TL;DR — Our Top 3 Picks for December
The 10 Best Destinations for December
1
Vienna, Austria
Why December Specifically
Vienna was built for December. The city has been running Christmas markets (Christkindlmärkte) since 1298 — and it shows. Over 20 markets scatter across the city, with the Rathausplatz (City Hall) market being the most spectacular: 150 stalls, ice skating rink, and the floodlit neo-Gothic building as a backdrop. The Schönbrunn Palace market, set against the yellow baroque palace, is equally magical.
Vienna's café culture peaks in winter — the Kaffeehäuser (grand coffeehouses like Café Central and Demel) are UNESCO-recognized cultural spaces. A Melange (Viennese coffee) with a slice of Sachertorte while snow falls outside is one of travel's great small pleasures. Concerts at the Musikverein and Vienna State Opera hit their holiday-season peak programming.
Insider Tip
The markets run through December 26 (Boxing Day), so visiting December 20-26 gets you peak decoration without the post-Christmas ghost-town effect. For the Rathaus rink, rent skates and go at 9pm when the crowds thin out. Day trip to Hallstatt (3 hours by train/bus) — the lake village in snow is otherworldly, and December weekdays have a fraction of the summer crowds.
🚀 Getting There & Around
Getting in: Fly into Vienna International Airport (VIE). The City Airport Train (CAT) connects directly to Wien Mitte in 16 minutes. The U-Bahn metro system covers the whole city efficiently — buy a 72-hour pass for unlimited travel.
Getting around: Vienna is extremely walkable in the First District (Innere Stadt). The Ring Road tram circuit (lines 1 and 2) is the cheapest sightseeing tour in Europe — €2.40 for a full loop past every major imperial building.
☕ Explore: Best Coffee Houses in Vienna
2
Finnish Lapland
Why December Specifically
December is the only month where Finnish Lapland delivers all at once: deep snow cover (usually 40-60cm by mid-December), northern lights (the KP index is high from October through March, but December's darkness maximizes viewing hours), reindeer sleigh rides through silent forests, and the authentic Santa Claus Village experience in Rovaniemi — which sits right on the Arctic Circle.
The polar night (kaamos) means just 3-4 hours of dim blue twilight per day around the solstice — which sounds depressing until you see the auroras dancing at 3pm above a snow-silent forest. The glass igloo resorts (Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, Kakslauttanen) let you watch the lights from your bed. Snowmobile safaris, husky dog-sledding, and ice fishing round out the experience.
Insider Tip
Skip the overpriced Rovaniemi Santa Village (it's a theme park) and instead book through Saariselkä or Levi for more authentic wilderness experiences. The aurora forecast at space.fmi.fi/geomagn (Finnish Meteorological Institute) is more accurate than tourist apps. Pack a proper down jacket (-30°C rated) — most hotels rent gear, but having your own makes spontaneous 2am aurora chasing much easier.
🚀 Getting There & Around
Getting in: Fly into Rovaniemi (RVN), Kittilä (KTT), or Ivalo (IVL) airports — Finnair runs direct flights from Helsinki in under 90 minutes. From Helsinki, the overnight train to Rovaniemi is a comfortable 12-hour journey.
Getting around: Rent a car with winter tyres (mandatory in December). The roads are well-maintained but driving on ice requires care. Most resorts offer organized activities and transfers.
3
Maldives
Why December Specifically
The northeast monsoon (dry season) establishes fully in December — the trade winds bring calm, clear conditions to the atolls. Underwater visibility hits 30-40 meters, making December peak season for diving and snorkeling. Whale sharks congregate around South Ari Atoll from November through April. The 29°C air temperature and 28°C water temperature are as good as it gets anywhere on earth.
December is also when the Maldives is most accessible for New Year's celebrations — resorts pull out all the stops with fireworks over the lagoon, fresh seafood buffets, and private beach bonfires. Yes, you're paying a fortune, but the experience genuinely delivers.
Insider Tip
Skip the overwater bungalow resorts ($1,000+/night) and go local-island hopping instead: Maafushi, Thoddoo (the "fruit island"), Ukulhas. Guesthouses run $60-100/night, the reefs are as good, and you can hire day trips to nearby sandbanks and resort snorkeling spots. The catch: alcohol is prohibited on local islands (resorts have a license — local islands don't). Budget travelers: this is the workaround.
🚀 Getting There & Around
Getting in: Fly into Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. Seaplane or speedboat transfers to your island/resort — book these in advance as they sell out. Seaplane transfers are daytime only; if your flight arrives late, you may need a night in Malé.
4
Phuket, Thailand
Why December Specifically
December is peak dry season in Phuket and the Andaman coast — 28°C, barely 5 rain days, and glassy-calm seas on the west coast beaches (Kata, Karon, Kamala). The Andaman Sea's best diving sites (Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon) are accessible only November through April, when the seas are calm enough for the 70km boat ride out. Manta rays and whale sharks are present at peak diving season.
Phuket in December is unapologetically touristy — and that's partly the point. The infrastructure is excellent, English is widely spoken, the street food is extraordinary, and the combination of beach, temples, and nightlife is hard to beat at this price point. A beach bungalow costs $40-80/night; a street food dinner costs $3.
Insider Tip
Avoid Patong Beach unless you specifically want the party scene. Kata Noi is the prettiest and least crowded of the main beaches. For island-hopping: hire a longtail boat for the day ($60-80 for the whole boat) rather than joining tour groups. The James Bond Island tour from Ao Phang Nga is worth it for the scenery — go by kayak through sea caves rather than the standard motorboat tour.
🚀 Getting There & Around
Getting in: Fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT). Grab a metered taxi or arrange airport transfer ($15-20 to the beach areas). Avoid the overpriced taxi touts in arrivals.
Getting around: Rent a scooter ($8-12/day) for maximum flexibility. Songthaew share taxis run fixed routes. Grab works well for point-to-point trips.
🍛 Explore: Phuket Old Town Food Guide
5
Niseko, Japan
Why December Specifically
Niseko on Hokkaido island receives the most consistent powder snow of any resort in the world — up to 15 meters annually — thanks to cold Siberian air picking up moisture over the Sea of Japan before dumping it on the mountains. December marks the start of the season, with the first major snow dumps typically arriving in late November or early December. The light, dry champagne powder that defines Niseko skiing is unlike anything in the Alps or North America.
Beyond skiing, Niseko has arguably the best après-ski food scene globally — onsen (hot spring) bathing after a day on the mountain, ramen at midnight, and the quieter, more Japanese atmosphere of early December before the January peak.
Insider Tip
Early December is the sweet spot — lower prices than January/February peak, but snow is usually already excellent by mid-December. Stay in Hirafu village (more lively with restaurants and bars) rather than the newer Grand Hirafu area. For budget skiing: buy lift tickets at Lawson convenience stores the night before (10% cheaper). The Hanazono side of the mountain is less crowded than the main Grand Hirafu runs.
🚀 Getting There & Around
Getting in: Fly to Sapporo New Chitose Airport (CTS) on Hokkaido, then take the ski resort bus direct to Niseko (90 minutes, ¥2,800). Or take the JR Limited Express to Kutchan and connect. The whole Hokkaido ski area is well connected.
6
Sydney, Australia
Why December Specifically
Summer in Sydney. December brings long days (up to 14 hours of daylight), 23°C average temperatures, and the iconic Sydney summer lifestyle: Bondi Beach, outdoor concerts, Christmas Day BBQs on the beach, and the lead-up to New Year's Eve. Sydney's NYE fireworks over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House are consistently ranked among the world's best — 12 million people watch the midnight display from vantage points around the harbor.
December also kicks off the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race (Boxing Day start from the harbor), the Sydney Test Cricket match (a Boxing Day tradition), and outdoor cinema seasons in parks. The combination of beaches, food, nightlife, and the sheer geographic drama of the harbor makes December Sydney a genuinely great time to visit.
Insider Tip
For New Year's Eve: free vantage points are first-come-first-served with gates opening at 8am. Bradfield Park (under the bridge), Mrs Macquaries Point (in the Botanic Garden), and Milsons Point are the best free spots. Arrive by noon for a good position. The midnight show is 12 minutes of fireworks — the 9pm "family" show is almost as impressive and much easier to get a spot for.
🚀 Getting There & Around
Getting in: Fly into Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD). The T8 Airport Link train runs directly to the CBD in 13 minutes. Get an Opal Card for all public transport.
Getting around: Sydney's ferries are the best way to explore — the Circular Quay to Manly ferry is a $9.40 harbor cruise. The CBD and inner suburbs are well served by train and bus.
7
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Why December Specifically
The short rains (vuli) end in late November, and December opens with the best beach weather of the year — 30°C, relatively few rain days, and the Indian Ocean at its warmest (28°C). Zanzibar gets a fraction of the tourist numbers compared to the Maldives or Phuket at similar quality and roughly a third of the cost. The north and east coasts (Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje) have powder-white sand and clear turquoise water rivaling anywhere on earth.
Stone Town — the UNESCO-listed old city — is particularly atmospheric in December: the historic Arab-influenced architecture, spice markets, and rooftop sunset bars. Zanzibar is also the perfect base for a Tanzania safari add-on — Serengeti and Ngorongoro are just a short flight away.
Insider Tip
The east coast (Paje, Jambiani) is best for kitesurfing and budget accommodation — the trade winds are consistent and there are beginner schools everywhere. The north (Nungwi, Kendwa) has the most beautiful beaches and is better for swimming at low tide (the east coast has extensive tidal flats). For Stone Town, stay at one of the historic Swahili-style guesthouses in the medina — some converted from 19th-century merchant houses for $50-80/night.
🚀 Getting There & Around
Getting in: Fly into Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) directly from Nairobi (1.5 hrs), Dar es Salaam (20 min flight or 2-hr ferry), or connect via Addis Ababa or Dubai from the US/Europe.
Getting around: Dala-dala (shared minibuses) connect the main towns cheaply. Taxis and tuk-tuks for shorter distances. Renting a scooter is possible but the roads are rough.
🌿 Explore: Zanzibar Spice Farm Tours
8
Cartagena, Colombia
Why December Specifically
December is Cartagena's dry season — 28°C, barely 4 rain days, and the Caribbean Sea at its calmest and most vibrant. The colonial walled city (Ciudad Amurallada) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary beauty: brightly painted mansions dripping with bougainvillea, cobblestone streets, and one of the most atmospheric old town plazas in the Americas. The Colombian Christmas season (Novenas de Aguinaldo) runs December 16-24, filling the streets with processions, music, and lights.
December is also the start of high season for the Rosario Islands — a 45-minute boat ride from the city brings you to Caribbean coral atolls with snorkeling, mangroves, and beach bars. The Colombian peso's weakness against the dollar makes Cartagena exceptional value — a boutique hotel room in the old town runs $60-80, and a seafood dinner with cocktails is $15.
Insider Tip
Stay inside the walled city or in the Getsemaní neighborhood (slightly edgier but more authentic and half the price). For the Rosario Islands: book with local operators at the Muelle de los Pegasos dock rather than hotel tour desks — the price difference is 40-50%. Sunset on the city walls with a fresh coconut and a view of the Caribbean is free. Do it.
🚀 Getting There & Around
Getting in: Fly into Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) — direct flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and New York. The airport is just 3km from the walled city.
Getting around: The old town is completely walkable. Taxis and Cabify (the local Uber equivalent) for longer distances. Don't walk at night in neighborhoods outside the tourist zone without local guidance.
🐟 Explore: Best Ceviche in Cartagena
9
Prague, Czech Republic
Why December Specifically
Prague's Christmas markets are arguably Europe's most beautiful — the combination of the medieval Old Town Square, the Gothic Týn Church as backdrop, and the astronomical clock counting down is genuinely cinematic. The Czech Republic does Christmas with pagan intensity: carp being sold live from barrels on street corners, smoked sausages (klobása) and trdelník pastries at every stall, and mulled wine (svařák) flowing freely. Unlike Vienna, Prague is dramatically cheaper — a local beer costs €1.50.
The smaller Wenceslas Square market, the Náměstí Míru market in Vinohrady (more local, less touristy), and the Hradčanské náměstí market below the castle are all worth visiting. The castle complex in December is emptier than summer and equally stunning with snow.
Insider Tip
The main Old Town Square market is overwhelmed by tourists in the second week of December — go the first week or after December 20. The Náměstí Míru market in Vinohrady is where locals actually go. For accommodation: stay in Vinohrady or Žižkov (10-minute metro/tram from center) and save 40% on hotels. Prague's tram network is excellent and cheap — the night trams run until 5am.
🚀 Getting There & Around
Getting in: Fly into Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG). Airport Express bus to the city center costs 100 CZK (€4). Most of central Prague is walkable; the metro has three lines covering everything else.
🍺 Explore: Prague Cheap Eats Guide
10
Swiss Alps (Zermatt)
Why December Specifically
The Swiss ski season opens in late November, and by December the resorts are fully operational. Zermatt — car-free, dominated by the Matterhorn, sitting at 1,620m — has reliable snow by early December and access to Europe's highest altitude skiing (Klein Matterhorn at 3,883m). The combination of the iconic pyramidal peak, immaculate village aesthetics, and world-class skiing is the definitive alpine winter experience.
Even non-skiers find Zermatt compelling in December: horse-drawn sleigh rides through the village, fondue and raclette in candlelit chalets, thermal baths at the Spa Vernissage, and the Matterhorn Museum. The Gornergrat railway runs year-round and the 360-degree alpine panorama from the top (29 four-thousanders visible) is one of Europe's great views.
Insider Tip
Zermatt bans motorized vehicles in the village — electric taxis and horse-drawn sleighs only. Stay in the village center rather than the cheaper hotels at the valley station (Täsch) — the atmosphere is the whole point. For budget eats: the supermarkets (Migros, Coop) sell ready-made raclette and fondue sets for €15-20, far cheaper than restaurants. The Sunnegga Paradise fast gondola has the shortest queues of the three main lift areas.
🚀 Getting There & Around
Getting in: Fly into Geneva (GVA) or Zurich (ZRH), then take the Swiss train network — both cities connect to Visp, then change to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn to Zermatt. The full journey is 3.5-4 hours and the scenery is spectacular.
Getting around: Entirely on foot, electric taxi, or the ski lifts. The village is compact. The Swiss Travel Pass covers the Zermatt train but not the ski lifts.
🚫 Where NOT to Go in December
These destinations are better saved for other months. Here's why December specifically doesn't work.
🌧️ Bali & Southeast Asia's East Coast
December is the height of monsoon season in Bali and much of central Indonesia. Expect 15-20+ rain days, daily flooding in Ubud and Seminyak, and 85%+ humidity that makes even a 5-minute walk exhausting. Many beach clubs on the south coast close or operate reduced hours. The rice terraces are flooded — beautiful in photographs but not walkable. The east coast of Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An) also gets slammed by monsoon storms in December, with some years seeing typhoon activity through mid-month.
🏙️ New York City & London at Christmas
The holiday crowds and prices in NYC and London in December are genuinely punishing. Manhattan hotel rooms triple in price the week of Christmas. Times Square on New Year's Eve means standing in a pen for 6 hours in freezing cold with no bathroom access. London's West End Christmas shopping streets are shoulder-to-shoulder crowds on every weekend day. Both cities are genuinely beautiful in December — the decorations are spectacular — but the value proposition collapses when you're paying $500/night for a basic room.
❄️ Northern India (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur)
December is famous on travel websites as "Golden Triangle" season — and the weather is technically fine (18-22°C). But the real problem is air quality. Delhi in December consistently ranks among the world's most polluted cities — AQI of 300-500+ is common, with thick smog obscuring the Taj Mahal from viewing distance. Travelers report sore throats and respiratory issues within days. The haze also ruins photography — which defeats a major purpose of visiting the Golden Triangle.
Month-at-a-Glance: All 10 Destinations Compared
| Destination | Avg Temp | Rain Days | Avg Flight (RT) | Crowd Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vienna, Austria | 3°C / 37°F | 13 | ~$650 | High | Christmas markets, baroque culture |
| Finnish Lapland | -8°C / 18°F | 18 snow | ~$700 | Medium | Northern lights, husky safaris, snow |
| Maldives | 29°C / 84°F | 7 | ~$1,100 | Medium | Diving, overwater bungalows, luxury |
| Phuket, Thailand | 28°C / 82°F | 5 | ~$650 | High | Beaches, diving, island hopping |
| Niseko, Japan | -3°C / 27°F | 22 snow | ~$900 | Medium | Powder skiing, onsen, food |
| Sydney, Australia | 23°C / 73°F | 10 | ~$850 | High | Beaches, NYE fireworks, outdoors |
| Zanzibar, Tanzania | 30°C / 86°F | 8 | ~$900 | Low | Beaches, Stone Town, value |
| Cartagena, Colombia | 28°C / 82°F | 4 | ~$400 | Medium | Colonial architecture, beaches, food |
| Prague, Czech Republic | 2°C / 36°F | 10 | ~$550 | Medium | Christmas markets, beer, architecture |
| Swiss Alps (Zermatt) | -2°C / 28°F | 16 snow | ~$700 | High | Skiing, Matterhorn, alpine luxury |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Historical API (December 2024). Flight prices: approximate round-trip from major US hubs, based on aggregated search data. Crowd levels: editorial assessment based on traveler reports.
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