For many, December is the last month they consider to travel within. But why? There are countless Christmas classics to get your holiday spirit on or beautiful off-season spots to become sun-kissed waiting for you. We’ve handpicked the 16 best places to visit in December for you and your travel buddies to consider this winter.
16 Best Places to Visit in December – Summary
- Yellowstone, USA
- New York, USA
- Sydney, Australia
- Vienna, Austria
- Madrid, Spain
- Finland
- Lofoten, Norway
- Mozambique
- Uganda
- Egypt
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Tokyo, Japan
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
- Cancun, Mexico
Yellowstone, USA
This beautiful National Park is a treat all year round, but you can’t forget it in December. Yellowstone is the world’s top national park. It is usually jam-packed full of tourists all throughout the year except in December. And the cherry on top? It’s the perfect time for spotting wildlife, from brown bears or bison trekking through the snow. Talk about picture-perfect.
Weather in December: Cold and snowy with temperatures ranging around -6 to -16°C
Why it is a great December destination: Cheaper prices and fewer crowds due to low season. However, the snowy landscapes are for you to marvel at.
New York City, USA
Giant Christmas tree in Times Square, jubilant ice skating crowds in Rockefeller Center, and the twinkling lights of Dyker Heights – Christmas looks wonderful in New York City. The Big Apple is nothing less than spectacular when December arrives. Both visitors and New Yorkers root for seasonal dishes and cocktails, year-end sales, and vibrant festivals.
Furthermore, the New Year’s countdown at Central Park is unmissable. Join a crowd of thousands and witness how the year changed in one of the world’s most striking cities. Therefore, New York City is one of the best places to visit in December.
Weather in December: Cold and crispy air, snow begins to fall around mid-December. Temperatures are around 0 – 7°C
Why it is a great December destination: Cheaper prices and fewer crowds due to low season. However, the snowy landscapes are for you to marvel at.
Sydney, Australia
Sitting in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia gets hot summer air in December. White Christmas in not in the menu, but you can experience a joyful and sunny holidays by the beach. Sip berry cocktails or sparkling wine instead of mulled wine.
Moreover, Sydney takes it seriously when it comes to New Year’s Eve. Fireworks blasting with the backdrop of the Opera House, wild street parties, and raves at the white-sand beaches are what you can find by the end of the year. With all it has to offer, Sydney has gained recognition as one of the world’s top places to celebrate New Year’s Eve. It is also one of the best places to visit in December.
Weather in December: Sunny summer with long days of sunshine. Temperatures hover between 18-25°C
Why it is a great December destination: Amazing New Year’s Eve celebration that is hard to miss. You can also experience Christmas in a different way under the sunny sky and on the golden beach.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna will leave you stunned with its artistic Baroque buildings and elegant palaces. However, December enhances Vienna’s beauty. The city burst into ravishing colors and twinkling lights. Christmas markets pack the streets, selling adorable decorations and mouthwatering delicacies. Giant Christmas trees tower, adorned with beautiful lights and bows. It is one of the best places to visit in December.
Besides the ‘traditional’ Christmas scene, Vienna celebrates with a unique tradition. On December 5th, people cheer for the Krampus Day. Parades featuring people dressed up in demon-like costumes light up around Vienna. The day reminisces Krampus, a mythological creature which said to be Santa Claus’ evil twin.
Weather in December: Cold with occassional rainfall. Temperatures range around 0-5°C
Why it is a great December destination: Spectacular Christmas scenes, from Christmas markets to unique traditions
Mozambique – Winter Sun
For those travelers who are sick of the freezing winter and are seeking some winter sun on their back with perfect surrounding vistas, then Mozambique is definitely on the list of the best December travel destinations! This African country has beaches out of this world, large stretches of sand with massive dunes shadowing in the background. Book travel to Mozambique in December and enjoy this little piece of heaven yourself. We suggest going soon before the secret is out.
Vienna, Austria – Festive Christmas
December is the month of Christmas, which everyone waits for every single year. Therefore, Vienna must be one of the best destinations in December for those travelers seeking some serious holiday spirit. The Christmas markets in Vienna are surreal, and the atmosphere is so festive, which makes you feel like you are in a Hollywood film. Besides, here you could try several tasty Christmas specialties such as mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts. We bet you will never want to celebrate Christmas any other way.
Uganda, Africa – Wildlife Spotting
The next amazing destination that must be included in this list of best December vacation destinations is Uganda. Tourism is busy at this time, but it’s understandable why. The landscapes are saturated and beautiful, plus the weather is dry, which is perfect conditions for gorilla tracking through the jungle. December is a great month to plan a safari in search of the Big Five, as the animals seek water sources and are easy to spot. We are sure spending your December vacation in this African country will not disappoint you.
These are five amazing destinations to travel to in December, and we are sure there is at least one which sounds great to you! Each destination offers something unique and wonderful, but they are all perfect for an adventure. If you want to get away this December, check out JoinMyTrip to either join someone else’s trip as a TripMate or start planning your adventure as a TripLeader.