The Top 10 Travel Destinations for December 2026

Longing to travel this December? Say no more. Whether it’s cosy Christmas getaways, soaking up some winter sun, or ticking another country off your bucket list before the New Year arrives, this is the most wonderful time of year for a reason. So if you’ve been naughty or nice, discover the top 10 best destinations in December below. 

Best Destinations in December: At a Glance

• Best destination for Christmas: Australia
• Best destination for culture: Cambodia
• Best destination for Northern Lights: Norway
• Best destination for skiing: Austria
• Best destination for winter sun: Belize

1. Australia

Average temperature: 33°C

Season: Summer ☀️

Perfect for: Surfing Santa 🧑‍🎄

Forget everything you think you know about Christmas. Down Under, it’s a whole different story! Swap the hot chocolates, roast dinners and hideous jumpers for swimsuits, barbecues and outdoor parties or movie nights in the height of summer. Instead of Santa’s sleigh, you’ll find him out on the waves.

Beachy destinations like the Whitsundays may not be the “White Christmas” that you imagined. It’s even better. Why wish for snow when the promise of paradise shores awaits? Once you’ve experienced Celebrating Christmas in Australia, it’s impossible to go back. Say goodbye to winter blues and hello to ocean views!

Hoping to share the holidays with a new group of mates? Some of our Australia tours line up perfectly with the festive season. Chat with a travel advisor for more details on where you could be celebrating this Christmas!

Australia Travel Tip

If you’re looking to spend a few months travelling around, why not consider an Australia Working Holiday visa? This allows you to stay in the country for up to 12 months, coming and going as you like. Australia is known for having one of the highest minimum wage rates in the world, so it’s perfect for saving up for your next adventure… Whether that’s exploring more of the country or ticking more destinations off your bucket list, we’ll let you be the judge!

2. Norway

Average temperature: -2°C

Season: Winter ❄️

Perfect for: Northern Lights 🌌

What if you prefer winter wonderland vibes and cosy Christmas traditions? There is no place like Norway. It’s super close to the North Pole, for starters! This Scandinavian country is renowned for its magical scenery, from frozen glaciers to fjords, forests, and most spellbinding of all, the Northern Lights dazzling the Arctic skies. Even the Grinch would feel festive here.

Norway has you spoilt for choice when it comes to dramatic landscapes. If we could only pick one? Tromsø is where you need to be this December. Experiencing the culture of the indigenous Sámi people (nomadic reindeer herders), snowmobiling, and chasing auroras is just a taste of the kind of adventures you could have.

Norway Travel Tip

Layer up. We’re talking winter thermals, gloves, hats, scarves and a good winter coat. Temperatures frequently dip below 0°C in Norway, but with the right clothing, you won’t even notice it.

3. Belize

Average temperature: 27°C

Season: Dry ☀️

Perfect for: Snorkelling 🤿

Finding it impossible to choose between Central America and the Caribbean? Belize is the key to experiencing the best of both cultures. Famed for its heavenly stretches of golden sand, tasty fusion cuisine and some of the best snorkelling in the world, you know you’re in paradise from the moment you arrive on our Belize tours. 

The hardest decision you have to make all day is spending your afternoon finding deep-sea wonders or kicking back on the beach just a little bit longer. But if you ever grow tired of sipping piña coladas and watching the sunset under palm trees (unlikely), a whole host of adventure awaits further inland.

Belize Travel Tip

Don’t expect punctuality here. Belize is famously laidback, with iconic destinations like Caye Caulker embodying the island life with mottos like “Go Slow.” This can be a culture shock at first; yet sooner or later, you’ll find yourself fully embracing the Belizean way of doing things. Because with views like these, why would you be in a hurry to leave?

4. Austria

Average temperature: 2°C

Season: Winter ❄️

Perfect for: Hitting the slopes ⛷️

After a ski or snowboarding themed getaway? Whether this is your first time on the slopes or you’re looking to perfect your technique, Austria has everything you need to make this December one to remember, as you spend your days dashing through the snow.

When the evening arrives, it’s time for après! Think of it as the after-party for all your skiing adventures, celebrating your success (or commiserating your slip-ups) on the slopes. Schnapps is usually the go-to on our Austria Ski trip. Over 8 epic days, you’ll be making new mates and mastering your ski or snowboarding runs. See you down there!

Austria Travel Tip

If you’re planning a ski trip to Austria, consider throwing in a day trip to Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vienna or even Munich in Germany. These fairytale cities are home to scenic hilltop castles and palaces, and are home to some pretty magical Christmas markets. It’s just what you need this December.

5. Cambodia

Average temperature: 30°C

Season: Dry ☀️

Perfect for: New Year’s Eve 🎉

December is one of our favourite times of year to experience Cambodia, whether it’s Angkor Wat at sunrise or dancing under the stars on the paradise stretches of Koh Rong. The dry season has fully settled in, meaning that travellers can typically expect balmy days under bright sunshine. December is technically winter in Southeast Asia, but a world away from the temperatures you’d expect closer to home.

Although this is a popular time for travel, that only makes Cambodia’s already famous party scene one for the books, with more like-minded backpackers to share the nights with. Plus, with the holidays right around the corner, you can always count on some epic New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Want to be in Southeast Asia for the holidays? Our friendly travel experts are just a message away. They can match you up with the best dates for the festive season on our Southeast Asia tours.

Cambodia Travel Tip

The Cambodian riel is a closed currency, meaning that it cannot be exchanged or taken outside of the country. All this means is that you may have to exchange some cash upon arrival at the airport or from an ATM. However, USD are widely accepted throughout Cambodia, so it’s worth exchanging some before you go travelling.

Wondering what else you may need to know before you go? Our 12 Things Every Traveller Forgets has got you covered with a ready-made checklist for all your major travel essentials. When you’re ready to pack your bags, What to Take Travelling is here to help you out.

6. Maldives

Average temperature: 29°C

Season: Dry ☀️

Perfect for: Beaches 🏖️

When you think of the Maldives, you picture paradise. Sun-kissed coastline of powdery white sand, bright teal waters teeming with tropical ocean life… Add in some of the islands’ best weather, with typically low rainfall and dry heat, and you have a match made in heaven.

And the best part? Although the Maldives has become synonymous with honeymoons and couples retreats, even solo travellers can still enjoy this heavenly destination without the need for a plus one. Hundreds of secluded islands, home to rich local history, are on the horizon. Get to know a side of the country on our Maldives trips that few visitors rarely see.

Maldives Travel Tip

The Maldives is a Muslim country, so travellers looking to experience the local culture should be aware of cultural customs, such as dressing modestly and knowing where certain products, like alcohol, may be prohibited. On a group tour, your trip leader is there to provide guidance for each destination visited. Resorts are less likely to follow such customs, yet will typically specify what is and is not allowed during your stay.

7. Colombia

Average temperature: 30°C

Season: Dry ☀️

Perfect for: Festivals 🕯️

Where do you begin with Colombia? This South American country is renowned for its biodiversity, promising everything from Amazon jungle life to dreamy beaches and emerald highlands. Beyond its epic variety of landscapes, Colombia’s cities are world-famous for their electric energy. No wonder it’s becoming even more popular for backpacking.

So why December? The dry season is here, and typically beautiful weather is not the only reason why we’re obsessed. Colombia enjoys celebrations throughout the month, from Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties to Día de las Velitas (Candle Day), held on the 7th once a year, where families illuminate candles across the streets.

Colombia Travel Tip

Brush up on your Spanish. You know the old rule – a little goes a long way! And it’s true. Colombia is known for its friendliness and warm hospitality to visitors, so even a few basic phrases to express your gratitude are encouraged. Your trip leader on our Colombia group tours is also there to help you out.

8. Uganda

Average temperature: 26°C

Season: Dry ☀️

Perfect for: Wildlife 🦍

African safaris are on many travellers’ bucket lists, but how about a gorilla trek? If you want once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters this December, Uganda embodies adventure. This is one of the country’s dry seasons, with ideal conditions for exploring the unspoilt jungle trails.

Whilst Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, is Uganda’s biggest draw, there’s plenty to experience beyond it. From chimpanzees swinging through the treetops to water safaris where you can catch a glimpse of crocodiles and hippos, our Uganda tours are simply unforgettable.

Uganda Travel Tip

Although it’s tempting to capture every moment whilst travelling, it’s always good to ask for permission or check with your trip leader when engaging in local experiences, or when visiting rural areas or administrative buildings.

9. Laos

Average temperature: 27°C

Season: Dry ☀️

Perfect for: Backpacking 🎒

Laos is one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated countries, and what it offers is so unreal that you don’t want to miss it. Backpackers cannot get enough of this destination, not just for the affordable prices and relaxed vibe, but also for its insane natural beauty. The Mekong Delta winds through Laos’ mountainous terrain, where sleepy riverside towns meet limestone cliffs and cascading pools of bright turquoise waters. 

December is a popular time of year for travel in Laos, as the dry season typically equals dreamy weather. Still, the country has a somewhat secluded atmosphere that allows you to get to know the local culture and history on a deeper level.

Laos Travel Tip

There’s more to Laos than Vang Vieng. Although this town understandably gets all the buzz for its nightlife and adrenaline activities, other awesome destinations like Luang Prabang need to be on your list. Luang Prabang is known for its almsgiving ceremony at sunrise, where you can leave an offering for Buddhist monks.

10. USA

Average temperature: Varies

Season: Winter ❄️

Perfect for: City breaks 🌆

Spending your December in the USA can look like so many different things. Maybe you fancy chasing surf in Hawaii, soaking up the sunshine in Miami, planning a ski resort getaway along the West Coast, or exploring bucket list cities… But there’s one contender that stands out in the crowd. NYC, of course!

Considering most of our favourite Christmas films are set here, and that famous song is literally called ‘Fairytale of New York’, we couldn’t miss it. From ice skating at Rockefeller in front of the giant tree to the crazy Christmas lights of Dyker Heights, nobody does the holidays like New York. 

USA Travel Tip

Stay updated on entry requirements before your travels. FCDO advice is one of the best resources for British nationals to stay informed and updated on visa rules.

Still Undecided?

December is a magical time of year, yet it’s the people you celebrate it with who make the biggest difference. Our 18 to 30s group tours connect you with like-minded people, with many dates falling over the festive season. Because who said that being away from home for the holidays had to be lonely?

If you’re still deciding between destinations, our friendly travel experts are here to help. You can book a free 1-to-1 advice session. Just visit our Contact Us page, and you can set up a time in a few easy clicks. Or simply press the live chat button or call into our office to get the conversation started today.

So, where will you be heading this December? ✨