December is the holiday season, and with Christmas and New Year just around the corner, this is perfect time to travel! Celebrate in style in an exotic sun-filled destination or wander through some of Europe’s legendary Christmas markets and sip on mulled wine! Here are some of the best places to visit in December!
1. Israel
Why not spend the holiday season in the Holy Land and reconnect with the spirit of Christmas? Be sure to visit the famous UNESCO Church of the Nativity and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher while you’re there. December sees many celebrations from Hanukkah between November 27th – December 5th and carol singing as well as a public broadcast of Midnight Mass in Bethlehem’s Manger Square on Christmas Eve.
2. Rio
The Christmas holidays means palm trees glittering with fairy lights and, of course, the world’s largest floating Christmas tree! Be sure to experience one of the most epic New Year’s parties yet at Copacabana beach with live music, street food, and fireworks.
3. Fiji
December is a pretty good time to travel to Fiji, as prices are cheaper at this time of year! With more than 330 tropical islands to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to island-hopping, scuba diving, and Christmas picnics on the beach!
4. Malaysia
For a different kind of December vacation, why not try wildlife spotting in the Taman Negara rainforest, or hiking among tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands? If you’re up for an even bigger challenge, then try climbing to the summit of Mount Kinabalu.
5. Macau
Known as the “Vegas of the East,” Macau is as popular for its casinos, sandy beaches, and Portuguese influence. With around 33 casinos, all hosting glitzy parties to ring in the New Year, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Be sure to check out the fireworks display over Nam Van Lake.
6. Bahamas
With hurricane season over, you can be guaranteed some great island weather in December! The Junkanoo Festival is held on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, and is one of the biggest events of the year! You’ll see street parties and colorful parades all round!
7. Tasmania
Wander to a sun-soaked Tasmania and take a scenic drive around the Bay of Fires. Hike through the Huon Valley and if you’re lucky, you’ll see some Tasmanian devils! The Taste of Tasmania Festival is held at this time of year, as well as the popular Sydney to Hobart yacht race on Boxing Day.
8. Sydney
Sydney is one of the best cities to experience the Australian Christmas spirit. From night-time carol concerts to turkey BBQs on the beach, this is a different kind of Christmas all together.
9. Guatemala
Bordering Mexico, Guatemala is known for its unique mix of colonial Spanish and indigenous Mayan culture. It’s also naturally beautiful with the beautiful coasts, volcanic landscapes, and pretty colonial towns.
10. Prague
Prague is one of the prettiest European cities in December, more so when it is covered in snow! Ancient streets look like something out of a fairytale! Be sure to explore the Christmas markets, taste some mulled wine, and take in all the Christmas spirit!
11. The Arctic Circle
The North Pole doesn’t have to be something out a story. You can visit it! Take a reindeer sleigh ride through Lapland, stand in awe of the beautiful Narnia landscapes, and take in the sights of the Northern Lights as the sky comes to life.
12. London
As thousands of Christmas lights glisten on Oxford Street, London becomes a gigantic Winter Wonderland! Visit the reindeer petting zoo in Covent Garden or go ice skating at the giant open-air ice rink beneath the Tower of London.
13. Germany
If Christmas markets is your thing, then Germany is the place to go. The city of Dresden holds the greatest number of Christmas markets at this time of year, with the Striezel Christmas Market dating all the way back to 1434! Here you’ll find some of Germany’s best handcrafted items, from pottery to gingerbread to wooden crafts.
14. Austria
If you’re looking for a winter wonderland, then Austria is the place to visit. Locals gather to sing Christmas carols and holiday lights illuminate the famous Gothic town hall. Enjoy some hot lebkuchen and tasty spiced mulled wine as you explore more Christmas markets.
15. Oman
Known as the neighbor to the United Arab Emirates, Oman is known for its warm weather at this time of year. Visit Muscat and enjoy some of the citie’s art or wander to Zighy Bay and enjoy the beaches.
