Best December Getaway Destinations

Along with holiday shopping and year-end festivities, planning a vacation in December can be overwhelming. But if you can squeeze in time for a trip, you’ll be glad you did. The best places to visit in December were chosen by U.S. News based on price, accessibility, and seasonal crowds. These destinations have it all, whether you’re looking for a warm-weather getaway or want to get into the holiday spirit in a snow-covered town. (Note: The coronavirus outbreak may affect some of the following destinations.) Before traveling, consult the CDC and the US Department of State.)

#1 Phuket, Thailand

Although Phuket, Thailand, has a year-round warm climate, the cool, dry weather and calm water in December make it a great time to visit. Plan on spending the majority of your time at beaches like Nai Harn and Kata Noi sunbathing, swimming, scuba diving, and more. However, keep in mind that December is peak tourist season in Phuket, so you won’t find many deals on flights and accommodations during this month. Avoid visiting during the holidays in late December for slightly lower rates.

Best hotel deals in Phuket Province

#2 Rio de Janeiro

While the Northern Hemisphere enters winter in December, Rio de Janeiro is in the midst of its peak summer season. This is one of the warmest (though also one of the wettest) times of year in Rio, but you’ll still have mostly sunny weather, giving you plenty of opportunities to see famous sights like the Christ the Redeemer statue. If you want to experience Rio’s vibrant party scene during your visit, plan your trip around Reveillon. With its music, dancing, and fireworks, this popular New Year’s Eve celebration on Copacabana Beach attracts millions of people each year.

Best hotel deals in Rio de Janeiro

#3 Hawaii – The Big Island

This Hawaiian paradise is ideal for escaping the arrival of winter. Weary travelers can unwind on colorful stretches of sand like Punalu’u Beach (which has beautiful black sand) and Papakolea Beach (which has a unique green sand option), while more adventurous types can go hiking in Akaka Falls State Park or catch a glimpse of the more than 4,000-foot-tall Kilauea volcano at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. In December, you’ll most likely be competing with other snowbirds, but hotel prices on the Big Island are consistently lower than those on neighboring isles.

Best hotel deals in Hawaii

#4 Banff

Banff, Alberta, is known for its imposing landscape and excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions. It is located at the base of the Canadian Rockies. From the Banff Gondola and its 360-degree observation deck at the Sulphur Mountain summit, you can also take Instagram-worthy photos of the town’s stunning scenery. After a long day of exploring, relax your muscles with a dip in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Remember that in December, daylight can last as little as eight hours, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

Best hotel deals in Banff

#5 Torres del Paine National Park

This national park, located in southern Chilean Patagonia, provides visitors with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The park is frequently cited as one of the most scenic hiking destinations in the world, with turquoise lakes and dense forests, as well as the massive Grey Glacier and the towering granite of Cuernos del Paine. Even though December is the peak summer season in Patagonia, temperatures drop dramatically after dark, so visitors should dress in layers.

Best hotel deals nearby

#6 Quebec City, Canada

This Canadian destination is easy to fall in love with, especially when it’s covered in fresh snow. The sights and sounds of Old Québec as it transforms into a Christmas village will enchant you. Alternatively, you can go shopping for gifts (or for yourself) in Quartier Petit-Champlain. Plus, with its 17th- and 18th-century architecture, Quebec City allows you to immerse yourself in European culture without having to pay for a plane ticket across the Atlantic. Just remember to bundle up. In December, temperatures can fall below freezing.

Best hotel deals in Quebec City

#7 Park City

Winter sports enthusiasts will enjoy visiting Park City, Utah, in December, when many of the town’s top resorts, such as Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort, reopen for the ski season. Even if you don’t ski or snowboard, there are plenty of other things to do in town. Shopping for last-minute gifts and watching Santa ride down the Town Lift in Historic Park City, seeing a holiday performance at the Egyptian Theater, or watching athletes train for the Winter Olympics at Utah Olympic Park are all options.

Best hotel deals in Park City

#8 Dubai

For many months of the year, temperatures in Dubai can reach triple digits, but the weather cools significantly by December. Traveling to this destination in the United Arab Emirates during this month means you’ll have more comfortable weather (think: temperatures in the 70s) and fewer rain showers. But be prepared to rub elbows with other tourists while relaxing on Jumeirah Public Beach, shopping at the massive Dubai Mall, or strolling through the historic Bastakiya Quarter.

Best hotel deals in Dubai

#9 Jackson Hole

For an unforgettable winter vacation, visit this 50-mile-long Wyoming valley. There are several excellent ski resorts in the area, including Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King Resort. When you need a break from the slopes, you can go wildlife watching at the National Elk Refuge or snowshoeing through Grand Teton National Park. Keep in mind that temperatures in December remain below freezing during the day and can frequently drop into the single digits at night, so pack accordingly.

Rooms and prices

#10 Prague

Travel to Prague for a fun and festive winter vacation if you’re willing to brave the cold. In December, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, with snow-covered buildings and Christmas markets selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to toys to Christmas ornaments. Those traveling with children should try to arrive in early December, when the annual St. Nicholas Eve celebration takes place. During this traditional celebration, the Czech Republic’s version of St. Nick, along with his angel and devil guides, will walk around the city handing out candy and other treats.

Best hotel deals in Prague

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