These Are the 10 Most Incredible Destinations Around the World to Travel This December
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Snow-covered towns bedecked with twinkling lights and a festive atmosphere that’s palpable earn December our vote as the most magical month of the year. Of course, you don’t have to be a yuletide chaser to make the most of the final page of the calendar. It’s a joyful time to explore the cultural attractions and cozy restaurants that await in cities across the globe in a slower, more thoughtful way.
With school break on the horizon, many parents start to plan fun-filled family vacations to action-packed winter resorts or laid-back beach destinations. Whether you’re looking to revel in the spirit of the holidays, get in those first few glorious runs of ski season, or escape the cold entirely, it’s just a matter of picking where to go. Seeking some inspiration? From Anguilla to Zermatt, here are the best places to travel in December—plus where to stay.
London, England
London charms year-round, but it’s particularly enchanting when the twinkling lights illuminate Oxford Street and decorations adorn Covent Garden's iconic British-grown tree. The annual Hyde Park Winter Wonderland turns on the magic and merriment with ice skating, rides, food, and entertainment.
Sure, Jack Frost might nip at your nose a bit but there are plenty of cozy pubs like The Royal Oak to duck into for a pint or a classic hot toddy. On the topic of tipples, DUKES Bar pours the premier martini in the city. If you’re feeling fancy, head to The Dorchester or Hotel Café Royal for afternoon tea.
Where to Stay: Hotel Café Royal
Aspen, Colorado
Colorado’s chicest mountain resort, Aspen, really comes alive in December. The slopes welcome skiers of all ages and abilities. Besides the thrill of swooshing down the mountain, travelers will find plenty of outdoor activities to immerse themselves in the gorgeous alpine scenery—from snowy hikes to tubing.
The vibrant town brims with stylish shops to stock up on winter gear, cowboy boots, and splurge-worthy cashmere sweaters as well as art galleries and buzzy restaurants like The Monarch. For a little pampering, book a treatment at one of the posh hotel spas.
Where to Stay: The Little Nell
Anguilla
White-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and picture-perfect weather make Anguilla the ultimate island paradise. It’s also well known for luxury resorts and gastronomy. Since it takes a bit of extra travel legwork to reach (most folks fly into St. Martin and take a ferry or connect through Miami), this Caribbean destination tends to be less overrun with tourists—yes, even in December. That’s good news for vacationers who want to cruise around in a candy-colored Moke, hop on private snorkeling charters, eat at the many fine restaurants, and relax under the sun.
Vancouver, Canada
Unlike Toronto and Montreal, winter weather in Vancouver is quite mild. What British Columbia’s most dynamic and densely populated west coast seaport lacks in the snow globe vibes many travelers associate with the Great White North, it more than makes up for in cinematic beauty with a backdrop of mountains and forested islands.
The pleasant climate means travelers can enjoy the many green spaces and stroll along the waterfront. When it’s time to refuel, head to Granville Island Market or any of the many award-winning restaurants. December also brings seasonal events such as holiday concerts and Boxing Day sales.
Where to Stay: Rosewood Hotel Georgia
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Perched in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Sante Fe is a southwest gem with tons to offer travelers in December. Outdoorsy types will love Nordic skiing through Santa Fe National Forest and snowshoeing at Hyde Memorial State Park. To warm up after all that frosty action? A steamy soak at Ten Thousand Waves.
Adding to the appeal for wellness-seekers, there are plenty of luxury health spas for blissful mind-body-spirit treatments. Hallmark-worthy holiday happenings include the Canyon Road Farolito Walk. Historic Santa Fe Plaza gets a merry glow-up with lights, votive candles, and a trimmed Christmas tree.
Where to Stay: Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection
Dublin, Ireland
Many travelers are quick to discount Dublin in December due to the cool, wet forecast. But the Irish capital pulls out all the stops for the holidays with the evening Wild Lights spectacular at the Dublin Zoo, Christmas markets, and caroling.
If the weather doesn’t cooperate to traipse around St Stephen’s Green and the National Botanic Gardens, you can always move the merriment inside to the many historic distilleries or partake in the time-honored tradition of afternoon tea at The Lord Mayor's Lounge. And what’s a trip to Dublin be without a Temple Bar pub crawl?
Where to Stay: The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
Whitsundays, Australia
Imagine a tropical paradise with sugar-fine white sand, swaying palms, and unimaginably turquoise water. That’s the Whitsundays! Blue skies and sunshine come with the territory when you jet off to this far-flung island chain off the coast of North Queensland in December (the start of summer in Australia).
Snorkeling and SCUBA diving on the Great Barrier Reef rank among the bucket-list activities. Sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are also popular. Prefer aerial rather than aquatic pursuits? Consider a high-flying helicopter ride. Afterward, wind down with some sunset beers and dinner at the many alfresco restaurants.
Osaka, Japan
Osaka dazzles year-round with its neon lights, sky towers, shrines, parks, costumed go-kart tours, delicious food, Kaiyukan Aquarium, and nightlife. When December rolls around, the holiday brilliance takes center stage. Endeavoring to see all the glimmering illuminations, colorful baubles, and towering trees is sure to work up an appetite.
Japan's second-largest city and culinary capital has tons of tasty things to eat, from takoyaki and okonomiyaki at legendary street food stands along bustling Dotonbori to karaage at cozy izakayas to Kobe beef prepared by Michelin-starred chefs at fine-dining restaurants.
Where to Stay: The Ritz Carlton, Osaka
Palm Beach, Florida
With sunshine and an average temperature of 74 degrees, it’s easy to see why Palm Beach attracts snowbirds. December is prime time to ride bikes along the boardwalk and laze on the sandy shoreline.
So much more than just a beach destination, this affluent South Florida town exudes glitz and glamour with designer stores (who on your shopping list deserves a present from Chanel?), upscale restaurants, and galleries along Worth Avenue. It also supplies a warm-weather version of seasonal splendor courtesy of light-draped palm trees, beautifully festooned historic mansions, and decorations on display at the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum.
Where to Stay: The Colony Hotel
Zermatt, Switzerland
Nestled in the Swiss Alps, Zermatt is a fairy tale destination with postcard-perfect views of the pyramid-shaped Matterhorn peak, consistent snowfall, and some of the best piste skiing in Europe. In addition to hitting the slopes, opportunities for snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, curling, and sledding abound.
When you’ve had enough active adventures, ride the cogwheel train to Gornergrat for privileged vistas without the exertion, join in the lively apres-ski scene, dine at some of the gourmet restaurants (cheese fondue, anyone?), shop along Bahnhofstrasse, and admire the lights and decorations in the pedestrian village.
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