12 Best Countries to Visit in December

Whether you're looking for festive celebrations, snowy landscapes, or warm beaches, here are 12 unique destinations that are perfect for a December getaway.1. Finland: A Winter WonderlandFor a true winter wonderland experience, Finland is the place to be. Visit Lapland, the home of Santa Claus, where you can enjoy activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Don’t miss the chance to stay in a glass igloo and watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky.Must-Do:Visit Santa Claus Village in RovaniemiTake a reindeer sleigh rideStay in a glass igloo in Kakslauttanen2. New Zealand: Summer in the Southern HemisphereWhile the Northern Hemisphere experiences winter, New Zealand enjoys summer. December is perfect for exploring its stunning landscapes, from the beaches of the North Island to the fjords of the South Island. It’s also a great time for outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, and kayaking.Must-Do:Explore the geothermal wonders of RotoruaCruise the fjords of Milford SoundRelax on the beaches of the Bay of Islands3. Germany: Christmas Markets GaloreGermany is famous for its enchanting Christmas markets, which are a must-visit in December. From Berlin to Munich, these markets offer festive lights, delicious treats, and unique handmade gifts. The medieval city of Nuremberg hosts one of the oldest and most famous markets.Must-Do:Visit the Nuremberg Christmas MarketSip mulled wine in Berlin’s GendarmenmarktEnjoy gingerbread and bratwurst in Munich4. Japan: Snow and SerenityJapan offers a unique blend of snowy landscapes and serene cultural experiences in December. Head to Hokkaido for world-class skiing and snowboarding, or visit Kyoto for tranquil temple gardens dusted with snow.Must-Do:Ski in Niseko, HokkaidoSoak in an onsen (hot spring) in HakoneExplore the snow-covered temples of Kyoto5. Colombia: Tropical FestivitiesColombia is a vibrant destination with festive celebrations throughout December. Medellín’s Christmas lights are among the best in the world, while the coastal cities offer warm weather and beautiful beaches.Must-Do:See the Christmas lights in MedellínRelax on the beaches of CartagenaExplore the coffee region around Salento6. Austria: Alpine CharmAustria’s alpine villages come alive in December with festive markets, skiing, and cozy chalets. Vienna’s Christmas markets are a highlight, offering everything from handcrafted ornaments to delicious pastries.Must-Do:Visit the Christmas markets in ViennaSki in the Austrian AlpsEnjoy a concert in Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace7. Australia: Festive SummerAustralia offers a unique twist on Christmas with its summer celebrations. Head to Sydney for festive events and stunning beaches, or explore the Great Barrier Reef for incredible diving and snorkeling.Must-Do:Celebrate Christmas on Bondi BeachSnorkel in the Great Barrier ReefEnjoy the vibrant arts scene in Melbourne8. South Africa: Wildlife and WineSouth Africa is a fantastic December destination with its warm weather and diverse attractions. Go on a safari in Kruger National Park, explore the vibrant city of Cape Town, and enjoy wine tasting in the Cape Winelands.Must-Do:Safari in Kruger National ParkVisit Table Mountain in Cape TownTaste wines in Stellenbosch9. Iceland: Natural WondersIceland in December is a land of natural wonders, from the Northern Lights to geothermal hot springs. Explore the Golden Circle, visit the Blue Lagoon, and marvel at the ice caves and glaciers.Must-Do:Watch the Northern LightsRelax in the Blue LagoonExplore the ice caves of Vatnajökull Glacier10. Thailand: Tropical EscapeThailand offers a warm and exotic escape in December. Enjoy the beaches of Phuket, explore the temples of Bangkok, and experience the vibrant culture and cuisine.Must-Do:Relax on the beaches of PhuketVisit the Grand Palace in BangkokExplore the ancient city of Ayutthaya11. Morocco: Desert AdventuresMorocco offers a unique blend of culture, history, and adventure. In December, the weather is mild, making it perfect for exploring the souks of Marrakech, riding camels in the Sahara Desert, and visiting the coastal town of Essaouira.Must-Do:Wander the medinas of MarrakechTake a camel trek in the SaharaVisit the blue city of Chefchaouen12. Canada: Winter Sports ParadiseCanada is a winter sports paradise in December. Head to Whistler for world-class skiing, visit the charming city of Quebec for its festive atmosphere, and explore the stunning landscapes of Banff National Park.Must-Do:Ski in WhistlerVisit the Winter Carnival in Quebec CityExplore Banff National ParkConclusionDecember offers a wealth of unique travel experiences, from winter wonderlands to tropical escapes. With Booked AI, planning your December getaway is easy and stress-free. Whether you’re looking for festive celebrations, snowy adventures, or sunny beaches, these 12 destinations are sure to make your December trip unforgettable.Ready to explore? Let Booked AI help you plan your perfect December adventure today! Download now on the App Store or Google Play Store.