Introduction
December is a great time to go on a holiday and relax and enjoy what the world has to offer you. It’s a time when you can enjoy warm weather, winter, snow and chilly weather. Whether you want a city break or a nature-filled experience, there are dozens of destinations that will suit your preferences. Most countries and cities hold annual festivals in December, with streets filled with decorations and merriness. So, you shouldn’t worry about where to travel in December.
Below are the best places to travel in December
1. London
London is one of the most sparkling cities in December. The entire place, especially Regent Street and Covent Garden is filled with twinkling lights and holiday decorations. Each street gives off a romantic, magical feeling. What makes London one of the best cities to visit in December is the number of events held. For example, on the first Thursday of the month, you get to watch the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. You can also go enjoy amusement park rides, and ice-skating at the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.
2. Edinburgh
December is a cold winter month in Scotland with low temperatures, but it’s a great time to visit Edinburgh. It is among the best December vacation destinations, with each part coming alive with festive activities and sparkle. There are numerous special events and holiday shows to enjoy in Edinburgh and visiting early means there will be fewer crowds as you enjoy all these events. While here, you can’t miss visiting Edinburgh Castle. The castle is one of the reasons why Edinburgh is a unique and beautiful destination to visit in December.
3. Dubai
Are you looking for places that are hot in December? Lucky for you, Dubai is one of these places, with the temperatures being mild between 19 and 26 degree Celsius. December is also a festival season, with lots of film festivals, the Rugby Sevens and the glitter of thousands of Swarovski crystals. Dubai has always been the biggest and best in everything in the UAE, especially in December. Take your time here as you enjoy the culinary delights and sunbathe along the Persian Gulf shores. Another unique aspect of being in Dubai is that you’ll enjoy traditional practices such as restaurants serving different recipes. Make sure you visit Madinat Jumeirah, an Arabian citadel-inspired mini-city. In short, you’ll experience a mix of modern and traditional lifestyles, as you enjoy the excellent Dubai weather in December.
4. Germany
Something unique about Germany during the December holidays is that you’ll find thousands of Christmas Markets (Christkindlmarkt). You’ll probably stumble across one of the markets in whichever town you may be in. The Christmas Markets are filled with open-air vendors, spiced mulled wine, jewellery, trinkets, toys and clothes. You’ll also enjoy performances of traditional holiday songs as you stroll around.
Berlin is one of the best places to holiday in December while in Germany. The city has over 70 markets, with activities going on at the same time. Apart from the markets, you get greeted with a display of colourful fireworks, a German tradition which is believed to scare away evil spirits before New Year.
5. Switzerland
The country is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world, and the scenery is simply breathtaking. December is also a great time to visit Switzerland’s cities, as they are decked out in holiday lights and decorations. If you are looking for a special time alone with your family and friends, you can head out to Murren, one of the small villages in the mountains. The village is accessible by a gondola or hiking, and while there, you can enjoy the incredible views. You can also take a train to Interlaken and go paragliding. Switzerland is among the best travel places in December and if you’re looking for adventure, you’ll enjoy what it has to offer.
6. Italy
Italy can’t miss out on any list of the best countries to visit in December. Florence (Firenze), the capital of Tuscany is the climax of any trip to Italy. Florence has to be on your Italy itinerary. It’s known for its world-class cuisine, artworks, museums and the surrounding countryside. The city’s architecture will also pull you in to get lost in the historic experience. Italy’s streets are always alive for a holiday and the weather is comfortable. With fewer crowds, December is a perfect time to visit the country and enjoy its historic towns, and festivities.
7. Spain
Spain experiences mild temperatures in December and you might need a light jacket or sweater. Despite the cooler weather, Spain is still a great place to enjoy a city break in December and offers fantastic cultural and culinary experiences. The Spanish people also know how to really enjoy Christmas (Navidad).
The island of Ibiza is a great place to pass time while in this country. There are plenty of activities happening throughout December, with some tourists celebrating Christmas and New Year. Ibiza offers enough entertainment to keep you occupied during your stay.
8. New York
When it comes to December, there’s no other place like New York. The city offers visitors a winter wonderland feel, as the trees are draped in twinkle lights and snow on the sidewalks. One of the best things to do in New York in December is to visit the Rockefeller Centre, home to the World’s most iconic Christmas tree. There’s also an ice skating rink which has been a tradition since 1936. You can also go shopping, which is usually at its peak in December. Walk around Fifth Avenue as you watch the festive holiday window displays, and possibly pick up gifts for loved ones.
9. Banff
For those who are looking for winter weather, a trip to Banff in December is the best time to experience this. Being a mountain town, it offers great ice skating on Lake Louise. It’s also home to the best skiing and snowboarding in Canada. Other winter activities to participate in include mushing with a team of huskies in the Rockies. You can also go for a trek across the Wapta Icefields. To restore your energy, finish your activities and head out to the famous Banff Hot Springs.
10. Maldives
For those wondering where’s hot in December, Maldives is the perfect holiday destination. It’s a low-lying island country, offering you ample sunshine, warm temperatures and only a little bit of rain. Maldives is a honeymooner’s paradise, and it’s popular for its high-end resorts and hotels. The beautiful island will make your dream of staying in an underwater suite come true. Being one of the hot countries in December, it’s perfect for diving and snorkelling. As you do these activities, you can also enjoy watching the vibrant array of sea life and beautiful reefs.
Summary
Hopefully, this guide has helped you identify the best places for a holiday in December. Whether you are looking for hot places in December or snowy destinations, there’s a country out there with exactly what you’re looking for.
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