The perfect December getaway is completely different for each traveler. For some, strolling by way of Europe’s glowing vacation markets is the dream, whereas for others, chasing the fun of contemporary powder out West makes the month nice. Or, if you happen to choose to sit back, the nice and cozy waters of Mexico’s Riviera Maya are simply the important thing.
Plus, main lodge openings, new flight routes and seasonal celebrations that vary from conventional to delightfully surprising (hiya, fried rooster feast for Christmas Eve!) make December an particularly thrilling time to journey.
Whether or not you are chasing sunshine within the Southern Hemisphere, in search of crowd-free cities or wish to snuggle up in a winter wonderland, these are the ten greatest locations to go to in December.
Budapest
In case your head is crammed with visions of mulled wine, spiced cookies, twinkling lights and candy treats, then put Budapest in your December journey listing. The Hungarian capital sparkles in December with two notably massive vacation markets, one at Vorosmarty Sq. and the opposite at St. Stephen’s Basilica. At Vorosmarty, buy native handmade crafts and Hungarian objects, together with soaps and spices. In the meantime, on the St. Stephen’s market, you may discover extra meals to pattern along with your forralt bar (mulled wine), together with massive fried flatbread referred to as lagos that comes heaped with savory toppings; get pleasure from it whilst you watch the sunshine present projected on the basilica.
Hold the festive spirit going on the New York Cafe, usually referred to as “probably the most lovely cafe on the earth.” It is a sweet field of crystal, marble and opulent golden particulars. Sip a sizzling chocolate or a cocktail, order a stunning layer cake or heat up with a bowl of goulash. There’s normally a protracted line to get in, however if you happen to keep on the elegant Anantara New York Palace Budapest Lodge, particular tables are reserved for lodge company (rooms from $409 an evening in December).
Two extra festive methods to spend time in Budapest in December embody taking a nighttime cruise alongside the Danube River to see the Home of Parliament and the Royal Fort solid in a golden glow, and visiting the Hungarian State Opera, a restored Baroque gem, to see The Nutcracker.
TPG tip: The Hilton Budapest Lodge is about as shut as doable to sleeping in Buda Fort itself. The lodge is a former Thirteenth-century church on Fort Hill simply steps from St. Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion. December charges begin from $162 or 50,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening.
Associated: The 8 greatest Christmas market river cruises for 2025 and 2026
Cartagena, Colombia
For hotter climate, head south to Cartagena, Colombia, the place December brings balmy temperatures. The dry, sunny days are perfect for taking within the vibrant colonial structure, cobblestone streets and flower-draped balconies of this Caribbean coastal metropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Reward your inbox with the TPG Each day publication
Be a part of over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s specialists
Cartagena’s culinary scene will not disappoint. Decide up an arepa de huevo (egg-filled corn cake) on the go, or go all-out at Celele, which holds the quantity six spot on Latin America’s 50 Finest Eating places listing. Then, put together your seashore bag for the 15-minute boat trip to Isla Tierra Bomba. The island’s white sand and 80-degree waters make it an ideal spot to benefit from the heat climate.
TPG tip: The trendy Hyatt Regency Cartagena has an ocean-front location, an infinity pool with stellar views, a spa and even a youngsters membership for folks who would possibly need some downtime to chill out with out interruption. The Class 3 Hyatt property has charges beginning at $182 or 9,000 World of Hyatt factors per evening in December.
Newly opened inside Cartagena’s walled metropolis, the boutique Casa Carolina amps up the wellness choices. Friends can unwind with rooftop cocktails, spa remedies and every day yoga; charges begin from $319 per evening in December.
And there is much more to stay up for subsequent yr: After delays, the 4 Seasons Lodge Cartagena is about to open in early 2026. The design preserves the unique components (together with a ballroom and a number of other patios) of the 4 buildings relationship again to the early twentieth century that comprise the property.
Large Sky, Montana
Ski season hits its stride in Montana in December, and Large Sky is shortly changing into the luxurious winter vacation spot within the area. The excitement this yr? The One & Solely Moonlight Basin, opening in November, marks the model’s U.S. debut. The property has a mixture of luxurious cabins, suites and personal properties, plus direct ski-in/ski-out entry and panoramic alpine views, all set on 240 prime acres. Confirmed for December, the resort’s gondola will open for the season with direct entry to Large Sky Resort’s Madison Base. And the brand-new Kircliff Statement Deck opens at Large Sky Resort on Dec. 20, providing an unbeatable spot to absorb Lone Peak’s snow-covered glory from 1,100 toes.
Kircliff is nice for non-skiers to get views, too, and Large Sky affords many winter actions off the slopes, together with canine sledding, cross-country snowboarding and snowshoeing. And the city turns up the festivities for the December holidays, with tree lighting ceremonies, horse-drawn wagon rides and photographs with Santa amongst different vacation enjoyable. Another December exercise on the resort to circle in your calendar: the prospect to see avalanche canines exhibit their particular rescue abilities on Dec. 15.
TPG tip: When One & Solely Moonlight Basin opens, it would have 73 rooms in the primary lodge and 16 cabins; charges for rooms begin at $1,200 per evening in December. A extra reasonably priced possibility is perhaps the Residence Inn by Marriott, Large Sky/The Wilson Lodge, which is favored by TPG workers for its glorious location simply 10 minutes from Large Sky. December charges begin from $203 or 52,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening and embody breakfast.
Cayman Islands
With sunny days and delicate temperatures, December is the most effective time to go to the island nation. You may wish to lounge on the white-sands of Seven Mile Seaside in Grand Cayman and swim, snorkel and dive in its clear surf. Water lovers can even wish to attempt jet snowboarding, kiteboarding, paddleboarding, crusing, snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing.
And there is loads of vacation spirit right here. The season kicks off on Nov. 15, with the lighting of an enormous 42‑foot Christmas tree at Camana Bay and continues with nightly gentle exhibits by way of early January. Households can get pleasure from free picture classes with Santa on Saturdays in early December, out of doors film nights underneath twinkling lights, vacation craft markets and the spirited Santa Run.
If you wish to add extra health to your festivities, the annual Cayman Islands Marathon and half‑marathon takes place Dec. 7.
TPG tip: The Grand Cayman Marriott Seaside Resort, proper on the golden sands of Seven Mile Seaside, simply accomplished a significant renovation and has 295 vibrant and fashionable rooms from $539 per evening or 68,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors.
Associated: 11 stunning winter trip concepts for a warm-weather getaway
Lyon, France
Lyon could also be generally known as the capital of gastronomy in France — it was the house of famed French chef Paul Bocuse. However in December, meals comes second to the glowing Pageant of Lights. The annual occasion, Dec. 5-8, 2025, began when residents lit candles to thank the Virgin Mary. It’s now a four-day spectacle of sunshine exhibits, artwork installations and performances throughout town. The pageant facilities round Saint-Jean Cathedral, which transforms right into a multi-hued Gothic marvel by way of subtle gentle projections.
And naturally, delicacies continues to be an integral a part of a go to to Lyon (town is on the heart of Vallee de la Gastronomie). Stroll by way of the Paul Bocuse Meals Corridor to buy glistening pyramids of candied fruits and towers of hand-poured sweets — each fashionable seasonal choices. Then pull up a stool at an oyster bar for fresh-shucked oysters and a glass of glowing wine.
For an much more festive meal, attempt Les Loges within the newly reopened Cour des Loges Lyon, a Radisson Assortment Lodge (rooms from $297 per evening). The charming chef, Anthony Bonnet, secured a coveted Michelin star for the restaurant earlier than the property closed for a 13-month renovation. Now reopened, the centuries-old house is a grand setting for a multicourse menu that makes probably the most of seasonal elements like mushrooms, hazelnuts and a hay-infused beef bouillon.
TPG tip: Villa Maia, perched atop Fourviere Hill, affords views of your entire outdated city beneath. Stays embody entry to the property’s Roman baths, a deep-soaking leisure pool, a sauna and a steam room. Costs in December begin at $308 per evening. When you maintain the correct Amex card, you may ebook it by way of Amex Nice Accommodations + Resorts to get perks like complimentary every day breakfast for 2 and assured 4 p.m. late checkout.
The restored Intercontinental Lyon — Lodge Dieu by IHG occupies a palatial 18th-century constructing on the Rhone River inside strolling distance of the outdated city. Rooms begin at $247 or 62,000 IHG One Rewards factors per evening in December.
Adelaide, Australia
For vacationers seeking to swap snowflakes for Southern Hemisphere sunshine, Adelaide ushers within the begin of summer time in December. And the capital of South Australia can be simpler than ever to achieve due to United Airways’ first nonstop flights from San Francisco Worldwide Airport (SFO) to Adelaide Airport (ADL) launching Dec. 11.
Adelaide affords easy accessibility to seashores, wine areas and plenty of out of doors actions. Within the metropolis, you may go to the Adelaide Botanic Backyard and the Artwork Gallery of South Australia, which incorporates some of the essential collections of Indigenous artwork within the nation, in addition to the one devoted Islamic gallery house in Australia.
Adelaide can also be an ideal jumping-off level for journeys to Barossa Valley, the lauded wine space simply an hour away by automotive (try Seppeltsfield Vineyard and Property, which received Australia’s Finest Vineyard award final yr).
Or get pleasure from Adelaide’s flourishing restaurant scene and December’s summer time/vacation occasion lineup. Adelaide Central Market‘s vacation evening market is crammed with stalls promoting distinctive items, scrumptious meals and handmade crafts. There are additionally reside performances and carol singers, too.
TPG tip: The Adelaide Marriott Lodge is in central Adelaide within the iconic Normal Submit Workplace constructing overlooking Victoria Sq.. Charges in December begin at $210 or 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening.
Tokyo
Tokyo in December is a traveler’s candy spot with cooler climate and thinner crowds. In winter, Japan leans into its quieter rhythms. You may soak in sizzling springs, go to snow-covered shrines, slurp steaming noodles and tuck into charcoal-grilled mochi. Being right here within the vacation season means you may also discover town’s winter illuminations and check out some surprising Christmas traditions. For instance, be part of the crowds of locals to choose up a conventional vacation meal that will look acquainted: a celebration bucket of KFC fried rooster, or “Kentucky for Christmas” because it’s usually referred to (when you concentrate on it, Colonel Sanders does look so much like outdated St. Nick).
And whereas Tokyo does not get snow, close by ski resorts in Nagano and Niigata are simply accessible, making this a uncommon urban-ski combo journey.
TPG tip: Sure resorts around the globe are synonymous with their location. Image The Plaza in New York and The Ritz in Paris. In Tokyo, that lodge is the Park Hyatt, the enduring setting of the movie “Misplaced in Translation.” And on Dec. 9, the lauded lodge will reopen its doorways after a year-long renovation, making it a must-visit for film and lodge followers. Charges in December begin at $857 per evening (though the Park Hyatt can be obtainable to ebook utilizing World of Hyatt factors, there’s at the moment no factors availability in December).
Associated: Tokyo Narita vs. Haneda: Which airport ought to I fly into?
Riviera Maya, Mexico
In search of an easy-to-reach warm-weather escape in December? The Riviera Maya presents a super possibility. With daytime temperatures averaging 81 levels Fahrenheit and balmy evenings round 73 levels, it is a super time for seashore lounging, snorkeling, exploring historic Mayan ruins or leaping right into a cenote (pure swimming gap) with out the extreme warmth or humidity of summer time. December additionally marks the beginning of the dry season, that means clearer skies and no probability of fall’s prolonged hurricane season.
Even higher, vacation festivities are in full swing — together with the colourful Feast of Our Woman of Guadalupe on Dec. 12, and Christmas and New 12 months’s celebrations at many resorts, full with beachfront dinners, reside leisure and cultural performances. Make sure to cease at native markets providing conventional vacation meals akin to candy fried bunuelos and tamales (although you’ll have seen them year-round, they are a Christmas custom).
TPG tip: December brings the debut of a brand-new beachfront resort, the adults-only Bahia Principe Grand Tequila, a Hyatt Inclusive Assortment property. Opening Dec. 1, the resort will function 360 suites, 4 eating places, 4 bars and reside leisure; company can even have entry to neighboring Bahia Principe resorts. Charges in December begin at $336 per evening for 2 folks. (Sadly, the resort isn’t bookable but with World of Hyatt factors.)
Associated: 7 superb spots in Mexico’s Riviera Maya that are not Tulum
Egypt
Egypt turns into pleasantly delicate in December, making it a super time to discover the nation’s historic wonders, together with these in Cairo and alongside the Nile River. After a number of delays, the Grand Egyptian Museum close to the Giza pyramids will open in November. Full of wonders such because the obelisk of King Rameses II and the golden burial masks of Tutankhamun, this can be a sizzling ticket, to say the least. Reservations are required prematurely, and walk-ups aren’t permitted; use this web site to safe your tickets (there are various imposter websites, sadly).
Nile River cruising can also be having a second, with a number of newly launched ships from manufacturers like Ama and Viking that provide luxe, all-inclusive sailings between Luxor to Aswan. You may have the prospect to go to the big temples of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, in addition to many different iconic websites of the traditional world.
TPG tip: For a luxe keep in Cairo, head to the pampering oasis of the St. Regis Cairo. The 36-story property has 366 visitor rooms, suites and residences, in addition to seven bars and eating places on-site. Charges begin at an inexpensive $309 or 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening in December.
Puerto Rico
Head to Puerto Rico in December for among the most festive Christmas-season celebrations within the U.S. Sure, it is heat and sunny. Sure, you may go to the seashore and swim within the ocean all month lengthy. However Puerto Rico additionally turns up yuletide to an “11” with one of many longest vacation celebrations across the globe, kicking off in November and working all the way in which till Three Kings Day on Jan. 6.
December brings parrandas (Christmas caroling with devices), aguinaldos (folk-style vacation songs), full of life markets and rum-spiked coquito (a spice-infused vacation punch that is like a coconut model of eggnog) throughout the island. In San Juan, the historic cobblestone La Fortaleza road is strung with vacation lights and turns into a night gathering place.
And all of this, with no passport required.
Associated studying:
