What are the best destinations for a December holiday?

From Christmas markets to warm-weather escapes across Africa, here are the best spots to spend the last month of the year. 

As the days get shorter and temperatures begin to cool across the northern hemisphere, it’s easy to retreat to the cosiness of our own homes and wait for the end of the year. There’s still time to enjoy a wide range of memorable experiences, but in December the places you choose to visit can make even more of a difference than at other times of year. Highlights at this time of year include cheer-inspiring Christmas market escapes across Central Europe, tours taking in Canada’s marvellous frozen wonders and warm-weather safaris in the African bush. 

The best places for a December getaway  

Central Europe 

There’s a reason Central Europe is one of the first regions that spring to mind when it comes to the festive season, and few places compare to Austria, Poland, and Germany for Christmas markets. It’s here that many of the world’s favourite winter traditions originated, from decorated trees to advent calendars, and there simply aren’t many places that celebrate the run-up to Christmas in such a memorable way. 

In Austria, Vienna’s imperial landmarks are decked in seasonal decorations throughout December, with Christmas markets popping up around the Hofburg and the Rathausplatz. Saxony, where the world’s first Christmas market was hosted, is another popular option and is ideal for finding last-minute gifts and handmade souvenirs. Elsewhere, Prague’s markets are backed by Týn Church’s dramatic spires, while Kraków’s Rynek Główny hosts one of Europe’s largest Christmas markets. Local craftspeople also compete to build the most ornate szopki, traditional Polish nativity scenes, and visitors can see them displayed around the historic Krzysztofory Palace. 

Slovenia  

Slovenia is compact and surprisingly uncrowded in December, making it a top choice for a winter break with a difference. It’s a country that suits the colder weather, too, and idyllic Lake Bled, the snow-capped Julian Alps, and Ljubljana, decked in twinkling Christmas lights, provide the perfect backdrop to a winter escape. It’s also much quieter at this time of year, and those who make the journey east can explore Slovenia’s popular spots at a more relaxed pace. 

The country’s Baroque capital, Ljubljana, is particularly impressive towards the end of the year, and it hosts some of Europe’s finest Christmas markets. For the best experience, be sure to visit the Breg Embankment’s colourful handicraft stalls, cross the famous Triple Bridge, and perhaps try a slice of potica, a walnut roll served at Christmas. Idyllic Lake Bled is worth a stop too, especially in the morning while the frost is still undisturbed. Occasionally, the surface of the lake freezes over, but even when it doesn’t, Bled is an exquisite midwinter sight.  

Canada 

As temperatures drop throughout the winter, Canada’s natural wonders make it clear how the country got its moniker, the ‘Great White North’. Those who aren’t afraid of the cold can witness some of the world’s finest sights, from majestic Niagara Falls to the snow-capped Rocky Mountains. If you love the idea of a proper white Christmas, Canada’s hard to beat.  

It’s not just the natural wonders that are worth the visit, and towns and cities across the country are just as atmospheric in December, with festive treats, shimmering lights, and charming markets at every corner. Quebec City’s UNESCO-listed old town looks particularly enchanting in the snow, and the city’s French heritage puts a unique spin on the festivities. Ottawa is equally impressive, and towards the end of the year, thousands of lights illuminate Parliament Hill.  

The USA 

When it comes to Christmas in the United States, the season is celebrated with a flair and energy that’s infectious. New York City is the obvious place to start, and the Rockefeller Center is a standout. Though the views from the building’s observation deck are impressive enough, you’ll also find an extravagant tree decorated beneath it and an ice-skating rink. The themed department store windows along Fifth Avenue are also popular at this time of year. 

If you’d like a December getaway that feels a little different, head south. New Orleans dresses its French Quarter balconies in garlands, with live music spilling from the bars on Frenchmen Street, while Nashville adds a soundtrack of country, bluegrass, and blues to the festivities. No winter trip to the USA would be complete, though, without trying some of the festive treats. Tuck into a bowl of Louisiana gumbo, try traditional Creole dishes at one of New Orleans’ multi-course Réveillon dinners, or simply savour the famous Southern hospitality.  

East Africa 

December showcases a different side of East Africa, with many of the region’s landscapes rejuvenated towards the end of the rainy season. At this time of year, those visiting countries such as Kenya and Tanzania can expect greener vistas and an abundance of wildlife encounters. If you’ve long dreamed of seeing Africa’s wildlife but would rather avoid the busiest months, December is a time of year well worth considering. 

While the savannah foliage is often thicker by December, wildlife-spotting opportunities are always close at hand. At this time of year, the Great Migration herds are often settling onto the Serengeti’s southern plains, and with fewer visitors than in the busier months, you can view them without having to worry about queues of vehicles. Both the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti are home to the 'Big Five', and December brings young animals to the plains and a wide array of migratory birds to the trees.  

South Africa 

While people across the UK wrap up warm, South Africa instead enjoys the heat of early summer, and the country provides a welcome change from the December gloom. It's a place where the Christmas celebrations take place outdoors, where roast dinners are swapped for seasonal braais (South African barbecues), and where wildlife and wine country can both be enjoyed in one trip. Whether you’re after world-renowned wines or wildlife-spotting opportunities, South Africa is a popular destination at this time of year and for good reason. 

A particularly good option is Cape Town, and visitors can watch penguins nesting at Boulders Beach or head into the verdant Cape Winelands with a short drive east. Further afield, December marks the start of summer in the bush, when the grasslands are lush and many of the country’s elusive animal species welcome their young. Combine a safari around Kruger National Park with the Garden Route, and you’ll enjoy a distinctly South African Christmas, with lunch outdoors, a cold drink in hand and the wildlife just a game drive away. 

Make the most of your December travel with Newmarket Holidays    

With more than 40 years’ experience operating award-winning escorted tours, our expert team of holiday planners knows how to help you get more out of your time away. Browse our full range of itineraries on our dedicated destinations page and see where your travel story will take you next.