Best countries to visit in December

Posted on By Flying Squirrel Holidays

Discover the best countries to visit in December—from snowy European escapes to warm-weather retreats. A perfect winter travel guide for every kind of traveler.

While the world slows down and wraps itself in cozy blankets, travelers like you feel the rush—to escape, to celebrate, to discover something extraordinary. December isn’t just about holidays and hot chocolate—it’s a chance to end the year with a memory that stays.

Do you dream of sipping mulled wine under twinkling lights in Vienna? Watching the Northern Lights swirl over Arctic skies? Or maybe toasting the year on a sunlit beach in Thailand or South Africa?

Don’t scroll past December.
It’s the month where the world transforms—cities sparkle, islands glow, and cultures come alive with celebration.

Whether you’re chasing snowflakes or sunshine, this is your sign to travel smarter, deeper, and better.

In this guide, we’ve curated a global list of the best countries to visit in December—balancing culture, climate, festivals, and travel style. Whether you’re after budget-friendly destinations or luxurious experiences, you’ll find inspiration here.

We’ll explore:

• Why December is the best month to travel
• Top countries to visit in  December
• This December dont just take a trip create a memory youll return to forever
• FAQs

Top countries to visit in December 

December is when the world splits in two—half blanketed in snow and twinkling lights, the other basking in sun-drenched coastlines and tropical vibes. Here’s a curated list of top destinations around the globe that offer unforgettable experiences this month.

Germany – Christmas markets and festive streets

Germany embodies the quintessential European holiday vibe. In cities like Munich, Nuremberg, and Berlin, charming Christmas markets light up town squares with festive stalls, traditional music, and the scent of mulled wine. The streets come alive with fairy lights, ice rinks, and cozy cafés serving hearty German cuisine.

• Best for: festive city lovers, culture enthusiasts, family holidays
  
• Weather: cold and snowy
  
• Top experiences: Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, Berlin’s Winterwelt, bratwurst and glühwein, historic Christmas parades
  

Switzerland – Luxury ski resorts and scenic trains

Switzerland offers a snow-covered dreamland in December. Whether you’re skiing in Zermatt or taking the Glacier Express through icy alpine valleys, it’s a perfect blend of adventure and elegance. Interlaken and Lucerne offer picture-postcard winter escapes with lakeside views.

• Best for: couples, honeymooners, luxury seekers
  
• Weather: snowy, ideal for winter sports
  
• Top experiences: glacier train journeys, Matterhorn vistas, thermal spas, fondue in a mountain hut
  

Austria – alpine charm and classical elegance

Vienna sparkles with festive music concerts and imperial architecture, while Salzburg and Innsbruck offer snow-covered medieval towns nestled in the Alps. Austria mixes culture with winter adventure beautifully.

• Best for: romantic getaways, classical music lovers, cultural travelers
  
• Weather: cold with snowfall
  
• Top experiences: Vienna’s Christmas concerts, Mozart’s birthplace, skiing in Tyrol, horse-drawn carriage rides
  

France – Parisian lights and Alsace magic

December in France is both elegant and magical. Paris glows with seasonal lights and department store displays, while Strasbourg and Colmar in Alsace host some of Europe’s most charming Christmas villages. Savor French pastries and enjoy festive markets in a storybook setting.

• Best for: food lovers, city explorers, festive dreamers
  
• Weather: chilly with light snow in regions
  
• Top experiences: Eiffel Tower’s festive illumination, Alsace’s Christmas trail, hot chocolate by the Seine
  

Norway and Finland – Northern lights and arctic adventures

Far from the city lights, Norway and Finland offer surreal winter experiences. In Tromsø or Lapland, watch the northern lights dance across the night sky, ride with huskies, or sleep in a glass igloo. It’s cold and dark, but breathtakingly beautiful.

• Best for: adventure seekers, nature photographers, families
  
• Weather: freezing temperatures, polar nights
  
• Top experiences: northern lights safaris, Santa Claus Village, snowmobile rides, reindeer farms
  

Czech Republic –Historic charm on a budget

Prague in December is like a fairy tale. Snow-dusted spires, Baroque streets, and the glow of Christmas markets make it perfect for travelers seeking magic without breaking the bank. The city is affordable, walkable, and incredibly romantic.

• Best for: budget travelers, solo adventurers, first-timers in Europe
  
• Weather: cold with possible snow
  
• Top experiences: Prague Castle in winter, Old Town Square market, local Czech comfort food
  

Spain (Canary Islands) – Sunny skies and volcanic beaches

If you want warm weather in Europe in December, the Canary Islands are your answer. With temperatures hovering around 22–25°C, it’s ideal for beach lovers and outdoor explorers. Enjoy volcanic landscapes, black-sand beaches, and relaxed island culture.

• Best for: sun seekers, families, off-season beach breaks
  
• Weather: mild and sunny
  
• Top experiences: hiking Mount Teide, dolphin watching, tapas by the sea
  

Portugal (Algarve and Madeira) – Winter sun and sea cliffs

Portugal offers warmth, charm, and serenity. Madeira, with its lush mountains and firework-laden New Year’s Eve, is a beautiful escape. The Algarve is quieter in winter but still warm enough for coastal walks, seafood feasts, and sunny cafés.

• Best for: nature lovers, digital nomads, couples
  
• Weather: 16–20°C, dry and breezy
  
• Top experiences: cliff hikes in Algarve, wine tasting in Madeira, Funchal’s NYE fireworks
  

Cyprus – Mediterranean warmth and ancient wonders

Cyprus is among Europe’s warmest destinations in December. It’s perfect for travelers who want to combine sunshine with culture. Explore Roman ruins, walk peaceful beaches, and experience local life in sleepy hillside villages.

• Best for: slow travelers, couples, history lovers
  
• Weather: 18–22°C, sunny and dry
  
• Top experiences: ancient Kourion ruins, mountain wine trails, seafood by Paphos harbor
  

Japan – Onsen towns and illuminated cities

Japan in December offers a calm, spiritual beauty. Head north to Hokkaido for snow festivals and skiing, or enjoy traditional ryokan stays in the Japanese Alps. Cities like Tokyo and Osaka go big on winter illuminations, while Kyoto’s shrines are stunning in winter silence.

• Best for: cultural travelers, solo explorers, winter romantics
  
• Weather: cold and crisp
  
• Top experiences: hot spring bathing in Hakone, Kyoto temples in snow, Tokyo light festivals
  

Thailand – Tropical beaches and vibrant festivals

Thailand offers a warm, festive vibe. With dry and sunny weather, it’s a favorite for those seeking beaches, wellness retreats, and nightlife. The north is cooler and quieter, while islands in the south offer party scenes and diving spots.

• Best for: backpackers, yoga lovers, beach explorers
  
• Weather: hot (28–32°C), dry season
  
• Top experiences: island hopping in Krabi, Chiang Mai temples, beach bars in Koh Lanta
  

Australia –Summer adventures and coastal holidays

While most of the world bundles up, Australia welcomes summer. Celebrate Christmas with a beach BBQ, surf the Gold Coast, or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. December also kicks off summer festivals and open-air concerts.

• Best for: families, road trippers, nature lovers
  
• Weather: hot and sunny (30°C+)
  
• Top experiences: Sydney’s NYE fireworks, Great Ocean Road, Daintree rainforest hikes
  

South Africa – Wildlife and wine in the sun

South Africa combines adventure and relaxation. Cape Town’s beaches and vineyards are at their best in December, while national parks offer prime wildlife viewing. It’s warm, affordable, and incredibly diverse in experiences.

• Best for: honeymooners, wildlife photographers, foodies
  
• Weather: 25–30°C, dry and sunny
  
• Top experiences: safari in Kruger, wine tours in Stellenbosch, road trip on the Garden Route
  

Colombia – Caribbean coastlines and holiday spirit

December is one of the liveliest months in Colombia. Cartagena’s colonial charm, Medellín’s Christmas light displays, and tropical beaches offer a balanced mix of culture and relaxation. Festivities like Día de las Velitas light up the country.

• Best for: cultural travelers, digital nomads, sun lovers
  
• Weather: warm and festive
  
• Top experiences: Caribbean beaches, street music in Medellín, coffee farm visits
  

Vietnam – Nature, culture, and great value

Vietnam offers a unique blend of misty mountains, buzzing cities, and beach escapes. December is one of the best times to explore the north’s cool weather and clear skies. The south remains sunny and perfect for island getaways.

• Best for: budget travelers, cultural explorers
  
• Weather: north – cool, south – warm and sunny
  
• Top experiences: Halong Bay cruise, lanterns in Hoi An, street food in Hanoi

Confused Where to Go This December?

Our travel experts will tailor your ideal trip

Why December is the best month to travel

As the final chapter of the year unfolds, December offers something no other month can—a blend of celebration, reflection, wonder, and wanderlust. Whether you’re wrapping up your travel goals or planning an unforgettable escape, December is a golden opportunity to make memories that feel timeless.

Here’s why December stands out as the best time to pack your bags and explore the world:

Festive energy around the world

No other month is as universally festive as December. Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s Eve, or local winter festivals, the spirit of celebration is alive in every corner of the globe.

• Europe glows with iconic Christmas markets, fairy lights, and mulled wine
  
• Asia celebrates with lantern festivals and sacred winter traditions
  
• The Caribbean and South America host vibrant year-end carnivals and parades
  
• New Year’s Eve firework spectacles—from Sydney to Rio—transform cities into unforgettable experiences
  

It’s not just a trip—it’s a global celebration.

Two worlds: snow or sun—you choose

December is unique in that it caters to completely opposite travel desires. You can either embrace the cold and revel in winter’s magic or escape it entirely and soak up the sun.

• Chase snow: Picture snowy cabins in the Alps, Northern Lights in Scandinavia, skiing in Switzerland, or sipping hot cocoa in Prague. Ideal for those craving a storybook winter.
  
• Escape to warmth: Or fly south to tropical paradises like Thailand, Colombia, South Africa, or the Canary Islands. Perfect for beach lovers, surfers, and adventurers seeking sun without the crowds of summer.

When else does the world split into snowglobes and surfboards at the same time?

A perfect end-of-year reset

Travel in December isn’t just about ticking off a destination—it’s about closing the year with intention. For many, it’s a time to:

• Reflect on the year
  
• Celebrate personal growth and milestones
  
• Reconnect with loved ones or disconnect from chaos
  
• Begin a new chapter refreshed and inspired
  

Whether you’re hiking solo in Vietnam or clinking champagne glasses in Paris, December travel feels deeply meaningful.

Smart travel, smart timing

Yes, flights and hotels can be expensive in December, but savvy travelers know how to beat the rush:

• Early bookings (two to three months ahead) often unlock great deals
  
• Lesser-known destinations still offer good value
  
• Off-season beaches and islands like Sri Lanka, Egypt, or Cyprus provide warmth and affordability
  

The return on experience is worth it—there’s something about December travel that leaves a permanent mark on your memory.

Unforgettable landscapes and lighting

December delivers some of the world’s most photogenic moments:

• Northern Lights shimmering across the Arctic
  
• Snow-covered castles and historic towns under twilight skies
  
• Vibrant sunsets over tropical coastlines
  
• Holiday lights transform cities into dreamlike scenes
  

From stargazing in the Sahara to gliding down the Alps at dusk, every moment feels cinematic.

Time off and togetherness

December often brings the most extended time off work or school, making it the perfect window to:

• Travel with family and friends
  
• Take longer, more immersive trips
  
• Celebrate special occasions in new settings
  

It’s the season of togetherness—and nothing bonds people like shared experiences through travel.

Rare cultural immersion

Beyond international holidays, December lets you witness cultural traditions that only happen once a year:

• Japan’s winter illuminations and temple visits
  
• Germany’s Advent rituals
  
• African summer celebrations and safaris
  
• Australia’s Christmas beachside barbecues
  

You won’t just visit a place—you’ll experience it at its cultural

This December, don’t just take a trip,  create a memory you’ll return to forever

While most people are caught in year-end rushes and routines, the world outside is quietly transforming—mountains dressing in snow, islands soaking in sun, villages lighting up in celebration.
December is not just a month to travel. it’s a month to feel.

Feel the hush of snowfall in the swiss alps.
Feel the warmth of a thai beach sunrise on your skin.
Feel the wonder of walking through a european christmas market as carols echo through the streets.

This isn’t just about ticking off places. it’s about stories. soul-soothing moments. experiences that shift something inside you.

But here’s the truth:
The December you dream of needs to be booked before it disappears.

So what are you waiting for?

At flying squirrel holidays, we craft journeys that feel like they were made just for you. whether it’s a snow globe christmas in austria or a barefoot new year on an australian beach, we’ll design it to the detail—so you don’t just go, you glow.

• Curated experiences, not cookie-cutter tours
• Seamless bookings, visas, and expert support
• Insider access to the world’s best december destinations

Your best trip of the year starts now. Talk to a destination expert

Call us at ‪+91 33 40525777‬ / ‪+91 833 697 8737‬

Email us at connect@flyingsquirrelholidays.com

FAQs:-

1.Where can I go in December for warm weather and beaches?
Ideal warm destinations in December include Thailand, Australia, South Africa, the Canary Islands (Spain), and Vietnam’s southern coast. These places offer sunshine, sea, and sand for a perfect winter escape.

2.Is December a good month to travel internationally?
Yes, December is one of the best times to travel, offering both festive celebrations and varied climates. However, it’s peak season, so early planning is essential for good deals and availability.

3.What are the cheapest countries to visit in December?
Budget-friendly destinations in December include Vietnam, the Czech Republic, Colombia, and parts of Portugal. These offer great experiences without breaking the bank.

4.Which countries have the best Christmas markets in December?
Germany, Austria, France (especially Strasbourg and Colmar), and the Czech Republic are known for their world-famous Christmas markets full of crafts, local food, and festive cheer.

5.Where can I see the Northern Lights in December?
For the best chance to see the Aurora Borealis in December, head to Norway (Tromsø), Finland (Lapland), or the northern parts of Sweden and Iceland.

6.What are the best destinations for a romantic holiday in December?
Couples love Switzerland for its alpine charm, Japan for serene snowy towns and hot springs, and France for festive city romance. Canary Islands and Portugal also offer warm romantic escapes.

7.Is December a good time to visit Japan?
Yes, December is an excellent time to visit Japan if you enjoy snowy landscapes, cultural festivals, and winter illuminations. Ski season begins in Hokkaido, and cities like Kyoto and Tokyo are beautifully decorated.

8.Which countries are warm in Europe during December?
While much of Europe is cold, Spain’s Canary Islands, Portugal’s Algarve, Cyprus, and parts of southern Greece offer mild, sunny weather perfect for a winter break.

9.What should I book in advance for December travel?
Flights, accommodation, visa appointments, ski resort passes, and festive event tickets should all be booked early, as December is peak season in most destinations around the world.