Best destinations to visit in December
Explore the best places to visit in December, from tourist attractions like snowy mountains to sunny beach vacations. Visit hot spring attractions or unwind at the best vacation spots for a memorable December holiday.
December is that wonderful time of the year when you can find snowy mountains and cities beautifully illuminated for Christmas, or the seaside enriched by hot sand and sun. For those of you die-hard winter fanatics or people who love sunny climates, here are the best places to visit in December.
1. New York City, USA
New York remarkably takes on a Christmas look with the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Skating in Central Park, and the window dressing down Fifth Avenue. If you happen to be around New York in early December, then you don’t want to miss the Rock Plaza Christmas tree lighting. For any lovers of culture, there is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the Met Opera performances at the Metropolitan Opera. This is particularly so if you are not a fan of fanfare events associated with the holiday as there is always something for everyone in the city’s museums, restaurants, and other iconic landmarks.
Top activities:
- In-line skating at the 30 Rockefeller Center or the Central Park.
- Winter Shopping at Bryant Park’s Winter Village
- Going to such places as the Statue of Liberty State Park and the Empire State Building
2. Lapland, Finland
For the true winter holiday, Lapland is a fairy-tale country. Also known as the home of Santa Claus, it is the best destination for families and anyone who feels that snow is great. When you go to Lapland you get to enjoy an amazing winter in December and tourist attractions include the northern lights, dog sledding, the alpine, and igloo comfort. Lapland’s capital city is Rovaniemi, and you can meet Santa Claus there, as well as cross the Arctic Circle.
Top activities:
- Northern Lights safaris
- Dog sled or reindeer sleigh tours
- Visiting Santa Claus Village
3. Vienna, Austria
The city and the country in general are famous for their Christmas markets which is why Vienna is one of the most popular places to visit in December in Europe. This is a perfect background for festive activities since the city boasts of some of the oldest buildings. Go shopping for Christmas gifts, and buy spicy wine and snacks at the markets of Belvedere and Schönbrunn Palace. They are also entertained by classical music and in December, the Philharmonic, Ballet, and Opera are a favorite pastime in Vienna.
Top activities:
- Vienna Christmas markets introduction
- Going to a concert or seeing an opera.
- Going horse and carriage ride in the old city's central business district
4. Cancun, Mexico
For people who dream of warmer temperatures in winter, Cancun is a resort, sunny in December. This Mexican city has a lovely sand shoreline, clear water, and many things to do including diving in the Mesoamerican Reef or visiting The New World's famous Chichen Itza ruins. It is also the beginning of the dry season, which means that the weather will be ideal for sun and sand when people are on their trips. Cancun is perfect for both a beach vacation and an active holiday – there are luxurious hotels and exciting attractions such as zip-lining and diving.
Top activities:
- Today going to one of the Seven Wonders of the New World, Chichen Itza.
- Snorkeling or scuba diving in the Great Mayan Barrier Reef
- Relaxing on Playa Delfines
5. Queenstown, New Zealand
If you are up for some kind of vacation, then you have got it made if you can escape to Queenstown in December. Queenstown is a cutting-edge city situated in the southern part of New Zealand’s South Island, with towering mountain ranges and beautiful, sparkling lakes. December is summer in the Southern Hemisphere, which means those wanting to get out and enjoy, will love this place. You can undertake full-body activities such as hiking, and cycling, and come face to face with adrenalin rush activities like bungee jumping and jet boating. Queenstown is the best place to be in December, the Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables mountain range are a sight to behold.
Top activities:
- Tandem bungee jumping or powered jet boating for the adventure prize
- Discovering Fiordland National Park
- Vineyard tours and wine tasting at the next-door Central Otago wine which is preferred by many locals.
6. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo in December is both traditional and a throwback to modern winter attractions. The town is famous for its winter lights, which make up the features seen on the streets during winter.
If you’re visiting in the latter part of the month, then the New Year celebration in Tokyo can leave you mesmerized. It is possible to visit shrines and temples such as Meiji Jingu, to observe the Tokyo Skytree or even do holiday shopping in places like Ginza and Shibuya. December is also good for hot spring attractions across the country or winter sports activities in the nearby second home of Japan, Mt. Fuji.
Top activities:
- Going for shopping in Roppongi Hills or Tokyo Midtown in the illumination of snow
- Visit to the temples and shrines of ancient religion
- Commercial activities in some of the crowded neighborhoods of Tokyo
7. Tromsø, Norway
Another wonderful place to see the Northern Lights in December is Tromsø, which is even in the Arctic Circle. This city can provide various types of winter entertainment such as snowmobiling, and watching whales and fjords. Tromsø has almost 24 hours of dark during this season, which is optimal for observing the northern lights. The city is equally culturally developed with functioning museums, and art galleries and has an active nightlife scene given its rather isolated geographical setting.
Top activities:
- Tours and photography of Northern lights.
- Skiing on top of the snow base, such as snowshoeing and operating snowmobile in the Arctic territories.
- Enjoy a tour of the Arctic Cathedral and also a tour of the Polaria aquarium.
8. Cape Town, South Africa
A good and perfect weather for a summer holiday with beautiful sceneries can be experienced in Cape Town during December. Just as others are enjoying fall and thinking about the coming cold season, Cape Town has lovely weather for outdoor recreation.
Fancy a short trek: Climbing the Table Mountain, or an evening at the Cape of Good Hope or the beaches of Cape Town City.
Cape Town is not only famous for its vineyards, and during December one can get acquainted with nearby Winelands. This destination is perfect for those tourists who are interested in both, the urban environment and landscapes.
Top activities:
- Going to walk up the table mountain or taking a cable car.
- Touring the Wine areas and tasting wine of South Africa
- Strolling in the street of Sea Point or sunbathing at Camps Bay or Clifton Beach.
9. Prague, Czech Republic
December in Prague is like turning the page of a mystery fairy tale someone has been reading before. Without any doubt, Christmas markets are some of the best in Europe; especially, the Markets are located in Old Town Square where the gothic architecture of the buildings beautifully blends with the affected lights and Christmas snow. The city boasts of cobblestone streets, old rocky churches, and small hospitable cafes, which makes it ideal for a winter vacation in Europe. Prague Castle and Charles Bridge should not be missed anywhere at any cost for the nice views of the city.
Top activities:
- Old Town Christmas markets
- Tourism attractions include visiting the Prague Castle, considering St. Vitus Cathedral as a vital part of the castle building.
- A walking tour along the Charles Bridge
10. Maldives
If people think about the tropical vacation, the Maldives is the place that can be called paradise. For the best time for the islands, the dry season starts in December and more there is sunlight and a calm sea. Staying in an overwater accommodation, or sunbathing on the most beautiful beaches of the world – Maldives promotes the ultimate luxury. The sea is very crystal clear for snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities and the inhabitants of the sea include; corals, manta rays, and whale sharks.
Top activities:
- Swimming in colorful coral islands through snorkeling or diving
- Spending time at an overwater bungalow
- Spending time in Thailand and pampering yourself with beautiful treatments and beautiful sea views on the beautiful private beach
December remains a month of opportunities to take a winter vacation or even to escape the cold season as a tropical holiday awaits. One might imagine the snow-covered falls of Lapland, the Caribbean coast of Mexico or Cancun, and historic Vienna – all these destinations will indeed provide wonderful experiences to several travelers. Therefore, get prepared for December travel and have an enamoring journey.
