December might be the most versatile travel month of the year.
You can sip hot chocolate in a snowy mountain town… wander through European Christmas markets… chase the Northern Lights… or sit on a beach in 80-degree sunshine.
The trick isn’t finding a place to go — it’s deciding what kind of December you want.
Below are the best places to visit in December, whether you’re dreaming of snow, sunshine, or something in between.
Best Places to Travel in December: Quick Picks
Not sure where to go? These are my top December destinations depending on the kind of trip you’re looking for.
Best overall December destination: New York City, New York Best warm-weather escape: Key West, Florida Best beach vacation: Hawaii Best tropical adventure: Costa Rica Best Christmas destination: Quebec City, Canada Best European Christmas markets: Vienna, Austria Best snowy mountain getaway: Park City, Utah Best small-town Christmas: Leavenworth, Washington Best for the Northern Lights: Iceland Best winter wonderland: Finnish Lapland Best warm international destination: Thailand Best for winter sun on a budget: Arizona
My tip: If you can travel during the first two or three weeks of December, you’ll often find fewer crowds and better prices than during Christmas and New Year’s week, while still getting plenty of holiday atmosphere.
Best Warm Places to Visit in December
If you’re escaping snow instead of chasing it, these are the best warm destinations in December.
Key West, Florida
Key West is one of my favorite places to escape winter without leaving the United States. By December, the intense summer heat and humidity have eased, but it’s still warm enough to spend your days outside and on the water.
You don’t need a huge itinerary here. Wander through Old Town, get out on the water for a snorkeling trip or sunset cruise, and watch the sunset at Mallory Square. And, of course, eat plenty of Key lime pie.
December is also a great time to simply slow down. There’s something particularly satisfying about walking around in sandals and sitting beside the water when much of the country is bundled up for winter.
Best for: couples, warm-weather escapes, relaxing trips December vibe: tropical, laid-back, festive Don’t miss: Mallory Square, Old Town, a boat trip, and Key lime pie
San Diego is a good December destination if you want sunshine without necessarily needing tropical weather. Temperatures are mild enough to spend plenty of time outdoors, and you can combine beaches with museums, neighborhoods, restaurants, and some of the city’s biggest attractions.
I would spend at least one afternoon roaming through Balboa Park and another exploring the coast around La Jolla. The ocean will be chilly, so I wouldn’t choose San Diego specifically for a swimming vacation in December, but it’s wonderful for walking along the beach and enjoying the California sunshine.
It’s also an easy choice for families because you aren’t dependent on perfect beach weather to have a good trip.
Best for: families, sightseeing, mild weather, coastal scenery December vibe: sunny, relaxed, easygoing Don’t miss: Balboa Park, La Jolla, the San Diego Zoo, and the coast
Costa Rica is one of the best places to travel in December if your idea of a winter vacation involves beaches, jungles, and warm weather. December marks the beginning of the dry season in much of the country, making it a popular time to visit.
What I like about Costa Rica is that you don’t have to choose between relaxing and having an adventure. You can spend one day on the beach and the next zip-lining, hiking near a volcano, looking for wildlife, or exploring the rainforest.
Christmas and New Year’s can be particularly busy, so I’d choose early December if you have flexibility and want to avoid some of the peak holiday crowds.
Best for: families, couples, beaches, outdoor adventures December vibe: tropical, adventurous, lush Don’t miss: wildlife, beaches, rainforest adventures, and a volcano
Arizona is one of my favorite choices when you want to escape winter without necessarily heading to the beach. December brings much more comfortable temperatures to the desert, making it a great time for hiking and exploring outside.
Choose Sedona if you want red-rock scenery, hiking, and a quieter escape. Choose Scottsdale if you’d rather spend your December getaway at a resort, eating at great restaurants, shopping, and fitting in some desert hiking between pool and spa time.
Just don’t assume Arizona means hot weather everywhere. Desert temperatures can drop dramatically after sunset, and higher elevations can be downright cold.
Best for: hiking, couples, desert scenery, resorts December vibe: sunny, dry, outdoorsy Don’t miss: Sedona’s red rocks, desert hiking, and an Arizona sunset
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a great choice if you want a tropical December vacation without traveling too far from the mainland United States. You get warm weather, beautiful beaches, colorful Old San Juan, and plenty to do beyond simply sitting at a resort.
December is an especially nice time to visit because you’re heading into Puerto Rico’s drier season. Spend a few days exploring San Juan, head into El Yunque National Forest, or make the beach the entire point of the trip.
For U.S. travelers, Puerto Rico is also an easy tropical escape because you don’t need a passport.
Best for: beaches, families, couples, tropical escapes December vibe: warm, colorful, relaxed Don’t miss: Old San Juan, El Yunque National Forest, and a day at the beach
Best Snowy & Winter Wonderland Destinations
Park City, Utah
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If your perfect December vacation includes snow, skiing, and a cozy mountain town, Park City is hard to beat. The historic downtown is especially pretty during the holidays, with lights and decorations against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains.
Obviously, skiing and snowboarding are a huge part of a Park City trip, but you don’t have to ski to enjoy it. Spend time on Main Street, have a long dinner somewhere cozy, or simply enjoy being surrounded by the mountains.
Snow conditions can vary early in December, so serious skiers may prefer later in the month. Christmas week is wonderfully festive, but it’s also one of the busiest and most expensive times to visit.
Best for: skiing, families, couples, mountain trips December vibe: snowy, cozy, festive Don’t miss: skiing, historic Main Street, and the mountain scenery
Leavenworth, Washington
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Leavenworth goes all-in on Christmas, which is exactly why you come here in December. The Bavarian-style town surrounded by mountains becomes covered in lights and decorations, creating one of the most festive small-town Christmas experiences in the United States.
This isn’t a destination where you need a packed sightseeing itinerary. Wander through town, shop, eat, enjoy the lights, and spend some time outside in the snow.
It’s particularly fun for families, but I’d happily come here for a couples weekend too. If Christmas atmosphere is your priority, Leavenworth delivers it without requiring a flight to Europe.
Best for: Christmas trips, families, couples, small-town charm December vibe: festive, snowy, storybook Don’t miss: the Christmas lights, downtown Leavenworth, and the surrounding mountains
Quebec City is one of my favorite places to visit at Christmas. I’ve been visiting for years, and the combination of cobblestone streets, historic buildings, Christmas decorations, and snow makes Old Quebec feel much more like Europe than North America.
December is a wonderful time to wander through Old Quebec, visit the German Christmas Market, and see Château Frontenac towering over the city. This is one trip where cold weather actually makes the experience better—as long as you’re dressed for it.
If you want a European-style Christmas trip without flying across the Atlantic, Quebec City is very hard to beat.
Best for: couples, Christmas trips, families, European atmosphere December vibe: festive, historic, snowy Don’t miss: Old Quebec, the German Christmas Market, Château Frontenac, and Petit-Champlain
Banff, Canada
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Banff is spectacular at any time of year, but December turns the Canadian Rockies into a true winter destination. The mountains are covered in snow, ski season is underway, and the town of Banff feels cozy and festive.
You can ski or snowboard, but that’s certainly not the only reason to come. Take a scenic drive, ride the gondola, go snowshoeing, or spend an afternoon warming up at a spa or hot spring.
December days are short and temperatures can be extremely cold, so this is another destination where the right winter clothing makes a huge difference. Come prepared and embrace the snow rather than fighting it.
Best for: couples, skiers, outdoor adventures, mountain scenery December vibe: snowy, dramatic, cozy Don’t miss: the Canadian Rockies, Banff Gondola, skiing, and snowy mountain scenery
Finnish Lapland
If you want to completely embrace winter, Finnish Lapland is about as magical as December travel gets. Snow-covered forests, reindeer, saunas, Northern Lights, and incredibly short winter days make a trip here feel completely different from an ordinary winter vacation.
Rovaniemi is especially popular with families because it’s known as the hometown of Santa Claus, but Lapland isn’t just a Christmas destination. You can go dog sledding, take a reindeer sleigh ride, spend time in a traditional Finnish sauna, and head outside after dark in hopes of seeing the Northern Lights.
December is very cold and daylight is limited, but that’s part of the experience. This is a destination for travelers who want to lean all the way into winter rather than escape it.
Best for: Christmas trips, families, Northern Lights, winter adventures December vibe: snowy, dark, festive, magical Don’t miss: a Finnish sauna, reindeer or husky experience, and a Northern Lights excursion
Iceland in December is dark, cold, and unpredictable, but that’s also part of what makes it such an incredible winter trip. With only a few hours of daylight, you have to plan your days carefully, but the long nights give you plenty of opportunities to look for the Northern Lights.
This is a great time to embrace Iceland in winter. Explore Reykjavik decorated for Christmas, soak in a geothermal pool, see frozen waterfalls, and take a guided trip into the countryside. Snow and ice can make Iceland’s already dramatic landscapes even more spectacular.
I wouldn’t try to pack too much into a December trip. Winter weather can change quickly and road conditions can affect your plans, so leave yourself some flexibility. If seeing the Northern Lights is high on your list, give yourself several nights rather than counting on seeing them the first night.
Best for: Northern Lights, couples, winter adventures, dramatic scenery December vibe: dark, snowy, adventurous Don’t miss: Northern Lights hunting, a geothermal soak, Reykjavik at Christmas, and Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best U.S. Cities to Visit in December
If you want big-city energy and holiday sparkle, these are top picks.
I’ve been visiting New York City for more than 25 years, and December is one of the most exciting times to be there. Yes, it’s crowded and expensive, but there’s nothing quite like seeing the city completely decked out for Christmas.
See the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, walk Fifth Avenue to see the holiday windows, visit one of the Christmas markets, go ice skating, and see a Broadway show. I also love simply walking through the neighborhoods and seeing how differently each part of the city celebrates the season.
If you want the decorations without quite as much Christmas-week craziness, go earlier in December. You’ll still get the holiday atmosphere but usually have a slightly easier time navigating the city.
Best for: families, couples, Christmas trips, first-time visitors December vibe: bright, busy, iconic Don’t miss: Rockefeller Center, holiday windows, Christmas markets, and Broadway
Chicago knows how to do Christmas, but you need to be prepared for real winter weather. December brings lights, ice skating, Christmas markets, decorated storefronts, and plenty of places to duck inside when you’ve had enough of the cold.
Christkindlmarket is one of the biggest reasons to visit during the holiday season. Add ice skating, museums, shopping, and some of Chicago’s famously hearty food, and you have an easy winter city break.
I wouldn’t choose Chicago in December if your goal is to escape the cold. But if you want a big-city Christmas experience, it can be a lot of fun.
Best for: Christmas markets, couples, food, city breaks December vibe: festive, urban, cold Don’t miss: Christkindlmarket, Millennium Park, holiday lights, and Chicago’s museums
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Las Vegas is an unconventional December choice, but that can be part of the fun. The intense summer heat is long gone, making it much more comfortable to walk the Strip and spend time outside during the day.
The resorts also decorate for the holidays, so you’ll find enormous Christmas displays alongside everything you’d normally expect from Vegas. It’s a good option if you want restaurants, shows, shopping, and nightlife without dealing with a snowy winter destination.
Keep in mind that the desert gets chilly once the sun goes down. Pack layers rather than expecting pool weather all day.
Best for: couples, friends, entertainment, nightlife December vibe: lively, mild, over-the-top Don’t miss: the Strip, holiday displays, a show, and the Bellagio Conservatory
Best European Destinations in December
Vienna, Austria
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Vienna is exactly the kind of European city I picture when I think about Christmas markets. Grand buildings and palaces become backdrops for lights, market stalls, Christmas trees, and cups of something warm.
There are Christmas markets throughout the city, so you don’t have to build your entire trip around a single one. Spend your days sightseeing and your evenings wandering through the markets, eating seasonal treats, and enjoying the decorations.
Vienna also gives you much more than Christmas. Palaces, museums, coffeehouses, and classical music make it a great December destination even if you aren’t someone who wants to spend every waking minute at a holiday market.
Best for: couples, Christmas markets, culture, first-time European trips December vibe: elegant, festive, traditional Don’t miss: the Christmas markets, Schönbrunn Palace, a Viennese coffeehouse, and a concert
Prague, Czech Republic
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Prague already looks like a fairytale city, and Christmas decorations make it even prettier. Gothic towers, cobblestone streets, historic squares, and Christmas lights are a pretty wonderful combination.
Old Town Square is the center of much of the holiday activity, but make time to get away from the busiest areas too. Cross Charles Bridge, explore Prague Castle, and wander through some of the smaller streets away from the crowds.
December is cold, so this is a trip for warm coats, comfortable shoes, and frequent stops for something warm to eat or drink.
Best for: couples, Christmas markets, architecture, history December vibe: romantic, historic, festive Don’t miss: Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and the Christmas markets
London is a fantastic December city because there’s so much going on for the holidays without Christmas being the only reason to visit. The shopping streets are covered in lights, theaters are busy, Christmas markets pop up around the city, and many of London’s biggest attractions are decorated for the season.
Spend some time seeing the lights around Regent Street and Oxford Street, visit a Christmas market, and then balance the outdoor festivities with museums, afternoon tea, or a West End show.
London weather in December can be chilly, gray, and wet rather than beautifully snowy, so don’t come expecting a winter wonderland. Come for the atmosphere instead.
Best for: families, couples, theater, Christmas trips December vibe: festive, bustling, cozy Don’t miss: Christmas lights, a West End show, holiday markets, and afternoon tea
If your ideal December includes swimsuits instead of winter coats, Hawaii is an easy choice. Temperatures stay warm, you can swim in the ocean, and there’s something particularly appealing about spending December surrounded by palm trees.
Which island you choose matters more than the month itself. Oahu gives you beaches plus plenty of sightseeing, Maui is great for a resort-style trip and scenic drives, while the Big Island combines beaches with some of Hawaii’s most dramatic landscapes.
The big caveat is Christmas week. Hawaii becomes extremely popular over the holidays, so prices can climb considerably. If you can travel earlier in December, I’d choose that instead.
Best for: families, couples, beaches, tropical escapes December vibe: warm, tropical, relaxed Don’t miss: beach time, Hawaiian food, sunsets, and exploring beyond your resort
Thailand
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December is one of the most appealing times of year to visit much of Thailand. You can combine warm beaches with temples, cities, incredible food, and a completely different cultural experience from a typical winter getaway.
For a first trip, you could spend time in Bangkok and then head south to the beaches, or combine the city with northern Thailand. Don’t try to see the entire country in one trip—there’s far too much.
The tradeoff for the favorable weather is popularity. December is a busy travel month, particularly around Christmas and New Year’s, so book ahead if Thailand is your holiday escape.
Best for: couples, beaches, food, long-haul adventures December vibe: warm, vibrant, adventurous Don’t miss: Thai food, temples, markets, and time at the beach
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai skyline at dusk, UAE.
December is one of the times Dubai’s weather actually works in your favor. Instead of the extreme heat of summer, you’ll find temperatures much better suited to being outside, whether you’re sightseeing, heading into the desert, or spending time at the beach.
Dubai works particularly well if you want a warm-weather vacation but don’t necessarily want a laid-back tropical trip. You can combine beaches and pools with enormous shopping malls, restaurants, skyscrapers, and desert excursions.
It’s definitely not the budget choice on this list, but if you’re looking for sunshine and a polished resort-style vacation in December, Dubai offers plenty to do.
Best for: couples, luxury trips, shopping, winter sun December vibe: sunny, modern, glamorous Don’t miss: a desert excursion, the Burj Khalifa, beach time, and the Dubai skyline
Best Places to Travel in December on a Budget
December can be an expensive month to travel, especially once you get close to Christmas and New Year’s. If you’re trying to keep costs down, the easiest trick is to travel during the first two or three weeks of the month rather than over the holidays.
Arizona is one of my favorite choices for an affordable December getaway. You can spend most of your time hiking and exploring outside, and there are plenty of hotel options if you don’t need a luxury Scottsdale resort. Sedona tends to be more expensive, so look outside the center of town if you’re watching your budget.
Las Vegas can also be surprisingly affordable in December, particularly during quieter periods earlier in the month. Hotel prices vary enormously depending on events and weekends, so check several dates before booking.
San Diego is another option if you want mild weather without paying for a tropical vacation. You won’t get swimming weather, but beaches, coastal walks, and plenty of outdoor activities don’t cost much once you’re there.
For an international trip, Prague can offer better value than some of Europe’s more expensive Christmas destinations, while still giving you beautiful architecture and a traditional Christmas-market experience.
The biggest money-saving tip: avoid Christmas through New Year’s whenever possible. The same destination that works for a relatively affordable early-December getaway can become dramatically more expensive during the holiday week.
Best International Places to Travel in December
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December is one of my favorite times for an international trip because you can choose between two completely different vacations: embrace winter and Christmas or escape it entirely.
For a classic European Christmas trip, Vienna and Prague are my top choices for Christmas markets, while Londoncombines holiday festivities with museums, theater, shopping, and plenty to do indoors when the weather isn’t cooperating.
If you want a true winter adventure, choose Finnish Lapland or Iceland. Lapland is the better choice for a full Christmas wonderland experience, especially for families, while I’d choose Iceland for dramatic winter scenery and the chance to see the Northern Lights.
For somewhere warm, Costa Rica and Thailand are two of the best international places to travel in December. Costa Rica is especially good for families and outdoor adventures, while Thailand is worth the longer flight if you want to combine beaches, incredible food, and culture.
And if you want an international trip that feels European without crossing the Atlantic, Quebec City is hard to beat in December. The Christmas markets, decorations, cobblestone streets, and snow make it one of my favorite holiday destinations.
Quickest way to choose: Go to Europe for Christmas markets, Lapland or Iceland for winter, and Costa Rica or Thailand if you’re trying to escape it.
How to Choose the Best Place to Travel in December
The hardest part about planning a December trip is deciding what you want the trip to feel like. You can completely embrace winter and Christmas, or escape somewhere warm enough that you almost forget it’s December.
If Christmas atmosphere is your priority, choose New York City, Quebec City, Vienna, Prague, Leavenworth, or Finnish Lapland. These are the destinations I’d choose specifically because it’s December rather than simply because they’re nice places to visit year-round.
For warm weather, look at Key West, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Thailand, or Dubai. Arizona and San Diego are good choices if you want mild temperatures and sunshine but don’t necessarily need a tropical beach vacation.
If you want snow and outdoor adventures, Park City and Banff are great choices, while Iceland and Finnish Lapland offer more unusual winter experiences.
Your dates matter too. Early December is one of my favorite times to travel. You’ll often get the Christmas decorations, markets, and festivities without the prices and crowds that arrive during Christmas week.
The week between Christmas and New Year’s is a completely different experience. It’s one of the busiest and most expensive travel periods of the year, so book flights and hotels well ahead of time if those are the only dates you can travel.
Most importantly, don’t choose a destination just because it’s supposed to be beautiful in December. Decide whether you want snow or sun, Christmas or beaches, relaxation or adventure, and the right destination becomes much easier to pick.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling in December
What are the best places to travel in December?
The best place to travel in December depends on the kind of trip you want. New York City, Quebec City, Vienna, and Finnish Lapland are great for Christmas atmosphere, while Key West, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Hawaii, and Thailand are better choices if you’re looking for warm weather.
Where is warm to travel in December?
For warm weather in December, consider Key West, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Thailand, or Dubai. Arizona and San Diego are also good choices if you’re looking for sunshine and mild temperatures but don’t necessarily need tropical beach weather.
What are the best places to travel in December in the USA?
New York City is one of my favorite December destinations in the USA if you want a classic Christmas trip. For snow, consider Park City or Leavenworth, while Key West, Hawaii, Arizona, and San Diego are good choices for escaping colder winter weather.
Where is the best place to travel internationally in December?
Vienna and Prague are great international destinations for Christmas markets, while Iceland and Finnish Lapland are better for a snowy winter adventure. If you’d rather escape the cold, Costa Rica and Thailand are two of my favorite choices for a warm December vacation.
Where is the best place to travel in December on a budget?
Arizona, Las Vegas, and San Diego can be relatively affordable December destinations, especially if you travel early in the month. For Europe, Prague can offer better value than some of the more expensive Christmas-market destinations. Prices vary considerably, so compare your specific dates before booking.
Is December a good month to travel?
December can be a fantastic month to travel because there are so many completely different options. You can visit Christmas markets, ski, search for the Northern Lights, or spend the week on a tropical beach. For lower prices and fewer crowds, I generally prefer traveling during the first few weeks of December rather than Christmas through New Year’s.
Is it cheaper to travel in early December?
It often can be. The period between Thanksgiving and the Christmas holiday rush can offer better prices and fewer crowds in many destinations. There are exceptions, particularly for special events and popular Christmas-market destinations, so it’s still worth comparing dates before you book.
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