15 Best Places to Travel in December

1. Lapland, Finland

• Why Go: December in Lapland is like stepping into a snow globe. Chase the Northern Lights, visit Santa’s Village, and experience reindeer sleigh rides. It’s a winter wonderland straight out of a storybook!

• Airfare: Round-trip flights to Rovaniemi start at $600–$1,200. Skyscanner helps you find the best prices to make your journey magical.

• Best Accommodations: For a unique stay, check out the Arctic SnowHotel ($400–$600/night), where you can sleep in a room made entirely of ice. Budget stays start at $100–$200/night. Find options on Skyscanner.

• Where to Eat: Enjoy Lappish delicacies at Nili Restaurant—a meal here will cost about $20–$40.

2. Bavaria, Germany

• Why Go: Experience the charm of German Christmas markets in Bavaria. Sip mulled wine, nibble on gingerbread, and soak in the festive atmosphere.

• Airfare: Flights to Munich are around $500–$1,000 round-trip. Skyscanner can help you snag a great deal.

• Best Accommodations: Stay at the elegant Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski ($200–$400/night) or discover cozy guesthouses starting at $80/night with Skyscanner.

• Where to Eat: Grab a delicious pretzel and bratwurst at the Christmas market—meals cost about $10–$20.

3. Quebec City, Canada

• Why Go: Quebec City is a picturesque winter escape with its cobblestone streets and historic charm. Enjoy ice skating, sledding, and the festive ambiance.

• Airfare: Round-trip flights to Quebec City range from $300–$700. Skyscanner is your go-to for finding the best flight deals.

• Best Accommodations: Stay at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac ($200–$400/night) for a luxurious experience, or find budget stays starting at $60–$120/night on Skyscanner.

• Where to Eat: Savor poutine at Chez Ashton—a classic Canadian dish costs around $10–$15.

4. Kyoto, Japan

• Why Go: Kyoto’s temples and gardens look enchanting under a layer of winter frost. It’s a serene escape with a touch of magic.

• Airfare: Flights to Osaka (the nearest airport) are around $700–$1,200. Check Skyscanner for the best flight prices.

• Best Accommodations: Stay in a traditional ryokan like Hiiragiya ($500–$800/night) or find more affordable options starting at $100–$200/night on Skyscanner.

• Where to Eat: Warm up with a bowl of ramen at Ippudo—around $10–$15 per bowl.

  Craving some adventure in Japan? Explore our Japan blog for all the must-see spots, local secrets, and insider tips that will help you experience this amazing country like a true wanderer!

5. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

• Why Go: If you’re looking to escape the cold, Bora Bora offers stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. December is off-peak, so you can enjoy paradise without the crowds.

• Airfare: Flights to Bora Bora cost between $1,000–$2,000 round-trip. Skyscanner is perfect for finding the best deals.

• Best Accommodations: Stay in an overwater bungalow at Four Seasons Resort ($1,000–$2,000/night) or find budget-friendly hotels starting at $200–$400/night on Skyscanner.

• Where to Eat: Enjoy fresh seafood at Bloody Mary’s—meals cost around $50–$100.

6. Salzburg, Austria

• Why Go: Salzburg’s Christmas markets are enchanting, and the city’s baroque architecture provides a stunning backdrop for the festive season.

• Airfare: Flights to Salzburg are about $500–$900 round-trip. Use Skyscanner to find the best flight prices.

• Best Accommodations: Stay at Hotel Sacher Salzburg ($300–$600/night) or cozy up at budget-friendly options starting at $100/night with Skyscanner.

• Where to Eat: Enjoy Austrian specialties like schnitzel at Gasthof Goldgasse—meals cost around $20–$40.

7. Sydney, Australia

• Why Go: December is summer in Sydney, perfect for celebrating Christmas on the beach and enjoying the world-famous New Year’s Eve fireworks at Sydney Harbour.

• Airfare: Flights to Sydney from the US cost $800–$1,500 round-trip. Skyscanner helps you find the best deals for your sunny getaway.

• Best Accommodations: Stay at Park Hyatt Sydney ($600–$1,200/night) or find more affordable options starting at $100/night on Skyscanner.

• Where to Eat: Enjoy fresh seafood at Sydney Fish Market—meals cost around $20–$40.

8. Marrakech, Morocco

• Why Go: Marrakech is vibrant and full of color, with its bustling souks, stunning palaces, and delicious cuisine. December offers cooler temperatures for comfortable exploring.

• Airfare: Flights to Marrakech are around $500–$1,000 round-trip. Use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals.

• Best Accommodations: Stay at a luxury riad like La Mamounia ($400–$800/night) or find charming alternatives starting at $50/night on Skyscanner.

• Where to Eat: Try Moroccan dishes at Dar Moha—meals cost around $20–$50.

9. Reykjavik, Iceland

• Why Go: Reykjavik is the gateway to Iceland’s winter landscapes and the Northern Lights. December is perfect for experiencing the country’s natural wonders.

• Airfare: Flights to Reykjavik cost $400–$800 round-trip. Skyscanner is great for finding the best deals on flights.

• Best Accommodations: Stay at Hotel Borg ($200–$400/night) or find budget options starting at $50/night with Skyscanner.

• Where to Eat: Try Icelandic dishes like reindeer stew at Emma’s Drommekjokken—meals cost around $30–$60.

10. Cusco, Peru

• Why Go: Visit Cusco’s ancient ruins and vibrant culture. December is the start of the rainy season, but you’ll avoid the peak tourist crowds.

• Airfare: Flights to Cusco cost $600–$1,200 round-trip. Use Skyscanner to get the best flight deals.

• Best Accommodations: Stay at Belmond Hotel Monasterio ($300–$600/night) or find budget options starting at $50/night with Skyscanner.

• Where to Eat: Enjoy Peruvian cuisine at Cicciolina—meals cost around $20–$40.

11. Tromsø, Norway

• Why Go: Tromsø is ideal for viewing the Northern Lights and experiencing Sami culture. December offers long nights perfect for aurora chasing.

• Airfare: Flights to Tromsø cost $500–$1,000 round-trip. Skyscanner helps you find the best prices.

• Best Accommodations: Stay at Radisson Blu Hotel ($200–$400/night) or find budget stays starting at $50/night with Skyscanner.

• Where to Eat: Try local dishes at Emma’s Drommekjokken—meals cost around $30–$60.

12. Phuket, Thailand

• Why Go: December is peak season in Phuket, offering ideal beach weather. Enjoy the lively nightlife and stunning coastal scenery.

• Airfare: Flights to Phuket cost $700–$1,200 round-trip. Check Skyscanner for the best deals.

• Best Accommodations: Stay at Trisara ($500–$1,000/night) or find budget-friendly hotels starting at $50/night on Skyscanner.

• Where to Eat: Enjoy fresh seafood at Kan Eang@Pier—meals cost around $20–$40.

  Ready for more adventure? Dive into our Thailand blog, where you'll find even more exciting details, hidden gems, and insider tips to make your trip unforgettable!"

13. Queenstown, New Zealand

• Why Go: December is summer in New Zealand, perfect for outdoor adventures and exploring stunning landscapes. Queenstown offers a range of activities from bungee jumping to vineyard tours.

• Airfare: Flights to Queenstown cost $1,000–$1,800 round-trip. Skyscanner helps you find the best flight deals.

• Best Accommodations: Stay at Eichardt’s Private Hotel ($400–$800/night) or find budget stays starting at $80/night with Skyscanner.

• Where to Eat: Try local cuisine at Fergburger—meals cost around $10–$20.

14. Santiago, Chile

• Why Go: Enjoy summer in Santiago with its vibrant culture, wine tours, and outdoor activities. December is a great time to explore the city and its surroundings.

• Airfare: Flights to Santiago cost $800–$1,500 round-trip. Use Skyscanner to find the best prices.

• Best Accommodations: Stay at Hotel Santiago ($150–$300/night) or find budget options starting at $50/night on Skyscanner.

• Where to Eat: Enjoy Chilean cuisine at Boragó—meals cost around $40–$80.

15. Helsinki, Finland

• Why Go: Embrace the cozy atmosphere of Helsinki in December. Enjoy festive markets, stunning architecture, and local cuisine.

• Airfare: Flights to Helsinki cost $500–$1,000 round-trip. Check Skyscanner to find the best deals.

• Best Accommodations: Stay at Hotel Kämp ($200–$400/night) or find budget options starting at $60/night with Skyscanner.

• Where to Eat: Try Finnish dishes at Savoy—meals cost around $30–$60.