The Magic of December Travel
You’ve got two extremes in December… Either embrace the season and head somewhere you can enjoy a winter wonderland with guaranteed snow and rent a cosy log cabin, or you can get away from it all to somewhere the sun is still shining and the weather is balmy.
Whatever you choose there’s something about that end-of-year feeling – you’re either celebrating what you’ve accomplished or trying to forget what a shambles it’s been. Either way, a change of scenery does wonders.
Temperature-wise, it’s a mixed bag.
You’ve got your tropical paradises hitting their dry season (lovely 70-85°F/21-29°C), while northern spots are getting all cosy and chilly (brisk 20-50°F/-6-10°C). Both can be amazing but for completely different reasons.
And here’s a little secret – early December is actually brilliant for dodging the crowds. Before the Christmas rush kicks in, you can get some decent deals and still get that festive feel without queuing for hours. According to Tourism Board stats, the first two weeks see about 40% fewer international travellers compared to the holiday peak.
So whether you’re after sandy toes or snowy slopes, I’ve rounded up some gems based on my travels and conversations with fellow wanderers along the way.
Warm Beach Escapes
If you’re anything like me, by December you’re probably sick of wearing seventeen layers just to put the bins out. That’s when the southern hemisphere and equatorial spots become very tempting indeed.
Caribbean Gems
Puerto Vallarta in Mexico is gorgeous in December. Its just warm enough (around 75°F/24°C) without being sweltering, and the early December crowd levels were perfect. You could actually get a lounger without performing some complex tactical manoeuvre at 6am.
The thing about Puerto Vallarta is that it’s got these gorgeous beaches but also proper character. You can spend mornings wandering through cobbled streets, afternoons snorkelling in crystal waters, and evenings sipping margaritas watching the sunset.
Puerto Rico is another brilliant option. Go during a new moon phase, which can be perfect for the bioluminescent bays.
Swimming in what looks like liquid stars?
Unreal. And you can trek through El Yunque rainforest without drowning in sweat or monsoon rain.
If you’re on a tighter budget, Cancun still offers a lot without requiring a second mortgage. All-inclusives are actually a decent shout here, normally I’m not one for staying in the resort, but sometimes you just want to park yourself on a lounger and have someone bring you fruity drinks without thinking about exchange rates or tipping.
Southeast Asian Havens
If you want to make your money go further, Thailand in December is hard to beat. We did 10 days split between Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui, and it was brilliant. Bangkok’s full-on sensory overload (in the best way), Chiang Mai’s got these amazing temples, and Koh Samui beaches in December are just coming out of monsoon season so everything’s lush and green.
Visiting an elephant sanctuary in Koh Samui was one of the best moments of my daughter’s trip. No riding or cruel stuff, just watching these gentle giants splash about in mud and feeding them bananas and watermelon. The sanctuary we visited has rescued over 30 elephants from logging and tourist trades, which makes the experience even more special. Koh Samui has some excellent accommodation for families too.
Bali’s another good option for December although it is the rainy season. The villa rentals are surprisingly affordable because it’s low season, we got some amazing villas in Uluwatu with private pools for what you’d pay for a mediocre hotel in Europe. Just expect a few afternoon showers, but they pass quickly and then you’re back to sunshine.
Exotic Islands
For pure indulgence, the Maldives in December is pretty special. It’s the start of dry season so you get those postcard-perfect blue skies. Yes, it’s pricey, I won’t pretend otherwise, but if you’re celebrating something big or just want serious luxury, waking up in an overwater bungalow with fish swimming beneath your floor is something everyone needs to tick off their bucketlist.
The Canary Islands are perfect for a long weekend and a dose of vitamin D and you can check out some of the best Tenerife hotels here. I also booked a last-minute flight to Lanzarote a couple of years ago and stayed just a 10-minute walk along the seafront from the airport in Arrecife, in a beautiful five-star hotel for a fraction of the price I would have expected to pay.
Winter Wonderlands
Sometimes you just want to embrace the season and there is something magical about cities transformed by twinkling lights and Christmas markets.
US Holiday Hotspots
New York in December is admittedly a bit of a cliché, but it delivers. Ice skating in Central Park with the city skyline around you feels like you’ve stepped into a film set. We caught the tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, and despite being squished among thousands of people, when those lights came on, it was truly magical.
For something less obvious, New Orleans in December is brilliant. The temperature sits around a comfortable 60°F (15°C), perfect for wandering the French Quarter without melting. Plus, crawfish are coming into season.
Colorado is great if you’re after proper snow. I tried snowboarding for the first time in Breckenridge and spent most of the day on my bum, but the cosy après-ski culture makes up for the bruises. There’s something special about warming up with hot chocolate (with a splash of something stronger) after a day in the cold.
European Magic
Kraków is full of Christmas charm. The city’s markets feel straight out of a festive fairytale with wooden stalls full of ornaments and sweets, fairy lights glimmering against the snow, and the scent of mulled wine and pierogi drifting through the air. Reminding me of the trips I made with my Grandad when I was younger to visit family and see where he grew up.
It’s wonderfully atmospheric and, unlike Switzerland, surprisingly affordable, proof that Christmas magic doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Portugal often gets overlooked for winter trips, but Lisbon in December sits at a comfortable 15°C, perfect for exploring this beautiful city. We rented a lovely little place with a terrace and spent evenings with local wine and cheese while watching the sunset. The Portugese don’t go as mad for Christmas as some places, which actually suits my husband.
Asian Winter Charm
Surprisingly Japan fully embraces Christmas in December. Tokyo goes all out with illuminations that make Oxford Street look like someone’s half-hearted attempt with a string of fairy lights. The winter illumination at Nabana no Sato (near Nagoya) involves millions of LED lights creating tunnels and landscapes that left will leave you amazed. Soaking in an outdoor onsen (hot spring) with snow falling around you is something everyone should try if they get a chance.
Adventure and Unique Experiences – Off-the-Beaten-Path Thrills
Sometimes December calls for something completely different. The shoulder season means fewer tourists at some pretty spectacular spots.
African Adventures
Camping in the Sahara in December is worlds away from the Christmas markets of Europe but the perfect way to escape the chaos before Christmas. The temperature drops dramatically at night (pack layers!), but watching the sunset turn the dunes golden before a sky full of stars appears is totally worth it.
You can book camps that have proper beds inside canvas tents and candlelit dinners under the stars. Not exactly roughing it, but a great experience.
Marrakech is one of my favourite destinations at this time of year. It offers a bit of everything, from Christmas shopping in the souks to sipping mint tea on the roof top of your riad soaking up a bit of vitamin D.
The days are warm and bright, perfect for exploring the cities attractions like Jardin Majorelle a blend of cobalt blue walls, exotic plants and beautiful water features. At night the city comes alive with rooftop restaurants and the scent of street food from the medina.
Indian Escapes
The temperature in Goa in December is a perfect 77°F (25°C). The beaches are buzzing but not overcrowded, and Christmas in Goa is this fascinating blend of Indian and Portuguese traditions. You can spend Christmas Day on the beach, eating freshly caught fish and watching impromptu beach parties spring up as the sun sets.
US Wild Sides
Palm Springs in December gives you that desert warmth without the brutal summer temperatures. The hiking in Joshua Tree National Park is perfect this time of year, those weird, wonderful trees against blue skies make for proper otherworldly landscapes.
Practical Tips for December Travel
A few tips for December adventures:
Early December is genuinely cheaper. We saved about 30% on flights to Thailand by going the first week of December rather than closer to Christmas. Same destination, same hotels, dramatically different prices.
Pack for weather mood swings. December can be temperamental almost everywhere. That “sunny winter destination” can still throw a cold day at you, and even tropical paradises have the odd downpour. Layers, are key.
For families, Southeast Asia in December is amazing. The weather’s stable, it’s culturally enriching, and your money stretches further. We met a family in Thailand who were doing a month there for what two weeks in the Canaries would cost them.
December’s is a great month to travel. Whether you want to be building sandcastles or snowmen, there’s somewhere perfect for you. Just don’t leave booking until the last minute.