Best Places to Visit in December in 2024

December is a magical time for traveling and vacationing. This period is full of holiday vibes and Christmas mood. From charming festivals to stunning winter landscapes, there are many places in December where you can go.

So, what are the best places to visit in December? We have gathered some of the top destinations for traveling in December that will fill your heart with joy and warmth as you await the upcoming holidays.

Options for Trips in December

Tourists love traveling in December, as it’s a wonderful trip time for many reasons:

• lovely weather,
• holiday vibes,
• theme events.

The enchanting Christmas atmosphere adds an extra layer of thrill to any journey. Whether you're seeking sun-soaked beaches or picturesque winter wonderlands, December offers diverse travel options. Warm destinations like Hawaii and Morocco invite you to bask in the sun, while the snowy landscapes of France and Austria provide a magical winter escape. Let’s explore some of the best holiday destinations to consider for your December travel plans!

There are some warm places, like Hawaii and Morocco, and cold snowy places, such as France or Austria. Let’s check out some of the best holiday destinations in December.

Best Places to Visit in December Worldwide

Many tourists ask: «What are the best places to visit in December in the world?». Well, there are so many options worldwide, for example, in Brazil, the USA, and Galapagos. Let’s explore some amazing places and find out what are the best options for you.

Bali, Indonesia

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Bali is wonderful for people who seek warm places. It’s an amazing island, and you can spend your trip enjoying nature, beaches, cultural sites, and festivals. The weather is warm, so it’s around 85°F (29°C) outside.

You can go to Seminyak and Nusa Dua, where you can enjoy sunbathing on the white sand, swimming in the clear water, diving, surfing, snorkeling, and other water sports.

There are so many cultural things to enjoy, such as Balinese dances. Kecak and Barong dances are mixed with authentic costumes. Also, you can visit some festivals in December dedicated to holidays, such as the Denpasar Festival.

You can also admire some natural beauties there, such as Gitgit Waterfall or Tegenungan Waterfall. Make sure to share photos you have made along the way, you can do it instantly with the best eSIM for Indonesia.

Cape Town, South Africa

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Cape Town is among the best places to visit in early December, and it offers tourists great vacation opportunities with a mild climate and plenty of attractions to see. The weather is around 65-70°F (18-21°C), so it’s comfortable outside for anyone. There are many events and popular activities for tourists in Cape Town. You can:

• try sandboarding in Atlantis Dunes,
• go to the holiday theme V&A Waterfront Christmas Market,
• watching whales in Hermanus,
• take a helicopter tour.

Among other must-visit places, you can attend a popular summer event – the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. If you like outdoor activities, you can hike up Lion's Head and admire amazing views and landscapes. It’s much better to come there in the morning to witness the sunrise, that view is unforgettable. Imagine streaming on Instagram or TikTok from this beautiful place. Fortunately, you have this opportunity, all due to the travel eSIM.

Read also: Best Places to Visit in South Africa

Rovaniemi, Finland

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What could be better than visiting the home of Santa Claus in December? It’s a great experience for anyone who likes holiday events, a winter wonderland, and snowy weather. The weather is cold and snowy – around 10-20°F (-12/-6°C), so pack some warm clothes. There are so many things to do in December, for example, you can try a traditional Finnish sauna, book a reindeer sleigh ride, swim in icy lakes, or take a husky safari.

One of the main attractions in winter in Rovaniemi is the Santa Claus Village. This is a theme park which is dedicated to Santa Claus and Christmas, a true Christmas wonderland on earth. There are stores, workshops, a Santa Claus Post Office, and more.

Another great place in December is the Ranua Wildlife Park where you can see the Arctic animals, such as polar bears, reindeer, arctic foxes, and others.

Next, there’s a unique opportunity to witness the mysterious Northern Lights. This period is great for observing this natural wonder. Also, there’s an option to stay in a glass igloo, which makes this experience unbelievable – you can clearly look at the dark sky with the colorful and fascinating Northern Lights. It’s among the best places to visit in December for couples. You can buy the best eSIM for Finland and always stay connected.

Best Places to Visit in December in the USA

The USA is a perfect country to enjoy some Christmas mood and dive into the vibes of the best holiday and celebration. American culture is known for its festive obsession with Christmas, so you can enjoy your trip and attend many great events. Moreover, you can enjoy a stable connection whenever you go with the best virtual SIM for the USA. However, tourists ask where to go for a great vacation. So, what are the best places to visit in December in the USA?

New York City, New York

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New York City is the heart of the USA during its Christmas celebration, the very place where the Home Alone 2: Lost in New York movie was filmed.

There are so many things to see in NYC in December, there are even some UNESCO World sites in NYC, interesting for any tourists:

• Central Park,
• Empire State Building,
• Times Square,
• Statue of Liberty,
• Broadway Theatre.

New York City in December is full of Christmas mood and theme events. Where to go in December in NYC? Firstly, you should see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the main Christmas tree of NYC, usually 60–100 feet tall, decorated with thousands of lights. Then, you can try ice skating in Central Park, one of the best places to visit in NYC in December.

If you want to experience the vibes of NYC Christmas markets choose between Union Square Holiday Market, the Grand Central Holiday Fair, or Bryant Park's Winter Village. Also, we suggest tourists visit Saint Patrick's Cathedral, where you can hear traditional gospel music and enjoy the beauty of this cultural site.

Aspen, Colorado

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Aspen is one of the best places to visit in the USA in December. If you want to experience a real winter wonderland and enjoy the snowy cold weather, you need to visit Aspen in December. It’s 5-25°F (-15/-4°C) outside, so it’s a perfect place for winter activities, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and more. Aspen offers tourists:

• The Silver Circle Ice Rink – a great place for ice skating around the snowy mountains.
• The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness – popular for snowshoeing and enjoying great nature.
• The Independence Pass – the most beautiful landscapes on the mountainsides, frozen waterfalls, and winter nature.

Also, there are great events in Aspen like the 12 Days of Aspen holiday celebration, where you can enjoy carols, lights, holiday markets, and more. Then, you can attend the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and enjoy the Nutcracker performance.

Honolulu, Hawaii

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For people who want to escape their routine and enjoy some warm sunny days in December, Honolulu is one of the best options in the USA to enjoy warm weather. The temperature is around 75°F (24°C), it’s almost the hottest place in Hawaii. There are popular activities for tourists, such as:

• Trolley tour,
• Sunset cruise,
• Hiking to the Diamond Head Crater.

One of the most popular activities in Honolulu during December is to watch whales. There are some whale-watching tours, so you can witness those mysterious marine inhabitants. If you like festive vibes, you should attend the Honolulu City Lights Festival. There are some food places, tree lighting, a parade, and other activities.

Hawaii is also known for an opportunity to try surfing. You can book some surfing lessons in Waikiki. Also, we suggest tourists visit the Honolulu City Lights Holiday Market.

Read also: Cheapest Places to Visit in the USA and Latin America

Best Places to Visit in Europe in December

Europe welcomes tourists with its cool and sometimes even cold weather and magical Christmas atmosphere. Many countries have different traditions and events for Christmas celebrations and holidays.

Moreover, you can stay connected within the European region due to the best eSIM for travelers. We gathered the best places to visit in Europe in December, where you can enjoy the genuine spirit of Christmas.

Read also: Mobile Internet in Europe: the best Europe SIM Cards and Other Ways to Connect

Vienna, Austria

arzotravels

Vienna is pretty cold in winter, and it’s 28-38°F (-2/+3°C) outside in early December. However, this weather creates this unforgettable magical vibe, so what are the best places to visit in Austria in December? It’s pleasant to explore Vienna and visit some popular destinations, such as St. Stephen's Cathedral, and Vienna State Opera. It’s also great to walk around this city in December to enjoy the vibrant life and atmosphere of the upcoming Christmas celebration.

December is a perfect time to go to the Vienna Woods to enjoy some peaceful images of nature. Snowy trees make this place serene and marvelous. Then, you can go to the Rathausplatz Ice Rink for outdoor ice skating – an unforgettable experience. Next, there are Advent concerts at St. Stephen's Cathedral that bring a Christmas mood.

Among others, tourists can take a cruise on the Danube River to enjoy the views of Vienna and its holiday lights. If you like opera, the Vienna State Opera hosts some classic performances.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague.fm

Prague is among the best places in Europe to visit in December. You can enjoy Christmas markets, performances, outdoor activities, and cultural sites there. Moreover, the weather is still appropriate for a pleasant vacation, as it’s around 28-37°F (-2/+3°C).

Tourists like to go to the theaters to enjoy some traditional Christmas performances and enjoy authentic carols, ballet, or music. Concert halls offer so many options, so there are dancing shows, theatre performances, opera, and more.

Also, Prague is known for its Christmas markets. The main locations are the Old Town Square and the Wenceslas Square. Magical vibe, live music, thousands of goods and handcrafted stuff, delicious food and drinks – such a lovely atmosphere!

There is much more to do in Prague, so you can visit Petřín Park and the Petřín Tower, Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Then, you can try ice skating in the Old Town Square, and have fun in the heart of Prague.

Strasbourg, France

azcentral

You can take a winter flight and go to France. The French Christmas celebration is so lovely, and we suggest you visit Strasbourg to experience the vibe of this amazing holiday. Make sure to pack some warm clothes, as it’s around 30-40°F (-1/+4°C) outside – perfect weather for a winter vacation.

One of the most popular activities in Strasbourg is to visit the Cathedral of Notre Dame in December. You can attend a unique Christmas service and enjoy the beauty of the Gothic cathedral. Tourists also like to walk around the city’s Old Town. This gothic city is full of medieval buildings and architectural sites, moreover, in December, the streets are decorated for Christmas, so it’s much more exciting to explore the Old Town of Strasbourg.

Winter is a season of ice skating, and you can go to the Place du Château for a thrilling experience around Christmas decorations and lights. If you like music, make sure to attend the Alsatian Christmas concerts. There are many churches and halls where you can enjoy musical performances.

Best Places to Visit in December in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is a popular choice for vacations in December for many reasons such as warm weather, the Caribbean Sea, festivals and traditional events, and access to stable connection with the top-rated Caribbean eSIM. Let’s learn more about the best places to visit in the Caribbean in December.

Read also: TOP-5 best cruise destinations in the Caribbean to visit

Bahamas

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If you are looking for the best hot places to visit in December, check out the Bahamas. Bahamas – the real gem of the Caribbean. There are many cities and places in the Bahamas to visit, for example:

• Aquaventure,
• Port Lucaya Marketplace,
• Salt Cay,
• Cable Beach.

Many tourists choose Nassau to stay in the Bahamas in December. The weather is mild and warm, it’s 77°F (25°C) in Nassau. There are many attractions in high season, and we suggest visitors attend the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas.

Then, you can visit some forts of Nassau to explore some historical sites of the Bahamas. If you like water sports, you can try snorkeling and explore the secrets of the Blue Hole, a natural limestone sinkhole. For those who like shopping and holiday vibes, there’s the Straw Market. You can buy many themed stuff, food, and souvenirs and just enjoy the atmosphere of that bustling place.

Don’t forget to include Arawak Cay in the list of places to visit in the Bahamas. This place turns into a Christmas Village during December, so you can enjoy decorations, traditional cuisine, little stalls, and more.

Jamaica

ihvq

Jamaica is among the best tropical places to visit in December. It’s around 80°F (27°C) in Jamaica in December, and tourists love to go there for sunny weather. There are such wonderful places as:

• Puerto Seco Beach,
• Green Grotto Caves,
• Negril Seven Mile Beach,
• Mystic Mountain.

One of the popular vacation destinations in December in Jamaica is Montego Bay. Perfect place for beach going and water sports. Negril offers tourists Seven Mile Beach – one of the best places in Jamaica for sunbathing.

In December, you can attend The DayBreak Breakfast Party in Kingston and enjoy some great music and celebration. Also, you can have fun at the King of Shores Drag Race at Jamwest Speedway if you like motorsports. For New Year’s Eve, you can choose a TWIST Party in Montego Bay with fireworks and entertainment.

Dominican Republic

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You can visit many places in the Dominican Republic in December, including:

• Saona Island,
• Bavaro Beach,
• Playa Macao,
• Isla Catalina,
• 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua.

The Dominican Republic is the best place to visit in December with family. It’s a lovely choice for people who enjoy beach trips, hot weather (75-85°F/24-29°C), best hotels, and vibrant life.

This country is pretty diverse and there are activities for everyone in December – visiting botanical gardens, attending festivals, sunbathing, and more. Santo Domingo is one of the most popular places for vacations in the Dominican Republic.

The National Botanical Garden is enhanced with decorations with lights, so it looks like an enchanted oasis in this city. If you like parties and beaches, you can visit Boca Chica for beach parties and fun. For those who want to admire the beauty of this city and try something unusual, there’s an opportunity to book a cruise.

Best Warm Places to Visit in December

Most European countries and states of the USA are pretty cold in December, so people love to enjoy some warm sunny days. We prepared a list of some wonderful hot places for your trip in December.

Brazil

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This country is a great option for anyone, as you can find everything you want: natural beauty, bustling cities, festivals, and more. It’s truly one of the best warm places to visit in December. There is also a great opportunity to buy the best eSIM for Brazil.

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most popular places in Brazil. It’s around 73-85°F (22-29°C) outside, so you can be sure it’s warm and pleasant to spend your vacation there. Among the popular activities are:

• street art tours,
• a day trip to the Tijuca National Park,
• take a cruise,
• hike up Sugarloaf Mountain,
• go to the Botanical Garden for the orchid blooming season.

Among the next December travel destinations is Sao Paulo. You can take a tour around the city to visit some popular cultural and historical sites, such as the Sao Paulo Museum of Art. Also, make sure you try some Brazilian holiday food. There are some rabanadas, caipirinhas, or batidas to learn more about this delicious cuisine. Also, you can take a walking tour around the city to observe Christmas decorations and lights. Lastly, make sure to visit the Christmas markets in Sao Paulo.

Read also: How to Plan a Trip

Galapagos

travel+leisure

Galapagos islands offer tourists warm weather (77-83°F/23-28°C) and the best beaches. It’s a great option for those who seek relaxation and beachgoing. Galapagos is popular in December for its water sports to try, such as diving, snorkeling, and swimming with sea lions, as the water in December is so clear.

Tourists also like to take a cruise around the nearest islands and enjoy the fresh breeze. You can visit La Lobería and enjoy this sandy beach with sea lions. If you want to get an exotic experience, go to Isabela Island to watch how tortoise eggs hatch.

Morocco

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Morocco is full of amazing destinations, events, and cities to visit in December, e.g. Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, and more. It is pretty warm in winter (55-60°F/12-15°C) and you can easily explore this amazing place with the best eSIM for Morocco. There are some popular cities:

• Marrakech. What are the best places to visit in Morocco in December? You can go to the Marrakech Christmas Market, take a camel ride, and visit the decorated and magical
• Majorelle Garden. Then, you can try skiing near the Atlas Mountains. Tourists love to visit the El Badi Palace and enjoy the holiday light display.
• Casablanca. You can visit the Old Medina for the same purpose and purchase some handicrafts. Tourists can also visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in the world.

Morocco is lovely in December and you can travel around the country looking for adventure.

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Plan Your Trip and Discover the Top Vacation Spots for December

As you can see, there are so many options to visit in December. This month is full of celebration mood and Christmas vibes, many places host theme events and performances to entertain tourists and locals.

Plan your best trip in December and choose the most appropriate place for you – New York City, Galapagos, Casablanca, or any other!

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