The best places to visit in December
The UK can feel pretty cosy and festive at Christmas, but it’s also a great time to get away and enjoy some sun… which feels so far from our shores at this time of year. Whether you’re looking for a longer one- or two-week break or a shorter city stay, these are some of the best places to go on holiday in December.
One to two-week holidays
The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are a great choice for winter sun, because they get good weather all year round and the time difference is only one hour out from the UK despite the four-hour flight. Flights are usually fairly cheap, but as it’s a popular destination for Christmas holidays you’ll want to book your accommodation as soon as possible. We love Tenerife for hikes, Lanzarote for its landscapes, Gran Canaria for beaches, and Fuerteventura for all-round chill vibes.
Find out more about our trips to the Canary Islands here.
Colombia
The wettest seasons are over and Colombia is warming up in December. The equator runs through the southern part of Colombia, so you never need to worry too much about getting warm weather (compared to the UK at least), but it does have wet and dry seasons that you should plan your trip around.
Colombia is one of my favourite countries (in fact, I visited twice in one year because I love it so much) – how many countries can you explore the jungle, the beach, the mountains, and some of the world’s greatest cities all in two weeks?
Read our full Colombia itinerary here.
Mexico
Similar to Colombia, Mexico also benefits from warm, dry weather in December. It’s a popular beach destination at this time of year thanks to the almost-guaranteed good weather. The cities can be a bit cooler, but that’s okay in a place like CDMX or Oaxaca where too much heat can feel oppressive.
Read our three week Mexico itinerary here.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka tends to be hot and dry in December, making it a great spot for a Christmas break. You can explore everything from pristine beaches to historical landmarks, tea plantations, mountains, and safaris all in one two week trip. Find out how we spent two weeks in Sri Lanka here.
The Phillippines
The beaches of The Philippines are actually as breathtaking in real life as they look in photos. So if you want a truly relaxing mid-winter break there are few places so idyllic to take it. We sailed from Coron to El Nido (which was more fun than relaxing) and in each island there are plenty of day trips to incredible lakes, beaches, and kayaking spots to take advantage of.
City breaks
Edinburgh
Edinburgh feels perfectly Christmassy in December, so if you don’t mind the cold it’s the perfect spot for a weekend getaway. You can explore the Christmas markets, and avoid the crowds that flood the city for the Fringe festival in August.
Find out what we did on a long weekend in Edinburgh here.
Tromsø
It doesn’t get more Christmassy than a weekend in the arctic circle. And there’s so much to do in Tromsø. We stayed in a stunning arctic hotel, took a fjord cruise, explored the city, tried to take a hike (!), and went sledding all in the space of three days.
Find out more about our long weekend in Tromsø here.
Warsaw
Another festive wonderland is Warsaw, which comes alive with Christmas lights in December. So many of the city’s activities are indoors, so it doesn’t matter if it’s cold and snowy… and if you’re out wandering the old town then the weather just adds to the atmosphere.
Find out about our long weekend in Warsaw here.
Oslo
Oslo is another European city that just suits the cold weather. It’s well set up for snowy conditions, so it won’t get in the way of you getting the full experience of the Norwegian capital.
Read our Oslo itinerary here.
Paris
Paris is a city you can explore at any time of year. But if you catch it on a snowy weekend in December, it feels more romantic than ever. Don’t worry about the cold… Just wrap up warm and head outside. There are so many indoor and outdoor activities to explore in Paris, the weather will never get in the way of you having a great time.
Read our itinerary for a weekend in Paris here.
Lille
Lille is the perfect city to explore in one day. It’s big enough that there are things to do, but small enough that you can fit them all in without feeling overwhelmed. We visited for a day from London on the Eurostar, and if you plan your trip for December you’ll be able to visit their iconic Christmas market.
Find out our tips for a trip to Lille here.
Dublin
The lights in Temple Bar, snow over the castle, and the winding streets of the old town make Dublin a brilliant spot for a city break in December. Explore the Guinness storehouse, wander the grounds of Trinity College, head to the pub and tuck into a spice bag… what more could you want?!
Copenhagen
Like Oslo, Copenhagen is a city that lends itself to winter weather. The Danes know how to deal with snow, so if it’s snowing during your visit, it won’t affect your experience. In fact, I don’t think there’s a bad month to go to Copenhagen.
Find out our Copenhagen highlights here.