Where to Go in December 2026: 12 Destinations Worth Booking Now

December divides travellers cleanly. Some want snow, fir trees and a mug of something warm in a crowded square; others want to be on a beach while everyone at home scrapes ice off the windscreen. This guide is for anyone planning a trip for December 2026, whether that is a short European city break, a long-haul escape from winter, or a first trip to the southern hemisphere. Prices and seats move fast for late December, so the useful window to book is now.

Below are twelve destinations that work especially well in December. For each there is a reason to go then, what the weather is typically like, and what to do once you arrive. Weather is described as seasonal norms, not a forecast.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is at its most theatrical in December. The city's Christmas markets open across the centre and around the Rathaus, and cold, clear evenings make wandering between them a pleasure rather than a chore. This is one of the most polished festive cities in Europe, and it does not rely on a single square.

Expect temperatures around freezing, with grey skies and the occasional dusting of snow. Pack layers and good shoes, because you will be outside far more than you think. Beyond the markets, the coffee houses, the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the opera give you warm places to retreat to. Book concert and opera tickets early, as December is peak season.

See our Vienna destination guide and the 3-day Vienna itinerary.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague's Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square host large markets through December, and the medieval streets look their best under lights and a light frost. It is a compact city, which makes it ideal for a long weekend, and it is generally cheaper than Vienna or Paris.

December in Prague is cold, typically hovering near or just below freezing, often with fog in the mornings. The upside is fewer tourists than in summer and a genuinely atmospheric old town. Warm up with the local Christmas punch and the roasted ham sold at the stalls, or duck into a cellar restaurant. The astronomical clock and Charles Bridge are best seen early in the day.

See the Prague destination guide and the Prague weekend itinerary.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest pairs Christmas markets with thermal baths, which is a thoughtful combination in December: an hour or two in the warm water makes the cold streets bearable again. The market at Vörösmarty Square and the smaller ones around the basilica are the usual centres.

Expect cold days, often just above or below freezing, with short daylight hours. The baths, the ruin bars and the grand coffee houses keep the city lively after dark. A boat trip on the Danube at dusk is a fine way to see the lit-up Parliament building.

See the Budapest destination guide and the 3-day Budapest itinerary.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen in December is chilly but charming, with Tivoli Gardens dressed for the season and the harbour and canals taking on a quiet, wintry character. It is a good choice if you want a Nordic feel without the expense of Iceland or Norway.

Days are short and temperatures usually sit a few degrees above freezing, with wind off the water making it feel colder. Dress for wind and rain rather than deep snow. Beyond Tivoli, the design shops, the food halls and the museums give plenty to do indoors, and the city is very walkable.

See the Copenhagen destination guide and the 3-day Copenhagen itinerary.

Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is a smart December choice for anyone who wants sunshine without a long flight. The summer heat is gone, and the days are pleasant for exploring the souks, the gardens and the medina. It is also a good base for a short trip into the Atlas Mountains or the desert.

Expect mild, sunny days and cool nights, so you will want a jacket after dark even though daytime temperatures climb into the high teens and low twenties. Rain is possible but usually brief. The Jardin Majorelle, the Bahia Palace and the main square are all comfortable to visit without the crushing summer crowds.

See the Marrakech destination guide and the Marrakech cost of travel page.

Cairo, Egypt

December is one of the best months to visit Cairo and the pyramids, because the fierce heat of spring and summer has passed. Daytime temperatures are comfortable for walking around archaeological sites, and the city's markets and museums are far more pleasant than in July.

Expect mild days, often in the high teens to low twenties, with cool evenings and little rain. This is also a good time to extend a trip towards Luxor and the Nile. Book guides and site tickets in advance for the busiest weeks around the holidays.

See the Cairo destination guide and the Cairo cost of travel page.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town's summer runs from December, making it one of the great long-haul escapes from a northern winter. The beaches, the winelands and Table Mountain are all at their best, and the city has a festive, holiday atmosphere through the month.

Expect warm, dry days with plenty of sunshine, though the wind can pick up and the mountain weather changes quickly. This is peak season, so accommodation and popular restaurants book up early. Drive the Cape Peninsula, take the cableway up Table Mountain on a clear day, and allow time for the wine routes.

See the Cape Town destination guide and the Cape Town cost of travel page.

Sydney, Australia

Sydney in December is warm and festive, heading into high summer. It is a strong choice if you want a Christmas that involves the harbour rather than a hearth, and the long days give you more time outdoors.

Expect warm days and mild nights, with the chance of summer thunderstorms. The beaches, coastal walks and harbour ferries are the main draw. December is busy with domestic holidaymakers, so book ferries, restaurants and any harbour events well ahead. New Year's Eve fireworks over the harbour are the biggest draw of the month.

See the Sydney destination guide and the Sydney cost of travel page.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo in December is crisp and bright, with illuminations across the city and a run of clear, dry days that are excellent for walking and day trips. It is also a good time to see the city without the summer humidity or the spring crowds.

Expect cool to cold days, often around ten degrees, with dry weather and cold nights. December 31 is a major date in Japan, with temple bell-ringing and shrine visits, so plan transport and dining around the crowds. The city's markets and department stores make it easy to combine sightseeing with seasonal shopping.

See the Tokyo destination guide, the Tokyo cost of travel page and the Tokyo on a budget guide.

Seoul, South Korea

Seoul in December is cold but clear, and the city takes on a festive character with lights, markets and a lively food scene. It is a good choice for travellers who want an Asian city break with a distinctly different winter feel.

Expect cold, dry days, often below freezing, so a proper winter coat is essential. The palaces, the markets and the many cafes are comfortable to explore, and the mountains around the city can be reached by subway for a snowy day trip. Book popular restaurants and any winter festival events ahead.

See the Seoul destination guide and the Seoul cost of travel page.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali's dry season is ending and the wet season beginning, but December is still a popular month for a warm escape, especially in the first half of the month. The island stays lush and green, and the tourist crowds are usually lighter than in July and August.

Expect warm, humid days with afternoon showers becoming more frequent as the month goes on. The beaches, the rice terraces and the temples are all open, but plan outdoor activities for the mornings. Surfers should check conditions, as the swell changes with the season.

See the Bali destination guide, the Bali cost of travel page and the Bali month-by-month guide.

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City in December is mild and dry, with a festive atmosphere that builds through the month. The city's food, museums and neighbourhoods are all at their most comfortable without the rainy-season downpours.

Expect sunny days and cool nights, with temperatures that call for a jacket after dark. The city's markets sell seasonal food and decorations, and the museums and galleries are excellent wet-weather or cool-weather options. The altitude means the air is thin, so take the first day gently.

See the Mexico City destination guide and the dish page for tamales, a seasonal favourite.

How to plan a December trip

The single most useful thing you can do is book transport and accommodation early. The last two weeks of December are the busiest and most expensive of the year in much of the world, and seats and rooms at sensible prices disappear months ahead. If your dates are flexible, travelling in the first half of the month is usually calmer and cheaper.

Check the climate before you commit. A warm escape and a snowy city break need completely different packing, and the tools on this site can help you plan for both. Use the best time to visit tool to compare destinations by month, the weather tool for typical seasonal conditions, and the packing list builder to put together the right kit for your trip.

Budget for the peak. Flights and hotels cost more in the second half of December, so build a buffer into your plans with the budget tool. If you are crossing borders, check entry requirements with the visa checker well before you book, since appointments and processing times can be slow at this time of year. Compare fares on our flights page once you have a shortlist.

Finally, plan around the holidays themselves. Many attractions close or run reduced hours on 25 December and 1 January, and public transport can be limited. Check official sites for the places you plan to visit, since dates and opening hours vary from year to year.