Best Places to Visit in December: 9 Vacation Ideas for Every Type of Traveller

It’s the month of December and travel can have many different meanings. Some holidaymakers want to avoid the chill and enjoy their time at sunny beaches, and some people are excited about Christmas markets, snow-filled landscapes and all things vacation.

It’s also a favorite time for family vacations, romantic getaways and Christmas/New Year’s vacations. Where you go can make a world of difference, particularly if you want to have a special time of year.

Whether you are planning a vacation on Thailand’s tropical shores, in a festive European city or in Iceland for the stunning winter landscape there are plenty of places to consider spending December. These are 9 places and what makes each so special this time of year.

1. Thailand: Tropical Beaches and City Adventures

Thailand is a great place to think about in December, if you prefer to exchange winter wear and change to lighter clothing. During this time of the year the weather is fairly good in much of the country and it is a popular time for sightseeing with a beach vacation.

Begin in Bangkok where the ornate temples, the bustling street markets and the riverside restaurants provide all sorts of fun. This can be done at the Grand Palace, where you can experience traditional Thai cuisine and even have a boat trip down the Chao Phraya River to get a different view of the city.

After a few days in the capital, move on to Phuket where it is laid back. Take time to relax on sandy beaches, take a boat to the surrounding islands, or dine at the island’s restaurants and experience the island’s viewpoints. The month of December is generally a good time for the beach season as there are still occasional showers, but sea conditions are generally changing.

Having sufficient time, Bangkok and Phuket offer a vacation combining culture, food, sightseeing and relaxation.

What is there to see in December? Overall, it’s a fantastic time for Bangkok exploration, vacations on the Phuket beaches, as much as anywhere else in Thailand during the wet season.

Ideal for: Seaside vacation, food enthusiasts, couples and extended trips.

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2. Dubai and Abu Dhabi: Sunshine, Shopping and Desert Experiences

Duplex and Abu Dubai should be considered for your December vacation plans, with its warm climate and marvelous architecture, shopping and cultural experiences.

In the UAE, it’s usually a more pleasant month to visit than summer, as the temperatures are more comfortable. It’s a great choice if you aren’t planning on spending all your vacation by a swimming pool.

Visit Dubai’s Burj Khalifa to enjoy sweeping views of the city, head down to Dubai Creek to shop for traditional goods, and head in the opposite direction to Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach for an afternoon. Another option is to take a desert safari, which includes a visit to the dunes and sunset viewing.

There is a different ambience in Abu Dhabi. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a highlight for its architecture, while Louvre Abu Dhabi provides an opportunity to explore art and culture. For families and visitors that are looking for entertainment attractions, another option is Yas Island.

Other events and decorations take place during the season in parts of the UAE, but there are certain ones that are specific to certain dates and specific years.

Why bother to go in December? The pleasant outdoor climate allows for easier integration of beaches, sightseeing, shopping and desert trips into one trip.

Ideal for: Families, luxury vacations, shopping and warm weather sightseeing.

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3. Egypt: A Nile Cruise Through Ancient History

Egypt is a great place to visit in December as you have a chance to see some of the ancient monuments without having to face the extreme heat of the summer.

Taking a Nile cruise is a great way to see several historic sites and enjoy the views of one of the world’s most popular rivers.

Start in Luxor and see the wonders of ancient Egyptian architecture in the temples at Karnak and Luxor. The Valley of the Kings is also worth a visit, as it is the site of the royal tombs and contains archaeological significance.

Head towards Aswan where it will be even more laid-back, and where you’ll find great views of the Nile and a chance to explore the local markets and Nubian heritage. If you have a specific time schedule, guided excursions can offer you some insight into the history and tradition of the area.

If you have extra time, then you might want to visit Cairo as well. The Pyramids of Giza and the museums of the city also offer a glimpse into the rich history of ancient Egypt.

December is generally a better time to see the Nile Valley during the day, as the days tend to be much more pleasant; however, the evenings are cold and temperatures vary from region to region.

Why visit in December? An excellent time to visit the temples, archaeological sites and historic cities, as the days are a bit cooler than summer days.

Ideal for: history buffs, culture tourists, couples and guided tours.

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4. Paris, France: Christmas Lights, Cafés and Culture

December in Paris is full of a special ambiance. The streets are adorned with decorations and decorations, shop windows get fancier and cafés provide a warm spot to escape the cold weather.

If you like sightseeing, eating, shopping and culture, not necessarily warm weather, then it’s a great place to visit.

Enjoy the day at the Louvre, take in the art at Musée d’Orsay or stroll along the Seine. Explore the Eiffel Tower or take a walk through the twisting streets of Montmartre or check out the city’s many boutiques and department stores.

With Christmas rapidly approaching the city is blanketed with vacation lights and decorations. Some areas have Christmas markets and seasonal events but timetables and formats change annually.

December is cold and rainy in Paris, so have a combination of indoor and outdoor activities. In addition, it is beneficial to make reservations for the popular museums and large events ahead of time to make the best of your time.

So why go in the December? The city’s festive atmosphere, shopping, café culture and museums make Paris a very attractive city for a winter vacation.

Ideal for: Couples, Art Fanciers, Foodies and City vacations.

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5. London, England: Christmas Markets and Festive City Life

London England is truly a festive city with its Christmas markets.Christmas Markets and Festive City Life in London, England.

For the Christmas light, historic sites and theatres, and vacation activities, London is a great destination for December vacations.

During the vacation season, certain areas of the city are particularly active. Lights decorate the streets and shopping districts and Christmas markets and winter attractions are available to enjoy Christmas food, gifts and entertainment.

See the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace or spend a few hours at the British Museum. For a night out, try a West End show or have dinner at a classic pub.

Covent Garden is also worth visiting for its festive displays and Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is a popular seasonal venue which usually runs for a few days. Before planning, make sure to look at the dates of the event, and the ticketing procedures.

The weather in December in London can be cold, damp and unpredictable. Exploring the city will be easier with a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes and warm clothes.

Why visit in December? The festive scene, including Christmas markets, seasonal entertainment and world-class cultural attractions, make for a vibrant winter.

Great for: Christmas shopping, families, history and theatre buffs.

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6. Cancun and Riviera Maya, Mexico: A beach getaway

Cancún and Riviera Maya are perfect options for travelers looking to experience December by the ocean with sand, turquoise waters, resort accommodations and culture galore.

December is typically the start of a better time to take a beach vacation in this section of Mexico. It is generally warm, but occasional rain, rough seas and synoptic tropical weather disturbances are still possible.

Cancun is famous for its resort areas, its beaches and restaurants. The Riviera Maya is also equipped with access to cenotes, coastal towns and archaeological sites like Tulum, further along the coast.

One can enjoy swimming, snorking, resting at a resort or visiting the region’s Mayan heritage, during the day. An all-inclusive resort could be a good option if you want a vacation that includes meals and some activities.

December is also a popular time of travel, particularly during the vacation season of Christmas and New Year’s. Cost of accommodation and flights can add up, make sure to compare dates and totals before booking.

Why come in December? This is one of the most popular times of the year for people to vacation from their colder climates and enjoy the beaches, resort amenities and outdoor activities.

Ideal for: Family vacations, couples, people who enjoy the beach and all in one vacations.

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7. Traditional Christmas Markets in Vienna, Austria

Vienna is one of the most enticing places to visit in Europe for a festive December vacation. Austria’s capital is renowned for its beautiful architecture, classical music legacy and traditional Christmas markets.

In the festive season, stall markets set up in certain squares and provide seasonal goodies, handmade decorations and gift suggestions. Specifically, the market in front of Vienna’s City Hall is very well-known, and other sites provide a smaller market with its own ambiance.

In between the markets head for Vienna’s old city centre and enjoy the architecture around the Ringstrasse or visit one of Vienna’s famous museums. Please visit a concert (as per the seasonal programme) if you love Classical Music.

Look for cold conditions and be aware that snow may occur, but it is not always. There are also different dates for the market opening, some which open before the Christmas season and others which are open during the vacations.

Why Travel in December? Vienna is the perfect city break destination during the Christmas season, with its traditional Christmas markets, festive food, and illuminated streets, as well as cultural attractions.

Ideal for: Couples, Christmas market lovers, architecture fans and culture tourists.

If you are travelling close to Christmas Day on 24 December and New Year’s Eve, please make sure to book popular concerts and centrally located accommodation in advance to this period.

8. Snow, Reindeer and Arctic Adventures in Finnish Lapland

For those with a nostalgic preference for the classics, Finnish Lapland has nothing in common with a beach getaway in the tropics.

The area is famed for its snow-covered forests, activities in the arctic and the opportunity for northern lights. Rovaniemi is a popular base especially for families interested in Santa Claus Village and festive experiences.

Activities may involve reindeer-sleigh rides, husky rides, snowshoeing and trips to winter wilderness areas depending on the conditions. Some experiences are only available during the snow season and/or weather conditions, please check availability for your dates.

The northern lights also occur, though it is dependent of the clouds and the solar activity. If you stay for a few nights, you’ll have more chances of seeing them, but there’s no certain answer.

It’s cold in December and there’s plenty of demand, especially around Christmas. Caution, proper footwear and warm clothes are essential.

So what is the point in visiting in December? Lapland is extra beautiful during winter vacation season because of the snow, festive occasions and Arctic pursuits.

Ideal for: Families, couples, winter lovers and travellers for a snowy Christmas.

Travel tip: Check packages for travel and accommodations carefully; popular travel dates tend to fill up early.

9. Costa Rica: Rainforests, Wildlife and Pacific Beaches

With warm weather and outdoor adventures galore, Costa Rica is an attractive destination for an alternative vacation to a classic resort getaway.

Weather patterns are different for different areas of the Pacific, but many parts of the nation experience the change of seasons to the drier side of the year in December. There are many different rainfall conditions to consider along the Caribbean coast, so your trip is important.

Head to Arenal for volcanic views and geothermal hot springs, hike in the rainforest to see wildlife or go to the Pacific coast for beaches and water sports.

Local guides will help nature lovers spot sloths, monkeys, tropical birds and more. If you like, you will also have the opportunity to zipline and participate in guided walks and visits to natural areas protected.

Costa Rica isn’t just a place for the beach. What makes it attractive is that it brings together a number of experiences: rainforest exploration, relaxation at the beach.

Why bother to visit in December? While the weather varies from place to place, the month of the start of the dry season is also a great time for nature trips and beach vacations in many of the Pacific destinations.

Ideal for: Nature enthusiasts, active vacation makers, families and adventure vacations.

Travelers’ tip: Make wise journeys from one region to another. Your trip size may be limited due to mountain roads, travel time and seasonality.

Tips for Planning a December vacation

While December is a great month to travel, the Christmas and New Year period does need a bit more planning.

Make the necessary bookings for the preferred dates. Flights and accommodation can be in high demand, particularly during school vacations and the final two weeks of December. The cost of each trip is different, so check around as to times when you can get a better price.

Look at the seasonal weather forecast. The general climate of a destination does not mean that the climate will be the same while staying there. Check the forecast more closely in the area you want to travel and research that area.

Consider the overall cost of the package. Think about the other costs of the stay, such as: baggage, airport transfers, food, resort fees, activities and more – not just advertised prices.

Save popular seasonal activities. Christmas markets, special vacation dinners and guided tours may be limited. Double-check opening dates and ticket requirements before travelling.

Check entry requirements. Check the validity of your passport, visa requirements and any ETAD rules for your passport and travel plans. Travelers leaving Canada also should check the Government of Canada’s country-specific travel warnings.

Plan the proper travel insurance. Select coverage appropriate for that trip, including appropriate medical expenses incurred, cancellations, disruption and planned activities.

Allow time for weather-related changes. Flights, road trips and excursions may be impacted by snow, storms and other weather conditions. Flexibility in a trip is especially beneficial for winter travel.

Find Your December Getaway with Travelodeal

There are lots of ways to make December an end-of-the-year special. You might spend your days lying on a beach in Thailand or Mexico, visit the Christmas markets in Vienna, explore Egypt’s past or enjoy the winter scenes of Iceland.

The ideal destination is whichever one you imagine your vacation to be; it could be a sunny beach, a cultural beach, or an adventure-filled one or a vacation in a festive city.

First, list your preferred travel dates, travel budget and the experiences you most want to experience. Next, delve into Travelodeal’s vacation packages and look for ones that fit your plans.

The vacation in December may be an opportunity to relax somewhere warm, explore another culture or experience another destination in a different way.

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