December is upon us, and the year is drawing to a close. If you’re dreaming of a getaway to cap off 2024, whether it’s hitting the slopes for ski season or unwinding on a sun-drenched beach before the holiday rush, now is the perfect time to plan your escape. From nearby gems to far-flung paradises, we’ve curated a list of exceptional destinations, complete with recommendations for hotels, resorts, and must-do activities. Whether you crave the summer vibes of Rio de Janeiro or the winter wonderland of the Adirondacks, we invite you to end the year on a high note with unforgettable travel experiences.
Here are 15 of the best places to travel in December:
Miami, Florida
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Miami stands out as an ideal best place to travel in December for those seeking sunshine and vibrant city life. South Beach beckons with its iconic sands, while retail therapy awaits in the Design District, Brickell City Centre, and Aventura Mall. Art enthusiasts can explore the outdoor murals of Wynwood, particularly captivating during Art Basel (Dec. 6-8). Downtown Miami’s Brickell area offers a unique perspective, with bustling weekend boat activity on the Miami River and dazzling nighttime city views. For a festive touch, Zoo Miami transforms into a “Zoo Lights” spectacle throughout December, adding holiday cheer despite the balmy 80-degree temperatures. The city embraces the holiday spirit with festive decorations, ensuring a celebratory atmosphere.
Where to Stay: For a luxurious experience, consider The Setai or Faena Hotel, both recognized in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best List for Miami in 2024. Kimpton Epic, with its Privai Spa and Area 31 restaurant, offers a stylish downtown stay.
San Diego, California
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San Diego, with its consistently mild weather, stunning beaches, and energetic downtown, is a best place to travel in December for a relaxed yet engaging getaway. While the 60-degree temperatures might not be ideal for swimming, the city offers a wealth of land-based activities. San Diego wholeheartedly embraces the holiday season, adorning Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and Legoland with festive decorations. Lightscape illuminates the San Diego Botanic Garden (Nov. 15-Jan. 5) with captivating art installations, and the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights boat procession takes place on Dec. 8 and 15. Year-round attractions include shopping and dining at Liberty Station, and scenic harbor cruises. Keep an eye out for gray whales as their annual migration begins mid-December.
Where to Stay: Kona Kai in Point Loma provides excellent views of the boat parade. For luxury accommodations, Rancho Bernardo Inn and Fairmont Grand Del Mar are exceptional choices from the best hotels in San Diego.
Boston, Massachusetts
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Boston in December is a quintessential winter experience and a best place to travel in December for those who enjoy a blend of history, culture, and festive cheer. Embrace the crisp air with a stroll along the Freedom Trail, delving into the city’s pivotal role in American history, or explore its numerous museums. Snowport, Boston’s annual holiday market, brims with shops, eateries, Christmas trees, and an ice skating rink. Frog Pond in Boston Common offers another popular ice skating venue. Nearby Faneuil Hall Marketplace provides shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The renowned Boston Pops orchestra presents “Holiday Pops” concerts, and “The Nutcracker” at Boston Ballet is a cherished holiday tradition.
Where to Stay: Raffles Boston and Hotel Commonwealth, both featured in the 2024 World’s Best Awards for Boston hotels, offer exceptional stays.
U.S. Virgin Islands
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For a warm and hassle-free Caribbean escape, the U.S. Virgin Islands are a prime best place to travel in December. No passport is required for U.S. citizens to reach these islands blessed with white-sand beaches and inviting waters. St. Croix, the largest island, offers a relaxed atmosphere, historical sites, and excellent diving, including night diving at Frederiksted Pier. It hosts the vibrant Crucian Christmas Festival each December. St. John, the smallest island, is home to Virgin Islands National Park, renowned for its petroglyphs, pristine beaches, and hiking trails. St. Thomas, the most accessible island, boasts natural beauty and duty-free shopping in Charlotte Amalie. December’s warm weather makes the U.S. Virgin Islands a sought-after winter destination, so early planning is recommended.
Where to Stay: Options range from boutique hotels to all-inclusive resorts. For luxury, The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas and Lovango Resort & Beach Club in St. John, a World’s Best Awards pick, are top choices.
The Adirondacks, New York
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The Adirondacks, a scenic mountain region in upstate New York, offer a contrasting best place to travel in December for a winter wonderland experience. Just a five-hour drive from New York City, the Adirondacks present snow-covered mountains and charming towns. Lake Placid, a two-time Winter Olympics host, provides ski slopes, shops, and restaurants. Saranac Lake features a quaint downtown and winter sports like snowmobiling. Families can enjoy The Polar Express train ride from Utica, a magical journey to meet Santa. For a cozy winter retreat, numerous lodges with fireplaces offer perfect relaxation.
Where to Stay: The Point Resort in Saranac Lake offers luxurious rooms in rustic cabins. The Lodge at Schroon Lake provides cabins, chalets, and hotel rooms on 36 acres. In Lake Placid, High Peaks Resort and Eastwind Lake Placid offer diverse lodging options.
Washington, D.C.
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Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, emerges as a captivating best place to travel in December, blending holiday festivities with cultural exploration. Expect cool temperatures, festive decorations, and favorable off-season hotel rates. The Downtown Holiday Market, starting in late November, offers a free open-air market with entertainment and vendors. Ice skating rinks at the National Gallery of Art, Wharf, Washington Harbour, and Navy Yard provide classic winter fun. D.C. is excellent for holiday shopping, particularly at museum shops with unique gifts. The city’s museums offer engaging experiences for all interests and warm refuge from the winter chill, making Washington, D.C. a fantastic family destination.
Where to Stay: Consider hotels from Travel + Leisure’s list of best Washington, D.C. hotels for 2024, featuring World’s Best Awards winners and It List favorites.
Fort Worth, Texas
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Fort Worth, Texas, presents a unique blend of Western heritage and urban attractions, making it a compelling best place to travel in December. With temperatures in the 50s, explore the historic Stockyards, witnessing the daily cattle drive of longhorns. Tour the stockyards, visit the petting zoo, and browse shops on Mule Alley. Evening entertainment includes Billy Bob’s Texas honky-tonk and Sundance Square’s lively downtown. The city adorns itself in holiday décor, and the Fort Worth Botanic Garden transforms into a Lightscape winter wonderland (Nov. 22-Jan. 5) with over a million lights.
Where to Stay: Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection, is a top choice from T+L readers. Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection, and Le Méridien Fort Worth Downtown offer newer luxury options.
Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka emerges as a highly sought-after best place to travel in December, especially during the holiday season. Travel advisor Niall Causer highlights its popularity for winter sun, adventure, and relaxation, with dry, sunny weather in the southern coastal region. Sri Lanka boasts world-class beaches, boutique hotels, and villa accommodations. Activities range from elephant sightings in Udawalawe National Park to leopard and sloth bear spotting in Yala National Park. Early planning is crucial due to high demand and bookings during the holiday season. While Sri Lanka offers excellent value, allow ample time to explore its diverse attractions, ideally 14 nights for a comprehensive tour.
Where to Stay: Camp Weligama, Relais & Châteaux, offers villas overlooking the Indian Ocean. Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort and Anantara Kalutara Resort provide expansive five-star experiences.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Rio de Janeiro in December marks the beginning of summer, making it a vibrant best place to travel in December. Travel advisor Paul Irvine notes rising temperatures and lively beach and cultural scenes. Carnival rehearsals begin, adding to the city’s energy, while locals are still present before the peak tourist rush. New Year’s Eve on Copacabana Beach is a world-famous spectacle with fireworks and free concerts. Beyond the beaches, visit Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain via the funicular railway for stunning views.
Where to Stay: JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro overlooks the beach. Santa Teresa MGallery offers a boutique experience on a historic coffee farm. Fasano Rio de Janeiro and Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana provide beachfront luxury.
Saint-Tropez, France
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Saint-Tropez, typically a summer hotspot, transforms into a surprisingly charming best place to travel in December for a quieter, more authentic experience. While some establishments close for the season, travel advisor Philip Haslett points out the absence of crowds, allowing visitors to discover the picturesque fishing village in peace. December weather is often pleasant with sunny afternoons. Coastal walks and hiking routes reveal hidden gems like La Chartreuse de la Verne monastery.
Where to Stay: Arev Saint Tropez, opened in 2024, offers a boutique spa experience. Hotel La Ponche provides five-star luxury and bay views.
Vienna, Austria
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Vienna shines as a best place to travel in December for a festive and elegant European Christmas experience. Travel advisor Gwen Kozlowski emphasizes the city’s enchanting atmosphere with chandelier-lit pedestrian streets and decorated shops. December marks Vienna’s cultural peak season with classical music, opera, ballet, and jazz performances. Families will appreciate the world’s oldest zoo, interactive museums like the House of Music, and the Children’s Museum at Schönbrunn Palace. Vienna’s Christmas markets are renowned for their charm and atmosphere. Indulge in Sachertorte and hot chocolate in Vienna’s famous coffee houses.
Where to Stay: Almanac Palais Vienna offers a spa and indoor pool on the Ringstrasse. Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel, topped T+L readers’ favorite Vienna hotels in 2024.
Maldives
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The Maldives are a quintessential best place to travel in December for a luxurious tropical escape. December falls within the dry season, offering clear seas ideal for diving and snorkeling. The holiday season draws visitors seeking beach relaxation and festive celebrations. Travel writer Katie Lockhart notes December as peak season with resorts offering activities, dining, and entertainment. Choose from approximately 200 inhabited islands and luxurious overwater bungalows.
Where to Stay: Patina Maldives, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, and Anantara Kihavah Maldives offer exceptional experiences. Explore T+L’s list of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives for more options.
Dolomites, Italy
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The Dolomites in Italy are a stunning best place to travel in December for a pre-ski season mountain retreat. Travel advisor Joyce Falcone recommends early December for fewer crowds before ski season fully commences around Dec. 20. Explore charming villages like Castelrotto or stay in Ortisei. The region blends Italian, Austrian, and Ladin cultures. Enjoy the Tyrolean architecture at Hotel La Perla in Corvara, adorned with holiday décor. Alta Badia lifts open in early December, offering skiing on the Sellaronda route. Non-skiers will also find plenty to enjoy in the Italian mountains.
Where to Stay: Forestis offers year-round comfort, especially beautiful in winter. The Adler Spa Resort and Few & Far provide luxurious mountain experiences.
Turks & Caicos
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Turks & Caicos, an archipelago in the Atlantic, presents a classic Caribbean best place to travel in December with beautiful beaches and water activities. Relax on beachfronts, enjoy water sports like diving and snorkeling amidst abundant marine life. December offers warm weather, and holiday vacationers arrive in large numbers later in the month. Maskanoo on Dec. 26 celebrates the islands’ culture with music and fireworks. Convenient flights to Providenciales and the use of the U.S. dollar enhance accessibility.
Where to Stay: The Shore Club is ideal for groups. The Strand, opening in late November, offers secluded oceanfront villas. Beaches Turks & Caicos is an all-inclusive resort suitable for families and couples.
Prague, Czech Republic
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Prague in December offers a charmingly cold yet warmly festive best place to travel in December experience. Holiday decorations adorn the city, and Christmas markets offer souvenirs, local foods, and comforting drinks. Christmas trees illuminate squares, and musicians perform in Old Town Square. River cruises on the Vltava provide scenic city views. Prague’s museums offer cultural enrichment and warmth. Strolling through the ancient city and enjoying local desserts in cafes are delightful December activities. The European Sleeper Train provides a convenient travel option.
Where to Stay: Andaz Prague, in a historic building, is near Old Town Christmas markets. NH Collection Prague Carlo IV is another elegant option. Explore T+L’s list of best hotels in Prague for more choices.
December presents a world of travel possibilities, whether you seek snowy adventures or sunny escapes. These 15 destinations offer a diverse range of experiences for your best place to travel in December, ensuring a memorable end to the year.
