The 14 best places to visit in December

After summer, December is one of the busiest times of year for travel. People fly home or to exotic places for vacations. Others are ahead of the ski season. And travel addicts take advantage of their free time to take one last trip before the year ends.

But despite the crowds, December is a great time to take a vacation. Christmas markets abound in Europe, especially in Nuremberg and Strasbourg . St. Lucia turns out to be the perfect tropical getaway for northern snowbirds. The month of December offers one of the best climates of the year in Patagonia. And there's no place like New York for vacation.

1. Nuremberg, Germany

Europe's Christmas markets are one of the world's biggest attractions in December, and no other city graces the halls like Nuremberg. The small Bavarian town is home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, held annually at the Hauptmarkt since at least the 1500s.

If you can make it, try to get to Germany at the end of November, so you can see the long-awaited Christkind of Nuremberg (a gift-giving elf from German Christmas fables) make a prologue in the Main Market Square to mark the opening of the market on Friday before the first Sunday of Advent.

But even if you miss that event, you can still enjoy all the charm of the Nuremberg Christmas Market during the month of December. Sample the city's signature sausage and gingerbread, shop for traditional wooden toys and knitted hats, and pick up some decorations for your Christmas tree. There's also a charming carousel for the little ones (and the young at heart).

2. Bangkok, Thailand

December is the best time of year to visit Bangkok. Monsoon rains decrease in November, bringing relatively cool and dry weather to the Thai capital the following month. Nighttime temperatures hover around 20 degrees Celsius, and the mercury reaches 32 degrees at its highest point during the day.

Take advantage of the good weather to explore some of Bangkok's top activities. The Grand Palace is a must-see. This nearly 250-year-old palace has been home to many Thai kings and their royal courts, and features stunningly ornate architecture. It is also home to the sacred Emerald Buddha.

Head south of the royal compound to see Wat Pho, Bangkok's oldest temple, where you can marvel at the famous 45-meter-long reclining Buddha statue.

After seeing the attractions, soak up the atmosphere of this bustling city. Khao San Road backpacker district is a whirlwind of color and action, with loud music, souvenir hawkers and guesthouses galore. This area is also home to the best street food in Bangkok. Don't miss the mango sticky rice.What to see in Bangkok, Thailand: complete itinerary

3. New York City

There is no other place like New York City in December. The glass and concrete metropolis takes on a winter wonderland feel when the trees are covered in twinkling lights and there is a dusting of snow on the sidewalks.

One of the quintessential things to do in New York this time of year is visit Rockefeller Center . It's home to the Big Apple's iconic Christmas tree and a ice skating rink that's been an annual tradition since 1936. At nearby Radio City Music Hall , you can watch more than 140 members of the world-famous Rockettes perform. their kicks in unison during the Christmas Spectacular .

Shopping in New York also peaks in December. Stroll down Fifth Avenue to see the festive store windows, and visit department stores like Bloomingdale's and Macy's to buy gifts for all your loved ones.

4. Strasbourg, France

Just across the border from Germany , in France, tourists can find another of the best places to visit in December: Strasbourg. Like its neighbors in the Black Forest, this historic city also hosts a renowned Christmas market that mixes French and German traditions.

The destination's half-timbered buildings, situated along pristine canals, serve as a fairytale backdrop for the Christkindelsmärik , one of the city's oldest markets. Shopping from international vendors and sipping a hot drink while snowflakes dance across the twinkling market is an experience you will never forget.

Continue your Christmas visit to Kléber Square , where you will find the Great Christmas Tree. This enormous tree rises at least 30 meters above the city and features about seven kilometers of twinkling lights, 240 illuminated cherubs and 400 baubles. It's sure to get you into the Christmas spirit.

5. Hokkaido, Japan

If you want to visit legendary ski slopes in December, head to Hokkaido. Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, has become one of the quintessential places for snow. And it's not just any snow, but a special type of dry, fluffy snow called "Ja-pow" that has earned a cult following among powder hunters. The ski season begins in mid-December, or even earlier if weather permits.

You have many ski resorts in Hokkaido to choose from for your December ski vacation. Popular Niseko receives more than 1,500 centimeters of snow each year. Sahoro caters well to international guests and has great tree skiing. Those looking to go off the beaten path can consider Tomamu , which oozes kitsch Japanese culture.

6. Saint Lucia

One of the most attractive islands in the world, Saint Lucia is an incredible escape from the cold northern climates in December. Simply relaxing at one of the destination's resorts, such as the Windjammer Resort & Beach Club, will prove to be a memorable way to unwind before the New Year. Spend your days lounging on the beach, playing water sports, and hiking before settling in and watching rainbow-colored sunsets.

Saint Lucia also has plenty of things to do for more active travelers looking for some action on their December getaway. Experienced hikers could embark on a challenging hike through the towering Pitons (although most tourists will simply want to admire their beauty from afar). You can also snorkel at the Anse Chastanet , take in views of Martinique and St. Vincent on the Tet Paul nature trail, and sightsee in the laid-back fishing village of Soufrière .

No matter how tight your schedule is, be sure to reserve a time to take a mud bath in Sulfur Springs. Your skin will thank you.

7. London, England

London shines in December, literally. The entire city, especially Oxford Street, Regent Street and Covent Garden, is decked out in twinkling lights and holiday decorations, giving it a romantic and almost magical feel. But it's the busy calendar of events that makes London one of the best places to visit in December.

On the first Thursday in December, tourists can attend the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree lighting ceremony . Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is a favorite experience for locals and tourists alike for its observation wheel, amusement park rides, ice skating, and gift market.

Stroll along a mile-long path illuminated by more than a million lights for Christmas at Kew in the Royal Botanic Gardens. And of course, the city celebrates its famous New Year's Eve fireworks on December 31 at the London Eye. Book tickets well in advance to ensure a good view.

8. Banff, Alberta

Even though you dread winter now, you'll learn to love it after a trip to Banff in December. This glorious mountain town offers wonderful ice skating on Lake Louise and some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Canada, plus a lively après ski atmosphere .

But winter activities in Banff don't end there. Tourists can also mush with a team of huskies in the Rockies and hike from hut to hut across the Wapta Ice Fields.

If all that time downhill and hiking in the mountains has you feeling sore, you can restore your sore joints and muscles at Banff's famous hot springs. Top off your trip with a stay at the historic Banff Springs Hotel.

9. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Equal parts luxurious and rugged, Jackson Hole is the ideal place for winter snow lovers. The ski season begins in mid-December, giving tourists the opportunity to tackle some of the most celebrated ski slopes in North America. It's not all black diamond slopes, though: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort also has a newly renovated beginner's center, where world-class instructors offer engaging lessons to beginners.

Whatever your level, you'll be able to take in stunning views of the entire Tetons and Yellowstone National Park on clear days, along with a soak in the hotel's outdoor hot tub.

10. Maldives

The Maldives are among the most beautiful islands in the world, especially in December when there is plenty of sun, warm temperatures and little rain. This honeymooner's paradise is known for its high-end resorts and hotels. If you've ever dreamed of staying in an underwater suite or a private overwater bungalow with a pool, you can make it a reality (for one price!) on one of the 26 natural atolls in the Maldives.

One of the best things to do in the Maldives is diving and snorkeling . The aquamarine waters surrounding these islands are filled with a vibrant variety of marine life and reefs. December's dry weather will provide excellent visibility on your underwater excursion.

The Maldives are also an ideal place for families who want to spend time on the beach. An all-inclusive resort is a wonderful way to enjoy rest and relaxation.

11. Patagonia, Chile

If your ideal December vacation has you reconnecting with nature in one of the most incredible landscapes on Earth, head to Chilean Patagonia. This untouched natural expanse will impress even the most seasoned adventurers. Imagine windswept steppes, blue glaciers, sparkling emerald lakes and sky-kissing Andean peaks.

December falls right in the middle of the South American summer, and the weather is perfect for exploring places like Tierra del Fuego, Cape Horn, Perito Moreno, and Torres del Paine National Park. You have to book well in advance with agencies and guides, since it is high season.

12. Cape Town, South Africa

Tourists from all over the world flock to Cape Town in December, and for good reason: the southern hemisphere summer brings the city perfect weather for sightseeing: not too hot, not too cold, and virtually no rain. . However, if you want to go to South Africa in high season, you will have to organize it well in advance.

While at the destination, take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain for the most epic views of Cape Town and the sea. You can also head to Boulders Beach to see the resident penguins, get up close to some 7,000 species of native plants at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden , and take selfies in front of the candy-colored houses of Bo-Kaap.

13. Costa Rica

Do you want to experience the best of Costa Rica? Plan to land in the Central American country in mid-December, just after the rainy season has ended. The landscape will be lush, and waterfalls will still rise from the downpours of the previous months, but you will have little chance of rain and ideal temperatures for exploring the diversity of the terrain.

In Costa Rica there are several options for vacations. Beachgoers can enjoy palm-fringed stretches of golden sand on the Nicoya Peninsula. Hikers should stay near the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for easy access to nature. And wildlife lovers will feel at home among the birds of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge or the howler monkeys of Corcovado National Park . If you want a combination of wildlife and beaches, head to Manuel Antonio National Park .

14. Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

In Jukkasjärvi (Sweden) there won't be much sun at this time of year, and that's part of its appeal. The town, located 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle , is an incredible place to see the Northern Lights .

It is also home to the original Ice Hotel, where you can spend the night in a room made entirely of ice. Don't leave without visiting the Jukkasjärvi Kyrka : the wooden church is one of the oldest in the area and a famous landmark of the city.

15. Big Island, Hawaii

The month of December seems like the perfect time to visit any island in the Hawaiian archipelago, but the Big Island is particularly unique. Often overlooked in favor of other islands like Maui, Kauai, and Oahu, the Big Island is just as deliciously warm and tropical, but with far fewer crowds.

Here you will find those mysterious black sand beaches, towering peaks, thick rainforests and apocalyptic lava deserts. There is no doubt that this volcanic island exudes an adventurous and prehistoric atmosphere. In fact, the island is home to the still active Kilauea volcano. If you have a sense of adventure, a taste for natural beauty and like to skip the big beachfront resorts, come to the Big Island.

Hiking, exploring and relaxing on beaches surrounded by vast, thick jungles is what you will find on this unique island getaway.

16. Fiji

The idyllic, distant South Pacific is actually much closer to home than you might think. Getting to the tropical paradise of Fiji is just a 10-hour flight from the west coast of North America. This archipelago country has more than 300 islands in its chain, each one more mind-blowingly beautiful than the last.

December is the start of the rainy season in Fiji, meaning you'll be trading in peak season prices for more reasonable ones, with the caveat that you may see brief bursts of afternoon showers. It's a small price to pay to see stunning beach scenery from the deck of your overwater bungalow.

The mountains of the Fiji islands invite hikers to hit the trails. The jungle-covered mountain slopes are dotted with small towns, which are great places to get a taste of local life. The islands of Fiji are also home to some of the best resorts in the world, so staying in style is never a problem in this part of the world.

17. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is big and bright at any time of the year. But Dubai does well during the winter months. From November to January, the temperature in Dubai is almost mild, ranging between 19 and 26 degrees Celsius. It is also a time of festivals, from film festivals to Rugby Sevens, and the blinding shine of thousands of Swarovski crystals during the holidays.

In Dubai everything is superlative. It is known for its biggest and best offerings, and the winter season, especially December, is a worthy time to visit this gem of the UAE. Soak up the sun along the Arabian Gulf coast, indulge in culinary gems, and make time to visit mind-blowing, chart-topping attractions around the world. You can even get in on the ski season with a visit to Ski Dubai's indoor slope.

Yet despite its modern wonders, Dubai maintains its roots as an old-world port city, with traditional wooden ships, traditional gold and spice souks, and traditional kitchens serving centuries-old recipes. Discover that fascinating juxtaposition of ancient world and accelerated future when you visit Dubai.

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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:

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

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