Winter

🎄

Where to Go in December

Holiday magic and tropical escapes

7 Destinations

3 Featured

December delivers two distinct appeals: festive celebrations in Europe, North America, and Australasia, or tropical escapes to the Maldives, Thailand, and the Caribbean for those seeking sun.

Top Picks for December

Featured Destinations

Featured

Luxury

🇲🇻

Maldives

Tropical perfection at peak prices

26° - 30°C

minimal rain

Very High

Highlights

Peak diving conditionsLuxury holiday celebrationsPerfect weather

honeymoonluxurycouples

Booking tip: Budget $500-1,500+/night. Mandatory gala dinners $500-850/person during holidays.

Mid-Range

🇦🇹

Austria & Germany

Austria

Christmas market magic

-2° - 4°C

moderate rain

High

Highlights

Historic Christmas marketsMulled wine and treatsSnow-dusted medieval cities

couplesfamiliesculture

Mid-Range

🇦🇺

Sydney

Australia

Summer begins Down Under

18° - 26°C

moderate rain

Very High

Highlights

World-famous NYE fireworksBeach ChristmasSydney to Hobart race

familiescouplesnightlife

More Great Options

All December Destinations

Luxury

🇫🇮

Lapland

Finland

Arctic winter wonderland

-20° - -10°C

low rain

Very High

Highlights

Santa Claus VillageNorthern LightsHusky sledding

familiescouplesadventure

Booking tip: Book 6-12 months ahead. Budget $500+/day/person.

Mid-Range

🇳🇿

New Zealand South Island

New Zealand

Summer adventure peak

10° - 22°C

low rain

High

Highlights

Iconic lupin blooms17+ hours daylightMilford Track prime

adventurehikingphotographerscouples

Booking tip: Book Great Walk huts 3-6 months ahead.

Mid-Range

🇹🇭

Thailand

Peak season returns

22° - 32°C

minimal rain

Very High

Highlights

Dry season beginsPerfect beach weatherChristmas festivities

beachcouplesfamilies

Luxury

🇨🇭

Swiss Alps

Switzerland

Ski season opens

-8° - 0°C

moderate rain

Very High

Highlights

Ski season beginsAlpine Christmas marketsMountain village charm

skiingcouplesfamiliesluxury

Quick Comparison

Destination	Budget	Crowds	Best For	Weather
🇲🇻Maldives	Luxury	Very High	honeymoon, luxury	26°-30°C
🇦🇹Austria & Germany	Mid-Range	High	couples, families	-2°-4°C
🇦🇺Sydney	Mid-Range	Very High	families, couples	18°-26°C
🇫🇮Lapland	Luxury	Very High	families, couples	-20°--10°C
🇳🇿New Zealand South Island	Mid-Range	High	adventure, hiking	10°-22°C
🇹🇭Thailand	Mid-Range	Very High	beach, couples	22°-32°C
🇨🇭Swiss Alps	Luxury	Very High	skiing, couples	-8°-0°C