Explore the Best Places to Travel in December Around the World: From Winter Wonderlands to Tropical Escapes

December is one of the most magical times of the year! With Christmas and the New Year just around the corner, it's the ideal moment to explore the best places to travel in December around the world. This month offers a unique blend of festive cheer and seasonal beauty that can make your trip unforgettable.

Whether you’re dreaming of a snowy Christmas filled with twinkling lights or planning a wild beach celebration for New Year’s, there are incredible destinations to satisfy every type of traveler. From cozy mountain retreats to vibrant tropical locales, your perfect getaway awaits.

Here are some of our favorite cities and countries to visit during the holiday season, each offering its own charm and festive spirit. Let’s dive into the wonderful experiences that December has to offer!

Best Places to Travel in December Around the World #1: Germany

When it comes to Christmas time, Germany is hands down one of our favorites! This country is known for having the most extravagant Christmas markets. Each year the main squares fill with lights and kiosks serving mulled wine, hearty German food, and much more.

The biggest cities such as Berlin and Munich are much more well known for this, but even the smaller cities have their own Christmas Markets. They happen all month, so what better time to head to Germany than the month of December (other than Oktoberfest of course).

If you plan on visiting Germany in December we highly recommend basing yourself in a large city, and visiting the nearby towns so that you can experience the various versions of Christmas markets that there are.

Best Places to Travel in December Around the World #2: New York City, USA

Speaking of Christmas, New York has one of the most magical atmospheres at this time of years, making it one of the best places to travel in December around the world. There's just something about the being in Manhattan in December that sparks a sense of Joy. 

The streets are dripping with lights, and storefronts have on their best window displays. The city (and other areas around it) even have competitions for who can decorate their houses best!

We have a full article about the best places to check out for Christmas lights in and near New York on our article below.

Head to Rockefeller for the famously lit Christmas tree, go iceskating in Central Park, or visit the Christmas village in Bryant Park.

We promise you won't get bored in New York this time of year. Also, ever since Covid, there have been a great amount of restaurants getting creative with their outdoor seating featuring cozy cabins, and heated globes to eat and drink in.

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Another plus of also visiting in December? You may get a chance of witnessing some snow!

Best Places to Travel in December Around the World #3: London, UK

Another one of our favorite places for Christmas markets and beautiful lights is London. The UK capital has a great mix of what both New York and Germany have to offer, making it another one of our the best places to travel in December around the world.

Head to London and you will find various Christmas themed markets like Germany featuring food from around the world. Stroll down the beautifully lit streets, and admire the fantastically decorated storefronts like New York.

We think London is definitely one of the places to travel in December around the world that you'll fall in love with.

Best Places to Travel in December Around the World #4: Austria

Austria is home to two of the best Christmas markets in Europe, which are in Vienna and Innsbruck. The cities become truly magical, and also are prone to getting snow in December.

Another reason that Austria is one of the best places to travel in December around the world is because of Krampuscnacht, also known as Krampus night.

Instead of a big jolly man, the figure of Krampus is a dark haired creature with horns and fangs, who carries a bundle of birch sticks and swats naughty children. Kids leave a boot outside their door and he comes at night to leave a gift if they've been good, or a rod if they have been bad.

The night of Krampus is one where many men will dress as Krampus and roam the streets scaring children, and there will be parades, special meals, and other fun traditions to celebrate.

Best Places to Travel in December Around the World #5: Slovenia

When I was living in Madrid I took a spontaneous trip to Slovenia right before Christmas, and this country quickly jumped to the top of my list for the best places to travel in December around the world.

The capital Ljubljana is pure magic during the holidays with its adorable Christmas market. Lake Bled is a true fairytale, and Lake Bohinj was truly magical covered in snow.

Not only are the landscapes and Christmas markets enough to make you fall in love with Slovenia in December, but it's also another country that celebrates Krampus!

Best Places to Travel in December Around the World #6: Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of the prettiest cities in Europe, and it's another incredible city during the holidays for its iconic Christmas Market. Also known for their incredible beer spas, there's no better way to warm up from the cold temperatures outside.

Just like some of the other nearby countries, Krampus is also celebrated in the Czech Republic, and is a super fun and unique way to enjoy traveling in December.

Best Places to Travel in December Around the World #7: Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is one of the best places to travel in December around the world, and for pretty similar reasons as the previous recommendations.

But you shouldn't just visited Hungary's capital for the incredible Christmas Markets and Krampus! It has a slight edge over some of the other cities because it is known for its iconic spas. Let's be real - is there really any better way to enjoy w inter escape than warming up in thermal waters?

Best Places to Travel in December Around the World #8: France

While Germany hogs the spotlight for the best Christmas Markets in Western Europe, France also has some pretty great cities worth visiting.

Located near the border of Germany, Colmar is the epitome of a fairytale Christmas town, making you feel like you just walked into a storybook.

Head to Paris, and you'll find equally impressive Christmas displays as New York and London. The city is full of lights, markets, and the true holiday spirit in the air.

Best Places to Travel in December Around the World #9: Switzerland

Switzerland is a pretty magical place to visit year round, but throw some snow into the mix, and you have one of the most beautiful places to visit in December around the world.

The charming town of Zermatt in particular is stunning when it's covered with a blanket of snow, and the Matterhorn becomes that much more prominent.

But Zermatt isn't the only place worth visiting! Switzerland is full of charming towns with incredible Christmas Markets, as well as a haven for winter sports, making it one of the best places to visit in December around the world.

Best Places to Travel in December Around the World #10: Lapland, Finland

When it comes to the best places to travel in December around the world, Lapland takes the cake for the ultimate destination.

It may just be the most magical winter wonderland in the world, and is quite literally the north pole. Imagine blankets of snowier massive forests, reindeer, dog sledding, and the northern lights, all wrapped in one fairytale spot.

In Lapland you can stay cozy in glass igloos watching the sky dance with colors, relax in saunas, soak in jacuzzis, and even visit Santa Clause's town!

Best Places to Travel in December Around the World #11: Brazil

Looking for a bit of a different vibe? Well one of the best places to travel to in December for beach lovers is Brazil.

This country seriously knows how to party, and the holiday time is no exception. While the other countries we have mentioned have amazing wintery Christmas vibes, our favorite part about Brazil in December is New Years Eve.

New Years Eve is one of the biggest parties of the year in Brazil! People flock to the beach and dress in white for good luck for the year ahead. So if you're looking for an exciting party destination to ring in the next year than Brazil may just be the place for you.

Deciding to head to Rio de Janeiro or have a short stop there? Well, we have a great article below highlighting the top spots to check out in this fun-filled city.

Best Places to Travel in December Around the World #12: New Zealand

Another great summer destination is New Zealand. December is one of the best months to visit this island country, as the temperatures are really warming up. Now is the time to explore the beautiful nature that New Zealand has to offer.

We love December particularly because there are warmer and sunnier days, but it is before the height of the tourism season.

So grab your sense of adventure, a swimsuit, and some hiking boots, because New Zealand is definitely one of the best places to travel in December around the world.

December is one of our favorite months to travel. Although places can get a bit more crowded, the vibe is joyful and merry for the holiday season. Whether you're experiencing the wonderful winter atmosphere in New York, or escaping to the heat in Brazil, there is something for everyone in this month.

With holiday breaks from work and school, December can definitely be a chaotic month to travel, and certainly a bit more expensive. So make sure that you book in advance and put money away so that you can splurge a little during your travels.

Every month has pros and cons for visiting certain places. That's why we've worked hard to decipher which are the best places to travel in December around the world, as well as each other month around the year. Check out the other articles we have so you can be best prepared and make the most of your vacation time!

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