December is the season for cozying up by the fire or ditching the cold entirely. The Northern Hemisphere experiences winter with snow and chill, while the Southern Hemisphere basks in summer’s warmth.
Travelers can choose anything from snowcapped landscapes ideal for winter sports to sunlit beaches for relaxation. As the year-end approaches, many places come alive with holiday preparations, each offering unique cultural experiences.
So, whether you’re chasing powder in Canada or seeking sun in the Caribbean, these are the 10 best places to visit in December.
Banff, Alberta
In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff becomes a magical winter wonderland in December. Start your trip with a visit to Lake Louise, which is frozen solid in December, making it a natural ice skating rink surrounded by towering mountains. If you’re in the mood for a bit more adventure, hit the slopes at Sunshine Village, where you can ski or snowboard with some of the best views in the world.
The Banff Hot Chocolate Trail is a delightful way to warm up as you wander the picturesque streets of Banff town. Between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31, more than 20 cafes offer traditional cocoa and limited-time flavors like Raspberry Ripple and Brownie Bauble. The Banff Christmas Market has more than 150 artisanal vendors selling gifts and food at the Banff Heritage Train Station on weekends between Nov. 15 and Dec. 8.
TPG tip: Stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs, Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies,” for around $422 per night this December. The hotel’s “Christmas at the Castle” experience, offered between Dec. 16 and Jan. 3, includes a decorated Christmas tree in your room, plus access to festive concerts, stargazing with hot cocoa and more.
Related: Canmore, Alberta: Come for the breathtaking Rockies scenery, stay for the cool mountain vibes
Bogota, Colombia
Bogota is much warmer but still festive. December marks the beginning of the dry season here, making it a great time to explore the city’s vibrant streets, cultural landmarks and breathtaking Andean views without worrying about rain. Venture up to the sanctuary of Monserrate, a mountaintop shrine above Bogota, to take in the city lights from above.
Bogota’s burgeoning culinary scene won’t disappoint. Grab some ajiaco (a traditional chicken and potato soup), or treat yourself to a fine dining experience at Restaurante Leo, which currently holds the eighth spot on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
If you have time, head three hours northeast to the colonial town of Villa de Leyva, Colombia, for its annual Festival of Lights (Dec. 8 to 9) that covers parks, streets and landmarks in a sea of holiday lights.
TPG tip: Stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota in the city’s trendy Zona G neighborhood, where rates start at $390 per night in December. If you’d rather use points, the nearby JW Marriott Hotel Bogota offers rates starting at $396 or 24,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in December.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is a gateway to some of the best skiing in the U.S., with nearby resorts like Snowbird, Alta Ski Area and Deer Valley Resort opening for the 2024-2025 season between late November and early December. When you’re not hitting the slopes, head to Temple Square to see hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights create a holiday wonderland around the iconic Salt Lake Temple. Stroll through Christkindlmarkt SLC (Dec. 4 to 7) at This is the Place Heritage Park for holiday gifts, or catch a performance of Ballet West‘s “The Nutcracker” (Dec. 6 to 28), a beloved tradition celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.
TPG tip: Stay at the Asher Adams, Autograph Collection, which opens within the beautifully restored Salt Lake City Union Pacific Depot on Oct. 31. Rates start at $234 or 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in December. Skiers who want to stay closer to the slopes can check into the brand-new Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, which opens in the resort’s new East Village expansion Nov. 20. Rates start at $321 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night in December.
St. Kitts
With sunny days and mild temperatures, December is the best time to visit St. Kitts in the Eastern Caribbean. Hike up Mount Liamuiga, a stratovolcano offering views of the island and beyond. For beach lovers, head to South Friars Bay, where you can soak up the sun on golden sands or snorkel in crystal-clear waters. History buffs will love Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while nature lovers can explore the island’s lush rainforests.
December is also the start of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Carnival, Sugar Mas, which runs through early January. The streets of Basseterre come alive with parades, calypso music and vibrant costumes. The J’ouvert celebration on Boxing Day is when locals take to the streets early for a joyful and colorful parade.
TPG tip: Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour offers sea views, private pools and an expansive spa. In December, rates start at $900 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Located beneath the shadow of the Matterhorn, the car-free Alpine village of Zermatt is the ultimate winter escape for hitting the slopes, sipping Swiss hot chocolate and indulging in a fondue feast. For a unique experience, take a helicopter ride over the Matterhorn or book an early morning ski session and have the mountain to yourself. Or, ride on the Gornergrat railway for jaw-dropping views of the Alps.
TPG tip: Stay at Mont Cervin Palace for exclusive access to the slopes on Thursday mornings before anyone else. Rates start at around $708 per night.
New Zealand
December marks the beginning of summer in New Zealand, making it the best time to explore this island nation. From the majestic fjords of the South Island to the sun-drenched beaches of the North Island, New Zealand in December offers endless adventure opportunities.
Start in Queenstown, the adrenaline capital of the world, where you can bungee jump, skydive or jet boat across Lake Wakatipu. If you prefer a slower pace, cruise through Milford Sound, often called the “eighth wonder of the world” for its dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. Wine lovers will want to head to the Marlborough district, famous for its world-class sauvignon blanc.
December also brings long daylight hours, ideal for hiking New Zealand’s famous trails like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the Routeburn Track. For beachgoers, the Coromandel Peninsula offers pristine white sand beaches and clear blue waters for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. Surfers can head to Raglan, a funky coastal town just two hours south of Auckland by car with consistent point breaks year-round.
TPG tip: Stay at the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa, which sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu just outside of town. In December, rates start at $195 or 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Related: Glaciers, beaches and vineyards: The perfect New Zealand South Island road trip
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Located in the British Virgin Islands, Tortola is the largest island in the archipelago and offers the quintessential Caribbean experience with white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and a laid-back island vibe. December is also a good time to visit Smuggler’s Cove, a secluded beach where you can escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful day in paradise. And with American Airlines expanding direct flights to Tortola from Miami to five times weekly starting Dec. 7, getting there is easier than ever.
TPG tip: Stay at the Wyndham Tortola BVI Lambert Beach Resort. Rates start at $185 or 30,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night.
Miami
Miami’s average December temperatures hover in the mid-70s, and hurricane season is long gone. Art Basel Miami Beach (Dec. 6 to 8), one of the world’s most prestigious art shows, turns the city into an open-air gallery filled with exhibitions, pop-ups and parties galore each year. Pop over to Wynwood Walls on the mainland to see larger-than-life street art murals or the Pérez Art Museum Miami for a more traditional museum experience.
TPG tip: Stay at the National Hotel Miami Beach, an art deco treasure with an infinity pool and a prime beachfront location. Rates start at $185 per night in December.
Nagano, Japan
Look no further than Nagano, Japan, for a winter escape that combines world-class skiing with a rich cultural experience. Famous for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano has some of the best ski resorts in Japan, along with a tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. Skiers and snowboarders will want to head to Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort, one of Japan’s largest ski resorts with 18 interconnected ski areas. For a unique winter experience, visit Wild Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen-Koen) to watch snow monkeys soak in hot springs. After a day on the slopes, relax in a traditional onsen, where the hot mineral waters will soothe your muscles and warm your soul.
If you’re a history buff, visit Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples, dating back more than 1,400 years. The temple complex is a peaceful retreat, especially in winter when snow blankets the surrounding mountains.
TPG tip: Stay at The Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota, where each room has a semi-open-air hot spring bath. Rates start from $531 per night in December.
Related: 9 under-the-radar ski areas to check out this season
Uganda
For those with an adventurous spirit, Uganda is a December must. It’s dry season, which is a good time for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or embarking on a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Join a guided trek with groups like Volcanoes Safaris through the misty forests of Bwindi, where you’ll come face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. For safari lovers, head to Queen Elizabeth National Park to spot elephants, lions, hippos and more on a game drive.
Uganda is also home to the mighty Nile River. Take a boat cruise or go white water rafting at Jinja for an adrenaline-filled day on the water. For a more relaxed experience, visit Lake Bunyonyi, one of the country’s most beautiful lakes, dotted with small islands for navigating on peaceful canoe rides.
TPG tip: Plan your adventure with Volcanoes Safaris, the only African safari company building exclusive luxury lodges near Uganda’s renowned gorilla and chimpanzee parks. Rates start at $5,900 per person for a four-day gorilla safari.
Note from TPG editors: Due to crime, terrorism, and anti-LGBTQI+ legislation, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 warning advising travelers to reconsider travel to Uganda. The country also experienced anti-corruption protests earlier this year, so investigate the current situation before booking a trip.
Related reading:
