December Leave List
Festive escapes & winter magic.
Where to travel in December ?
December is the month for festive escapes, tropical sunshine and unforgettable summer adventures.
While much of Europe is embracing winter and preparing for Christmas, some of the world’s most spectacular destinations are experiencing their ideal travel conditions. From snowy Arctic landscapes and magical Christmas markets to Caribbean beaches and Southern Hemisphere summers, December offers an incredible variety of ways to spend your final annual leave of the year.
You can experience Christmas magic in the snow, chase winter sunshine, explore tropical islands or embrace summer adventures on the other side of the world. And if you’re looking for something completely different, destinations like Belize and Cuba offer the chance to combine warm weather with culture, wildlife and adventure.
Whether you’re looking for a magical Christmas escape, a dose of winter sun or a big adventure to end the year, December gives you plenty of reasons to make your final days of annual leave count.
Best Places to Visit in December
Festive magic & winter escapes
Finland
Perfect for: Christmas, snow, Northern Lights & winter adventures
Average temperature: Around -5 to -15°C in Lapland
Season: Deep winter
If you’ve ever dreamed of a proper Christmas wonderland, Finnish Lapland delivers. December brings deep snow, frozen landscapes, cosy log cabins and the chance to experience Christmas surrounded by Arctic wilderness.
It’s not just about Santa. The region offers plenty of ways to make a winter trip feel genuinely magical.
Best things to do: Visit Santa Claus Village, ride a reindeer sleigh, go dog sledding, chase the Northern Lights, stay in a glass igloo or warm up beside a log fire.
Germany
Perfect for: Christmas markets, festive food, history & winter atmosphere
Average temperature: Around 0–7°C
Season: Winter
December transforms German cities into some of Europe’s most atmospheric Christmas destinations. Traditional markets fill historic squares with lights, decorations, food and the smell of mulled wine.
For a short festive escape, it’s difficult to beat the combination of beautiful old towns and genuine Christmas traditions.
Best things to do: Visit the Christmas markets of Nuremberg, Dresden or Cologne, explore historic city centres, try traditional festive foods, drink Glühwein or visit smaller local markets away from the major cities.
Caribbean sunshine & tropical adventures
Belize
Perfect for: Snorkelling, diving, jungles & Mayan ruins
Average temperature: Around 24–29°C
Season: Dry season begins
December marks the beginning of Belize’s dry season, making it an excellent time to combine the country’s spectacular Caribbean coastline with its jungles and ancient Mayan sites.
It’s particularly appealing if you want a tropical holiday that includes far more than just the beach.
Best things to do: Snorkel or dive the Belize Barrier Reef, visit the Great Blue Hole, explore Mayan ruins, hike through the jungle, kayak through caves or relax on the islands of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye.
Barbados
Perfect for: Beaches, Caribbean sunshine, food & culture
Average temperature: Around 24–29°C
Season: Dry season
December brings warm Caribbean sunshine and the start of the island’s drier season. Barbados is an easy choice for a winter escape, with beautiful beaches balanced by a lively food, music and cultural scene.
Best things to do: Relax on the beaches, explore Bridgetown, swim with turtles, visit rum distilleries, explore the island’s east coast or enjoy fresh seafood by the sea.
Saint Lucia
Perfect for: Beaches, hiking, rainforest & tropical scenery
Average temperature: Around 24–29°C
Season: Dry season begins
Saint Lucia combines the classic Caribbean beach escape with some spectacular landscapes. The dramatic Pitons dominate the coastline, while the interior is filled with rainforest, waterfalls and volcanic scenery.
It’s ideal if you want your winter sun holiday to include some adventure alongside the beach.
Best things to do: Hike the Gros Piton, visit the Sulphur Springs, explore the rainforest, swim beneath waterfalls, snorkel in the Caribbean or relax on the beaches around Rodney Bay.
Cuba
Perfect for: Beaches, culture, music & history
Average temperature: Around 20–28°C
Season: Dry season
December brings warm, relatively dry weather to Cuba, making it an excellent time to explore both its historic cities and Caribbean coastline.
Havana’s colourful streets, classic cars and live music provide a completely different experience from the island’s beaches.
Best things to do: Explore Old Havana, see the city in a classic American car, visit Trinidad, experience Cuban music, explore Viñales or relax on the beaches of Varadero.
Philippines
Perfect for: Island hopping, beaches, diving & adventure
Average temperature: Around 25–30°C
Season: Dry season
December is a fantastic time to explore the Philippines, with much of the country enjoying warm, dry weather. With thousands of islands, there is plenty of scope to build a trip around beaches, diving, jungle and local culture.
And there is something particularly fun about spending Christmas somewhere tropical.
Best things to do: Island hop around Palawan, explore El Nido and Coron, snorkel with marine life, visit Cebu or Bohol, discover local villages or spend Christmas Day on a tropical beach.
Summer adventures
Brazil
Perfect for: Beaches, culture, food & summer energy
Average temperature: Around 25–30°C in Rio
Season: Summer
December marks the beginning of summer in Brazil, and Rio de Janeiro starts to come alive. Long sunny days, warm beaches and an unmistakable energy make it an exciting destination for the end of the year.
Best things to do: Relax on Copacabana and Ipanema, visit Christ the Redeemer, hike Sugarloaf Mountain, explore Santa Teresa, discover Rio’s nightlife or take a trip along the coast.
New Zealand
Perfect for: Road trips, hiking, mountains & summer adventure
Average temperature: Around 15–25°C
Season: Summer
December brings long, warm days to New Zealand, making it an ideal time for a road trip. With dramatic mountains, turquoise lakes, beaches and hiking trails, the country is made for exploring by campervan or car.
Best things to do: Road trip around the South Island, hike in Fiordland, explore Queenstown, visit Milford Sound, see Lake Tekapo or combine mountains with beaches around the North Island.
Australia
Perfect for: Beaches, road trips, cities & outdoor adventures
Average temperature: Around 18–28°C depending on region
Season: Summer
December brings summer to Australia, with warm weather and long days perfect for enjoying the country’s beaches, cities and outdoor lifestyle. Christmas here feels very different from a European winter, with barbecues, beaches and sunshine replacing cold weather and dark evenings.
Best things to do: Explore Sydney, spend Christmas on the coast, visit the Great Barrier Reef, road trip along the east coast, explore Melbourne or hike in the Blue Mountains.
Why travel in December ?
December is the month for festive magic, tropical sunshine and summer adventures. As much of Europe settles into winter, destinations around the world offer everything from snowy Christmas experiences to warm beaches and long summer days.
You can:
- Experience Christmas magic in snowy landscapes and traditional markets
- Chase the sun on Caribbean beaches and tropical islands
- Explore reefs, jungles and ancient ruins in warm-weather destinations
- Embrace summer with beaches, road trips and outdoor adventures
- Experience Christmas differently with sunshine, music and local traditions
- End the year with an adventure somewhere completely different
December is particularly good for travellers who want to finish the year somewhere memorable, whether that means a magical winter escape or swapping the cold for sunshine and summer.