The perfect December getaway is totally different for each traveler. For some, strolling via Europe’s glowing vacation markets is the dream, whereas for others, chasing the joys of recent powder out West makes the month nice. Or, should you choose to sit back, the nice and cozy waters of Mexico’s Riviera Maya are simply the important thing.
Plus, main resort openings, new flight routes and seasonal celebrations that vary from conventional to delightfully surprising (hiya, fried rooster feast for Christmas Eve!) make December an particularly thrilling time to journey.
Whether or not you are chasing sunshine within the Southern Hemisphere, in search of crowd-free cities or need to snuggle up in a winter wonderland, these are the ten greatest locations to go to in December.
Budapest
In case your head is stuffed with visions of mulled wine, spiced cookies, twinkling lights and candy treats, then put Budapest in your December journey listing. The Hungarian capital sparkles in December with two notably giant vacation markets, one at Vorosmarty Sq. and the opposite at St. Stephen’s Basilica. At Vorosmarty, buy native handmade crafts and Hungarian objects, together with soaps and spices. In the meantime, on the St. Stephen’s market, you will discover extra meals to pattern along with your forralt bar (mulled wine), together with giant fried flatbread known as lagos that comes heaped with savory toppings; get pleasure from it whilst you watch the sunshine present projected on the basilica.
Hold the festive spirit going on the New York Cafe, typically known as “probably the most stunning cafe on the earth.” It is a sweet field of crystal, marble and opulent golden particulars. Sip a scorching chocolate or a cocktail, order a stunning layer cake or heat up with a bowl of goulash. There’s often an extended line to get in, however should you keep on the elegant Anantara New York Palace Budapest Resort, particular tables are reserved for resort friends (rooms from $409 an evening in December).
Two extra festive methods to spend time in Budapest in December embody taking a nighttime cruise alongside the Danube River to see the Home of Parliament and the Royal Citadel forged in a golden glow, and visiting the Hungarian State Opera, a restored Baroque gem, to see The Nutcracker.
TPG tip: The Hilton Budapest Resort is about as shut as potential to sleeping in Buda Citadel itself. The resort is a former Thirteenth-century church on Citadel Hill simply steps from St. Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion. December charges begin from $162 or 50,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time.
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Cartagena, Colombia
For hotter climate, head south to Cartagena, Colombia, the place December brings balmy temperatures. The dry, sunny days are perfect for taking within the vibrant colonial structure, cobblestone streets and flower-draped balconies of this Caribbean coastal metropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
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Cartagena’s culinary scene will not disappoint. Choose up an arepa de huevo (egg-filled corn cake) on the go, or go all-out at Celele, which holds the quantity six spot on Latin America’s 50 Greatest Eating places listing. Then, put together your seashore bag for the 15-minute boat journey to Isla Tierra Bomba. The island’s white sand and 80-degree waters make it an incredible spot to benefit from the heat climate.
TPG tip: The fashionable Hyatt Regency Cartagena has an ocean-front location, an infinity pool with stellar views, a spa and even a youngsters membership for fogeys who would possibly need some downtime to chill out with out interruption. The Class 3 Hyatt property has charges beginning at $182 or 9,000 World of Hyatt factors per night time in December.
Newly opened inside Cartagena’s walled metropolis, the boutique Casa Carolina amps up the wellness choices. Company can unwind with rooftop cocktails, spa remedies and each day yoga; charges begin from $319 per night time in December.
And there is much more to stay up for subsequent yr: After delays, the 4 Seasons Resort Cartagena is about to open in early 2026. The design preserves the unique components (together with a ballroom and a number of other patios) of the 4 buildings courting again to the early twentieth century that comprise the property.
Massive Sky, Montana
Ski season hits its stride in Montana in December, and Massive Sky is rapidly changing into the luxurious winter vacation spot within the area. The excitement this yr? The One & Solely Moonlight Basin, opening in November, marks the model’s U.S. debut. The property has a mixture of luxurious cabins, suites and personal properties, plus direct ski-in/ski-out entry and panoramic alpine views, all set on 240 prime acres. Confirmed for December, the resort’s gondola will open for the season with direct entry to Massive Sky Resort’s Madison Base. And the brand-new Kircliff Remark Deck opens at Massive Sky Resort on Dec. 20, providing an unbeatable spot to absorb Lone Peak’s snow-covered glory from 1,100 toes.
Kircliff is nice for non-skiers to get views, too, and Massive Sky affords many winter actions off the slopes, together with canine sledding, cross-country snowboarding and snowshoeing. And the city turns up the festivities for the December holidays, with tree lighting ceremonies, horse-drawn wagon rides and pictures with Santa amongst different vacation enjoyable. Yet another December exercise on the resort to circle in your calendar: the prospect to see avalanche canines display their particular rescue expertise on Dec. 15.
TPG tip: When One & Solely Moonlight Basin opens, it can have 73 rooms in the primary lodge and 16 cabins; charges for rooms begin at $1,200 per night time in December. A extra inexpensive choice is likely to be the Residence Inn by Marriott, Massive Sky/The Wilson Resort, which is favored by TPG workers for its wonderful location simply 10 minutes from Massive Sky. December charges begin from $203 or 52,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time and embody breakfast.
Cayman Islands
With sunny days and gentle temperatures, December is the perfect time to go to the island nation. You will need to lounge on the white-sands of Seven Mile Seashore in Grand Cayman and swim, snorkel and dive in its clear surf. Water lovers may also need to attempt jet snowboarding, kiteboarding, paddleboarding, crusing, snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing.
And there is loads of vacation spirit right here. The season kicks off on Nov. 15, with the lighting of a large 42‑foot Christmas tree at Camana Bay and continues with nightly mild reveals via early January. Households can get pleasure from free picture classes with Santa on Saturdays in early December, out of doors film nights underneath twinkling lights, vacation craft markets and the spirited Santa Run.
If you wish to add extra health to your festivities, the annual Cayman Islands Marathon and half‑marathon takes place Dec. 7.
TPG tip: The Grand Cayman Marriott Seashore Resort, proper on the golden sands of Seven Mile Seashore, simply accomplished a serious renovation and has 295 shiny and trendy rooms from $539 per night time or 68,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors.
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Lyon, France
Lyon could also be generally known as the capital of gastronomy in France — it was the house of famed French chef Paul Bocuse. However in December, meals comes second to the glowing Competition of Lights. The annual occasion, Dec. 5-8, 2025, began when residents lit candles to thank the Virgin Mary. It’s now a four-day spectacle of sunshine reveals, artwork installations and performances throughout the town. The pageant facilities round Saint-Jean Cathedral, which transforms right into a multi-hued Gothic marvel via subtle mild projections.
And naturally, delicacies remains to be an integral a part of a go to to Lyon (the town is on the heart of Vallee de la Gastronomie). Stroll via the Paul Bocuse Meals Corridor to buy glistening pyramids of candied fruits and towers of hand-poured sweets — each common seasonal choices. Then pull up a stool at an oyster bar for fresh-shucked oysters and a glass of glowing wine.
For an much more festive meal, attempt Les Loges within the newly reopened Cour des Loges Lyon, a Radisson Assortment Resort (rooms from $297 per night time). The charming chef, Anthony Bonnet, secured a coveted Michelin star for the restaurant earlier than the property closed for a 13-month renovation. Now reopened, the centuries-old house is a grand setting for a multicourse menu that makes probably the most of seasonal components like mushrooms, hazelnuts and a hay-infused beef bouillon.
TPG tip: Villa Maia, perched atop Fourviere Hill, affords views of the complete previous city under. Stays embody entry to the property’s Roman baths, a deep-soaking rest pool, a sauna and a steam room. Costs in December begin at $308 per night time. When you maintain the proper Amex card, you possibly can e book it via Amex Nice Resorts + Resorts to get perks like complimentary each day breakfast for 2 and assured 4 p.m. late checkout.
The restored Intercontinental Lyon — Resort Dieu by IHG occupies a palatial 18th-century constructing on the Rhone River inside strolling distance of the previous city. Rooms begin at $247 or 62,000 IHG One Rewards factors per night time in December.
Adelaide, Australia
For vacationers trying to swap snowflakes for Southern Hemisphere sunshine, Adelaide ushers within the begin of summer season in December. And the capital of South Australia can be simpler than ever to succeed in because of United Airways’ first nonstop flights from San Francisco Worldwide Airport (SFO) to Adelaide Airport (ADL) launching Dec. 11.
Adelaide affords quick access to seashores, wine areas and plenty of out of doors actions. Within the metropolis, you possibly can go to the Adelaide Botanic Backyard and the Artwork Gallery of South Australia, which incorporates one of the crucial vital collections of Indigenous artwork within the nation, in addition to the one devoted Islamic gallery house in Australia.
Adelaide can be an incredible jumping-off level for journeys to Barossa Valley, the lauded wine space simply an hour away by automobile (take a look at Seppeltsfield Vineyard and Property, which received Australia’s Greatest Vineyard award final yr).
Or get pleasure from Adelaide’s flourishing restaurant scene and December’s summer season/vacation occasion lineup. Adelaide Central Market‘s vacation night time market is stuffed with stalls promoting distinctive items, scrumptious meals and handmade crafts. There are additionally stay performances and carol singers, too.
TPG tip: The Adelaide Marriott Resort is in central Adelaide within the iconic Basic Submit Workplace constructing overlooking Victoria Sq.. Charges in December begin at $210 or 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time.
Tokyo
Tokyo in December is a traveler’s candy spot with cooler climate and thinner crowds. In winter, Japan leans into its quieter rhythms. You may soak in scorching springs, go to snow-covered shrines, slurp steaming noodles and tuck into charcoal-grilled mochi. Being right here within the vacation season means you may also discover the town’s winter illuminations and check out some surprising Christmas traditions. For instance, be a part of the crowds of locals to choose up a conventional vacation meal which will look acquainted: a celebration bucket of KFC fried rooster, or “Kentucky for Christmas” because it’s typically referred to (when you consider it, Colonel Sanders does look so much like previous St. Nick).
And whereas Tokyo does not get snow, close by ski resorts in Nagano and Niigata are simply accessible, making this a uncommon urban-ski combo journey.
TPG tip: Sure lodges all over the world are synonymous with their location. Image The Plaza in New York and The Ritz in Paris. In Tokyo, that resort is the Park Hyatt, the enduring setting of the movie “Misplaced in Translation.” And on Dec. 9, the lauded resort will reopen its doorways after a year-long renovation, making it a must-visit for film and resort followers. Charges in December begin at $857 per night time (though the Park Hyatt can be obtainable to e book utilizing World of Hyatt factors, there’s at the moment no factors availability in December).
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Riviera Maya, Mexico
Searching for an easy-to-reach warm-weather escape in December? The Riviera Maya presents a really perfect choice. With daytime temperatures averaging 81 levels Fahrenheit and balmy evenings round 73 levels, it is a really perfect time for seashore lounging, snorkeling, exploring historical Mayan ruins or leaping right into a cenote (pure swimming gap) with out the extreme warmth or humidity of summer season. December additionally marks the beginning of the dry season, which means clearer skies and no probability of fall’s prolonged hurricane season.
Even higher, vacation festivities are in full swing — together with the colourful Feast of Our Woman of Guadalupe on Dec. 12, and Christmas and New Yr’s celebrations at many resorts, full with beachfront dinners, stay leisure and cultural performances. You should definitely cease at native markets providing conventional vacation meals akin to candy fried bunuelos and tamales (although you will have seen them year-round, they seem to be a Christmas custom).
TPG tip: December brings the debut of a brand-new beachfront resort, the adults-only Bahia Principe Grand Tequila, a Hyatt Inclusive Assortment property. Opening Dec. 1, the resort will function 360 suites, 4 eating places, 4 bars and stay leisure; friends may also have entry to neighboring Bahia Principe resorts. Charges in December begin at $336 per night time for 2 folks. (Sadly, the resort shouldn’t be bookable but with World of Hyatt factors.)
Associated: 7 wonderful spots in Mexico’s Riviera Maya that are not Tulum
Egypt
Egypt turns into pleasantly gentle in December, making it a really perfect time to discover the nation’s historical wonders, together with these in Cairo and alongside the Nile River. After a number of delays, the Grand Egyptian Museum close to the Giza pyramids will open in November. Stuffed with wonders such because the obelisk of King Rameses II and the golden burial masks of Tutankhamun, this can be a scorching ticket, to say the least. Reservations are required prematurely, and walk-ups are usually not permitted; use this web site to safe your tickets (there are a lot of imposter websites, sadly).
Nile River cruising can be having a second, with a number of newly launched ships from manufacturers like Ama and Viking that supply luxe, all-inclusive sailings between Luxor to Aswan. You will have the prospect to go to the big temples of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, in addition to many different iconic websites of the traditional world.
TPG tip: For a luxe keep in Cairo, head to the pampering oasis of the St. Regis Cairo. The 36-story property has 366 visitor rooms, suites and flats, in addition to seven bars and eating places on-site. Charges begin at an affordable $309 or 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time in December.
Puerto Rico
Head to Puerto Rico in December for a few of the most festive Christmas-season celebrations within the U.S. Sure, it is heat and sunny. Sure, you possibly can go to the seashore and swim within the ocean all month lengthy. However Puerto Rico additionally turns up yuletide to an “11” with one of many longest vacation celebrations across the globe, kicking off in November and operating all the way in which till Three Kings Day on Jan. 6.
December brings parrandas (Christmas caroling with devices), aguinaldos (folk-style vacation songs), energetic markets and rum-spiked coquito (a spice-infused vacation punch that is like a coconut model of eggnog) throughout the island. In San Juan, the historic cobblestone La Fortaleza avenue is strung with vacation lights and turns into a night gathering place.
And all of this, with no passport required.
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