Best Places to Travel in December: 10 Top Destinations (2026)

Last updated July 26, 2026 · Editorial policy

2 min read·Updated Jul 2026

⏱ 2 min read📖 441 words📅 Jul 2026

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10 of the Best Places to Travel in December
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December splits between festive winter cities and warm tropical escapes. Below are 10 of the best places to travel in December — where to go for the best weather, events and value, each with why it shines this month.

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Timing is everything in travel, and December suits some destinations far better than others. This guide picks 10 of the best places to go in December, balancing weather, seasonal events, crowds and value — from Finnish Lapland to Vienna and New York City.

10 of the Best Places to Travel in December

1. Finnish Lapland

December turns Lapland into a snowy wonderland, with Santa, husky sledding and the Northern Lights.

Snow-covered log cabins and Christmas lights in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland

2. Vienna, Austria

December fills Vienna with glittering Christmas markets, mulled wine and imperial grandeur.

The illuminated Wiener Christkindlmarkt in front of Vienna's City Hall, Austria

3. New York City, USA

December is magical in New York, with the Rockefeller tree, ice rinks and festive window displays.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and ice rink in New York City, USA

4. The Maldives

December is peak dry season in the Maldives, with sunshine, calm seas and warm water.

Sunset over an overwater jetty and turquoise lagoon in the Maldives

5. Railay, Thailand

December brings dry, sunny days to Thailand’s Andaman coast and the cliffs of Railay.

A longtail boat below the limestone cliffs of Railay Beach, Thailand

6. Dubai, UAE

December’s cool, sunny weather is ideal for Dubai’s beaches, desert safaris and the skyline.

New Year's Eve fireworks streaming from the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE

7. Cape Town, South Africa

December is high summer in Cape Town, with long beach days and the Winelands in full swing.

Golden light on Table Mountain above Cape Town, South Africa

8. Sydney, Australia

December brings a sunny, harbourside Christmas to Sydney and its famous beaches.

The Sydney Opera House lit up on a summer evening, Australia

9. Tokyo, Japan

December dazzles Tokyo with winter illuminations, crisp clear skies and festive energy.

A Tokyo street glowing with blue winter illuminations, Japan

10. Patagonia

December is early summer in Patagonia, with long days and the best trekking weather at Torres del Paine.

The peaks of Torres del Paine in the Patagonian summer, Chile

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I travel in December?

For December, Finnish Lapland, Vienna and New York City are among the best all-round choices, but the right pick depends on whether you want sun, culture, festivals or fewer crowds — see the 10 options above.

How far ahead should I book?

For popular December trips, book flights about 2 to 3 months ahead and accommodation 4 to 8 weeks ahead; peak-season and festival dates sell out earliest.

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Written by

John Morrison

John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.

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Best Places to Travel in December: 10 Top Destinations

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