The holiday season is here. Yes, that means higher prices and busier airports, but it also means skiing and Christmas markets. The best places to visit in December promise plenty of cheer but aren’t all snow and Santa Claus. (Although there is a lot of that.) You’ll find that and more in my choices for the 12 best December vacations.
Best places to ski in December.
The start of the ski season opens up many new places to travel to in December. But it doesn’t just have to be about skiing. Most of my ski picks have other fantastic destinations close by, well worth visiting in their own right.
1. Val d’Isère, France
- Learn more: Val d’Isère travel guide
- Why visit in December? To kick off the ski season in style.
The quintessential charming mountain town, Val d’Isère is tucked away high in France’s Western Alps near the Italian border. Three hours from Lyon and Geneva, it’s part of the famed Espace Killy, a snow sports mecca. With 25,000 acres of world-class piste and backcountry terrain, novice and expert skiers have their pick of runs.
As this is Europe, après-ski is every bit as important as on-slope action. Val d’Isère has you covered, famed for its mix of luxury and hedonism. The most infamous and full-on party is at hotel and bar La Folie Douce daily from 3 pm. High on the mountain slopes, you’ll hear it before you see it. Live bands play on its roof, partygoers dance in ski boots and champagne spray rains down from above.
If too much fizz rules out the ski down, ride the Daille gondola instead. Dropping you directly in Val d’Isère, make for family-owned institution La Rosée Blanche and a warming vin chaud.
2. Trentino, Italy
- Why visit in December? To ski two of the world’s great mountain ranges at once.
Away from Europe’s more famed ski resorts, northern Italy’s Trentino region is starting to attract serious attention. Straddling the Alpine and Dolomite mountain ranges with direct access to both, it’s easy to see why.
Base yourself in lovely Pinzolo. Laid back but lively, it’s home to one of my favorite European hotels in the Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti. A destination in its own right, Lefay’s 54,000-square-foot spa is the perfect tonic to a day in the mountains.
When the snow calls, take the winding road up to Madonna di Campiglio, the gateway to the Campiglio Dolomiti di Brenta. A huge ski area, it encompasses 100 miles of runs, four snowboard parks and epic ski touring. For hardcore adrenaline junkies, guided climbing expeditions take in towering peaks and frozen waterfalls. Refuel at Rifugio Boch, an oasis of fast and fine foods, awesome views and bottomless mountain cheer.
3. Deer Valley, Utah
- Why visit in December? To show your kids the true magic of the mountains.
Few places do family-friendly winter vacations better than Utah’s Deer Valley, a short drive from Salt Lake City. A huge natural arena of resorts, trails and activities spread across six mountains and more than 100 runs. With lift passes limited to 7,500 a day, it’s never too busy and is renowned for its award-winning ski schools.
Its 2,000 acres of terrain are home to “The Greatest Snow on Earth” – a term they’ve even trademarked! With snow, slopes, and activities for every skill set, skiing and snowboarding are just part of the appeal. Try snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sleigh rides or dog sledding.
If you prefer your action less active, nearby Park City takes its shopping, eating and relaxing seriously. Focus on its historic and picturesque Main Street, overflowing with boutiques and bars, museums and restaurants. While it’s always expensive, December is the time to visit. January sees the Sundance Film Festival roll into town and prices climb higher than the surrounding peaks.
4. Niseko, Japan
- Why visit in December? For the best backcountry skiing in the world.
With the start of ski season, Niseko Village is one of the best places to travel in December, bar none. That’s because it’s home to some of the best untracked adventures and backcountry trails in the world. And the powder – I’ve never seen anywhere else like it: chin deep, flour fine, and stable. Magic!
If you have an affinity for backcountry riding, Niseko should be at the top of your December destinations list. Head for the dry and deep snowpacks around Hanazono and Miharashi. Unlike in many countries, off-piste and backcountry skiing and snowboarding is legal here.
Long haul international flights will take you to Sapporo, a two-hour drive away. While it has plenty of places to stay and things to do, it’s a bit far for those pre-crowd morning powder runs. Better to stay in Niseko itself – my go-to is always the Sekka Annupuri Lodge. Close to the Hanazono treeline and Annupuri gondola, it’s perfectly placed to put you first on the mountain.
Best priced flight routes from your home airport in December.
The best places to visit in December in the US.
The US is the best place to travel in December on a budget.
5. Miami, Florida
- Learn more: Miami travel guide
- Why visit in December? Mix with the art world’s great and good at Art Basel Miami.
While the rest of the world turns its attention to the mountains, sunny Miami gets its art on. Art Basel Miami takes over from December 4th to 6th.
North America’s most prestigious art event showcases modern and contemporary artworks from more than 250 galleries around the world. A highlight is always the Conversations series, with speakers discussing big topics in the art scene.
The Miami Beach Convention Center will be the festival’s focal point. However, the rest of Miami won’t shy away from the limelight. With its sprawling and vibrant street art scene, the city’s atmosphere turns electric for festival week.
Prices naturally skyrocket but with wild parties, fantastic shows, and plenty of celebs, it’s Miami at its very best. Book a room at the Moxy Miami South Beach for a stylish, centrally located and just about affordable stay.
6. Austin, Texas
- Learn more: Austin travel guide
- Why visit in December? For the enormous, historic Trail of Lights festival.
Austin is one of America’s most magical December vacation spots. With a year-round warm welcome, it has kept its small town heart despite its big city status. No time is that more evident than during the holiday season, beautifully illustrated by its Trail of Lights festival.
Running for more than 60 years, the Trail of Lights has grown into one of America’s biggest festive experiences. Two million lights draped across more than 90 trees, tunnels, and displays in Zilker Park. Community led, it brings together local businesses and nonprofits with the residents to celebrate all things Austin.
As this is a party town, expect lots of live music and celebrations that continue beyond Zilker Park into the bars of downtown. Christmas bazaars and markets, ice skating and Christmas shows will ensure you leave feeling as festive as can be.
7. US Virgin Islands
- Learn more: Saint Thomas travel guide
- Why visit in December? For an epic Crucian Christmas on Saint Croix.
It may not be mainland America, but you won’t need a passport to spend Christmas in the US Virgin Islands. December is the start of peak season in “America’s Caribbean paradise”, so expect serious celebrations across all three islands.
That means palm-fringed partying on the golden sand beaches of Saint John. Giant banquets of spiced saltfish plates washed down with colorful cocktails. On Saint Thomas, share shopping sprees on Main Street and sundowners in Frenchtown. On the rugged hills of Rock City megayacht spotting is almost a sport in its own right.
Best of all in December is Saint Croix with its month-long Crucian Christmas Festival. Giant parades and art fares, steel bands and fire dancers and a glimpse into the island’s cultural, colonial heritage. When the festivities close, make for the restaurants of Frederiksted or go full Caribbean at the Cruzan Rum Distillery.
8. Joshua Tree National Park, California
- Learn more: Joshua Tree travel guide
- Why visit in December? To gaze in celestial awe at the Geminid meteor shower.
When I visited Joshua Tree, it was to follow in the final footsteps of one of my favorite musicians, Gram Parsons who stayed and died in Room 8 of the Joshua Tree Inn. While there, I discovered the joy of its inky night skies and its magnificent starscape – especially The Milky Way.
A designated Dark Sky Park, in December Joshua Tree sees an extraordinary show unfold across its celestial stage. The annual Geminid meteor shower is predicted to peak on the night of December 13th. And with a waning crescent moon rising several hours after midnight, the meteors will have an inky canvas on which to perform. There will be few better places to see it in the Northern Hemisphere.
Make no mistake, it will be cold. If you want to commit, book a spot at Cottonwood Campground for easier access to the park’s eastern wilderness area. This is the darkest area, unaffected by the lights of Palm Springs. For more comfort, book a room in Twentynine Palms or Yucca Valley. And don’t forget your binoculars!
Best places to visit in December around the world.
My favorite thing about December are the extravagant markets and weird and wonderful festivals. Below are some of my favorites.
9. Nuremberg, Germany
- Learn more: Nuremberg travel guide
- Why visit in December? The quintessential Christmas market experience.
Truth be told, you can head to any German city in December and you’ll find a fairytale Christmas market. I live in Cologne, whose Christmas market under the famed Dom is rated among Germany’s best. But (whisper it) my pick for the best Christmas market in Germany is the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt.
The “little city of wood and cloth” is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world. Taking over the city’s Main Market Square, in 2026 it’s open daily from November 27th until Christmas Eve. Incredibly atmospheric, its hundreds of wooden booths sell handmade decorations, gingerbread lebkuchen, Spekulatius almond cookies, and gallons of warming glühwein. And, of course, bratwurst – the famed German sausages can be traced back to Nuremberg in 1313!
Brilliantly set up for tourists, there are self-guided tours in English and events everywhere. Don’t miss the colorful lantern procession to Nuremberg Castle and, if you have kids, the Kinderweihnacht party on Hans-Sachs-Platz. Frohe Weihnachten!
10. Gothenburg, Sweden
- Learn more: Gothenburg travel guide
- Why visit in December? For the most Christmassy Christmas imaginable.
Sweden is magical in winter. In the north, Lapland – home to Santa Claus, vast herds of reindeer and the Northern Lights. For any child (and adult!) it has to rank as one of the best places to visit in December.
To get there, fly via a major travel hub like Gothenburg. My tip is to stay a few days and get in the festive spirit at Liseberg Gardens. From mid November until early January they transform into a Christmas market and playground. Liseberg theme park is particularly lovely, recast as a children’s Christmas fantasy land called Tomtebyn.
For kids, it’s an interactive treat. Navigate Santa’s Village with a map and compass to win prizes on the Elves’ Adventure. Create Christmas wish lists while snacking on festive treats in the Elves’ Cottage before feeding them into the magic wish machine in Santa’s Workshop.
While the kids play, adults can too. At the Tyrolean, Winter and Old-Fashioned markets, stalls overflow with mulled wines and local delicacies like Kolbulle, a charcoal bun cooked over open fire with salted pork and lingonberry jam.
11. Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Learn more: Siem Reap travel guide
- Why visit in December? To spread some festive cheer on the other side of the world.
Regularly cited as the world’s most popular tourist attraction, Angkor Wat rightly tops many travel wish lists. Arrive early before the masses to witness the sun rise above it through the morning mist and you’ll understand why. For that, you’ll need to base yourself in nearby Siem Reap, a great city in its own right.
Angkor Wat is the star though. It feels enormous and everlasting, impassive to time and tourism. A 900-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site ready to be explored. Walk its halls and it’s almost impossible not to imagine yourself as an adventurous archaeologist straight out of the movies.
On December 6th, something extraordinary will take place. An annual half marathon supporting victims of antipersonnel mines in Cambodia sees thousands of runners replace slow paced tourists. It’s a wonderful way for visitors to give back and spread some cheer. To get a unique take on this extraordinary attraction and join the run, register before October 24th.
12. Chitral, Pakistan
- Why visit in December? To see one of the world’s least visited festivals.
Sometimes it’s worth committing to an adventure to see something extraordinary. A December journey to Chitral deep in the Kalash Valley in northern Pakistan is just such an adventure.
For two weeks over the winter solstice, Chawmos, the Winter Festival of the Kalash people transforms this peaceful valley. The first week of the festival is for villagers only, but the second week is open to the public – although few have been. Music and dancing, religious rituals and goat sacrifices, feasting and drinking continue for days.
This is the most important time of year for the Kalash, when life, the gods and ancestors are celebrated in a weeklong party. It’s not for the faint-hearted but it is a privilege to be a part of it. You can book it yourself, but it’s easier to use a reputable tour company to book your transport and accommodation.
This part of the world is also home to the rarely seen snow leopard. Consider adding a side expedition to try and see one in the wild, another privilege enjoyed by a rare few.
