Where are the best places to travel in December? There is no doubt that December is a magical month for travel but the best places to travel to in December depend on if you’re looking to escape the winter chill (or find it), dive into holiday festivities, or experience adventure in new destinations, December offers a wealth of options for every type of traveler wherever in the world you call home. This guide breaks down the best places to travel in December by category—from sunny beaches to snowy winter wonderlands, budget-friendly gems to off-the-beaten-path adventures.
1. Beach Destinations
Why Choose Beach Destinations in December?
For many, December is the perfect time to swap cold weather for a sunny beach retreat. With warm sand, turquoise waters, and endless relaxation, these beach destinations provide the ideal winter escape.
- Maldives
Imagine private overwater bungalows, secluded beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. The Maldives is the epitome of tropical luxury, perfect for couples or solo travelers wanting a quiet escape in paradise. With temperatures in the mid-80s°F (around 29°C), December is an ideal time to enjoy the calm, dry season.
Check out some local Airbnb here
Or Stay at one of our favorites, Club Med, we love all the activities available here and its great for families. - Hawaii, USA
December is one of the best months to visit Hawaii for its combination of warm weather, exciting surf, and holiday festivities. Each island has unique attractions, from the dramatic cliffs of Kauai to the volcanic landscapes of the Big Island. Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach is buzzing with activities, while Maui offers whale watching in December.
Check out some beach front Airbnb here.
Or Stay at one of our favorites, The Rosewood Kona Village, we love the blend of history and modern amenities here. - Phuket, Thailand
Known for its vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches, Phuket is a budget-friendly tropical escape. December brings warm weather and a calm sea—ideal for snorkeling and boat tours around its famous islands. Add in Thai hospitality and a plethora of delicious street food, and Phuket promises an unforgettable experience. Just be prepared to get a feeling that you are surrounded by Australians!
Check out some luxe Airbnb that are great for a crowd here.
Or try one of our favorites, The Sarojin, its secluded and wonderful!
2. City Escapes
Why Choose City Escapes in December?
December is when cities transform with holiday lights, festive markets, and a magical atmosphere. Whether it’s ice skating under skyscrapers or enjoying cozy cafes, city escapes offer plenty to do and see.
- New York City, USA
New York City during December is iconic. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, holiday window displays, and ice skating in Central Park set the scene for an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss visiting the holiday markets and catching a performance of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
Check out these Airbnbs that all have amazing city views here.
Or stay at our favorite, Soho House. You don’t have to be a member to book a room, you just don’t get the discounted member’s rates. But if you do book a room, you get access to all the Club facilities. - Paris, France
The City of Light lives up to its name in December with twinkling holiday decorations and charming Christmas markets. Bundle up and explore iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame (re-opening December 2024) , and the quaint Montmartre neighborhood. French cafes and bistros are perfect for warming up with a croissant and coffee.
Check out these Airbnbs that all will let you emerge yourself in the history of Paris.
Or stay at one of our favorites The Sinner, so stylish and in the hip Haut-Marais neighborhood. - Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo’s dazzling winter illuminations create a surreal experience, lighting up the city’s neighborhoods with intricate designs. December also offers a fascinating look into Japan’s unique Christmas traditions, blending Japanese and Western culture. Popular spots include the Marunouchi district and Shibuya Blue Cave illuminations.
Check out these Airbnbs that will experience Tokyo like a local.
Or stay at our favorite, The New Otani, this is a classic Tokyo hotel that celebrated 60 years in 2024 and stared in the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice. The gardens are amazing.
3. Adventure Travel
Why Choose Adventure Travel in December?
For thrill-seekers, December is prime time for winter sports and other outdoor adventures. From mountain slopes to icy landscapes, these destinations cater to adrenaline enthusiasts.
- Banff, Canada
Set in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff offers world-class skiing and snowboarding. With snow-covered peaks and frozen lakes, it’s a winter wonderland perfect for outdoor lovers. Try snowshoeing or take a scenic gondola ride for panoramic mountain views.
Check out these ski in/out Airbnbs if you plan on hitting the slopes.
Or our new favorite place to stay is The Moxy, fun and vibrant and a great way to use your Marriott points (if you have them). - Iceland
December in Iceland is a dream for those wanting to see the Northern Lights. Explore ice caves, frozen waterfalls, and geothermal hot springs. From Reykjavik, take a guided tour to remote spots where the auroras are most vivid, or hike on glaciers for a truly unforgettable experience.
Check out these design conscious tiny homes on Airbnb.
Or stay at The Highland Base hotel, the geothermal baths are amazing. - Patagonia, Argentina
December is summer in the southern hemisphere, making it a perfect time to explore Patagonia’s rugged landscapes. Hike through Torres del Paine National Park, cruise around glaciers, and experience remote wilderness. The combination of epic scenery and mild weather attracts adventure travelers from around the globe.
Check out these lakeside gems on Airbnb.
Or splurge and stay for a few nights at the Awasi, a very special place indeed.
4. Winter Wonderland Destinations
Why Choose Winter Wonderlands?
If you love snow-dusted landscapes and cozy lodges, these destinations offer all the charm and beauty of a classic winter holiday.
- Switzerland (Zermatt, St. Moritz)
Switzerland is a top choice for luxurious ski resorts and picturesque towns. Zermatt, with its stunning view of the Matterhorn, and St. Moritz, known for high-end experiences, offer world-class skiing, tobogganing, and après-ski entertainment. Switzerland’s holiday markets and scenic train rides add to the charm.
Check out these Airbnbs in the heart of Zermatt.
Or try Badruttspalace for some classic St. Moritz charm. We first stayed here just for the name 🙂 - Austria (Salzburg, Innsbruck)
Austria’s alpine towns are filled with traditional holiday markets, baroque architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, hosts a famous Christmas market, while Innsbruck offers panoramic mountain views and lively winter festivals.
We stayed in this Airbnb in the heart of Salzburg and it was wonderful.
Or try the unique Altstadthotel Weisses Kreuz in the heart of old town Innsbruck. - Lapland, Finland
For a fairy-tale winter escape, head to Lapland, where you can meet Santa Claus, ride in a reindeer-drawn sleigh, and watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky. Lapland’s snowy forests and cozy log cabins create an idyllic setting for a magical winter adventure.
Try a unique Ice Dome on Airbnb.
Or try our favorite, the Artic TreeHouse, for brethtaking views of the northern skies.
5. Cultural and Historical Destinations
Why Choose Cultural and Historical Destinations in December?
December is a fantastic time to immerse yourself in festive customs and historic sites, as well as to enjoy cities with milder winter weather.
- Rome, Italy
Rome’s rich history and vibrant holiday atmosphere make it a captivating destination in December. With fewer tourists, you can explore iconic sites like the Colosseum and the Vatican more comfortably. Don’t miss the Vatican’s Christmas Mass and the elaborate holiday decorations around Piazza Navona.
Try these historical homes on Airbnb for a taste of old Rome.
Or for something unique try the Martius Private Suites and book one of the premium rooms on the higher floors that have great views over Rome rooftops. - Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a feast for the eyes with its Gothic architecture and enchanting holiday markets. Wander the narrow, cobbled streets of Old Town, admire the Christmas tree at the Old Town Square, and warm up with mulled wine.
Try these stylish Airbnbs.
Or try the sleek BoHo Hotel for something modern and very close to old town square. - Marrakech, Morocco
For a warm-weather escape with cultural flair, head to Marrakech. The city’s vibrant markets, historic palaces, and warm winter temperatures make it an ideal getaway. December is also less crowded, allowing you to soak in the lively atmosphere of the medina.
Try these amazing Riads on Airbnb for something unique.
Or we love the Maison Brummell Majorelle an architectural gem.
6. Budget-Friendly Destinations
Why Choose Budget-Friendly Destinations in December?
December doesn’t have to break the bank. These destinations provide unforgettable experiences at a fraction of the cost of more popular spots.
- Belize
Belize offers Caribbean beaches, stunning coral reefs, and Mayan ruins, all at budget-friendly prices. Explore the Great Blue Hole, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or visit Caye Caulker for a laid-back island vibe.
We stayed in this Airbnb for $35 a night and it was awesome.
Or if you are willing to pay more, the Matachica is a great choice but still very affordable. - Portugal (Lisbon, Porto)
Portugal is an affordable European destination with mild winter temperatures, beautiful architecture, and delicious cuisine. Explore Lisbon’s vibrant neighborhoods or visit Porto for wine tastings and river cruises.
These central Airbnbs offer great choices for a December break in Porto.
Or we love the loft type vibe and spacious rooms at Raw Culture Bairro Alto, very unique for central Lisbon. - Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An)
With low costs and a mix of stunning beaches, historical sites, and vibrant culture, Vietnam is a great choice for budget-conscious travelers. Da Nang has beautiful beaches, while Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets and ancient town offer a unique cultural experience.
We stayed in this Airbnb in Son Tra and it far exceeded our expectations, really beautiful.
Or try the Ninh Van Bay resort for luxury at a very affordable price tag.
7. Unusual and Unexpected Destinations
Why Choose Unusual and Unexpected Destinations in December?
For those looking to experience something different, these destinations are less-traveled gems with fascinating landscapes and cultures.
- Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
Located in the Pacific Ocean, Saipan is a hidden paradise with pristine beaches and historical WWII sites. Known for its crystal-clear waters, Saipan is perfect for snorkeling, diving, and exploring hidden coves.
There are not many Airbnb available on this small islands, but the ones that are available are very affordable.
The Kensington offers a premium, all-inclusive option with great pools and beach access. - Oman
Oman combines desert landscapes, ancient forts, and a rich culture. Visit the sand dunes of Wahiba Desert, explore mountain villages, or relax in the lush greenery of Salalah. Oman’s pleasant December weather is perfect for sightseeing.
These Airbnb have amazing pools to enjoy the December sunshine.
Or for a truly unique mountain experience the Anantara is hard to beat. - Bhutan
The remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan offers a unique blend of spirituality, stunning scenery, and a strong commitment to sustainable tourism. December is a quieter season, allowing you to explore monasteries, temples, and mountain landscapes in peace.
There are no Airbnb in Bhutan but it is home to one of our favorite places in the world, The Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary. Its hard to describe how beautiful this place is, they offer a variety of options that allow you to experience the unique blend of nature, spirituality, culture and wellness. At the end of a busy year, this is where we head 🙂
Conclusion
From beach paradises to snowy winter wonderlands, December is a versatile month for travel. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, culture, or budget-friendly options, there’s a perfect destination waiting for you. Consider what kind of experience you want, and let this guide inspire your December getaway!
