Want to know where the best places to travel in December are? December is a great time to travel because you can go to sunny beaches, cozy mountain cabins, or cities with lots of holiday lights. As the year comes to a close, people look for vacations that fit their mood, whether it’s a tropical getaway, a winter adventure, or a family-friendly holiday.
This 2025 guide shows you the best places to travel in December, including warm-weather havens, snowy retreats, budget-friendly gems, and the best places to visit in the U.S. We’ve put together a list of options based on weather, cost, activities, and holiday events to help you plan a fun end-of-year trip. This list has something for every kind of traveler, whether you’re looking for the best place to go in December for romance, adventure, or to save money.
Why Go on a Trip in December?
December is one of the most popular months for travel. Many people have time off from work and school during the holidays, like Christmas and New Year’s Eve. This is a great time to relax and make memories. When you travel in December, you can also see unique cultural events, like the amazing light displays in New York City and the traditional lantern festivals in Southeast Asia.
Peak season prices can be a problem, but with good planning, you can have amazing experiences without spending a lot of money. Some places have deals during the shoulder season, while others are just getting to the best time of year for their climate. The best places to visit in December have great weather, a festive atmosphere, and activities that you won’t forget.
Also, international travel is usually cheaper in early December before the Christmas rush. If you can avoid major holiday weekends, domestic U.S. trips can also be a great deal.
Best Warm Places to Visit in December
If you want to get away from the cold and enjoy the sun and sand, December is the best time to go to tropical places where the temperature stays between 75°F and 85°F (24°C–29°C). These places are great for beach lovers, snorkelers, and sunbathers because they are warm and get away from the cold winters in the north.
Best Warm Places to Go in December:
- Bali, Indonesia— Bali has beautiful rice terraces, a lively culture, and peaceful beaches during the dry season. Ubud is a great place for yoga retreats, and Seminyak and Canggu are great places for foodies and surfers.
- Hawaii, USA – Hawaii is a tropical getaway that is friendly to Americans. It has warm ocean waters, volcanic landscapes, and the aloha spirit. In December, Maui and the Big Island are very quiet.
- Phuket, Thailand— Have fun in the sun and calm seas. December is the start of the busy season, so make your reservations early. Good for Thai food and hopping from island to island.
- Cancun, Mexico – Cancún is a great place to go because it has all-inclusive resorts, turquoise waters, and Mayan ruins. Most U.S. cities have direct flights, which makes things easier.
- Vietnam (Da Nang and Nha Trang) are coastal cities with warm weather, tasty street food, and fewer people than in January. A great place to go if you’re on a budget.
- December marks the start of the dry season in Costa Rica, which is great for hiking in the rainforest, spotting wildlife, and relaxing on the Pacific coast.
If you want to soak up the sun while others bundle up, these places are some of the best to visit in December.
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❄️ The Best Places to Go in December for Snowy Winter Fun
December is the best month for people who love winter sports and snowy scenery. This time of year, some of the most beautiful mountain and alpine areas in the world are known for their fresh powder, holiday markets, and cozy lodges.
Best Places to Go in December for Snow:
- Zermatt, Switzerland – Zermatt is at the base of the Matterhorn and has world-class skiing, a charming car-free atmosphere, and European style. The magic grows with Christmas markets.
- Aspen, Colorado, USA— A high-end ski resort with beautiful scenery and tough slopes. Also great for shopping and eating after skiing.
- Banff, Canada – Banff National Park, which is in the Canadian Rockies, becomes a winter wonderland. You could go ice skating on Lake Louise or soaking in hot springs.
- Reykjavik and the Golden Circle in Iceland See the Northern Lights, ice caves, and geothermal spas. December has long nights that are great for seeing the aurora.
- Chamonix, France, is a paradise for advanced skiers and climbers. The views of Mont Blanc are stunning.
- Niseko, Japan, is known for its light, fluffy powder snow. Mix skiing with Japanese culture, onsens, and ramen.
These snowy getaways are some of the best places to go in December for both adventure seekers and people in love.
Best Places to Visit in the USA in December
In December, the U.S. has a lot of different things to do, like going to tropical beaches, snowy mountains, and festive cities. These places are great for family fun or solo exploration in December in the USA.
Best Places to Visit in the U.S. in December:
- New York City, New York, is the best place to go on vacation. You can see the tree at Rockefeller Center, skate at Wollman Rink, and go to Broadway shows. A great place to go in December in the US.
- Orlando, Florida— Orlando is full of holiday lights and decorations because it is home to Disney World and Universal Studios. Good for families.
- Asheville, North Carolina— The Christmas display at the Biltmore Estate is famous. You can also enjoy craft breweries and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Santa Fe, New Mexico Have a culturally rich December by celebrating Las Posadas and luminarias. The adobe buildings and Southwestern food make it even more charming.
- San Diego, CA – The weather is nice, there are beaches, and the famous San Diego Zoo make it a great place to relax by the sea.
- Anchorage, Alaska: Go dog sledding, snowmobiling, and looking for moose in the snow for a real winter adventure.
These places are the best places to travel in December for people in the US who want to see a lot of different things.
Best December Trips That Won’t Break the Bank
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to travel in December. You can have a great trip without spending too much money if you plan your timing and where you go carefully. Prices are often lower in early December (before December 20) than they are in the week between Christmas and New Year’s.
Cheap Places to Go in December:
- Lisbon, Portugal – Mild winters, historic charm, and prices that are lower than in other Western European cities. A great place for people who love food and culture.
- Mexico City, Mexico— Full of art, history, and good food. The weather is mild in December, and there are lots of decorations.
- Tampa, Florida: A less expensive option than Miami, with beaches, theme parks, and direct flights from many U.S. cities.
- Puerto Rico (San Juan) is a U.S. territory, so you don’t need a passport. Brings together the beauty of the Caribbean with the ease and lower cost of flying in the US.
- Louisiana’s New Orleans Jazz music, great food, and the historic charm of the French Quarter. Not as many people as during Mardi Gras.
- Denver, Colorado Access to the mountains at a reasonable price. Stay in the city and go skiing on the weekends.
These are some of the best places to visit in December if you want to save money while still having a great time.
Family-Friendly December Trips
Taking a trip with kids in December? Pick places that have a good mix of fun, ease, and holiday magic.
Best Family Choices:
- Orlando, Florida – Disney World’s holiday events, like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, make it a great place for families to go.
- Washington, D.C. The National Christmas Tree, the Smithsonian museums (which are free), and the holiday train exhibits are fun for people of all ages.
- Vancouver, British Columbia The Christmas lights on the Capilano Suspension Bridge and the “Peak of Christmas” on Grouse Mountain are both fun things to do outside.
- Texas, San Antonio – The River Walk’s holiday lights and mild weather make it stroller- and senior-friendly.
- Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee: Cozy cabins, holiday light shows, and being close to Dollywood’s Christmas festival.
These places make sure that both kids and adults have a good time during the holidays.
Cheap December Vacations (Packages and Deals)
If you have the right plan, you can find cheap vacations in December. Find deals that include flights, hotels, and things to do.
Best Deals and Advice:
- In the Caribbean, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Aruba all have all-inclusive resorts that offer early December packages at lower prices.
- Last-Minute Ski Deals – To start the season, some resorts in Colorado and Utah offer discounts in early December.
- Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian often have “early booking” or “last-minute” deals for cruises to the Caribbean or Mexico in December.
- Hotel loyalty programs: Use points from Marriott, Hilton, or World of Hyatt to pay for your holiday stays.
- Airline Sales: Look for travel deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. These deals usually include options to leave in December.
Booking a package deal can save you 20–40% compared to booking each part separately. This is one of the best ways to get cheap December vacations.
✈️ How to Save Money on Travel in December
Use these expert-backed tips to get the most out of your money:
- Travel before December 20, when prices go up. For better rates, plan your trips between December 1 and 15.
- Be open to flying into different airports. For example, flying into Oakland instead of SFO or Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami can save you hundreds of dollars.
- Use Incognito Mode: Some people say that clearing cookies or using private browsing can stop prices from going up.
- Book your flight and hotel midweek; they are usually cheaper. Tuesday through Thursday.
- Pack Smart: If you only bring a carry-on, you won’t have to pay for extra baggage.
- Keep an eye on travel alerts. You can get fare alerts from Google Flights, Hopper, or Scott’s Cheap Flights.
- Think about getting travel insurance, especially in the winter when delays due to bad weather are common.
These tips will help you find the best place to go in December without spending too much.
Final Thoughts
The best places to visit in December have sun, snow, deals, and holiday magic for everyone. Plan a meaningful end-of-year trip in 2025, whether you’re going to Bali’s warm beaches, skiing in the Swiss Alps, or seeing the holiday lights in New York City. You can have amazing experiences without the stress if you book early and plan your budget well. It’s the perfect time to look for travel deals, compare packages, and book your stay in one of the best places to visit in December.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best places to go in December?
Bali is a great place to go for warm weather, Zermatt is great for snow, and New York City is great for holiday fun. In early December, you can find better deals and fewer people.
What is the best place to go in December?
It all depends on what you like. Hawaii or Cancún are good places to go for sun. If you want to see snow, try Banff or Aspen. Mexico City and Lisbon are both great places to learn about culture and value.
What are the best places to go in December?
Families like Orlando, adventurers like Reykjavik, and people on a budget like Puerto Rico for its tropical vibes. Each one has its own seasonal events.
Where to go in the US in December?
Orlando, New York City, and San Diego are some of the best places to visit in the U.S. You don’t have to do anything special to enjoy theme parks, holiday markets, or relaxing on the beach.