The best holiday destinations in December: winter fun, Christmas magic and sunshine

Contents:

• Destination #1: Switzerland – winter scenery, a sea of lights & mountain moments without flying
• Destination #2: Vienna (Austria) – a dazzling display of lights & a picture-perfect Advent
• Destination #3: Copenhagen (Denmark) – Pure hygge, Tivoli & winter design
• Destination #4: London (United Kingdom) – Christmas lights & big-city glow
• Destination #5: Lapland (Finland) – Snow, tranquillity & Santa’s magic at the Arctic Circle
• Destination #6: Reykjavík & Southern Iceland (Iceland) – Northern Lights & Hot Springs
• Destination #7: New York City (USA) – The splendour of the skyline & Broadway nights
• Destination #8: Thailand – Dry season vibes, street food & island bliss
• Destination #9: The Maldives – barefoot luxury & lagoon colours
• Destination #10: Australia (Sydney) – Start of summer & New Year’s Eve at the harbour
• The top destinations for an unforgettable end to the year!
• Conclusion: Discover the magic of the world in December

Destination #1: Switzerland – winter scenery, twinkling lights & mountain moments without a flight

• Why visit in December: Hardly any other country captures the festive spirit of December quite like Switzerland. In the cities, lights, Advent markets and festive settings create a real ‘winter feel’, whilst in the mountains, the snow season is already getting underway – with walking trails, scenic cable cars and the first days of skiing, depending on the region. Best of all: everything is easily accessible, easy to plan and perfect for a spontaneous weekend break.
• Highlights: Christmas markets and strolls through the old town (e.g. Zurich/Basel), winter evenings by the lake, mountain panoramas and trips to classic destinations such as Zermatt, the Jungfrau region or the Engadin – plus a fondue in a cosy Stube to round off the day perfectly.
• Ideal for: short breaks (2–5 days), couples, families, Christmas spirit combined with nature.

• Event 2026: Montreux Noël (20 November–24 December 2026) – one of Europe’s most atmospheric Christmas markets, right on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Destination #2: Vienna (Austria) – A sea of lights & a picture-perfect Advent

• Why visit in December: Vienna is all about atmosphere in December. The city feels like a stage: historic façades bathed in a warm sea of lights, the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts in the air – all complemented by a cultural programme that’s particularly well-suited to this time of year. When it gets cold outside, you can simply glide elegantly between Christmas markets, coffee houses and concert halls. That’s what a December city break is all about.
• Highlights: Advent markets against dreamlike backdrops (Rathausplatz, Belvedere Palace, Karlsplatz), wintry strolls along the Ringstrasse, classic coffee house experiences with a slice of Sachertorte or apple strudel, museums as a ‘bad-weather plan’ – and in the evening, a concert or the opera – and for even more inspiration, we recommend our guide ‘Imperial & Casual: Vienna’s Sights, Art & Cuisine’.
• Ideal for: 2–4-day city breaks, couples, groups of friends, Christmas spirit plus culture & cuisine.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Direct flights to Vienna or a comfortable journey by train/night train, depending on connections.
• Event 2026: Vienna Christmas markets (Advent 2026; exact dates to be published) – most run until at least 23 December, some even longer.

Destination #3: Copenhagen (Denmark) – Pure hygge, Tivoli & winter design

• Why visit in December: Copenhagen in December is a real treat for anyone who loves winter – but with a touch of style, please. The days are short, but the city is a veritable spectacle of lights: candles, cosy cafés, design shops and that quintessentially Danish ‘hygge’ vibe that makes even cold evenings feel cosy. At the heart of it all is Tivoli, which transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland during the festive season – perfect for a short city break that instantly feels ‘festive’.

• Highlights: An evening in the festively decorated Tivoli Gardens, strolls through Nyhavn and the city centre with its markets and fairy lights, ice skating at Kongens Nytorv, smørrebrød and modern Nordic cuisine – and for a clear 3-day itinerary featuring the key stops, we recommend our blog post ‘Copenhagen Sights & Highlights: How to Experience the City in 3 Days’.

• Ideal for: 3–4-day city breaks, couples, groups of friends, a festive atmosphere with a focus on design and food.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Direct flights to Copenhagen (CPH); from the airport, you can reach the city centre quickly by metro.

• Event 2026: “Christmas in Tivoli” (mid-November to early January; exact dates for 2026 will be published).

Destination #4: London (United Kingdom) – Christmas Lights & Big-City Glow

• Why visit in December: In December, London feels like a film set: a sea of lights in the shopping streets, festive shop windows, pubs with a cosy, fireside atmosphere, and a cultural programme that works perfectly even in typical winter weather. Ideal for a city break where you can spend your days hopping between markets, museums and neighbourhoods – and round off the evening with a trip to the West End, rooftop bars (weather permitting) or a cosy dinner.

• Highlights: Christmas lights around Oxford Street, Regent Street and Covent Garden; winter walks along the Thames; a ‘best-of’ museum tour (British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern), an evening in the West End, as well as markets and food spots from Camden to Borough Market – and for some handy planning tips, we recommend our blog post ‘London Attractions: Classics, Hidden Gems and Green Oases’. 

• Ideal for: 3–5-day city breaks, couples, groups of friends, culture & shopping, “festive spirit” without Alpine snow.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Direct flights to London (subject to timetables) or a comfortable train journey via Paris (Eurostar).

• Event 2026: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – according to the official website, it’s set to return in November 2026 and runs through to January.

Destination #5: Lapland (Finland) – Snow, tranquillity & the magic of Santa at the Arctic Circle

• Why visit in December: Lapland is a ‘real’ winter wonderland in December. The landscape is usually blanketed in deep snow, the light is soft and twilight-like – and everything immediately feels special: snow crunching under your feet, the warm air of the cabin contrasting with the cold outside, moments by the campfire and that Arctic rhythm where every outing feels like a highlight. Rovaniemi is ideal for this, as it combines a winter atmosphere with good infrastructure.

• Highlights: Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle, husky and reindeer safaris, snowshoe or snowmobile tours, ice fishing (weather permitting) and cosy evenings in cabins with a sauna. With a bit of luck, you might see the Northern Lights – especially if you plan a tour away from the city lights.

• Ideal for: families, couples, winter adventure trips (3–6 nights), a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Fly via Helsinki to Rovaniemi (RVN); transfers and tours are very well organised on the ground.

• Event 2026: The festive season around Santa Claus Village can be enjoyed every day in December – complete with activities and a winter wonderland setting.

Destination #6: Reykjavík & Southern Iceland (Iceland) – Northern Lights, hot springs & winter drama

• Why visit in December: Iceland is at its most atmospheric in December: long nights for the Northern Lights, frost-clear air and landscapes that look as though they were built especially for the winter light. Reykjavík is the perfect base camp – compact, cosy, with plenty of cafés and good facilities. And best of all: you can reach spectacular natural scenery in no time at all, without having to turn it into an expedition.
• Highlights: Northern Lights tours (the further out of the city, the better), a visit to geothermally heated baths, plus day trips to the Golden Circle or the south coast with its waterfalls, black sand beaches and winter panoramas. If you want a truly ‘Icelandic’ December, combine the city, hot springs and at least one nature day trip.
• Ideal for: 4–7 days of winter adventure, couples, photography, bucket-list moments in comfort.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Fly to Keflavík (KEF) (direct or via a connecting flight), then approx. 45–60 minutes to Reykjavík.
• Event 2026: Start of the Yule Lads season from 12 December 2026 – the first of the 13 Christmas trolls traditionally ‘arrive’ from 12 December (until early January).

Destination #7: New York City (USA) – The festive season, the glittering skyline and nights on Broadway

• Why visit in December: New York is more iconic in December than almost any other city. The festive season transforms Midtown and the grand avenues into a sea of lights, with shop windows and decorations sparkling everywhere – whilst the cultural scene is in full swing. Even when it’s cold: New York works perfectly because you can soak up the ‘wow’ factor outdoors and then head indoors to explore museums, shows, bars and food spots. It’s precisely this mix that makes December so special.

• Highlights: the festive atmosphere around Rockefeller Centre and Midtown, winter walks in Central Park or along the High Line, a day at the museums (Met/MoMA), an evening on Broadway – plus food ranging from classic deli fare to fine dining. For planning your itinerary with neighbourhoods, routes and tips, we recommend our blog post ‘New York sights & more: your guide to the perfect city break’.

• Ideal for: 4–7-day city breaks, couples, culture lovers, that ‘once-a-year’ festive spirit.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Direct flights to JFK/EWR (subject to flight schedules) or via a connecting flight.

• Event 2026: Times Square New Year’s Eve / Ball Drop (31 December 2026) – the famous end-of-year highlight in Manhattan (access and organisation subject to the year).

Destination #8: Thailand – Dry season vibes, street food & island bliss

• Why visit in December: Thailand is particularly lovely in December because many regions are in the cooler, drier travel season – ideal for long days outdoors, without the muggy heat and without the ‘rainy season roulette’. For beach holidays, the islands along the Andaman coast (e.g. Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta) are now at their best; in the Gulf of Thailand (e.g. Koh Samui), the weather can still be a bit more changeable depending on the week. 
• Highlights: Bangkok offers a burst of energy from its temples, rooftops and night markets – perfect as a starting point with 2–4 days of ‘big city + indulgence’. Afterwards, the contrast on the islands is just right: boat trips, tranquil bays, snorkelling and evenings on the beach. If you’d like to add a nature and culture boost, include Chiang Mai or the north as a stopover (markets, temples, excursions into the surrounding countryside).
• Ideal for: first-time long-haul travellers, foodies, couples, friends – and anyone who wants to combine city and beach in one trip (10–16 days works very well).
• Getting there from Switzerland: The easiest route is to Bangkok (BKK); for those wanting to ‘head straight to the beach’, connections to Phuket (HKT) (often involving a change) are convenient.
• Event 2026: Constitution Day (10 December 2026) – a national public holiday, accompanied by ceremonies and events depending on the location.

Destination #9: The Maldives – barefoot luxury & lagoon colours

• Why visit in December: The most sought-after time of year is now beginning in the Maldives: plenty of sunshine, warm water and generally calmer weather – ideal for snorkelling, diving and simply unwinding. Depending on the atoll, there may still be a bit of a ‘transition’ period with short showers in early December, but overall, December is considered the start of the more stable, drier phase that lasts into spring. 
• Highlights: Turquoise lagoons, picture-perfect sandbanks, snorkelling on the house reef (often right ‘in front of the villa’), boat trips to see dolphins and watch sunsets, dives with excellent visibility, and spa and relaxation experiences above the water. In December, the sea is typically pleasantly warm – perfect if you really want to go for a swim rather than just ‘take it all in’. 
• Ideal for: couples, honeymoons, ‘reset’ holidays, anyone looking for a guaranteed summer feeling in December (7–12 days work particularly well).
• Getting there from Switzerland: Fly to Malé (MLE) (usually with a stopover), then continue to the resort by speedboat or seaplane (transfer time depends on the atoll).
• Event 2026: New Year’s Eve (31 December 2026) – many resorts organise festive gala dinners, beach parties and fireworks (programme varies by island/resort)

Destination #10: Australia (Sydney) – Start of summer & New Year’s Eve by the harbour

• Why visit in December: Whilst Europe is in winter mode, summer is just beginning in Sydney – with long days, plenty of outdoor activities and that relaxed ‘end-of-year’ atmosphere by the water. December is ideal if you want sun, sea and city life all in one: a coastal walk in the morning, the beach in the afternoon, and harbour lights and good food in the evening. And if you’re thinking big when it comes to Australia, use Sydney as a starting point for an east coast route towards Byron Bay, the Sunshine Coast or the Great Barrier Reef (depending on the time of year).
• Highlights: Sydney Harbour with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, ferries for ‘sightseeing from the water’, the Bondi–Coogee Coastal Walk, beach time in Bondi or Manly, rooftop bars and the food scene, plus day trips to the Blue Mountains. In December, the city feels particularly lively – without you having to miss out on culture or nature.
• Ideal for: Long-haul travel (2–3 weeks ideal), summer rather than winter, city + beach + road trip options, couples and friends.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Long-haul flight to Sydney (SYD) with one or more stopovers; once there, depending on your route, it’s worth hiring a car or taking domestic flights.
• Event 2026: Sydney New Year’s Eve (31 December 2026) – the famous fireworks over the harbour (viewing points/tickets depending on the area).

The top destinations for an unforgettable end to the year!

• Egypt – Average temperature 21.5°C, 3 days of rain, water temperature 22°C
• Australia – Average temperature 22°C, 14 days of rain, water temperature 22°C
• Brazil – Average temperature 26.4°C, 2 days of rain, water temperature 24°C
• Costa Rica – Average temperature 23.1°C, 9 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• Dominican Republic – Average temperature 25.9°C, 8 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• Haiti – Average temperature 25.2°C, 3 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• India – Average temperature 19°C, 0 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• Indonesia – Average temperature 28°C, 16 days of rain, water temperature 29°C
• Italy – Average temperature 15°C, 5 days of rain, water temperature 16°C
• Jamaica – Average temperature 27°C, 4 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• Cape Verde – Average temperature 23°C, 0 days of rain, water temperature 24°C
• Cuba – Average temperature 22.7°C, 3 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• Maldives – Average temperature 28.2°C, 6 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• Malaysia – Average temperature 27.7°C, 24 days of rain, water temperature 26°C
• Madeira – Average temperature 16°C, 13 days of rain, water temperature 20°C
• Morocco – Average temperature 18°C, 6 days of rain, water temperature 18°C
• Mexico – Average temperature 25.9°C, 0 days of rain, water temperature 25°C
• New Zealand – Average temperature 16.1°C, 6 days of rain, water temperature 17°C
• Oman – Average temperature 22°C, 3 days of rain, water temperature 26°C
• Panama – Average temperature 28°C, 12 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• Philippines – Average temperature 27°C, 5 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• Portugal – Average temperature 16°C, 6 days of rain, water temperature 17°C
• Puerto Rico – Average temperature 26°C, 10 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• Seychelles – Average temperature 29°C, 16 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• South Africa – Average temperature 25°C, 2 days of rain, water temperature 19°C
• Spain – Average temperature 12°C, 3 days of rain, water temperature 17°C
• Sri Lanka – Average temperature 27°C, 10 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• Thailand – Average temperature 28°C, 11 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• United Arab Emirates – Average temperature 25.5°C, 2 days of rain, water temperature 23.9°C
• Vietnam – Average temperature 26.6°C, 7 days of rain, water temperature 22°C

Conclusion: Discover the magic of the world in December

December is a month of contrasts – and that is precisely what makes it so appealing: the festive atmosphere in Vienna, Copenhagen, London and Switzerland; winter adventures in Lapland and Iceland with the chance to see the Northern Lights; or a proper winter getaway to Thailand and the Maldives. If you want to end the year with a real ‘wow’, New York or Sydney are the perfect way to round it off.

To help you plan your trip, we recommend visiting our Travel Deals website, where you’ll find plenty of great hotel offers to make your December trip even more unforgettable.