Where to go on vacation in December? The best destinations for a December holidays

🕗 8 minutes | Updated: September 5, 2025 | Edited by Editorial Team

December is the perfect time to break away from the daily routine and plan a unique vacation. You can choose sunny destinations, winter city breaks in Europe, or a trip across the ocean to Toronto or New York. In this article, you will find suggestions that will make December full of new experiences and unforgettable moments.

New York - fountain made of red Christmas tree baubles

Where to go in December to feel the warmth? Discover sunny holiday destinations

December is a time when many people dream of escaping the winter gloom. However, not everyone knows where to spend a warm vacation surrounded by sunshine and unique attractions. In that case, it is worth choosing destinations such as Dubai in the Middle East or Mumbai in India, which offer relaxation on the beaches and extraordinary cultural and culinary experiences.

Are you interested in warm countries in December 2025? Visit the beautiful beaches of exotic Dubai

Dubai in December delights visitors with its beaches and futuristic architecture. You can admire the view from the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, visit modern shopping malls, and try traditional Arabic dishes at local markets and restaurants. It is the perfect choice for a winter vacation full of relaxation and discovering new flavors.

» Book flights to Dubai.

» Check out our guide to Dubai attractions.

View to Dubai JBR beach and modern buildings in Dubai Marina district

Holiday destinations in December — opt for a sunny vacation in Mumbai

Mumbai in December guarantees high temperatures and a rich sightseeing program. Colorful markets, the historic Gateway of India, and trips to the nearby Elephanta Islands mean that you won't run out of things to do here. It's the perfect destination for those seeking exotic experiences.

» Book flights to Mumbai.

» Check out our guide to Mumbai attractions.

The gate of India in Mumbai
Busy street in Mumbai. Victoria train station in the bacground.

Planning a vacation in December 2025? We recommend North America as your destination

North America in winter attracts both culture lovers and fans of holiday attractions. In Toronto, you will feel the magic at the Christmas markets and ice rink at Nathan Phillips Square. Chicago will delight you with its impressive architecture and festive decorations, while New York City offers Rockefeller Center, shopping on Fifth Avenue, and a walk through Central Park in winter scenery.

» Don't want to wait until December? See our guide on where to go on vacation in November.

Where to go on vacation in winter? Choose a vacation in Toronto

Toronto in December delights visitors with Christmas markets offering cuisine from around the world and an ice rink at Nathan Phillips Square. Visit the CN Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world, and the Distillery District with its festive decorations. Also worth seeing is the Art Gallery of Ontario and trying local delicacies such as poutine and beavertails. It's the perfect place for a pre-Christmas trip full of urban attractions.

» Book flights to Toronto.

» Check out our guide to Toronto attractions.

City of Toronto in Canada

Average winter temperature in North America:

  • Toronto: 0 ° C
  • Chicago: -1,7 ° C
  • New York: 0 ° C

Chicago: discover the winter version of the Windy City

Chicago impresses with its architecture all year round, and in winter, the streets and Millennium Park are decorated with Christmas markets and festive lights. A walk through the city center allows you to admire the distinctive skyscrapers and diverse architectural styles. Christkindlmarket is the place to try local delicacies and feel the magic of Christmas.

» Book flights to Chicago.

» Check out our guide to Chicago attractions.

Distant view of the Chicago Cultural Center building

December vacation — New York as an original holiday offer

New York in December is one of the most magical places in the world. The Christmas tree and ice rink at Rockefeller Center, shopping on Fifth Avenue, and winter walks in Central Park create a unique holiday atmosphere. Add to that Broadway, museums, and spectacular illuminations, and a vacation in this city will be one to remember for a long time.

» Book your tickets to Newark.

» Check out our guide to New York attractions.

Central Park in New York
New York - Rockefeller Center - Famous Angels Avenue

How to spend your vacation in December? Discover the best vacation deals in Europe

December is a good time to visit European cities that offer cultural events and holiday attractions. You can visit galleries, museums, and markets with local specialties. A stroll through historic streets and squares will allow you to feel the character of a given place. Choose a destination that suits your interests and plan your trip.

» Can't get around to planning your vacation before the holidays? Check out our suggestions for vacations in January.

Plan your trip in December and discover Amsterdam

Amsterdam sparkles with light installations during the Festival of Lights and decorations along the canals in winter. A stroll through the Jordaan district reveals galleries, shops, and craft markets. Add to that the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Anne Frank House, and December in the Dutch capital becomes a unique combination of culture and festive atmosphere.

» Book flights to Amsterdam.

» Check out our guide to Amsterdam's attractions.

Snow-covered townhouses on a canal in Amsterdam in winter
Canals in Amsterdam

Choose a vacation in Europe and visit romantic Paris

December in Paris delights visitors with illuminations on the Champs-Élysées, Christmas markets, and views of the Eiffel Tower during a cruise on the Seine. Winter is also the perfect time for walks, sampling aromatic pastries, and visiting museums such as the Louvre or the Musée d'Orsay. The French capital in winter is a great choice for a romantic getaway.

» Book flights to Paris.

» Check out our guide to Paris attractions.

Woman walking towards the Eiffel Tower, snowy Paris, France

Where to go on vacation in December? Düsseldorf, a land of Christmas spirit

In December, Düsseldorf transforms into a city full of Christmas attractions. The famous Weihnachtsmarkt tempts visitors with gingerbread, bratwurst, and decorations, while ice rinks provide winter entertainment. It is also an opportunity to see exhibitions at the K21 gallery or performances at the Deutsche Oper am Rhein. Düsseldorf is a great idea for a romantic pre-Christmas getaway.

» Book flights to Düsseldorf.

Colorful view of the Rhine River in the evening in Düsseldorf
The port of Düsseldorf at dusk

Where to go on vacation in December? Christmas elegance in Lisbon

December in Lisbon smells of cinnamon and fresh pastéis de nata. The narrow streets of Alfama and Baixa lead to local cafés, museums, and viewpoints over the Tagus River. Visit the Belém Tower and the Gulbenkian Museum to experience the peaceful rhythm of the city. The Portuguese capital is ideal for those seeking culture, flavor, and a mild winter.

» Book flights to Lisbon.

Baixa District, Lisbon

Copenhagen — winter coziness in the hygge style

If you dream of a Scandinavian Christmas, Copenhagen will more than meet your expectations. Tivoli Gardens is transformed into a fairytale land of lights, and local stalls offer handicrafts and aromatic gløgg. Strolling through Nyhavn, you will feel what hygge really is—warmth, tranquility, and closeness. This is a city for those who value atmosphere more than tourist attractions.

» Book flights to Copenhagen.

» Check out our guide to Copenhagen attractions.

Christmas market, Copenhagen

Christmas in Barcelona — discover a unique holiday destination

December in Barcelona tempts visitors with the Fira de Santa Llúcia fair at the Cathedral of Saint Eulalia. At the markets near the Sagrada Familia and in Port Vell, you will find local decorations and caganer figurines. The city is bustling with life, and the Christmas decorations add charm to the historic streets. It is the perfect destination for those who want to experience the December atmosphere in a warmer climate.

» Book flights to Barcelona.

» Check out our guide to Barcelona attractions.

Panorama of Barcelona at night.

Where can you feel the magic of Christmas? Spend some time in the glow of Brussels

Brussels tempts visitors with delicious flavors in December — Belgian chocolate, gingerbread, and hot beer await at the Christmas markets. The Grand-Place delights with its architecture, while museums and galleries offer a moment of respite from the hustle and bustle. It is worth stopping at one of the cafes and watching the city in its festive rhythm. This is a destination for those who appreciate culture, cuisine, and the European pre-Christmas atmosphere.

» Book flights to Brussels.

» Check out our guide to Brussels attractions.

Grand Place in Brussels at night

The best destinations for a December vacation — summary

You already know which destinations will work best in December. Now it's time to plan your trip and book your flight—our Low Fare Calendar will help you find the best deals.

Sunny beaches, exotic cities, European city breaks, or trips to North America? Choose the option that suits your needs and get ready for unforgettable moments.

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