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Except for a few like Australia and New Zealand, pretty much the rest of the world welcomes the chilly winters in December. Turning into a winter wonderland with snowfall, most of the countries offer access to a wide range of snow activities that you can take part in. Given that there are so many places to visit in the world in December to unveil the charm of the cold weather and the Christmas celebrations, picking one spot can be a little challenging. From winter activities in Switzerland to charming historical walkthroughs in Cambodia, the options are diverse but could be certain with a narrowed-down list. Since December is often the peak season in most countries, planning and pre-booking your experiences is quintessential.
10 Best Places To Visit In The World In December
Be it the snowy landscapes and festive markets to sunny beaches and cultural festivities, countless destinations offer unique and memorable experiences in December.
1. Switzerland
Photo: Pascal Debrunner / Unsplash
Switzerland transforms into a picture-perfect postcard in December. The main attraction during the winter months comes from the Swiss Alps which are covered in a thick blanket of snow, beckoning skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. World-renowned resorts like St. Moritz and Zermatt offer unparalleled slopes and breathtaking scenery. However, if you aren’t a snow adventure person, explore the charming villages in the country that exude festive cheer with charming Christmas markets. You can also take a scenic train ride like the Glacier Express.
Temperature In December: -2°C to 4°C
Top Tourist Attractions:: Swiss Alps, Lake Geneva, Lucerne, and Interlaken
Top Experiences: Skiing/Snowboarding, Christmas market hopping, Scenic train journeys, and Hiking/Snows:hoeing through snow-clad landscapes
Ideal Duration:: 7 – 10 days
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Winter In The World
2. Australia
For tourists who aren’t fond of the cold winters, Australia is one of the best places to visit in the country in December. The vibrant summers create a unique experience for every traveller, especially when Christmas celebrations are involved. You can start your trip with the staples like Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. To enjoy the underwater world, dive into the Great Barrier Reef to witness the rich marine life. To seek the sun and sunbathe, you can visit the beaches of Bondi or Byron Bay. And, to immerse yourself in the wildlife and rugged nature, visit Outback.
Temperature In December: 15°C to 30°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Sydney Opera House, Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, and Bondi Beach
Top Experiences: Surfing lessons on iconic beaches, Scuba diving/Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, Exploring the Outback, and Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Ideal Duration: 14 – 15 days
3. Chile
Photo: Hector Marquez / Unsplash
vacation somewhere offbeat, Chile is one of the good places to visit in the world in December. Like Australia, even Chile experiences the start of summer in December so you can start your trip exploring the beautiful landscapes of Patagonia. To bring out the adventurous side of you, hike through Torres del Paine National Park to witness the granite towers and glaciers. You can also plan an elaborate wildlife safari in Tierra del Fuego National Park where you can spot penguins, diverse birdlife and sea lions.
Temperature In December: 12°C to 25°C
Tourist Attractions: Torres del Paine National Park, Atacama Desert, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Valparaíso, and Chilean Lake District
Top Experiences: Hiking in Patagonia (Torres del Paine), Wildlife watching in Tierra del Fuego, Stargazing in the Atacama Desert, and Wine tasting in the Aconcagua Valley
Ideal Duration: 10 – 12 days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Spring In The World To Witness Nature In Its Glory
4. India
India brims with unique and thrilling experiences in December. You can explore the beauty of snowfall and skiing and snowboarding adventures in Kashmir or choose to soak in one of the many beach destinations in the South. For a perfect Christmas spirit and music festivals, make your way to Goa, which happens to be the most famous beach destination too. For a laidback time amidst nature, add Kerala to your itinerary to enjoy the serene backwaters and the lush green landscape in the surroundings. If you are a history buff, don’t miss out on visiting Agra and Rajasthan to unveil the beauty of the Taj Mahal and the myriads of Rajput palaces respectively.
Temperature In December: -2°C to 20°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Taj Mahal, Goa Beaches, Kerala Backwaters, and Kashmir
Top Experiences: Exploring the rich history of Rajasthan forts and palaces, Snow adventures in Kashmir, Houseboat cruise through Kerala Backwaters, and Witnessing the Christmas festivities in Goa.
Ideal Duration: 10 – 12 days
5. United States of America
APhoto: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels
The USA transforms into a winter wonderland in December, offering festive cheer and diverse experiences. You can start your trip with New York where the entire city is covered in snow and the festive spirit of Christmas. During your visit, explore iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty in New York City or the White House in Washington D.C. Also, the world-renowned Christmas markets in New York and Chicago are worth visiting in December. If you want to experience snowy adventures like skiing, snowboarding, etc., head to Aspen or Lake Tahoe.
Temperature In December: -1°C to 17°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Statue of Liberty, White House, Times Square, Golden Gate Bridge, Aspen, and Lake Tahoe
Top Experiences: Attending a Broadway show in New York City, Exploring Christmas markets, Skiing/Snowboarding in winter resorts, and Hiking in National Parks
Ideal Duration: 10 – 14 days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In The World In January To Escape The Winter Blues
6. New Zealand
Photo: Aaron Sebastian / Unsplash
Another popular destination to visit in the world in December is New Zealand. With its stunning landscapes, the country offers a variety of unique experiences to adventure enthusiasts. For an adrenaline rush, hike through the majestic mountains of South Island, or kayak through the scenic Milford Sound. You can also indulge in bungee jumping or white-water rafting in many spots around the country. To explore the country like a local, stop by one of the geothermal wonders like Rotorua on North Island and take a dip in it and for your love for movies, visit one of many sites, where the famous Lord Of Rings have been shot.
Temperature In December: 11°C to 23°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Milford Sound, Franz Josef Glacier, Waitomo Caves, and Rotorua
Top Experiences: Hiking in Tongariro National Park, Kayaking in Milford Sound, Bungee jumping or white-water rafting, and Exploring Rotorua’s geothermal wonders
Ideal Duration: 10 – 14 days
7. South Africa
South Africa offers a thrilling combination of wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes in December. Since it’s the dry season in the country, spotting wildlife during the safaris becomes a lot easier in renowned spots like Kruger National Park. You can spot a variety of animals, including the Big Five which includes elephant, lion, leopard, cape buffalo and rhinoceros too. You can head to the capital city of Cape Town to explore popular spots like Table Mountain and Robben Island or you can hike through natural areas like Chapman’s Peak.
Temperature In December: 16°C to 29°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Kruger National Park, Table Mountain (Cape Town), Robben Island, and Stellenbosch Wine Region
Top Experiences: Safari adventure in Kruger National Park, Hiking/Biking in Chapman’s Peak, Exploring the V&A Waterfront, and Visiting Robben Island
Ideal Duration: 10 – 14 days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In The World In September For An Epic Adventure
8. Germany
Photo: Ansgar Scheffold / Unsplash
To further unfold the Christmas magic in December, consider visiting Germany. It’s one of the best places to travel in the world in December to explore the enchanting Christmas markets. Witnessing wooden stalls adorned with twinkling lights, traditional crafts, and delicious treats like gingerbread cookies is truly an experience. One of the best spots to visit for the Christmas markets is Nuremberg. Other must-visit destinations include Munich’s Marienplatz market, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt and Cologne’s cathedral backdrop market.
Temperature In December: 0°C to 5°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Nuremberg Christmas Market, Brandenburg Gate (Berlin), Cologne Cathedral, Neuschwanstein Castle, and Rhine Valley
Top Experiences: Exploring Christmas markets across Germany, attending a Christmas carol concert, and Ice skating in festive rinks
Ideal Duration: 7 – 10 days
9. Austria
Austria paints a picture-perfect winter wonderland in December and is one of the best places to visit in the world in December. One of the most alluring spots to explore in December is the Austrian Alps. Here, one can indulge in skiing and snowboarding experiences. Some of the world-renowned resorts like St. Anton am Arlberg and Kitzbühel offer the perfect adventure experience. You can also head to the remote villages to explore their Christmas markets and try their warm wine and delectable treats. For a truly unforgettable experience, take a scenic train ride through the snow-clad landscapes of the Alps.
Temperature In December: -15°C to 19°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Austrian Alps, Salzburg, Vienna, and Hallstatt
Top Experiences: Skiing/Snowboarding in renowned resorts, Christmas market hopping in charming villages, and Scenic train journeys through the Alps
Ideal Duration: 7 – 10 days
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In The World In November For Unforgettable Adventures
10. Laos
Last on the list of places to see in the world in December is Laos. It is a less-explored spot that offers a blend of natural wonders and historical charm. Start your trip exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang where temples like Wat Xieng Thong exist. You can also witness the mysterious Plain of Jars, an archaeological site filled with giant stone jars of unknown origin. Since it’s the dry season in the country, visitors can also embark on hiking expeditions to witness its scenic natural beauty.
Temperature In December: 19°C to 22°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Luang Prabang (temples, colonial architecture), Plain of Jars, Vang Vieng, Mekong River, and Kuang Si Falls
Top Experiences: Exploring temples in Luang Prabang, Trekking through rainforests, Kayaking on the Mekong River, and Visiting the Plain of Jars
Ideal Duration: 7 – 10 days
There are a variety of places to visit in the world in December, each presenting its own beautiful and unique charm. Getting to witness the Christmas charm across the world is an experience that is truly unmatchable in December. As you finalise the destination of your next vacation, get TripXL to book and finalise your tickets and accommodation for the best price.
Cover Photo: Roman Kraft / Unsplash
