December is a magical time of year, filled with holiday cheer and the anticipation of a new year. It’s the perfect time to take a break from the daily grind and embark on a getaway to recharge and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a snow lover, sun seeker, adventure enthusiast, or foodie, a December getaway is perfect for you. This article explores the top December getaways in various categories, from winter wonderlands to warm destinations, festive celebrations to romantic retreats, and everything in between.
Embrace the Winter Chill: Top December Getaways for Snow Lovers
For those who love the winter chill and all the activities it brings, plenty of destinations offer winter sports and activities. From skiing and snowboarding to ice skating and snowshoeing, these getaways are perfect for adrenaline junkies and outdoor enthusiasts. Some top destinations for snow lovers in December include Aspen, Colorado; Whistler, Canada; and St. Moritz, Switzerland.
In Aspen, you can hit the slopes at world-class ski resorts like Aspen Mountain or Snowmass. After a day on the mountain, cozy up by the fire at one of the luxury lodges or indulge in a spa treatment to soothe your tired muscles. Don’t forget to explore the charming town of Aspen with its boutique shops and gourmet restaurants.
In Whistler, you’ll find over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain and a vibrant village filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. Take a break from skiing or snowboarding to try bobsledding or zip-lining through the snowy landscape. And when you’re ready to relax, book a massage at one of the many spas in town.
St. Moritz is known for its glamorous ski scene and luxurious accommodations. With over 350 kilometers of ski slopes, it’s a paradise for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. After a day on the slopes, indulge in retail therapy at the designer boutiques or enjoy a gourmet meal at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants.
Escape to the Sun: Best Warm Destinations for a December Break
If you’re looking to escape the winter chill and soak up some sun, there are plenty of warm destinations in December. Whether you prefer lounging on the beach, exploring vibrant cities, or immersing yourself in nature, these getaways offer the perfect escape from the cold. Some top warm destinations for a December break include Bali, Maldives, and Miami.
Bali is a tropical paradise with stunning beaches, lush rice terraces, and vibrant culture. Spend your days lounging on the white sandy beaches, exploring ancient temples, or indulging in a traditional Balinese massage. Don’t miss the chance to try delicious local cuisine, like nasi goreng or babi guling.
The Maldives is a dream destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Its crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and overwater bungalows make it the perfect place to relax and unwind. Spend your days snorkeling or diving in the Indian Ocean, or soak up the sun on your private deck.
Miami is known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and Art Deco architecture. Explore the trendy neighborhoods of South Beach and Wynwood, where you’ll find art galleries, boutique shops, and world-class restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to catch a live music performance or dance the night away at one of Miami’s famous nightclubs.
Festive Fun: Celebrate the Holidays in These Top December Getaways
December is a time for celebration, and many destinations go out for the holidays. From Christmas markets and light displays to festive traditions and events, these getaways are perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. Some top destinations for festive fun in December include New York City, Vienna, and Prague.
New York City is famous for its extravagant holiday decorations and events. Stroll through Central Park and admire the giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, or go ice skating at the iconic rink. Don’t miss the chance to see the Rockettes perform at Radio City Music Hall or catch a show on Broadway.
Vienna is known for its magical Christmas markets and classical music scene. Explore the stalls at the Christkindlmarkt in front of City Hall, where you can find handmade crafts, delicious treats, and warm mulled wine. Don’t miss the chance to attend a concert at one of Vienna’s historic concert halls, like the Musikverein or the Vienna State Opera.
Prague is a fairytale city that comes alive during the holiday season. Explore the charming streets of Old Town and admire the stunning Christmas decorations. Don’t miss the chance to visit Prague Castle and watch the changing of the guard, or take a cruise along the Vltava River to see the city’s famous landmarks.
Winter Wonderland: Best Destinations for a Magical December Experience
If you’re looking for a destination that truly captures the magic of winter, plenty of places offer a magical December experience. From snow-covered landscapes and cozy cabins to festive lights and holiday traditions, these getaways are perfect for those who want to embrace the winter wonderland. Some top destinations for a magical December experience include Lapland, Quebec City, and Salzburg.
Lapland is located in the northernmost part of Finland and is known as the home of Santa Claus. Visit Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi and meet Santa himself, or take a reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy forests. Don’t miss seeing the Northern Lights dance across the sky or spend a night in an ice hotel.
Quebec City is a charming city in Canada that looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale during the winter months. Explore the historic streets of Old Quebec and admire the beautiful Christmas decorations. Don’t miss the chance to ice skate at Place D’Youville or visit the German Christmas Market in front of City Hall.
Salzburg is a picturesque city in Austria that is famous for its baroque architecture and musical heritage. Explore the historic streets of Old Town and visit Mozart’s birthplace. Don’t miss the chance to attend a concert at the Salzburg Cathedral or take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snow-covered countryside.
Adventure Awaits: Top December Getaways for Thrill-Seekers
If you’re an adrenaline junkie and love seeking out new adventures, there are plenty of destinations that offer thrilling activities in December. From hiking and rock climbing to zip-lining and paragliding, these getaways are perfect for those who want to get their heart racing. Some top destinations for thrill-seekers in December include Queenstown, Costa Rica, and Cape Town.
Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand and offers a wide range of adrenaline-pumping activities. Go bungee jumping off the Kawarau Bridge, take a jet boat ride through the Shotover Canyon, or skydive over Lake Wakatipu. Don’t miss the chance to explore the stunning landscapes of Fiordland National Park or take a helicopter ride to Milford Sound.
Costa Rica is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts, with its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Go white-water rafting down the Pacuare River, zip-line through the rainforest canopy, or surf on one of the country’s world-class beaches. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Arenal Volcano National Park or dip in the hot springs.
Cape Town is a vibrant city in South Africa that offers many adventurous activities. You can go shark cage diving off the coast, hike up Table Mountain for stunning views of the city, or sandboard down the dunes of Atlantis. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Cape Peninsula and visit the penguins at Boulders Beach.
Cozy Up: Best December Getaways for a Romantic Retreat
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway to cozy up with your loved one, plenty of destinations offer a romantic atmosphere in December. From charming cities and secluded cabins to candlelit dinners and spa treatments, these getaways are perfect for couples looking to reconnect and create lasting memories. Some top destinations for a romantic retreat in December include Paris, Santorini, and Kyoto.
Paris is known as the city of love and offers a romantic atmosphere. Stroll along the Seine River and admire the beautiful architecture or picnic in one of the city’s many parks. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Eiffel Tower at night and see it sparkle with thousands of lights.
Santorini is a picturesque island in Greece famous for its stunning sunsets and whitewashed buildings. Explore the charming streets of Oia and watch the sunset from one of the many rooftop bars. Don’t miss the chance to take a boat tour around the island or relax on one of the black sand beaches.
Kyoto is a historic city in Japan known for its traditional temples, gardens, and geisha culture. Explore the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove or visit the iconic Kinkaku-ji Temple. Don’t miss the chance to take a romantic stroll through the Gion district and spot a geisha walking by.
Foodie Delight: Best December Getaways for Culinary Experiences
If you’re a foodie and love trying new cuisines, plenty of destinations offer a strong culinary scene in December. From street food markets and gourmet restaurants to cooking classes and wine tastings, these getaways are perfect for those who want to indulge in delicious food and drink. Some top culinary destinations in December include Barcelona, Tokyo, and New Orleans.
Barcelona is a vibrant city in Spain known for its delicious tapas and seafood. Explore the bustling Boqueria Market and sample the local delicacies, or indulge in a traditional paella at one of the many beachfront restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to visit the famous Sagrada Familia or take a cooking class to learn how to make authentic Spanish dishes.
Tokyo is a food lover’s paradise with its diverse culinary scene and Michelin-starred restaurants. Explore the narrow streets of Tsukiji Fish Market and try fresh sushi, or visit one of the many izakayas for a traditional Japanese meal. Don’t miss the chance to try street food in Shinjuku or visit a sake brewery for a tasting.
New Orleans is famous for its unique blend of flavors and vibrant food culture. Indulge in some beignets and café au lait at Café du Monde, or try some gumbo and jambalaya at one of the many Creole restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to listen to live jazz music on Frenchmen Street or take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional New Orleans dishes.
Cultural Immersion: Top December Getaways for Art and History Lovers
If you’re an art and history lover, plenty of destinations offer a rich cultural scene in December. From world-class museums and historic landmarks to art festivals and performances, these getaways are perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in art and history. Some top destinations for cultural immersion in December include Rome, Istanbul, and New York City.
Rome is a city steeped in history and offers many cultural experiences. Explore the ancient Colosseum and the Roman Forum ruins, visit Vatican City, and admire the stunning artwork in the Sistine Chapel. Don’t miss the chance to try some authentic Italian gelato or attend an opera performance at the Teatro dell’Opera.
Istanbul straddles two continents and offers a unique blend of cultures and traditions. Explore the historic streets of Sultanahmet and visit the iconic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Don’t miss the chance to cruise along the Bosphorus Strait or visit the Grand Bazaar for some shopping.
New York City is known for its vibrant arts scene and world-class museums. Explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art galleries or admire the modern art at the Museum of Modern Art. Don’t miss the chance to catch a Broadway show or visit one of the many art galleries in Chelsea.
Spa and Wellness: Best December Getaways for Relaxation and Rejuvenation
If you need some relaxation and rejuvenation, plenty of destinations offer spa and wellness offerings in December. From luxury resorts and thermal baths to yoga retreats and meditation centers, these getaways are perfect for those who want to unwind and recharge. Some top destinations for spa and wellness in December include Bali, Costa Rica, and Thailand.
Bali is known for its holistic healing practices and offers various spa treatments and wellness retreats. Indulge in a traditional Balinese massage or try a yoga class overlooking the rice terraces. Don’t miss the chance to visit one of Bali’s many spiritual temples or dip in one of the natural hot springs.
Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers and offers various wellness activities. Take a yoga class on the beach, go hiking in the rainforest, or relax in one of the many natural hot springs. Don’t miss the chance to try a traditional Costa Rican healing treatment, like a volcanic mud bath or a coffee scrub.
Thailand is famous for its ancient healing practices and offers many spa and wellness retreats. Indulge in a traditional Thai massage or try a meditation class at one of the many Buddhist temples. Don’t miss the chance to visit one of Thailand’s many wellness resorts or take a cooking class to learn how to make healthy Thai dishes.
Family Fun: Top December Getaways for Memorable Holiday Vacations
If you’re planning a family vacation in December, plenty of destinations offer family-friendly activities and attractions. From theme parks and zoos to museums and outdoor adventures, these getaways are perfect for creating lasting memories with your loved ones. Some top destinations for family fun in December include Orlando, London, and Sydney.
Orlando is known as the world’s theme park capital and offers a wide range of attractions for families. Visit Walt Disney World Resort and meet your favorite Disney characters, or explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. Don’t miss the chance to visit SeaWorld Orlando or take an airboat ride through the Everglades.
London is a city that offers something for everyone in the family. Explore the historic streets of Westminster and visit iconic landmarks such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Stroll along the Thames River and enjoy the stunning views of the London Eye. The Tate Modern and the National Gallery are must-visit destinations for art enthusiasts. Families can also enjoy a day at the world-famous British Museum, discovering ancient artifacts and learning about different cultures. For a fun-filled day, head to the bustling Covent Garden, known for its street performers and vibrant atmosphere. And, of course, no trip to London is complete without experiencing the magic of the West End, with its world-class theaters and unforgettable shows. London truly has something to offer for everyone in the family.
