The Best Places to Visit in December

Undoubtedly one of the key places for safari, Kenya is an incredible wildlife destination from August to October. But come December, Kenya is one of the best places to go on holiday in December for sun. Head to Diani Beach on the Kenyan Coast for idyllic beach escapes. With the cool Indian Ocean and palm-lined shores, take your pick of boutique hotels, beachfront villas and island hideaways as you’re transported to paradise.

The Yucatan peninsula is the hottest region of Mexico during December, with its dry season in full swing. Expect warm sunny days, low humidity, and mild evenings - so do bring a light jacket. An ideal destination for all travelers, take your pick of languid beach days, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, hiking through rainforests, and snorkeling amongst vibrant marine life. No matter what type of vacation spot in December you’re after, there’s an activity here for you.

December is the time to explore the best of sunny South Africa. This is the opportune moment to visit its vibrant capital, Cape Town, which has something for everyone: beaches, fabulous restaurants and inspiring views from the top of Table Mountain. If you need any more of an excuse to visit, it’s wine-crushing time in Franschhoek; so head to the Winelands for lazy days sipping wine and indulging in stunning food.

There are few places we would rather spend the winter break than in the Alps. Imagine hitting the slopes in one of Europe's most iconic ski resorts and stopping up the mountain for a warming hot chocolate or a steaming cup of Vin Chaud with a never-ending view. After an action-packed day, curl up in front of a roaring fire while looking out at the snow piled up outside your window. We love skiing all season, but the French Alps have an extra sense of magic during the holidays.

Iceland is one of the best vacation spots in December as it's not as cold as you might think - temperatures rarely dip below freezing - yet, people don't seem to realize as you will find that this country's otherworldly landscapes are relatively under-crowded. And then there's New Year's Eve, Icelanders celebrate with fireworks and parties long into the night, and at this time of year, there is a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

Step into the snow-capped storybook villages of Austria on your December vacation. Take advantage of the plentiful snow in St. Anton for skiing and its incredible apres-ski scene. Be mesmerized in Salzburg, with its hilltop castle and baroque architecture in the picturesque old town. The best part is the traditional Christmas markets that will have you grinning ear to ear as you walk through the stalls of local makers and crafters, warm drink in hand.

Relax into the slower-paced Caribbean lifestyle in Antigua, home to startling blue waters, picturesque coves, and candy-colored villages. But for us, it’s the island’s burgeoning foodie scene that is really putting Antigua on the map for luxury travelers. An excellent choice for the best tropical vacations in December, now is a wonderful time to visit Antigua when the island has been refreshed by the rains and the weather is dry and warm. With lots of child-friendly resorts, it’s a popular choice for families looking to travel at Christmas.

Go searching for Father Christmas in Finland on our family tour. Stay in a cozy chalet with a private chef, and enjoy interactions with elves, huskies, reindeer, and more while you sled and visit Santa’s house. You might even see the Northern Lights while in Finnish Lapland. You can also extend your trip to see more of this stunning country, visiting its snow-dusted local towns.

An eclectic mix of legendary white sand beaches, warm people, gilded temples, chaotic cities and deliciously fresh Thai food. Thailand is famed for its beaches and with good reason; the east and west coast are lined with perfect white sands and there is some of the best scuba diving in the world. If you're looking for warm vacation spots in December, this destination ticks all the boxes!

Tanzania is a firm favorite among first-time visitors and safari veterans alike. This is the Africa of your dreams where lions prowl the Serengeti and giraffes pop out from behind the trees. And yet Mafia Island remains a hidden gem; despite having the look and feel of any other Indian Ocean island, albeit a little more rugged. This is an island that really encourages you to hop in a boat and explore its offshore islands, stopping for refreshment in their sandy bars; this is a beach destination for the adventurous traveler. December brings whale sharks to mafia's sparkling coasts so you can snorkel with these gentle giants.

Welcome to Swedish Lapland, where reindeer roam the wilderness and people traverse the snow on husky-drawn sleds. Expect thick forests cloaked with snow, peaceful lakeside villages, and the utter magic of the Northern Lights, whose fleeting presence dances overhead like something out of a fairy tale. Plunge into nature in its purest form, where adults can unwind and soak up the utter serenity. Never is this winter wonderland more enchanting than at Christmastime – so travel to Swedish Lapland as one of the best places to travel in December for the ultimate festive escape.

From the wind-blown desert with its rolling dunes to expansive mountain ranges dotted with traditional villages and golden swathes of beach on the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is blessed with vast amounts of wide-open space. Whether you are in search of memorable adventures or a romantic couple’s retreat, Oman has a humble charm, which gives it a unique edge quite unlike other Middle Eastern destinations. The winter months bring cooler, more manageable temperatures, but the sun is ever-present, making Oman one of the best warm-weather vacations in December. Pack extra layers as the mornings and evenings can get cold in the desert and mountains.

Escape the winter chill with the best warm vacation spots in December on a trip Down Under; witnessing one of the world's most famous New Year's Eve firework displays as an added bonus. Our winter is Australia’s summer so visiting Australia is generally best between September and April, particularly when visiting the South. For those who are tight on time, we recommend just sticking with Sydney and The Blue Mountains, or for some unwind time and relaxation, head to Byron Bay.

December is the start of summer in New Zealand, covering the land in sunny warmth and excited locals taking advantage of the season. The North Islands are in their dry season, with places like Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula prime for travel. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, the tropical climate on the beaches, and hiking the stunning scenery. One of the best vacation spots in December for travel, it’s the perfect time to enjoy all the country has to offer.