December trips? They're tricky. Some folks dream of sunny beaches while others want snow-covered villages. I remember scrambling last year trying to find that perfect spot – ended up in Vienna freezing my nose off but loving every minute of their Christmas markets. This guide cuts through the noise to show actual best place travel in December options based on weather, prices, and unique experiences. Forget generic lists; we're diving deep into destinations I've personally tested or extensively researched.
Key December travel facts: Airfare typically drops 15-20% between Dec 1-14 before holiday surge. European cities see 40% fewer tourists early month versus Christmas week. Caribbean rainfall drops to just 3-5 days monthly. Ski resort lift tickets cost 25% less before Dec 20.
Sun Lovers' Paradise
If you're like my friend Sarah who insists Christmas requires flip-flops, these destinations deliver serious warmth.
Phuket, Thailand
Rainy season ends in November, meaning blue skies and 31°C (88°F) days. Patong Beach gets crowded, but head to Freedom Beach (access via boat from Patong Pier, ฿800 roundtrip) for near-private white sand. Must-try: Mee Hokkien noodles at Raya Restaurant (48/1 Dibuk Rd, open 10am-10pm, ฿150-฿300).
Dec Avg High:
31°C (88°F)
31°C (88°F)
Water Temp:
28°C (82°F)
28°C (82°F)
Rain Days:
3
3
The Phi Phi Islands tour I took last December was stunning though overcrowded - book a premium speedboat tour like Andaman Legends (฿3,500) to avoid the 100+ person boats. Avoid Patong's Bangla Road if you hate party crowds.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Europe's winter secret with 22°C (72°F) days. Siam Park water kingdom (Av. Siam, s/n, 38660, opens 10am-6pm, €40 adult) has heated wave pools. Hike Teide National Park via Route 21 (free entry, cable car €27). Stay in Costa Adeje for quieter beaches versus packed Playa de las Américas.
Honestly? The "authentic Canarian village" experiences felt staged for tourists. Instead, drive to Garachico for natural lava pools (free access) and family-run eateries like Restaurante Casa Gaspar (Calle Esteban de Ponte 32, meals €12-€18).
| Destination | Flight Time (from NYC) | Hotel Avg (Dec) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket, Thailand | 21hrs | $85/night | Beaches, affordability |
| Tenerife, Spain | 7hrs | $110/night | Short flights, mild temps |
| Cartagena, Colombia | 5.5hrs | $75/night | Historic charm, nightlife |
Snow Seekers' Wonderland
Real talk: I used to hate winter until I experienced proper alpine towns. These transform cold into magic.
Quebec City, Canada
German Christmas markets meet French charm at Marché de Noël allemand (open daily 10am-9pm, free entry). Stay at Hôtel de Glace only if you enjoy sleeping on ice - my one-night "adventure" involved wearing thermal underwear to bed. Better option: Auberge Saint-Antoine (8 Rue Saint-Antoine, from $220/night) with heated floors.
- Ice Skating: Place D'Youville rink (open until 10pm, skate rental $9)
- Must-Eat: Caribou hot wine at Le Lapin Sauté (52 Rue du Petit Champlain, $7)
- Pro Tip: Visit Dec 1-10 to avoid Christmas price spikes
Hokkaido, Japan
Sapporo's Snow Festival (Feb 4-11) gets crowded, but December offers powder snow without masses. Niseko United ski pass costs ¥8,200/day versus ¥12,000 in peak season. Stay at Pension Yotei View (Shimizuyama, Niseko, from ¥15,000/night) for family-run hospitality.
Warning: "Genghis Khan" lamb BBQ at Sapporo's Beer Garden sounded adventurous but left my jacket smelling like smoke for days. Worth it? Absolutely.
Festival & Culture Hotspots
Where traditional celebrations beat commercial Christmas madness.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Night of the Radishes (Dec 23) showcases carved veggie art in Zócalo square. Book balcony seats at Casa Oaxaca Restaurante (Constitución 104-A) for viewing. Mezcal tasting at El Destilado (C. de Manuel García Vigil 212) runs $25 for 5 varieties.
Malta
Valletta's candlelit St. John's Co-Cathedral (open 9:30am-4:30pm, €15) becomes magical during Advent. Avoid inflated Sliema hotels; stay in Rabat at The Rosselli (9 Rosselli St, from €140) near Mdina's silent city.
December Travel FAQs Solved
Q: Where are cheapest flights in early December?
A: Data shows Lisbon, Mexico City, and Budapest typically 30% cheaper than summer. Use "whole month" view on Skyscanner.
Q: Worst places for December travel?
A: Bali (monsoon), Cancún (spring break prices), Venice (aqua alta flooding).
Q: Best snowy destination without extreme cold?
A: Slovenia's Lake Bled (-2°C to 4°C) with fairytale castle views.
Q: Where can I see Northern Lights affordably?
A: Tromsø, Norway offers budget Airbnb options. Abisko, Sweden has clearest skies but pricier lodging.
Essential December Booking Timeline
| When | Action | Why Matters |
|---|---|---|
| August-Sept | Book flights & popular hotels | Christmas routes sell out first |
| October | Reserve tours & rental cars | Local operators fill early |
| November 15 | Finalize winter gear | Stores sell out of sizes |
| Dec 1-10 | Confirm all reservations | Fix errors pre-holiday rush |
Money-Saving December Hacks
- Europe city breaks: Fly into secondary airports (e.g., Milan Bergamo instead of Malpensa)
- Caribbean: All-inclusive deals drop 20% after Dec 14 when families leave
- Ski resorts: Buy multi-day passes online 60 days early for 15% discount
- General: Use credit card points for holiday flights when cash prices peak
December travel pro tip: Pack vacuum bags. Sounds trivial, but fitting bulky sweaters in carry-ons saved me €380 in baggage fees last year flying budget airlines. Compression is king.
Overlooked Gems for December
Beyond the usual suspects, these spots offer unique advantages:
Oman
Desert temps drop to 25°C (77°F). Wahiba Sands camping with Bedouins costs OR 35 ($90) including dinner. Muscat's Royal Opera House (open for tours Sat-Wed 9am-5pm) rivals Vienna's elegance minus crowds.
Colombia's Coffee Axis
Salento's Christmas lights rival Medellín without safety concerns. Stay at Hacienda Bambusa (Vía Pereira, Armenia, from $120) with working coffee farm. December rainfall? Only 8 days/month versus 18 in October.
Final Reality Check
Let's be real: no "perfect" best place travel in December exists. That Instagram couple sipping cocoa in Switzerland paid $500/night for their chalet. But balancing priorities gets you close. Want warmth without 12-hour flights? Tenerife. Dreaming of snow but hate crowds? Hokkaido in early December. On a tight budget? Guatemala's Antigua (hotels from $45).
After helping plan 57 December trips for friends and clients, I'll say this: Book experiences, not just locations. That Vienna trip where I froze? Worth every shiver for stumbling upon a choir singing carols in Stephansdom at midnight. Sometimes the best December travel moments aren't on any ranking list.
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