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.)
In America, awesome light festivals are big in December – both manmade and celestial. Europe takes winter seriously, with mountain resorts kicking into gear. Germany, in particular, is spectacular at this time of year, its traditional Christmas markets are magic for kids and adults alike.
Asia, too, shines for sports enthusiasts. That could be taking on the ski slopes of northern Japan. Or running a Cambodian marathon for a great cause. You’ll find that and more adventures in my choice for the ten best December vacations.
The best places to visit in December
- Val d’Isère, France
- Trentino, Italy
- Deer Valley, Utah
- Niseko, Japan
- Miami, Florida
- Austin, Texas
- US Virgin Islands
- Joshua Tree National Park, California
- Nuremberg, Germany
- Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best places to ski in December
1. Val d’Isère, France
Learn more: Val d’Isère travel guide
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 or Geneva, it’s part of the famed Espace Killy, a snow sports mecca. With 25,000 acres of world-class on and off-piste terrain, novice and expert skiers have their pick of runs.
As this is Europe, the après ski is every bit as important as the on-slope action. Val d’Isère has you covered, famed for its mix of luxury and hedonism. The most famous 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, sprayed champagne 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
Away from Europe’s more famed ski resorts, north Italy’s Trentino region is starting to attract serious attention. Straddling the Alpine and Dolomite mountain ranges with easy 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 off piste. 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.
You’ll need to fly into a major airport and drive to Trentino. There are several to choose from including Bologna and Milan, but Venice is closest.
3. Deer Valley, Utah
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
With the start of ski season, Niseko Village is one of the best places to visit in December. That’s partly because it still flies under the radar of many skiers, which means it’s never too busy. Even more so, it’s home to some of the best untracked adventures and off-piste trails in the world. And the powder – I’ve never seen anywhere else like it: chin deep, flour fine. Magic!
If you have an affinity for backcountry riding, Niseko should be at the top of your winter vacation ideas list. Head for the super dry and deep snowpacks around Hanazono and Miharashi. Unlike in many countries, off-piste and backcountry skiing and snowboarding is legal here.
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.
The best places to visit in December in the USA
5. Miami, Florida
Learn more: Miami travel guide
While the rest of the world turns its attention to the mountains, sunny Miami gets its art on. From December 8th to 10th, Art Basel Miami takes over.
North America’s most prestigious arts event showcases modern and contemporary artworks from more than 250 galleries from around the world. Always a highlight is the Conversations series that sees speakers discussing big topics in the art scene.
The festival’s focal point will be the Miami Beach Convention Center. The rest of Miami won’t shy away from the limelight though. With its sprawling and vibrant street art scene, the city’s atmosphere turns electric for festival week.
Book a room at the Moxy Miami South Beach for a stylish, centrally located and just about affordable stay. Prices naturally skyrocket but with wild parties, fantastic shows, and plenty of celebs, it’s Miami at its very best.
6. Austin, Texas
Learn more: Austin travel guide
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.
Celebrating 59 years since its inception, 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.
And 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
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 carnival, the 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
When I visited Joshua Tree, it was to follow in the final footsteps of one of my favorite musicians, Gram Parsons. While there I discovered the joy of its inky night skies and its magnificent starscape – especially The Milky Way.
A designated Dark Sky Park, Joshua Tree will in December see an extraordinary show play out across its celestial stage. The annual Geminids meteor shower peaks on the 14-15th, this year coinciding with a waxing new moon. And that means really, really black skies. 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 a bit 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
9. Nuremberg, Germany
Learn more: Nuremberg travel guide
Truth be told, you can head to any German city in December and you’ll find a fairytale Christmas market. I live in Cologne, which has many fantastically festive fares. But 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 2023 it’s open daily from December 1st 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 English language and self-guided tours 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. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Learn more: Siem Reap travel guide
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 3rd, 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 28th.
Discover more of the best places to visit in 2023
The holiday season means peak prices and peak crowds. For something a little quieter, shoulder season travel is great. My guides to the best places to visit in October and November offer some fresh ideas for where to go.
If you are looking for warm weather, here are some of my favorite places where it’s hot in October, November and December. Planning ahead for 2024? Here are the 10 best places to travel in January around the world.
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