The 17 best places to visit in December 2023

Last Updated: July 13, 2023

With the holiday season just around the corner, December is the perfect time of the year to travel and explore the world.

The best places to visit in December will depend largely on your personal preferences– are you a winter head or do you like the sun? December is the best time to visit cities draped in Christmas cheer but also an excellent opportunity to soak up some sun before the long winter.

Hot places in December can be reasonably busy as everyone tries to cram in a few more precious days in the sun. However, there are still plenty of amazing places to check out, so take a look at our list of the top places to visit in December for some inspiration to plan your next trip.

Best places to visit in December in the World

Best places to visit in December in Asia

Penang, Malaysia

For the ultimate food and cultural experience

Penang, best places to visit in December — Penang in hot in December and a great place to explore Malaysia’s rich culture

I spent Christmas and New Year’s in Penang a few years back and had a great time. If you keep asking yourself, where is hot in December, Penang ticks that box.

I recommend checking out the UNESCO World Heritage Site, George Town, during the day and then exploring Little India at night for some local cuisine that will blow you away.

I’d say that the Kek Lok Si Temple is probably one of the most beautiful religious edifices I have ever visited and an absolute must-see on your trip.

READ MORE: Discover our complete Malaysia Travel Guide

Hong Kong, SAR

Shopping, shopping and more shopping!

Places to visit in December, Hong Kong — Visit Hong Kong in December for the Christmas spirit and lots of sales

December is one of the most popular months to visit Hong Kong. With its own Time Square lit with bright Christmas decorations and lights, this city sure knows how to ring in the holidays.

Hong Kong is also one of the best places to shop as stores are plastered with sale sign boards and discounts. For luxury and high-end fashion, head to shopping districts like Tsim Sha Tsui and Central. If you’re looking for a good bargain, Causeway Bay and Mongkok are the places to be.

For extra Christmas cheer, you can stay at the Disneyland hotels and experience their daily parades and festivities. It gets very crowded during this season, so plan ahead and book your tickets early.

READ MORE: Learn all about Hong Kong in our special Hong Kong Travel Guide

Taipei, Taiwan

The perfect blend of small towns and skyscrapers

Places to visit in December, Taiwan — Discover the rich Taiwanese culture at Taipei

With the heat of summer and frequent monsoons long gone, December is one of the best times to travel to Taipei. The winter air calls for a day trip to Jiufen and Shifen, a tourist favourite. Visit the teahouse from the popular Japanese film Spirited Away and write your new year’s wishes on a lantern and let them fly high and away.

I’d also recommend a day trip to the Taroko National Park for its spectacular view of the Taroko Gorge, an 18km marbled gorge with mountains and canyons stretching along the Liwu River.

New Year’s Eve is commemorated at Taipei 101, similar to New York’s ball drop where fireworks are set off from the building and locals and tourists alike gather to celebrate.

READ MORE: Discover the most famous cities for New Year’s Eve celebrations

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The ideal destination for the modern traveller

Where is hot in December, Dubai, UAE — With warm weather and lots of activities, Dubai is a great holiday destination in December

Dubai is the perfect definition of glamourous, and the holidays see many tourists there for vacation or passing by on a long layover.

When most places are experiencing winter during this time, Dubai provides a warm and sunny escape. This destination guarantees luxury and extravaganza.

Some fun activities in this cosmopolitan city include driving down the desert safari, shopping at one of the world’s largest shopping malls and visiting the Palm Islands.

If you have time, travel 2 hours to Abu Dhabi to check out The Louvre for some seriously interesting displays and marvel at the beauty of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

READ MORE: Dubai is home to one of the best underwater hotels in the world

Bali, Indonesia

The place for island hoppers and beachgoers

If you’re looking for an adventurous getaway to explore some islands and beaches, Bali’s the place to be. Hop on a boat to the Nusa Islands or Menjangan Island to swim among the fishes, or check out the many gorgeous waterfalls scattered around the island.

The island is also filled with aesthetic, Instagrammable cafes for those who wish to fill their feed with some colourful and visually appealing meals. My personal favourites are Sisterfields, Kynd Community and Revolver Espressos.

Best places to visit in December in the US and the Americas

Tulum, Mexico

Ideal for a beach vacation

For those seeking an ideal tropical break that doesn’t involve a lot of partying and late nights, Tulum is the perfect spot. Located on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, the entire place has a chilled vibe about it.

You can indulge in some morning yoga on one of the many beautiful beaches, including Playa Paraíso and enjoy a mindful relaxing holiday here. You can also tour the many Cenotes or natural sinkholes that feature crystal clear waters in the flooded cave system.

With an average temperature of around 24°C in the month of December, taking a trip to the Tulum Mayan ruins and exploring the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is comfortable at this time of year.

READ MORE: We have selected Tulum in our list of the most beautiful beaches in the world

Barbados, Central America

Ideal for adventurers and thrill-seekers

Places to visit in December, Barbados — Barbados is a great place to visit in December for sun-lovers

Of all of the hot places in December, Barbados has to be one of my favourites. The small island has it all—from lively beaches and buzzing nightlife at Rockley to the tranquil escape of Holetown, there is something for everyone!

It is undoubtedly the best place to visit in December if you’re seeking some adventure. The Blue Hole lagoon alongside the vast array of canyons and caves will leave you speechless. Make sure to also spend some time in Zona Colonial — a UNESCO-protected area that is great for exploring the culture.

READ MORE: Find out what are the best places to scuba dive in the world

New York, USA

The place to be for the holidays

New York comes alive in the holiday season and is one of the best places to visit in December for those wanting a winter shopping spree. Many of the city’s parks also open up for revellers to enjoy some ice skating action.

If you arrive on the first of the month, you can also be part of the iconic Rockefeller tree lighting. Either way, I’d recommend taking a trip down to Rockefeller Plaza to see it.

READ MORE: New York is definitely one of the best cities in the world to visit

Puerto Williams, Chile to Antarctica

Check it off your bucket list

Best places to visit in December, Antarctica — December is the best time to visit Antarctica

Ticking off Antarctica is a dream most people never get to realise, but it’s easily doable in December. It brings about the only window of time it is properly accessible to tourists as the warmth breathes some life into the region.

You can witness penguin chicks hatching and marvel as humpback whales swoon around the surrounding waters. Your best bet to get there is to have a trip organised that departs from Puerto Williams, Chile which has a host of its own beautiful hiking trails to explore.

READ MORE: Here’s our list of the best places to visit before you die

Best places to visit in December in Europe

Dresden, Germany

A place filled to the brim with Christmas spirit

If it is Christmas cheer you seek, then you can’t go wrong with a trip to Dresden. The Christmas markets are filled to the brim with mulled wine, funfair rides, quirky stalls, and even stollenload, a traditional German fruit bread.

Besides Christmas celebrations, Dresden is also famous for museums, castles and churches for those looking to learn about the city’s history. The Frauenkirche and Schönfeld Castle are among some of the most beautiful churches and castles in Dresden. Be sure to pay a visit to admire the picturesque architecture and unique artefacts.

With an average temperature of around 3°C, you’ll need to bring a good jacket. However, the temperature is bearable enough to explore the rich history of a city once almost destroyed in World War II.

READ MORE: Planning a holiday? Here are the best apps to plan your trip

Budapest, Hungary

To immerse yourself in culture and history

Food stalls, handcrafted goods, folklore-theme plays, and cinnamon-flavoured cake can be found in abundance on the streets of Vörösmarty Square.

While its Bavarian cousin often overshadows Hungarian Christmas markets, Budapest is one of the top places to visit in December if you are looking for a bargain. Things are considerably cheaper than at German markets, and the city has a rich history to explore, including the Buda Castle.

READ MORE: Budapest features in this year’s best places to visit

Venice, Italy

Every wanderlust’s dream city

The canals of Venice are a magical place at the end of the year. The large crowds of tourists will start to fade now and you can truly be captivated by its old antique charm.

For cost-savvy wanderlusts, consider visiting Italy in December as there are more cheap flights and deals for hotels. Even without a proper itinerary, simply exploring the canals and bridges filled with dreamy colours and Venetian history can be transfixing.

READ MORE: Not surprisingly, Venice is also one of the most romantic holiday destinations in the world

Ljubljana, Slovenia

A fairytale, winter wonderland

Tucked between Austria and Italy, Slovenia’s a country of rich culture and unique heritage. In the winter, the country transforms into a true winter wonderland with breathtaking snow-covered views and festive Christmas markets marking the jolly season.

Enjoy the frozen wonderland by skiing, sledging, or snowshoeing in the majestic Julian Alps For those up for an adventure, try climbing up the frozen waterfall with ice hacks at the Mlačca Gorge.

Lake Bled is one of the most magical places to visit during the winter season. You can travel to the Bled island by a manual row boat or opt for a ride on a traditional pletna boat. Another charming destination is the Bled Castle, where you can visit the museums and exhibitions within the castle walls while enjoying the best views of the lake from above.

Best places to visit in December in Africa

Aswan, Egypt

Ideal for exploring numerous historical sites

This desert country has surprisingly low temperatures in December. Ranging from 12 to 25 degrees celsius while still remaining dry and sunny.

The city of Aswan, set on the River Nile, presents many archaeological areas in it. The Philae Temple and the Quebbet El – Hawa are some interesting historical sites to check out while you’re there. I’d recommend taking a felucca ride on the River Nile to get the best views of the beautiful city.

Explore the ancient country of Pharaohs while shopping for silk, lamps, and other cool souvenirs.

READ MORE: Can you name the seven wonders of the world?

Cape Town, South Africa

For both the beach and the mountains

South Africa is one of the best places to visit if you can’t decide between a bush and beach holiday. December’s the perfect time to visit Cape town to busk on the sunny beaches, hike up the scenic mountains or try wine tasting at any of the 148 wine farms across the landscape.

If you have time, I’d also recommend getting on a safari tour at the Aquila Private Game Reserve or the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve for some of the best Big 5 game views.

Auckland, New Zealand

The best place for adventure and hiking

I rented a campervan in Auckland a few years back and spent six weeks driving the length of the country. If you’re seeking a winter adventure, it’s one of the best places to visit in December.

This time of year brings about some beautiful weather and makes it perfect for exploring the country’s surfing scene and a wide variety of vineyards on the South Island.

It’s also a hikers’ paradise. I recommend Tongariro National Park and some of the smaller tracks like those around Wanaka.

READ MORE: New Zealand is always at the top of the list of the safest countries to visit

Gold Coast, Australia

For a unique Christmas experience

Australia is one of my favourite places to travel to at the end of the year to escape the rain as temperatures are high during the summer.

Pack lightly as you will probably only need clothes for walking on sand and lounging on beach chairs. Check out the theme parks such as Dreamworld or Paradise Country, and celebrate Christmas in the sun for a change.

READ MORE: Check out our list of the world’s best amusement parks

Plan a trip to one of the best places to visit in December and give yourself a well-deserved break with your loved ones as you welcome the new year.

We hope our December travel guide will help you prepare for your vacations in a planned manner. Happy planning and happier holidays!