Best places to go in December: winter wonderland

It has become a tradition for many people to plan and prepare to travel during the holiday season in search of the right winter holiday destination. December is perfect for winter travel and is considered as one of the fascinating times to travel – winter scenery especially when it snows, Christmas festivities, and learning about cultures and traditions. If you’re looking for a winter course or a summer visit, there’s a place for every traveler. Here are some of the best destinations in December; December is a great month packed with fun fairs, Christmas celebrations, cultural festivals, sun sand, and sea.

1. Lapland, Finland: A winter wonderland

If you ever fancied yourself surrounded by snow and experiencing the cold climate, then Lapland, Finland is the place. This Scandinavian wonderland lies in the Arctic and contains a real Santa Claus Village, where you can even greet Santa. Snow and cold climate make Lapland popular among tourists, who are also able to see Northern light during the night.

Dog sled, snowmobile, and reindeer tours are other attractions that make it fun to be as one can move around the Arctic tundra as one is to be a local. For those who like a bit more privacy and warmth during their stay, there is nothing like owning a glass igloo that will allow you to watch stars while falling asleep.

Why visit in December?

• Visit the wonderful place of the pleasant climate and Christmastime emotions – Santa Claus Village
• The Northern Lights tours are recommended, and it's perfect in the middle of winter.
• Ski the slopes and roll off the floor while laughing during the Christmas party!

2. Vienna, Austria: A festive European escape

Vienna, Austria, is a magical city during December. Popular for Christmas market trade fairs, the capital city of Austria becomes a Christmas city Helen with the streets filled with decorated stalls of handmade craft items, Glühwein, etc. The lighting of the streets opens up great views and the whole environment is very conducive to making you all Christmasy.

Apart from Christmas markets, there is history, music, and palaces to offer travelers in Vienna. As far as the architecture goes Schönbrunn Palace is said to be the most famous followed by Belvedere Palace and Hofburg. Do not expect to have a deep feel of the city’s cultural imprint by refusing to attend a concert by Mozart or Beethoven.

Why visit in December?

• Famous Christmas markets
• Great architectural designs and heritage structures
• Concerts of classical music and celebratory programs

3. New York City, USA: The amenity that sweeter still

New York City in December is one of the most lively celebrations of the holiday season. Lots of lights, people ice-skating outside with the backdrop of the preparations for Christmas which are huge in New York especially the Tree at the Rockefeller Centre. Fifth Avenue windows are decked with Christmas blown-outs and; there is an assemblage of a Christmas Dreary at Central Park.

When in New York City, some of the places that should not be missed include Times Square, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty. You can also watch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular during the holiday, or learn more about Bryant Park Winter Village.

Why visit in December?

• Inspirational and traditional holiday images, and celebratory occasions
• Ice skating at Rockefeller Center or in the center part of the Central part.
• New York City is always great, but during the festive season, it's just magical.

4. Tulum, Mexico: A tropical escape

For those who want to avoid the wintertime, the best place to go is Tulum in Mexico. Thanks to the powdery white sand, crystal clear sea, and cool Mayan archeology, Tulum covers both – beach and archeology experiences. December is considered the first month of the dry season, which offers great weather with warm temperatures during the daytime and fewer rains, offering the perfect opportunity to spend time at the beach or visiting several nearby cenotes.

Tulum has built up a selection of eco-resort hotels and high-energy nightclubs that made this place popular among people who want to have a more refined vacation. Tulum Ruins is the place that one should go for a tour or if one wants to swim with turtles then Akumal Bay or Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is the place that you should visit.

Why visit in December?

• Henderson's cheerful, sunny winter weather beats the wintry cold
• Scenic beach and touristic high-class standards
• Discover history in the Mayan structures and marvel at the physical geography of the area.

5. Kyoto, Japan: A Cultural journey

Kyoto is a place that is mostly suggested to visit in December if you don’t have time for the bustling towns and parties but rather enjoy quiet moments. Awesome historical maps and stunning urban structures of temples, shrines, and traditional tea ceremonies give an idea about Japanese culture. Although winter in Kyoto can get a bit cold, the cold weather makes the gardens, temples, and other archeological significance even more graceful with a sprinkling of snow.

Kyoto also has another event in December, Arashiyama Hanatouro, where the whole town and especially the streets of Arashiyama and bamboo groves are enchained by lanterns. It is especially wonderful to visit the city during this time because it looks like a living postcard. Pay visits to Fushimi Inari Shrines, Kinkaku-ji (the Temple of the Golden Pavilion), and Gion where you find the geisha.

Why visit in December?

• Tourist attractions: get an insight into Japanese traditions and background historical sites
• Feel at one with nature while wandering around the street lighted during Arashiyama Hanatouro
• Views of Temples adorned with snow and Lovely Gardens or lawns covered with snow.

6. Reykjavik, Iceland: Land of fire and ice

December is perfect for adventures in the country’s capital, Reykjavik – the capital of Iceland. As beautiful and unique, Reykjavik has geothermal hot pools, glaciers, and volcanoes that surround the city. Getting to swim in geothermal spas is more fun during December at Blue Lagoon, the largest geothermal spa in Iceland, The Golden Circle, where there are incredible waterfalls, and Thingvellir, a National Park is also possible in December.

Favorable weather conditions that include the prolonged period of the night during winter always make it possible to have a glimpse of the Northern Lights that appear in different green and purple tints. The sites, sounds, and illumination associated with Christmastime transform Reykjavik into a magical city.

Why visit in December?

• Watch the Northern Lights in their entirety
• Swim in the geothermal spa of the Blue Lagoon
• See glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanic terrains

7. Cape Town, South Africa: A summer in December

When most parts of the world are cold in December, sunny summer weather prevails in Cape Town, South Africa. It is one of the most moving cities in the world. It brings together various cultures, the richest riparian, beautiful beaches, vineyards, and mountains. There are lots of attractions to enjoy in December, and one of the best is to visit Table Mountain for a hike or get a cable car ride to have a view of the city.

Cape Town also has some of the world’s finest wine farms, therefore a tour of the Winelands is highly recommended. Honeymooners can enjoy watching films at Sun City, while the two beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay are both set up with deck chairs and blue flag waters for lovers of the beach. On the same note, December is festival season in Cape Town where; Christmas markets, live music, and open-air concerts, among others, are feted.

Why visit in December?

• Warm summer weather
• Activities like hiking or going to the beach can be expected.
• Experience Cape Town's multiple cultures and its rich nightlife.

8. Quebec City, Canada: A charming winter retreat

The city of Quebec in Canada as an option is perfect for those people who like the look of European cities but would prefer to stay in North America during the winter. A good number of restaurants, old beautiful stone buildings, cobblestone roads, and festive lights make it one of the best places in the world to be in December. Quebec Old Town is another tourist attraction that comes to life in December when it becomes a Christmas village with lighting, markets, and Carol singers.

From in-city ice skating, snowshoeing, and skiing at nearby resorts to historic street strolls. The Château Frontenac, a beautiful castle-like grand hotel, is one of the city's iconic sites overlooking the Saint Lawrence River.

Why visit in December?

• European charm without leaving North America
• Festive Christmas markets and holiday events
• Nearby winter sports and activities

9.Sydney, Australia: Christmas on the beach

If you want to experience a different kind of Christmas, head to Sydney, Australia, this December! December is a hot summer month in Sydney and a great time to hit the surf at Bondi Beach, visit the world-famous Sydney Opera House, or take a boat trip around Sydney Harbour. After all, the city also knows how to put on a show at Christmastime, with outdoor concerts and light displays adding plenty of cheer to the advent markets. Don't miss the world-renowned Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks, which draw millions of viewers.

Why visit in December?

• Hot weather and beach activities
• Iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House
• Spectacular fireworks on New Year's Eve

December is truly a magical month, offering opportunities for knee-deep powder or a snow-covered cottage, but most of all, the food, relaxation, and catalog to achieve it! Each destination has its draw, from the ice landscapes of Lapland to sun-kissed Cape Town. And when you decide to go, the reason for December will make your trip an experience like no other.