Along with holiday shopping and year-end festivities, planning a vacation in December can be overwhelming. But if you can squeeze in a trip before the new year, you’ll be glad you did. So, to decide on the best places to travel in December, BusinessYield has considered a couple of factors, including prices, events, accessibility, and seasonal crowds, to come up with the locations covered in this article. These locations have it all, whether you’re looking for a warm-weather getaway or want to get into the holiday spirit in a snow-covered town.
Without further ado, let’s dive right in…
Best Places to Travel in December
Here are some of the most exciting places to travel to in December across the USA and on a budget.
Ocala, Florida
Ocala, located in north central Florida about 80 miles from Orlando, offers parks, rivers, lakes, golf, fishing, water sports, and mild December weather in the low 70s. It has been dubbed the “Horse Capital of the World” because of its horse farms, training facilities, shows, and horseback tours.
There is also the World Equestrian Center, the country’s largest equestrian complex, with a variety of competition venues and facilities. It also houses the five-star Equestrian Hotel, which offers excellent dining, the Calluna Spa, sumptuous decor, and unique shops selling toys, jewelry, clothing, leather goods, and other items.
Winter Wonderland, which opens on December 24, features twinkling lights, a 60-foot Christmas tree, a skating rink, carolers, entertainment, and breakfast with Santa at Stirrups restaurant, making it one of the best places to travel in December.
Branson, Missouri
Year-round activities in Branson include theme parks, live entertainment, outdoor activities, golf, and water sports. Visitors can enjoy museums, shopping, and the fresh mountain air in the winter. The holiday season is filled with extravagant light displays and family-friendly activities such as the Polar Express, parades, shows, snow tubing, reindeer, and shopping.
From November 5 to December 31, Silver Dollar City will feature over 6.5 million lights. 30, as well as seasonal foods and shows. Big Cedar Lodge, which has cottages, log cabins, and guest rooms, celebrates the holidays with Santa and his elves, gingerbread houses, campfires, crafts, and an ice skating rink.
Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., is a popular city for its downtown district, history, and architecture. The holiday season kicks off on November 19 with a tree-lighting ceremony.
The Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade is part of the “Biggest Holiday Weekend,” which also includes the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on December 3. Christmas Illuminations will return to George Washington’s Mount Vernon home on December 16-17, with fireworks and a light show over the Potomac River. Candlelight tours will be held on select weekends throughout November and December. A trip to the nation’s capital in December is ideal for taking in the holiday decorations, museums, tours, and markets.
Cape Town, South Africa
Summer in Cape Town begins in December, with temperatures in the 70s, ideal for being outside. Hiking, biking, and visiting the city’s gardens are popular activities for nature lovers, and the “Mother City” has a diverse food scene, ranging from fine dining to street food. A cable car ride to the summit of Table Mountain provides breathtaking views.
Stay at Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, and enjoy new marine experiences, such as an ocean expedition through kelp forests, where the award-winning documentary “My Octopus Teacher” was shot.
Solvang, California
Solvang, founded in 1911 by Danish settlers, is in Santa Barbara County’s Central Coast wine country. It’s a popular destination for its restaurants, shops, and bakeries, as well as its European atmosphere. Solvang celebrates Christmas in the Danish tradition, with holiday lights, Christmas trees, Santa’s Village in the park, a Julefest parade, food tours, and holiday markets. Stay in town at The Winston or Vinland Hotel + Lounge, both of which are pet-friendly and convenient. The new boutique Hotel Ynez, located nearby, is set on two acres among redwood, oak, and madrone trees. The Santa Ynez Inn, located just minutes from Solvang, has a new signature restaurant called The Victor.
Cancun, Mexico City
Cancun, on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, has beautiful December weather in the low 80s, which is ideal for relaxing on the beach as well as exploring nearby Mayan ruins and shopping downtown. Visitors can choose from a variety of accommodations for families, couples, and groups, including resorts and all-inclusive hotels. The new Waldorf Astoria Cancun sits on 100 acres of beachfront, and the NIZUC Resort & Spa is another luxurious option.
Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla is close to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
Mayakoba, located less than an hour from Cancun International Airport, offers beaches, lagoons, golf, restaurants, and four resorts: Andaz, Banyan Tree, Fairmont, and Rosewood.
Anguilla
Anguilla, located in the eastern Caribbean about 12 miles north of St. Martin, has beautiful December weather with temperatures in the low 80s and little rain. The month of December begins slowly, with more visitors arriving around the middle of the month and continuing through New Year’s week, as is typical in most warm-weather resort areas.
Anguilla’s beautiful white-sand beaches, water sports, and friendly residents make it a destination where visitors can relax in the sun or keep busy snorkeling, fishing, or exploring the island. On the island’s northwest coast, stay at the oceanfront Zemi Beach House or the Four Seasons Anguilla Resort. The Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, which has the island’s only golf course, offers charter flights from New York, Washington D.C., and Fort Lauderdale.
Miami Beach, Florida
Art is the focus for Miami in early December, with Art Basel from Dec. 1-3 and Art Miami from Nov. 29-Dec. 4, and art institutions throughout the city, Miami Art Week was born. Artists, collectors, and fans will flock to events, exhibitions, galleries, and a variety of venues, including the Miami Beach Convention Center. Later in the month, as the year-end travel season begins, the beaches, pools, restaurants, and clubs will be the main draws.
Stay in luxury at The Setai, The Surf Club’s historic Four Seasons Hotel, or one of Miami’s many great resorts. With a stay at the charming Esmé Hotel, you can explore one of Miami’s original neighborhoods in South Beach, Espaola Way.
Madeira, Portugal
The Portuguese island of Madeira is the largest in the archipelago of the same name, located in the Atlantic Ocean. Mountains, valleys, beaches, and rugged scenery make it a lovely destination, and temperatures in December are typically in the 50s. Although it is not swimming weather, it is an excellent time to be outside hiking, exploring, and sipping the famous local wines. Throughout December, Christmas traditions, decorations, holiday markets, and festivities are observed. The flight from New York to Funchal, the capital, takes about seven hours, and nonstop flights will begin year-round on SATA Azores Airlines in November.
Chile
It’s summer in the southern hemisphere, and the weather varies greatly from north to south, a distance of nearly 2,700 miles, due to Chile’s unique geography. Set between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains; the country includes deserts, lakes, volcanoes, and glaciers and fjords in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego in the south. The town of Navidad is an ideal destination for beaches and watersports in December. Santiago, the capital, has museums, restaurants, nightlife, and historic buildings. Patagonia in the south is a must-see for wildlife, scenery, and adventure, making Chile one of the best places to travel in December.
Vail, Colorado
Vail is about 100 miles west of Denver and 30 miles east of Eagle County Regional Airport in the central Rocky Mountains. The Vail Film Festival, which runs from December 1 to 4, will draw visitors early in the month, and skiers, snowboarders, and other winter sports enthusiasts will continue to arrive throughout the month, filling hotels and ski resorts. The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort with a spa, four dining venues, and curated experiences, is one place to stay. The Grand Hyatt Vail is a ski-in/ski-out hotel near Vail Village. Residential vacation rentals are available through onefinestay, and Antlers Vail offers family-friendly accommodations.
Virgin Islands of the United States
Look no further than the United States for palm-fringed celebrations without the need for a passport. The British Virgin Islands. The dry season in this Caribbean island chain begins in December, with average temperatures in the 70s and 80s, ideal for lounging on beautiful white sand beaches like Magens Bay or snorkeling in Virgin Islands National Park. You’ll also get a taste of the vibrant culture of the islands during the Crucian Christmas Festival, which takes place on St. Croix for most of December. Celebrate with parades and music competitions, or attend one of the many art fairs held throughout the festival.
The French Alps
The French Alps are a classic winter getaway choice thanks to their snow-capped mountains, charming villages, and delectable cuisine (much of which involves some form of melted cheese). Most ski resorts open in early December, allowing you to get a head start on the season or simply enjoy the lively après-ski scene in iconic destinations like Val d’Isère and Chamonix. Furthermore, many villages, such as the châteaux-studded Annecy, add to the ambiance with cozy Christmas markets that run throughout the month. Winter in the Alps is never cheap, but for the best room rates, visit earlier in the month before the school holidays.
Phuket
Although Phuket, Thailand, has a year-round warm climate, the cool, dry weather, and calm water in December make it a great time to visit. Plan on spending the majority of your time at beaches like Nai Harn and Kata Noi sunbathing, swimming, scuba diving, and more. However, keep in mind that December is peak tourist season in Phuket, so you won’t find many deals on flights and accommodations during this month. Avoid visiting during the holidays in late December for slightly lower rates.
Bahamas
For good reason, December is one of the most popular months to visit the Bahamas. The threat of a hurricane has passed by the time this month arrives, making December an excellent month to spend time outdoors. Spend your days relaxing on one of the many beaches in the Bahamas, snorkeling or diving in the clear water, or taking a boat tour to a private island. Furthermore, if you visit during the holidays, you’ll be able to experience the travel-worthy Junkanoo festival, which celebrates Bahamian culture with parades and festivities on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
National Park Torres del Paine
This national park, located in southern Chilean Patagonia, provides visitors with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The park is frequently cited as one of the most scenic hiking destinations in the world, with turquoise lakes and dense forests, as well as the massive Grey Glacier and the towering granite of Cuernos del Paine. December has long days with up to 17 hours of daylight, making it ideal for long hikes. Despite the fact that December is part of Patagonia’s peak summer season, temperatures drop dramatically after nightfall, so visitors should dress in layers.
The Big Island of Hawaii
This Hawaiian paradise is ideal for escaping the arrival of winter, making it one of the best places to travel in December. Weary travelers can defrost on colorful beaches like Punalu’u Beach (which has beautiful black sand) and Papakolea Beach (which has a unique green sand option), while more adventurous types can go hiking in Akaka Falls State Park or catch a glimpse of the more than 4,000-foot-tall Kilauea volcano at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. In December, you’ll most likely be competing with other snowbirds, but hotel prices on the Big Island are consistently lower than those on neighboring isles, making it one of the best places to travel to in December.
The City of New York
It’s no surprise that dozens of holiday films take place in New York City. Dazzling sights like the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and ice skating rink, decked-out window displays at Macy’s, and horse-drawn carriages in Central Park spread holiday cheer throughout the city. While this city has plenty to offer all year, festive shows, Christmas-themed pop-up experiences, and even the chill in the air make December one of the most magical months in New York City. Just be prepared for some sticker shock; the holiday season is also one of the busiest (and most expensive) times to visit.
Grenada
If Old Man Winter has you yearning for some warmth, consider a trip to Spice Island. Grenada, a tiny Caribbean island known for aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, will warm you up with consistent temperatures in the 80s. And, because December falls between the rainy season and peak tourism season, it’s the ideal time to soak up some rays without the crowds or high prices of the months ahead. Spend your days relaxing on Grand Anse Beach or discovering the rich flavors of the island at local markets or the House of Chocolate.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
While the Northern Hemisphere enters winter in December, Rio de Janeiro is in the midst of its peak summer season. Despite the fact that this is one of the wettest times of year in the area, you’ll still enjoy optimal warmth and mostly sunny conditions. As a result, there will be plenty of opportunities to see must-see attractions such as the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain. If you want to experience Rio’s vibrant party scene during your visit, plan your trip around Réveillon. With its music, dancing, and fireworks, this popular New Year’s Eve celebration on Copacabana Beach attracts millions of people each year.
Prague
Travel to Prague for a fun and festive winter vacation if you’re willing to brave the cold. In December, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, with snow-covered buildings and Christmas markets selling everything from locally made jewelry to toys and Christmas ornaments. Those traveling with children should try to arrive in early December when the annual St. Nicholas Eve celebration takes place. During this traditional celebration, the Czech Republic’s version of St. Nick, along with his angel and devil guides, will walk around the city handing out candy and other treats.
The City of Quebec
This Canadian destination is easy to fall in love with, especially when it’s covered in fresh snow. The sights and sounds of Old Québec as it transforms into a Christmas village will enchant you. Alternatively, you can go shopping for gifts (or for yourself) in Quartier Petit-Champlain. Plus, with its 17th- and 18th-century architecture, Quebec City allows you to immerse yourself in European culture without having to pay for a plane ticket across the Atlantic. Just remember to bundle up. In December, temperatures can fall below freezing.
Dubai
For many months of the year, temperatures in Dubai can reach triple digits, but the weather cools significantly by December. If you visit this United Arab Emirates destination this month, you will enjoy pleasant weather (temperatures in the 70s). However, expect to bump into other tourists while relaxing on Jumeirah Public Beach or strolling through the historic Bastakiya Quarter. Dubai is a world-class shopping destination, with the world’s largest mall and one-of-a-kind gold and spice souks. The Dubai Shopping Festival, which takes place in mid-December, commemorates this with some enticing deals and events.
Queenstown
Take a trip to Queenstown, New Zealand, for a winter vacation that doesn’t involve snow or sand. Because Queenstown is in the Southern Hemisphere, December falls during the town’s summer season, which means warmer weather and better conditions for the town’s world-famous adventure activities. Skydive or paraglide over the area’s mountains and lakes for a bird’s-eye view, or take the ultimate leap of faith by bungee jumping from the Kawarau Bridge. If you want to see Queenstown in a less daring way, take a hike along the Ben Lomond track or ride the Skyline Gondola.
Park City
Winter sports enthusiasts will enjoy visiting Park City, Utah, in December, when many of the town’s top resorts, such as Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort, reopen for the ski season. Even if you don’t ski or snowboard, there are plenty of other things to do in town. Shopping for last-minute gifts and watching Santa ride down the Town Lift in Historic Park City, catching a holiday singalong at the Egyptian Theatre, or watching athletes train for the Winter Olympics at Utah Olympic Park are all options.
Saint Augustine
St. Augustine, Florida, entices visitors all year round with its Spanish-style architecture and nearly 500 years of history. However, the holiday season is especially dazzling, with over 3 million lights shining in the town’s historic district during Nights of Lights, one of the best holiday light displays in the country. Throughout the month, various events, such as a lighted boat parade and a luminary night, are held. While you won’t find beach weather, temperatures in the high 60s will keep you comfortable as you visit sights like Castillo de San Marcos or finish your shopping at various boutiques and outlets.
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Best Places to Travel in December: References
