The Best Places to Travel in December

Vail, Colorado

Whether you need a break from the holiday madness or you want to dive headfirst into the festivities, we’ve got the best places to visit in December. Take a look at our Things to Do in December slideshow for more vacation ideas.

 

Holidays Around the World

Father Christmas in the Harrods Christmas Parade

Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa … no matter how you celebrate the holidays, there’s always something to do and places to go. Spread the holiday cheer and take the family to see Santa spread Christmas magic at hundreds of fun parades in London, West Hollywood, Auckland, Minneapolis and Toronto and several other locations near you!

Vail, Colorado

family hit the snow

Hit the slopes! Take the family or go on a romantic getaway to Vail, Squaw Valley or Jackson Hole. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, head to an international ski destination like Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France. Avoid the crowded beaches and go snowboarding on Mt. Tremblant.

New York City

New York City

From exquisitely decorated storefronts to the amazing Rockettes Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall, New York City attracts thousands of tourists every December. Visit the Big Apple during the holidays! It’s a sight to behold. We recommend visitingRockefeller Center to go ice skating, go shopping at new pop-up shops or just enjoy a cup of hot chocolate at Serendipity 3.

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

Remember and honor all those who died in the attack of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Visit the USS Arizona Memorial, located in Honolulu’s famous harbor. Take a tour of the USS Bowfin at the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park. It’s a must-see destination for history buffs.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro

Escape the cold weather to sunbathe on the beaches in Rio de Janeiro and ring in the New Year with a fun celebration on Copacabana Beach. And while you’re near Copa, visit the neighborhood and beach that inspired the song, “The Girl from Ipanema.” Don’t overlook the other beaches, including Baixo Baby for families, Praia do Arpoador for surfers and Sao Conrado Beach if you want to leap from nearby peaks and go hang gliding.

Australia

Australia

Heat your winter up and pack your backs to explore Australia. Celebrate New Year’s Eve at The Opera Gala in Sydney. Eat your way through the Taste Festival in Tasmania. And if music is your thing, we recommend checking out the Life’s a Beach Music Festival in Rockingham (30 minutes south of Perth) or experience the Woodford Folk Festival in Queensland, one of Australia’s biggest cultural festivals.

Hawaii and Mexico

 Hawaii and Mexico

December is a popular month to go cruising around Hawaii and Mexico. It’s an ideal family trip, especially with most kids in the US out of school for the holidays. Experience the Hawaii’s tropical paradise. Pick a popular cruise liner and visit ports of call like Nawiliwili on Kauai, Honolulu on Oahu and Kona on the Big Island. If the Caribbean floats your boat, we recommend taking a cruise to explore Mexico’s Costa Maya, Cozumel, Ensenada, Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and more.

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket, Thailand

See Asia’s biggest and most popular regatta! Held during the first week in December, the King’s Cup Regatta in Phuket, Thailand, is a 1-week event to celebrate the King of Thailand’s birthday. Don’t miss spending some time on the beaches in Phuket, includingPatong Beach, Kamala Beach, Mai Khao Beach, Bangtao Beach and Surin Beach.