We will show you what, in our opinion, are the best places to travel in December in Europe and worldwide.
Why? Because December is the ultimate holiday month for most travelers. And plenty of places fully embrace the magic of the season. We’re talking fully decorated hotel suites, millions of flashing lights, and Christmas markets plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale. Of course, not everyone turns jolly during the cold months. For those who prefer sun to snow, we’d suggest several warm-weather getaways in Europe and beyond. Ultimately, whether you like to pair your travel with mulled wine or Mai Tais, here are the best places to travel in December.
Inspiring Salzburg, Austria
For a good reason, Germany tends to get most of the attention regarding Christmas markets (for a good reason). But neighboring Austria is tagging along, particularly in the city of Salzburg. So, it’s unsurprising that the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City, which served as the backdrop for The Sound of Music musical, also fills its famed Christkindlmarkt with song.
The city’s Christkindlmarkt at the Dom and Residenzplatz has deep historical roots and is one of the world’s oldest Advent markets. It has a unique setting in the core of the Old City.
With roots dating back to the 15th century, the market’s sing-alongs and traditional wind music are as much a part of the festivities as the mulled wine and stands selling ornaments and fluffy socks.
Everlasting New York
Festive lights, holiday markets, ice skating rinks, exquisitely decorated store windows, and special events make New York ideal for the holiday spirit. Whether you get out on the ice or enjoy skating as a spectator, you’ll love the rink at Rockefeller Plaza with the towering, light-laden Christmas tree overhead. Not far away, there’s another ice rink and Christmas tree in Bryant Park, along with one of the city’s best holiday markets. Locals and visitors stroll along Fifth Avenue to admire the extravagant window displays in stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue. Hotel choices are plentiful from uptown to downtown and even a subway ride away in Brooklyn and Queens.
Magical Phuket island
Although Phuket, Thailand, offers a consistently warm climate all year, its dry season in December makes it a great time to visit. So, spend most of your time sunbathing, swimming, scuba diving, and more at beaches like Nai Harn and Kata Noi. But remember, December falls within Phuket’s peak tourist season so that you won’t find many deals for flights and accommodations during this month.
Why should you go there?
Pure white sands, aquamarine waters, and limestone cliffs await travelers who visit it. More importantly, this island is a little paradise with a relatively low price tag for everything. But along with its tropical appeal, Phuket beckons travelers to experience its flavorful cuisine (like lemongrass, lime leaves, and chilies) and its rich culture.
Torres del Paine National Park, ©Istock.com/ Alexandr Berdicevschi
Unspoiled Torres del Paine National Park
Nestled in southern Chilean Patagonia, this national park offers travelers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Frequently lauded as one of the most scenic hiking destinations globally, the park is home to turquoise lakes and dense forests, plus the massive Grey Glacier and the towering granite of Cuernos del Paine. Even though December is part of Patagonia’s peak summer season, temperatures drop dramatically after nightfall, so visitors want to pack layers.
Unspoiled Torres del Paine National Park
Nestled in southern Chilean Patagonia, this national park offers travelers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Frequently lauded as one of the most scenic hiking destinations globally, the park is home to turquoise lakes and dense forests, plus the massive Grey Glacier and the towering granite of Cuernos del Paine. Even though December is part of Patagonia’s peak summer season, temperatures drop dramatically after nightfall, so visitors want to pack layers.
The Arc de Triomphe from the Champs Elysee, ©Istock.com/ EHStock
Feisty Paris
If you’re lucky to be in Paris in December, you’ll be rewarded with some of the year’s most enchanting events and activities. After all, the city sparkles with a million fairy lights, and hundreds of decorated trees line the boulevards. Christmas markets spring up all over the city — from the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre to a special Christmas lighting ceremony on the Champs-Elysées.
Christmas is a busy time in Paris, so book your holiday activities as soon as possible — tout de suite!
Ultimately, this year is a great time to plan a trip with new, inexpensive, nonstop flights with French Bee, France’s first low-cost carrier.
Queenstown, © Istock.com/Puripatl
Adventurous Queenstown
For a winter vacation that doesn’t involve snow or sand, take a trip to Queenstown, New Zealand. Because it sits in the Southern Hemisphere, December falls within the town’s summer season. Consequently, you’ll enjoy warmer weather and better conditions for its world-famous adventure activities. For example, get a bird’s-eye-view of the landscape during a skydiving or paragliding excursion, or take the ultimate leap of faith by bungee jumping from the Kawarau Bridge. If you’re looking for a less daring way to see Queenstown, hike along the Ben Lomond Track or ride the Skyline Gondola.
Big White Ski resort in Canada, © Big White Ski Resort
Big White, Canada
Where is Big White Mountain?
The ski resort is on Big White Mountain in British Columbia, Canada, 56km (35 miles) from Kelowna, 450km east of Vancouver, and 650km west of Calgary.
When it comes to the snow at Big White, it truly is fantastic. Many skiers and snowboarders say it’s the driest and fluffiest powder that will ever grace your freshly waxed skis and snowboards. More importantly, the resort follows the motto “IT’S THE SNOW” for a good reason! Unsurprisingly, ski and snowboard enthusiasts flock back yearly for their champagne powder fix.
What truly sets this resort apart is its accessibility around the mountain, varied terrain, tree skiing, and fantastic laid-back atmosphere. With ski-in/ski-out access on your doorstep, life couldn’t get more convenient. The hub of Big White is its village center, which also forms part of a piste run. It’s quite an experience to ski from the supermarket with groceries in hand back to your exceptional accommodation to kick back and relax after a day on the slopes.
The Conclusion of the Best Places to Travel in December article
We came to the end of this article. Moreover, we hope you enjoyed reading our top choices for traveling this December. However, what we’d like to know are your favorite places. Any advice yet? We are waiting for you in the comments below.
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