Going on holiday in December can seem counter-intuitive: to many, the festive season is a time for returning home, visiting family, or just staying in. For those looking for a break from winter at home, however, December can provide some of the most unforgettable travel experiences in the world. From skiing to surfing, we've gathered a list of some of the best places to see in December. This guide is divided into European breaks and long-haul holiday destinations.
The Best December Breaks in Europe
1. Finland
Finland, and specifically the Lapland region, is the ultimate December family holiday destination. As one of the rumored homes of Santa Claus, the remote province of Lapland enjoys a healthy tourist trade in the lead-up to the holidays. From the historic Santa’s Village theme park to dense pine forests and wild reindeer herds, Lapland is one of the most picturesque places to spend the festive season.
2. Germany
Germany is one of the few European nations where international visitor numbers actually climb during winter, for largely two reasons: skiing and Christmas markets. The ski season in Germany starts in late November, and by December, most of the country’s alpine resorts are at full capacity. The German Alps are renowned for both their natural beauty and their relative accessibility – major slopes in the Allgäu and Zugspitze regions are just a few hours from Munich.
German Christmas markets are a centuries-old tradition (Dresden’s Striezlmarkt dates back to 1434). Now a fixture of the advent calendar, nearly every German city, town and village hosts at least one advent market in December. Some of the most renowned include the aforementioned Striezelmarkt, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, and Rothenburg Reiterlesmarkt. For more inspiration, see our guide to the best Christmas markets in Europe in 2024.
3. Denmark
Denmark is a surprisingly good option for a summer beach holiday – but it's rightly known for the picturesque towns and cities that make it one of the best travel destinations in December. For Nordic wilderness, wild reindeer and traditional fishing villages, and head to the mainland province of Jutland. For families with children young and old, this peninsula is also the home of the original Legoland theme park.
Further along Danish Archipelago, the cities of Aarhus and Copenhagen are popular tourist destinations year-round due to their traditional Nordic architecture and world-class dining.
4. Bulgaria
December marks the beginning of the peak season in Europe's ski resorts: as a result, prices and crowds in the Alps can rise to take advantage. Snowsports enthusiasts looking for an option off the beaten piste should consider Bulgaria this December. While the Balkan mountains offer world-class skiing, Bulgaria’s resorts are usually more affordable and livelier than the Alpine equivalents. The slopes of Borovets are easily reached from the Bulgarian capital of Sofia, while travellers to the more remote Bansko resort will be rewarded with some of Europe's finest mountain scenery.
5. Scotland
Scotland gets cold in December – but that’s part of the appeal. While December may not be the best month to conduct a hiking holiday in the Scottish Highlands, it’s a great time to explore the nation’s historic cities and towns.
Glasgow is one of the best cities in Europe for a night out - the city offers a wide spectrum of entertainment, from centuries-old pubs to cutting-edge clubs and music venues.
Meanwhile, Edinburgh is legendary for the Hogmanay Street Party on New Year's Eve, a staple December tourist destination. Every year, over 100,000 revellers from the city and beyond ring in the new year in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. This must-see event is one of the rare occasions when the Scottish capital matches Glasgow in terms of nightlife.
6. Italy
In the Tuscan capital of Florence, Roman, medieval and Renaissance buildings jostle for space along marble-lined streets. The city's 13th-century Duomo Cathedral is one of the most-visited sites in a country full of them. This, naturally, draws crowds – in the summer months, residents of central Florence are outnumbered by tourists by a ratio of 14:1. Winter is the perfect time to discover Florence – escape the beating sun and tourist throngs and explore the city at your own pace. While the city enjoys beautiful weather in the summer months, the most treasured sights of Florence – the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery (including Michelangelo’s David) and the Ponte Vecchio – are all indoors anyway. This same principle applies to other Italian tourist hotspots like Venice, Pisa, Siena and even Rome.
Winter is also the best time of year to sample the city's local dish, Bistecca alla Fiorentina. This vast T-bone steak dish is the definition of a winter warmer, best enjoyed with a glass of Tuscan Chianti.
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The Best Worldwide Holiday Destinations in December
7. Goa
There’s always plenty to do in the Indian coastal state of Goa, but December is a particular highlight. The month falls at the peak of Goa’s dry season between November and April, making it the most popular time of year to visit. The weather is at its warmest, and the state’s many beach towns are at their liveliest, as domestic and international visitors head to the coast.
8. Cuba
While it may be halfway across the world from India, Cuba is best visited in December for the same reason: the dry season. Travelling to Cuba in December gives visitors the best possible chance of discovering the Caribbean nation’s distinctive culture and pristine beaches without being rained on. While relatively small, Cuba is packed with natural, historical and cultural wonders. This December will also see the return of the Havana Art Biennal, a city-wide festival of contemporary art hosted in some of Havana’s most scenic public spaces, museums and palaces.
9. Vietnam
Southeast Asia experiences a lengthy monsoon season between May and October, with high rainfall and humidity. Conversely, December is the height of the dry season, and usually the most agreeable time to visit. While the temperatures in Vietnam remain warm all year round, waiting until winter will make planning the trip much easier as there's no need to make alternate plans in case of heavy rain.
10. South Australia
The prospect of Christmas on the beach is a tempting one – and with average temperatures of 28°C (82°F), South Australia in December is the ultimate getaway from winter cold. Adelaide boasts one of the largest beachfronts of any Australian city, making it an ideal place to combine a city break with a relaxed beach holiday. If you’re considering a winter break down under, learn more in our guide to the 15 best places to visit in Australia.
Using a Travel eSIM in December
While a December holiday can be a great way to avoid the crowds, international travel can always provide unexpected challenges and expenses. If you are considering a winter break, save money and time with a travel eSIM. These are prepaid SIM profiles that can be downloaded before leaving, and allow international visitors to use their mobile phones and get online abroad at local rates without paying roaming fees or switching out SIM cards.
BetterRoaming travel eSIMs can be used in over 160+ countries - find the right one for you below
