10 Best Places to Travel in December 2026

Last updated: Mar 13th, 2026

With the arrival of December, winter will officially declare sovereignty in the northern hemisphere, while the southern hemisphere is still blooming into a sea of flowers. In December, be sure to take a trip to reward yourself for your efforts this year. Heading north you can see a silvery white world, while heading south you can enjoy the beach, the sun and a breeze with a hint of salt. If you want to watch the Northern Lights with someone you like, then take an Iceland vacation; If you want to have the ultimate skiing experience travel to Japan. If you want to explore the mystery of the earliest human civilization, take a tour to Egypt. There is definitely a place that can satisfy all your desires in the ten best destinations to visit in December.

Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

December is one of the best months to travel in Thailand, which won't make you feel hot during the day or cold at night.

During your December journey in Thailand, you can visit the Jade Buddha Temple and the Grand Palace in Bangkok to appreciate the ancient Buddhist culture; Go to Phuket for a tour of the bay and enjoy a variety of customs.

If you are a quiet and leisurely tourist, Chiang Mai is definitely your first choice. Here you will enjoy the beautiful mountainous landscape and the old town full of historical temples such as Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. The night market is also a must-see in Chiang Mai, which is one of the oldest and most famous night markets in Thailand. In any case, set aside time to visit Elephant Nature Park and relax with the gentle giants of Thailand.

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Iceland

Ice Cave, Iceland

Iceland is almost covered with snow and ice in December, so it is easy to shoot a spectacular blockbuster with snow. The long clear and cloudless night also provides excellent conditions for shooting aurora, which is one of the reasons why many people visit Iceland in December.

Besides, the lighting decoration in major cities and towns like Reykjavik is the most abundant in December, because Christmas is one of the most important festivals as the celebration of lights. Dozens of Christmas concerts will be held all over the country, and many Icelandic choirs will perform during this period. Here you can taste Christmas food, drink a glass of hot red wine, and have some snacks in Iceland's favour.

Apart from the festival atmosphere as well as the splendid Northern Lights, you can also add ice caving to your to-do list for adventure, and Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe, will be one of your best destinations.

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Japan

Japan's Snow Monkeys Soak in Onsen

December is winter in Japan. Though the southern island of Okinawa can still offer you a beach holiday, the snowy scenery and skiing resorts in Hokkaido will leave a lasting impression on you.

Most cities are preparing for the coming New Year, where grand light shows add a splash of color to the city nights in Osaka and Kyoto. Walking through the streets of Tokyo, you can celebrate this wonderful festival with the locals and feel the visual feast brought by neon lights. At this time, lighting is not only the rendering of atmosphere but also the romance of life.

The world of snowflakes on Mt. Fuji is always synonymous with romance. You take a cable car and feel the charm of Mount Fuji with ease. Or soak into the Onsen (hot springs) in Hakone while viewing the towering peaks, the blue sky, and the glistening ice surface of the distant Mt. Fuji.

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India

Morning View of Varanasi, India

December is the peak tourist season in India, the weather is very sunny and has low humidity everywhere except for the cold mountainous regions.

Also, a good time to capture the birds migrating in winter with more than 1,000 Indian species. It is a stunning spectacle that will surely make you feel the wonders of nature.

The Ganges is the mother river of India, and it has been a holy place for Hindus since ancient times. And Varanasi is located in the middle of the Ganges River, countless Hindus come to Varanasi from far and wide, just to be able to dip in the Ganges to bathe and purify themselves. In the early morning, people on the banks of the Ganges River were either bathing or worshipping. Their faces are serene and devout. It is probably the only place where you can see these incredible and pious scenes.

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The Philippines

Bustling Beach in The Philippines

In the Philippines, December is the cooling and dry season with sunny days, a suitable time to visit its stunning landscape, and to enjoy various outdoor activities.

Make your relaxing vacation come true in Boracay, where you can swim, sunbathe, and participate in various water sports during the day. Boracay is just as exciting at night, with bustling beach parties and the opportunity to try out the Kite Surfing pastime, which the breeze is ideal for.

Apart from beaches, another option is Banaue Rice Terraces, which is great for hiking in gorgeous seasons, with breathtaking scenery as a UNESCO natural heritage site. Rows of rice terraces seem like a vivid painting, stunning. Furthermore, enjoy your meals in the restaurant which is behind a waterfall. Feel the running water caressing your ankles while you eat traditional Filipino dishes. At the same time, enjoy deliciousness while feeling a hint of coolness.

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Vietnam

Hanoi Old Quarter, Vietnam

December is a good month to travel in Vietnam with moderate temperatures, and sunny and clear skies. Whether you want to escape the cold or experience the pure winter, Vietnam is the place to be.

Ho Chi Minh City blends the East's mystery and France's romance from south to north, Sapa has rugged mountains and a unique culture. Hanoi is a foodie's paradise as well as a holiday mecca, especially at Christmas.

When it comes to Vietnam's seaside, many people's first thought is Nha Trang, but Phu Quoc Island is also worth a visit. This tropical paradise in Southern Vietnam is well-loved for its warm waters and amazing beaches. Here, you can not only have the opportunity to discover pristine forests, green seas, and swaying coconut trees, see strange and beautiful coral reefs, but also to learn the process of making fish sauce.

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Cambodia

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

December is ideal for visiting Cambodia. The temperature is comfortable, the rainy season is behind and the winds have calmed down. Spectacular temples, beautiful islands and beaches, and a rich cultural heritage. With so many different types of attractions, Cambodia's a place you won't want to miss.

Angkor Wat is a must-see attraction there, locally known as "Little Angkor", as opposed to the big city of Angkor. It is an ancient city that has been forgotten by history for 400 years. The site is large, divided into a small circle, a large circle, and an outer circle, and usually takes a day.

Many countries have joined in the restoration work, it is not known how long this once magnificent monument will hold up, as no filler material has been used between the stones. If you are fascinated by its historical background, impressed by its man-made landscape, or curious by its external reputation, only when you go there yourself, you can feel its charm.

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The Maldives

Sunny Maldives

January is one of the best times to visit the Maldives. With the blue sky and white clouds, walking on the romantic beach of the Maldives and smelling the sea breeze with light fragrance will make you feel extremely relaxed. The Maldives' trendy islands are Paradise Island, Honeymoon Island, Full Moon Island, Coconut Island, and so on. No matter which island, as far as you can see, there is pure and crystal white sand, and colorful tropical fish swimming freely in the crystal-clear water.

Paradise Island is a very famous vacation island in the Maldives, where the movie "After the Sunset" was filmed. Surrounded by the crystal-water, Paradise Island is in the embrace of the beautiful Indian Ocean. You will be able to enjoy splendid sunbathing easily and enjoy the magical, rare, and varied underwater creatures and coral groups. Here, you will forget all your troubles, put aside all your worries, and fully enjoy this paradise that nature has given you.

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Costa Rica

Volcano, Costa Rica

With a dry season in December, Costa Rica is suitable for vacations. The excellent geographical conditions have nurtured a wide variety of creatures here. Outdoor sports paired with natural landscapes attract a large number of tourists, which is why it is known as the most desirable tourist mecca.

Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal is a highly distinctive local attraction. The Arenal is part of the Area de Conservación Arenal. Currently, Arenal is an active volcano in a semi-dormant state. The peak of this volcano is very abrupt and often gathers clouds in clusters, which is very amazing.

At the foot of the volcano, there is also the largest artificial lake, imposing against the blue sky, white clouds and green trees. In addition, you can also view a variety of cute little animals and tropical plants in the park. You can fully experience the charm of nature by taking a boat tour in Arenal Volcano Lake, or by horseback riding or hiking.

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Mexico

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

With clear skies, abundant sunshine, and pleasant temperatures during the dry season, Mexico becomes a favored destination in December, offering not only coastal relaxation but also the exploration of its hidden historical treasures.

Navigate through the vibrant streets and alleys of Mexico City, where the festive ambiance is enhanced by the bright colors of the buildings. For a visually enchanting experience, December is also the season for butterfly migration, adding a spectrum of colors to your Mexico journey.

Take a leisurely stroll along Cancun's sandy beaches, where gentle waves and breezes create a tranquil atmosphere. Alternatively, take a boat trip to explore the rocky landscapes and caves before diving into the azure waters of Cabo San Lucas. Don't miss the awe, inspiring spectacle of massive whales congregating in Guerrero Negro and San Ignacio.

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