14 Best Places to Travel in December in the USA & Abroad

Travel in December is the best time of year for many destinations. In some cases, the crowds will be thinner. Either way, there are so many opportunities to celebrate the holiday season. From Christmas market shopping, to holiday festivals, to epic outdoor activities, the world is truly your oyster in December. With so many choices, you may even find a new holiday tradition. This list of the best places to travel in December in the USA and abroad will get you packing your bags!

The Best Places to Travel in December in the USA

Sedona

Christmas in Sedona is one of the best times of year to visit. The town comes alive with oodles of Christmas lights starting the beginning of December. This magical town known for it’s red rocks is best explored on foot on a variety of hikes that are absolutely stunning.

You may notice that you feel great in Sedona. Some say it’s the Sedona Vortex but others might attribute it to the fresh air and physical activity. Either way, the weather in December is perfect for getting outside. You can also meander through galleries, do some shopping, get a massage and see an energy healer. HOTEL: Enchantment Resort

RELATED POST: Christmas in Sedona

Palm Desert

The Coachella Valley is made up of 9 cities so you can pick the perfect one suited to your taste. Palm Springs is the most well known for it’s mid century modern architecture, shopping and fun nightlife.

Rancho Mirage caters more to families and people that just want to relax by the pool or play golf. Palm Desert’s El Paseo has upscale shopping, galleries and plenty of places to go out at night. LaQuinta, another golf and tennis favorite, has a farmer’s market and shopping in Old Town.

Wherever you choose to stay, you can day trip to Joshua Tree, the Salton Sea area or head up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to hike and get a 360 degree view of the desert below. HOTEL: Dive Palm Springs

RELATED POST: 10 Places to Visit in California in December

Asheville

The highlight of December in Asheville, North Carolina is the Biltmore Estate. You’ll find carolers, horse drawn sleighs, and the mansion decorated with more than 50 Christmas trees and 30,000 ornaments. The largest private home in the United States has been hosting holiday visitors since 1895.

The whole town of Asheville is full of Christmas spirit with amazing light displays at the North Carolina Arboretum, Historic Biltmore Village and Pack Square Park. Downtown Asheville has unique holiday shopping. Outdoor enthusiasts can also take a snowy winter hike to the frozen waterfall at Looking Glass Falls. HOTEL: The Inn On Biltmore Estate

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Leavenworth

If you are looking to travel to a true, snowy Christmas town in the USA that feels like you went to Europe in December, Leavenworth, Washington is one of the best places for you! Complete with charming Bavarian buildings, yummy German food, and cute shops, you’ll feel like you left the USA.

The Christmas Lighting Festival is cancelled for 2020 but the town will still have their beautiful light display from Thanksgiving through Valentine’s Day. You’ll also be able to enjoy all the outdoor winter fun from Ice skating to skiing to snowmobiling and sledding. HOTEL: PostHotel Leavenworth

RELATED POST: The Most Beautiful US States That You Need to Visit

New York

New York has always been on the list of the best places to travel in December in the USA because there are so many things to do in NYC at Christmas. The city comes alive with festive lights and impressive 5th Avenue shopping windows. Do the holiday favorites – Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, Central Park skating, swim in the Poolcuzzi at the TWA Hotel, and the NYE Ball Drop in Times Square.

And what used to be home of Fall Fashion Week is now the setting of a world-class Christmas market. Bryant Park transforms itself every holiday season into a Winter Village. It’s a European style open-air market, with about 125 vendors selling everything from exquisite jewelry to food to handcrafted wares from all across the globe. HOTEL: 1 Hotel Central Park

Key West

If you’re looking for good winter weather, you’ll find it in the southernmost part of the continental US. Drive down from Miami or fly straight to Key West. In December, Key West is downright festive. From the Historic Inn Tour to the Lighted Boat Parade to the historic homes decked out for a coastal Christmas, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do.

After a busy day shopping or snorkeling, visit Mallory Square at sunset for food, drink and entertainment. America the Beautiful Pass Holders, can get more bang for their buck with a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. HOTEL: Kimpton Lighthouse Hotel

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Miami

There’s a reason snowbirds head to Florida for the winter. Instead of wearing a parka in December, you can be sunbathing on palm-lined, white sand beaches by day. Then enjoy the warm winter air at Art Deco cafes in South Beach at night.

Art Basel is being held at the beginning of December, which is a huge draw for art lovers. Leading galleries display significant works from both contemporary art masters and emerging talent. Add on to this vacay with a one hour flight to the Bahamas or Cuba for even more fun. HOTEL: 1 Hotel South Beach

RELATED POST: The Top 10 Things to do in Exuma Bahamas

The Best Places to Travel in December Abroad

Strasbourg

Christmas markets throughout the Alsace region have made Strasbourg, France one of the best places to travel in December. Strasbourg is one of the European Union’s oldest holiday markets that first opened in 1570. This beautiful Christmas town is located in picturesque eastern France, right next to the German border.

With 300 stalls, you can spend several days here perusing everything, and come home with some fantastic gifts. Delight in Place Kleber, where you will find the Great Christmas Tree. Drink the local Alsatian wine and indulge in all the festivities. As great as it is to spend Christmas here, you have to visit Alsace in the summer to truly appreciate this fairytale town. HOTEL: Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile

RELATED POST: 5 Fairytale Alsace Christmas Markets in France

Antarctica

Mid-December is the perfect time to visit Antarctica. This is when the wildlife really comes out to play. What’s more, you will get up to 20 hours of sunlight, with December 22^nd being the longest day. Take pictures of the incredible ice formations, as the icebergs and glaciers begin to melt during December.

See thousands of penguins in Antarctica, seals and the occasional whale. You may even see a baby penguin or two, as this is prime penguin egg-hatching season. If you’re booking at the last minute, many cruises will give you a significant discount. Cruise: Quark Expeditions

Tasmania

The last month of the year is just getting into warm season here on this island just south of Melbourne off the coast of Australia. It’s a dry and warm period, perfect for hiking and scuba diving.

Also, there are numerous festivals all around, such as The Falls Festival and Taste of Tasmania. If you are a wine drinker, there are plenty of wineries with which to plan an afternoon of wine tasting. Take a drive from Hobart to Port Arthur, a coastal town set on the edge of a peninsula on the south side of the island, is a big draw. HOTEL: MACq 01 Hotel

Costa Rica

December marks the beginning of the dry season, which is also peak tourist season in Costa Rica. It’s a great place to book a holiday that’s fun for the whole family. You can visit Arenal Volcano National National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest, or one of the many beautiful beaches.

Embark on a jungle tour of the tropics, go horseback riding, ziplining through the forest, river rafting, or surfing. There’s nothing like celebrating the season pure vida style with a drink in your hand and delectable food every day. HOTEL: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

Cambodia

This is one of the best times and peak season to visit the Kingdom of Wonder. Expect near perfect weather in December. With thousands of temples, Angkor Wat Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see during sunrise.

For the adventurous and active, a mountain temple hike will reward you with panoramic views once you reach the top. Although a Buddhist country, you will still find festive Christmas decorations and many events throughout the month. Combine your Cambodian adventure with a trip to neighboring Laos and Vietnam. HOTEL: Six Senses Krabey Island

Kyoto

Delve into Japanese culture with all sorts of festive fun. While New Year’s is the primary event, the activities throughout December are sure to delight. Go to Shimai Kobo on December 21 and Shimai Tenjin on Christmas Day. These two markets offer wonderful ceramics and handcraft shopping. Delicious food, Japanese snacks and drink can also be had here.

Around Arashiyama December 8-17, lanterns in the thousands will be placed all around, including the enchanted bamboo forest. And if you are here on New Year’s, do not miss the bell-ringing ceremonies at the city’s largest temple, Choin-in. On a 3 weeks in Japan itinerary, you can add Nara, Tokyo, Osaka, Takayama and more. HOTEL: Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

Cuba

During December you can expect warm, dry and sunny weather in this Caribbean island destination. Blue skies beckon many visitors for Cuba’s high tourist season. Step back in time and take a classic car tour of Old Havana. Take a day trip to Viñales to ride horses, see the tobacco farming and pick up some Cuban cigars.

The Havana Jazz Festival is the big event in December. You’ll find concerts happening at several venues, as well as impromptu performances by talented musicians. HOTEL: El Candil Boutique Hotel

RELATED POST: What You Need to Know Before You Visit Cuba

These are the top places to travel in December around the world to celebrate the festive season. Whether you are planning a trip for winter vacation or a New Year’s getaway, get booking. It’s a busy travel time. If you still need more inspiration, check out the best places to travel in November.

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