The month of December is of course dominated by the Christmas season, but there are far more travel opportunities to be taken during this time of year apart from those commonly associated with the Christian holiday.
While magical snow-covered landscapes and atmospheric Christmas markets are still going to be the defacto choice for the majority, there is a growing chorus of travellers hoping to escape the traditional Christmas playbook by heading to tropical beaches, luxury island resorts or even enjoying a thrilling safari adventure.
Whether you are planning a traditional family Christmas escape, looking for a romantic break with your partner, hoping to celebrate New Year in a vibrant city or want to swap white snow for white sands, choosing where to go can be the hardest part. To help inspire your next getaway, we have selected some of the best destinations for December holidays, each offering something distinctly different for our distinguished clients to take into consideration.
Best Christmas Family Holiday Destination: Lapland, Finland
For families with small children hoping to make Christmas 2026 truly magical, Finnish Lapland has to be near the very top of the list. This enchanting Arctic region is transformed into a winter wonderland on the run up to Christmas, creating the perfect setting for an unforgettable family adventure.
The biggest attraction for many families is, of course, the chance to meet Father Christmas in his snowy homeland. Children can share their Christmas list, discover where Santa and his elves live during the rest of the year and become immersed in a world of festive magic. There are also opportunities to enjoy reindeer sleigh rides through snow laden forests, providing an enchantingly traditional way to experience the Arctic wilderness.
Young travellers can get involved in special elf workshops, learning festive skills and discovering more about the magical world of Father Christmas. Beyond the Christmas-themed experiences, families can enjoy husky rides, snowmobile treks, tobogganing and skiing, while the surrounding wilderness provides the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.
For families looking for holiday destinations in December that combine adventure with the magic of Christmas, Lapland offers an experience that children and adults will treasure long into the New Year and beyond.
Best December Holiday Destination For Couples: The Maldives
If your ideal December getaway involves sunshine, seclusion and plenty of time to relax together, the Maldives is one of the best December holiday destinations. While much of Europe is experiencing short days and chilly temperatures, this collection of idyllic Indian Ocean islands offers warm weather, turquoise waters and spectacular beaches.
The Maldives is particularly appealing to couples thanks to its private island resorts, many of which provide luxurious accommodation designed with romance and relaxation in mind. Overwater bungalows allow couples to wake up above the Indian Ocean, step directly onto a private deck and enjoy uninterrupted views across the water.
Days can be spent walking along white sand beaches, swimming in crystal-clear lagoons or exploring colourful coral reefs. Luxury spa resorts also provide opportunities to unwind, with treatments and wellness experiences offering the perfect way to spend quality time together in a calm environment which couldn't be further removed from the hectic high streets of thriving cities through the month of December.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, planning a honeymoon or simply want to escape those winter crowds, the Maldives provides an idyllic setting for a romantic December holiday.
Best Destination For A New Year Break: New York City
If you are looking for December holiday destinations that will allow you to make the most of the New Year's Eve celebrations, few places can compare to New York City. The city is already spectacular during the festive season, but the excitement reaches fever pitch on December 31st as the city comes together to welcome the arrival of another year.
The iconic Times Square Ball Drop is at the heart of the celebrations, with the famous countdown culminating in the descent of the illuminated ball at midnight. The atmosphere is electric, making this one of the world's most recognisable New Year experiences and definitely one to tick off the bucket list.
Elsewhere in the city, celebrations can include spectacular fireworks in Central Park and displays over New York Harbor, where the skyline and Statue of Liberty provide a dramatic backdrop. There are also countless restaurants, bars and entertainment venues offering their own celebrations.
New York is equally appealing for a Twixmas break between Christmas and New Year. Luxury hotels place you within easy reach of major shopping districts, restaurants, bars and attractions, making it possible to combine festive sightseeing and shopping with a glamorous city break before the New Year celebrations begin.
Best December Safari Destination: Botswana
For wildlife enthusiasts looking to experience something potentially life changing, Botswana is unquestionably one of the best December holiday destinations to take into consideration. The month marks the beginning of the country's green season, bringing a transformation to the landscape as rainfall arrives and vegetation becomes increasingly lush.
The green season can offer a different perspective on Botswana's remarkable wildlife. The abundance of fresh vegetation provides favourable conditions for many animals, while December is an exciting period for witnessing new born wildlife. Young animals can be spotted alongside their mothers, creating memorable encounters for safari enthusiasts and photographers.
Botswana's landscapes are also particularly beautiful at this time of year. The combination of dramatic skies, verdant scenery and abundant wildlife can create exceptional opportunities for budding photographers, while the reduced tourist numbers compared to peak season can provide a more peaceful safari experience.
A December safari can be combined with luxury accommodation in some of Africa's most extraordinary wilderness settings, allowing travellers to experience Botswana's natural beauty before relaxing at an intimate safari lodge or camp.
Best European Destination For A December Holiday: Vienna, Austria
Vienna is one of the best destinations for December holidays if you want to experience the magic of Europe during the festive season. The Austrian capital is renowned for its grand architecture, elegant palaces and cultural heritage, but December brings an additional layer of charm thanks to its much heralded Christmas markets.
In the run-up to Christmas, historic squares throughout Vienna are transformed into festive villages filled with beautifully decorated stalls, seasonal food and quirky handmade gifts. The markets provide an atmospheric way to explore the city, with the magnificent architecture of Vienna creating a spectacular backdrop.
Vienna also offers the opportunity to combine a city break with a winter sports adventure. Several ski resorts can be reached within a couple of hours' drive of the capital, making it possible to enjoy the Christmas attractions in Vienna before heading into the mountains for adrenaline fuelled fun.
This combination of festive traditions, sophisticated city experiences and accessible skiing makes Vienna a particularly versatile choice for European holidays in December with something to appeal to all ages and interests.
Best December Destination For Adults-Only Resorts: Australia
If your ideal December escape is all about sunshine, luxury and adults-only relaxation, Australia offers a compelling alternative to the traditional winter destinations. With its vast coastline, extraordinary landscapes and exceptional resorts, it is an excellent choice for travellers seeking a sophisticated escape.
The Great Barrier Reef is particularly appealing in December, with high temperatures reaching around 32 degrees and average water temperatures of roughly 29 degrees to be expected. This creates wonderful conditions for exploring one of the world's most famous natural wonders, whether you want to snorkel, dive or simply enjoy the tropical surroundings.
For a truly luxurious adults-only experience, Qualia on Hamilton Island offers an exceptional base from which to discover the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. The resort combines elegant accommodation with spa facilities and a choice of activities, from watersports and wildlife encounters to private charter cruises. It is an ideal option for couples or solo travellers seeking a peaceful winter sun break, while the surrounding Great Barrier Reef provides an incredible natural playground to explore.
Create Your Perfect December Holiday
With so many possibilities, deciding between the best December holidays destinations ultimately comes down to the kind of experience you want to create. Perhaps you dream of watching your children's faces light up as they meet Father Christmas in Lapland, relaxing together in an overwater villa in the Maldives or counting down to midnight in New York. You may prefer the thrill of a Botswana safari, the festive charm of Vienna or the tropical luxury of Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
At Elegant Resorts, our Luxury Travel Specialists can help you turn your ideas into a tailor made December holiday designed entirely around you. They will take the time to get to know your requirements, understand what you want from your trip and draw on their first-hand destination knowledge to create a bespoke December holiday package.
Whether you are searching for family adventures, romantic escapes, luxury beach holidays, wildlife experiences or unforgettable New Year celebrations, our specialists can help you discover the perfect destination and create a December holiday that is every bit as unique as you are.