The best places to travel in December
There is something magical about big cities during the holidays. Lights strung on the streets, colorfully decorated shop windows and Christmas trees of all shapes and sizes create a festive atmosphere. Ice skating rinks appear in parks, and in some cities like New York, Chicago, London and Washington DC, the weather is seasonally cold, and snow flurries can add a finishing touch to the scene.
European-style Christmas markets in Arlington, New York, Chicago, London, Washington DC and many other cities bring a little bit of the Old World with handmade decorations, mulled wine, hot chocolate and food specialties that fit the theme. Even if a trip to Europe has to wait until next year, shoppers can capture the feeling with a visit to a Christmas market in their hometowns or one of the cities we suggest here.
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London, United Kingdom
December is a festive time in London, with lights, decorations, markets, ice skating and Christmas entertainment. The Christmas classic "The Nutcracker" will be presented by the English National Ballet, and a favorite for more than 20 years, "The Snowman," will be shown at the Peacock Theater throughout the month of December. In Trafalgar Square, visitors will be able to see the Christmas tree, an annual gift from Norway, and listen to carol singing. In Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland festivities begin on November 19, and Kew Gardens lights up for the holidays on November 17.
Hogwarts at Warner Bros. Studios celebrates Christmas in the Wizarding World. The Natural History Museum's ice rink returns from late October to mid-January. With so many sections of the city and charming places to stay, visitors are not short of options. In Chelsea, there's the new Beaverbrook Town House, as well as 11 Cadogan Gardens and The Cadogan, a Belmond hotel. The Mayfair
Townhouse and The Biltmore Mayfair, LXR Hotels & Resorts are stylish options. James and The Stafford for luxury in London's West End. Bundle up and enjoy the festivities in London, and if your schedule allows, stay for New Year's Eve, when fireworks light up the River Thames.
Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida
If your idea of a perfect December is lounging in a chair by the pool in warm, sunny weather, consider this always-exciting South Florida destination. You can get into the holiday spirit with the Fort Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade (December 11) or the seasonal classic "The Nutcracker" at the Miami City Ballet (December 10-30). Art Basel (December 2-4) is a good reason to arrive early in the month, then stay a while and visit Bal Harbor Shops, a luxurious open-air shopping center with five-star restaurants, for your gift shopping Christmas
Located on exclusive North Beach, Conrad Fort Lauderdale offers all-suite accommodations and beach views. Also in Fort Lauderdale, the Kimpton Goodland is just steps from the beach. In Miami, there are the SLS Brickell and the SLS South Beach. The Mandarin Oriental features a private infinity pool, bayside restaurants, spa and five-star luxury.
The Setai offers three pools, a private white sand beach, city and ocean views, and an Asian-inspired spa. The luxurious oceanfront St. Regis Bal Harbor Resort is another five-star option. Nearby, the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne is situated on the five-mile barrier island's coast.
St. Lucia
This charming island is located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, with a diverse landscape that includes a tropical forest, a volcano, a jungle, mountains and beaches. Pigeon Island Park in the north offers hiking trails, snorkelling, kayaking and a glimpse into St. Lucia's history at the ruins of an ancient fort. Soufrière, the original French capital and old town, is home to one of the island's best beaches for snorkeling.
December 13 is the feast of the island's patron saint, Saint Lucia, and the National Festival of Lights and Renewal in her honor heralds the arrival of the Christmas season. Accommodations are mainly found on the west and south coasts, from guest houses to exclusive resorts. Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort offers a number of rooms, beachfront bungalows and villas.
Located on the northwest coast of Saint Lucia, the hillside Windjammer Landing is an all-inclusive resort offering ocean views, five restaurants, a spa and a private beach. On the shores of Rodney Bay, The Landings Resort and Spa is a beachfront property offering one, two and three-bedroom villas. An adults-only, all-inclusive resort, Sandals Regency La Toc features beachfront suites and an executive-style golf course. As with all international travel, be sure to check current guidelines.
New York
Festive lights, Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, exquisitely decorated storefronts and special events make New York a perfect city to get into the Christmas spirit. Broadway shows have returned to the Big Apple and the Rockettes will be performing at Radio City Music Hall. Whether you get on the ice or enjoy skating as a spectator, you'll love the Rockefeller Plaza rink with the towering Christmas tree loaded with lights.
Not far away, there is another ice rink and a Christmas tree at Bryant Park, along with one of the best Christmas markets in the city. Locals and visitors stroll down Fifth Avenue to admire the extravagant window displays of stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue. The hotel offer is abundant, from the center to the north of the city, and even a stone's throw from the subway in Brooklyn and Queens. The Conrad New York Midtown and the Conrad New York Downtown, with all suites, are luxury options. In a charming residential neighborhood, the Smyth Tribeca is a new 100-room hotel.
Los Cabos, Mexico
At the southern tip of Baja California, Los Cabos enjoys the sun and warm waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez in December. The Christmas season is a time for decorations, lights, and the celebration of Las Posadas from December 16 to 24, which commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph with candlelight processions. An estimated number of between 5,000 and 10,000 whales also arrive in December from the cold waters of the Bering Sea, preparing for the trip north in spring.
Whale sharks also arrive in winter, and swimming with these gentle creatures is an exciting experience. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, golf courses and spas are plentiful, giving visitors a variety of options. Montage Los Cabos is located on the calm waters of Santa María Bay, and Chileno Bay Resort & Residences offers rooms and villas on a swimmable beach. Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas is ideal for an extended stay, with suites with ocean views and full kitchens, four
swimming pools and a saltwater lagoon. Esperanza offers a private beach and a festive Posada Rosa festival. At Zadún, guests enjoy a serene atmosphere and views of the Sea of Cortez. The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal has private pools, and the Hilton Los Cabos offers great dining and family activities. In the Eastern Cape, Costa Palmas is home to the elegant Four Seasons Resort, marina and a challenging golf course.
Washington, D.C.
December weather in the country's capital is usually dry, with temperatures around 40 degrees. With warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes, it's a great time to be in Washington, DC. Museums and coffee shops are plentiful if you need to warm up before venturing out to enjoy the neighborhood markets and bright lights. Outside the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Downtown Holiday Market offers seasonal music, artisanal gifts, locally roasted coffee, and snacks.
Self-guided White House holiday tours are memorable, but requests must be submitted to your member of Congress at least three weeks in advance of your visit. The National Christmas Tree on the White House Ellipse and the United States Capitol Christmas Tree are always spectacular. The lighting of the world's largest menorah on November 28 will begin Hanukkah, and a new candle will be lit on each of the eight days of the Festival of Lights.
At the historic Ford's Theater, "A Christmas Carol" will be performed from November 24 to December 27. Washington hotels combine history and comfort, with many options available. Stay at the elegant Rosewood Washington DC, the Capital Hilton, or the historic Hamilton Hotel. In the Dupont Circle area, there is The Ven at Embassy Row, the new Oakwood Suites & Studios, and Kimpton Banneker with views of the White House and the Washington Monument. The Riggs Washington DC is located in a historic former bank building. Visitors can also stay across the Potomac in Alexandria, where the Holiday Boat Parade will take place on December 4.
Belize
Located in Central America, Belize is bordered to the north by Mexico, to the south and west by Guatemala, and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. The Belizean islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, accessible by plane or boat, are located off the coast. Although small - it is the second smallest country in Central America - Belize is diverse, with a variety of characteristic environments. In the north, the ecosystem is made up of jungles, tropical forests and lagoons. The central part of the country is home to waterfalls, caves and dense jungle. Archaeological sites, ruins and ancient temples dating from between 250 and 900 AD remain from the Mayan Empire.
Diving and scuba diving are popular in Belize, home to the world's second largest barrier reef, several coral atolls and the Great Blue Hole, a geological wonder. On December 5, the Holiday Boat Parade is held on Ambergris Caye, ending in Central Park with a prize for the best decorated boat, a Christmas tree, a market and a Christmas carol contest. Alaia Belize, a beachfront Autograph Collection hotel located in Ambergris Caye, features a spa, kids' club, concierge
adventures and a rooftop pool. Also on Ambergris Caye, an adults-only Matachica Resort Belize hotel is part of a private jet package with evoJets that includes round-trip flights, accommodations and excursions. For a secluded vacation Cayo Espanto is a private island resort with luxury accommodation. If you are planning a trip to Belize this winter, be sure to check the current COVID guidelines.
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Skiers who have been waiting patiently (or not!) for snow will be happy to know that Aspen Mountain and Snowmass will open the season on November 25, and Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk are scheduled to open on December 11. There's more to do than skiing, and for a different thrill, you might want to experience the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster or try snowbiking, tubing, dog sledding, or a snowshoe tour. About 15 miles away, both Aspen and Snowmass offer restaurants, pubs, and a variety of places to stay, from resorts to condominiums and rental homes.
In Aspen, Hotel Jerome includes a variety of accommodations on its historic property. Gant's luxury condominiums are located on a five-acre enclave at the base of Aspen Mountain. In the same area, the St. Regis Aspen Resort features a heated outdoor pool with views of Aspen and Dante Mountain for award-winning cocktails.
The Little Nell overlooks the Silver Queen Gondolas and offers fine dining at Element 47 and favorite après-ski tavern, Ajax Tavern. The new Aspen Street Lodge is a luxury retreat with nine rooms and a two-bedroom penthouse suite. For a luxury home rental, The Residence at Aspen Valley Ranch offers first-class amenities. In Snowmass Village, there is Viewline Resort SnowmassIn Snowmass Village, there is the Wildwood Snowmass, with a variety of rooms, and the Viceroy Snowmass, offering modern luxury and comfort.
Arlington, Texas
In the Dallas/Fort Worth area, about halfway between the two cities, Arlington is a great destination in December. Temperatures are mild, around 50 degrees, and rarely drop below 30. The city gets into the Christmas spirit, and Arlington hosts the Texas Christkindl Market, inspired by German traditions. Six Flags celebrates with Holiday in the Park, featuring seasonal attractions, entertainment, light shows and a Christmas tree.
Texas Live! a leisure and restaurant area that operates all year round, is renewed during the holidays with Luminova Holidays The city of Interlochen continues its Christmas campaign, with almost 3 million lights, an ice skating rink and a huge Christmas tree. The town of Interlochen continues its tradition of extravagantly decorated homes, a favorite for families to stroll through during the holidays. Arlington is conveniently located about 10 minutes from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
Chicago, Illinois
Winter weather, twinkling lights, ice skating rinks and a Christmas market add to Chicago's appeal in December. The annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo delight visitors with holiday events and dazzling illumination. The open-air German-style Christkindlmarket takes shoppers to Europe with traditional pretzels, bratwurst, mulled wine and produce from around the world.
The Millennium Park ice skating rink opens in December in the Christmas spirit for skaters and spectators. Strollers along Chicago's Riverwalk will enjoy seasonal light projections at Art on the Mart. Favorite year-round destinations—and a chance to get out of the cold—are the Art Institute of Chicago, Skydeck, and the Museum of Illusions. Stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, with its newly renovated guest rooms, exquisite cuisine at Torali, and greenhouse-inspired café. The iconic Palmer House has undergone a major renovation to celebrate its 150th anniversary. The Waldorf Astoria Chicago is another luxury option, and the Sheraton Grand offers
views of the lake, river and city. Hilton ChicagoThe hotel's new room configuration, Family Reconnection, sleeps 16 in four guest rooms and one Parlor Suite. Just outside the city, the Drake Oak Brook and Deer Path Inn are charming destinations for a winter visit to Chicago.
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▷ Conclusion: Go out, travel and live your life to the fullest.
This year, treat yourself to a break from the ordinary and seek an adventure abroad. You'll come back refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to bore all your friends with travel stories.
Any time of year is a good time to travel. Discover the best places to travel by month:
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