas markets
Craving a magical German Christmas market experience? Make your way to Munich. This beer-loving city is awash with glittering lights, traditional stalls and delicious festive treats come December.
Forget London’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Munich’s Marienplatz Christkindlmart is the real deal and easily one of the best Christmas markets in the city. Marvel at the huge Christmas tree lit by over 2000 twinkling lights. Browse stalls selling a wide range of traditional gifts. Tuck into delicious treats like gingerbread, gluhwein, and stollen.
Munich’s proximity to the Alps also makes it the perfect jumping-off point for a mini ski retreat. Or hop on a train for the day to Tegernsee to view the mountains blanketed in powdery soft snow.
2. Glasgow, Scotland
- Learn more: Magical Christmas breaks in the UK
- Why visit in December: Family-friendly festive events close to home
While many like to head to Edinburgh for a Christmas holiday, Scotland’s second city is an equally enchanting winter staycation. As well as hosting several seasonal events in December, the city has fantastic attractions.
If you are travelling with kids, visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum for its annual Elfingrove extravaganza. It runs from late November through December, featuring stalls, an ice rink, and a snow wheel.
You could also venture to George Square (famous for its statues of acclaimed Scots). The square comes alive with a colourful Christmas market with rides and plenty of stalls selling festive gifts.
3. Tromsø, Norway
- Learn more: Tromsø travel guide
- Why visit in December: Unbelievable Northern Light vistas
December is a perfect time to enjoy a little luxury and festive vibes in Tromsø, all while being immersed in incredible natural beauty.
Despite Tromsø’s proximity to the Arctic Circle, the winter isn’t as harsh as you would expect. In fact, temperatures rarely drop below -5°C. While you’ll still need to wrap up warm, you’re unlikely to experience anything too extreme.
Book a couple of tours while you’re in the city to experience it through the eyes of a local guide. This includes a trip to witness the Northern Lights, which are particularly prevalent at this time of year. Get ready to be blown away by its mesmerising beauty.
4. Zakopane, Poland
- Learn more: Zakopane travel guide
- Why visit in December: An early ski season getaway
If your heart’s set on whizzing down the slopes, consider a December ski holiday in Poland. Zakopane (a city in the country’s south) is the gateway to the Tatra Mountains and the perfect base for a ski trip to Bialka Tatrzanska.
Bialka Tatrzanska is one of Poland’s best ski resorts, offering up to 16 kilometres of linked ski runs. There are options for every ability, too, plus chances to enjoy various other winter activities. Zakopane itself is brimming with activities.
Stroll down its vibrant main street, ride in a horse-drawn sleigh or whizz up to the top of Mt. Kasprowy in the Kasprowy Wierch cable car for epic vistas.
The best places to visit long-haul in December
Prefer a December holiday destination that’s sunny rather than snowy? You’ll want to venture down to the Southern Hemisphere, where the summer is in full swing. I’ve also got a few suggestions for winter escapes a little further afield.
5. Cape Town, South Africa
- Why visit in December: Wine tasting and treks up Table Mountain
Cape Town is a magical place over the December holidays – especially for those seeking sun. It’s an ideal month to visit for sunshine and a little bit of sightseeing. And there are plenty of attractions to soak up, too.
Millions of people from across South Africa flock to this heaven on Earth to experience some of the best natural landscapes you can find. Cape Town’s most famous site is Table Mountain. It was recently added to a list of the world’s wonders and offers up spectacular views of the entire city.
Speaking of views, visit Cape Point to see where the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans meet. The city also sits within striking distance of South Africa’s best wine estates.
6. Chichi, Guatemala
- Learn more: Guatemala travel guide
- Why visit in December: The vibrant Fiesta de SantoTomás
December is a great month in Guatemala in terms of weather, it’s also when one of the most exciting festivals is held. The small town of Chichicastenango (or Chichi) is a town of traditional Mayan K’ich’e that keeps to itself through most of the year – except during a few key festivals. One of these festivals, and the most famous among locals, is the Fiesta de Santo Tomás.
Fiesta de SantoTomás, which occurs every year in mid-December, features a parade of patron saints and icons. There’s also singing, dancing and fireworks in the town square and throughout the city streets. Want an unforgettable experience this December? Head to Chichi to experience ancient Mayan traditions and wonderful sunny weather.
7. Saint Lucia, Caribbean
- Learn more: Saint Lucia travel guide
- Why visit in December: Caribbean winter sun
If your dream winter escape involves white-sand beaches and balmy evenings sipping rum cocktails, say hello to the Caribbean. Saint Lucia is widely considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world and it serves as a breathtaking escape from cold weather.
This paradise island is also an ideal spot to travel to if you’re looking for a holiday where staying active is a key part of the adventure. Saint Lucia is home to several challenging treks in its lofty Piton mountains.
You could also head out on a coral reef dive along Anse Chastanet. And, when that’s all said and done, you can spend time in Sulphur Springs. Anyone for a soothing mud bath?
8. Banff, Canada
- Learn more: Banff travel guide
- Why visit in December: The ultimate winter wonderland experience
For the ultimate winter wonderland, the beautiful resort town of Banff in Canada is hard to beat. It’s one of the best holiday destinations in December thanks to its stunning scenery. Glimpse the Rocky Mountains in all their snow-covered glory or skate along one of the lakes with locals in tow.
Banff may just be the ultimate Canadian Christmas experience, too. It’s filled with Christmas carolers, parades, and markets, plus loads of opportunities for skiing and skating. One of the very best things about Banff over the December period is its festivals and events. Sip beer at an ale festival, get into the Christmas spirit at a festive fair or attend an event purely dedicated to ice castles.
Make sure you head over to Sulpher Mountain and ride the famous Banff Gondola before you leave the town. It really is a major highlight of any trip – no matter what time of year you visit.
9. The Maldives
- Learn more: Maldives travel guide
- Why visit in December: Blissful winter sun
The Maldives is one of the most exquisite archipelagos in the world, with top-class resorts spread across the Indian Ocean. It’s one of the best holiday destinations in December for total luxury and blissful R&R.
With warm weather year-round, minimal waves, crystal clear waters and first-class service, there’s very little not to love about a trip to the Maldives. One of the most impressive places to stay is SAii Lagoon Maldives. Just 15 minutes from Malé airport, this luxurious resort is connected to Crossroads – a multi-island leisure space with world-class clubs, plus high-end bars and restaurants.
The sunsets and sunrises throughout your stay will blow your mind. And the struggle will definitely feel real when it’s time to go home.
10. San Francisco, USA
- Learn more: San Francisco travel guide
- Why visit in December: Iconic sightseeing and Christmas shopping
While you may think of this Californian city as a summer destination, there’s something extra special about visiting San Francisco in the the winter. As well as ticking off all the cities major sights – from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Palace of Fine Arts and Golden Gate Bridge – there’s plenty of festiveness to soak up.
Venture to Union Square, where the bulk of the Christmas celebrations are hosted, including a giant ice rink and various stalls. You’ll also be able to marvel at the fabulous festive window displays lining the square, including the huge Macy’s department store.
Temperatures remain fairly mild in San Francisco in Decembe,r thanks to its West Coast location, showing daily averages sitting at 11°C. This means you can spend more time outside – whether that’s wandering with a hot chocolate through historic Ghirardelli Square or admiring the seasonal light displays at San Francisco Botanical Gardens.
11. Patagonia, Chile
- Learn more: Patagonia travel guide
- Why visit in December: An adventure in the great outdoors
Craving a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? One of the best places to visit in December is Patagonia, Chile. Expect mild to hot summer-ish days and a mild to chilly evening.
The weather is mild to hot and it is an ideal place to visit to connect with nature. Torres del Paine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s high on many people’s bucket lists. Picture beautiful glaciers, crystal-clear turquoise lakes, and breathtaking mountain peaks. It’s one of the most sought-after destinations in South America and the perfect place to kick back and quiet down your mind with fresh mountain air and incredible views.
While you’re in the region, take the time to explore places like the pristine Zapata Valley with a local guide. Or make your way through to the Los Glaciares National Park, just a short hop across the border in Argentina.
12. Hokkaido, Japan
- Why visit in December: A unique ski getaway
Rather take your skiing adventure outside of Europe? Hokkaido (Japan’s second-largest island) is one of the best places to visit in December if you’re looking to shred legendary slopes on skis or a snowboard. Plus, you can finish off your days with a long soak in a Japanese onsen (hot spring).
The region has become one of the world’s best spots for hitting the slopes. That’s mostly down to its unique type of fluffy but dry snow. Mid-December is when the Hokkaido ski season kicks off and it runs for the next couple of months. There are numerous resorts to choose from, with the top picks being Niseko, Sahoro and Tomamu.
