There are a lot of amazing places to visit all over the world in December, from snowy ski resorts to tropical beaches and everything in between. Do you adore the winter season, snow, and the cold weather? Mountain ski resorts like Vail are already booking a large number of bookings for the month of December, so it is time to start making preparations for your trip to a colder climate.
Do you want to avoid getting cold as you lounge on the beach or by the pool? Cancun and Anguilla are both excellent choices for sunny vacations. Warm weather and yearly celebrations centered around art may be found in Miami throughout the month of December. Fans of summer can consider traveling to the southern hemisphere, where Cape Town and northern Chile are just starting to experience summer for the first time. The island of Madeira, which is part of Portugal, is an option for tourists who are still interested in seeing Europe.
Others want to get into the Christmas mood by surrounding themselves with twinkling lights, decked-out trees, and entertaining activities. We have a few recommendations, some of which are Ocala, Branson, Alexandria, and Solvang, all of which are places where the holiday spirit is in full force. These are the top destinations you should consider visiting in December of this year.
Ocala, Florida
Ocala is located in north central Florida about 80 miles north of Orlando. It is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to parks, rivers, lakes, golf, fishing, and other water sports, as well as its warm weather in December with temperatures in the mid 70s. Because of its many horse farms, training facilities, exhibitions, and opportunities to travel the area on horseback, Ocala has been given the nickname “Horse Capital of the World.” There you’ll find the World Equestrian Center, which is the largest equestrian complex in the country and home to a wide range of venues and amenities for equestrian competitions. In addition, it is the location of the five-star Equestrian Hotel, which features magnificent decor, exceptional dining, the Calluna Spa, and a variety of one-of-a-kind stores selling toys, jewelry, apparel, and leather items, among other things. Winter Wonderland is a place that celebrates the holiday season from November 25 through December 24 with glimmering lights, a 60-foot Christmas tree, a skating rink, carolers, entertainment, and the opportunity to have breakfast with Santa at Stirrups restaurant.
Branson, Missouri
There is a wide variety of exciting things to do in Branson throughout the entire year, including amusement parks, live entertainment, outdoor activities, golf, and water sports. During the winter months, tourists can visit museums, go shopping, and take in the crisp mountain air. The holiday season features extravagant light displays as well as activities that are exciting for the whole family, such as riding the Polar Express, participating in parades and shows, snow tubing, visiting with reindeer, and going shopping. Between November 5 and December 30, Silver Dollar City will celebrate the holiday season with more than 6.5 million lights, as well as seasonal delicacies and events. Big Cedar Lodge, which features lodging options such as cottages, log cabins, and guest rooms, celebrates the Christmas season with activities such as visits from Santa and his elves, gingerbread home building, campfires, and a variety of handicrafts, in addition to an ice skating rink.
Alexandria, Virginia
The city of Alexandria is a popular destination due to its downtown district, rich history, and beautiful architecture. It is located directly over the Potomac River from the nation’s capital. The celebration of the Christmas season begins there on November 19 with the lighting of the tree. The “Biggest Holiday Weekend” in Alexandria will include both the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights and the Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, both of which will take place on December 3. Christmas Illuminations will be held again at Mount Vernon, the residence of George Washington, on December 16 and 17, and will include fireworks and a light show over the Potomac River. During the months of November and December, there will be certain weekends dedicated to candlelight tours. A trip to the nation’s capital in December is the ideal time to take advantage of the city’s many holiday-themed attractions, including its museums, tours, and markets.
The city of Cape Town in South Africa
Temperatures in the seventies mark the beginning of Cape Town’s summer, which begins in December and lasts until April. Nature lovers are drawn to the city for activities such as hiking, biking, and visiting the city’s gardens. The “Mother City” is also known for its diversified culinary scene, which includes both fine dining and street food. A journey on the cable car to the top of Table Mountain offers passengers breathtaking panoramas. Stay at the Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, and take advantage of their brand-new marine adventures, such as an ocean expedition through kelp forests, which was the setting for the filming of the Oscar-winning documentary “My Octopus Teacher.” Beginning on November 17, travelers will be able to reach Cape Town through nonstop flights departing from Atlanta on Delta and from Washington’s Dulles Airport on United Airlines.
The city of Solvang in California
Santa Barbara County, in the heart of wine country on the Central Coast, is home to the Danish settlement of Solvang, which was established in 1911. Because of its restaurants, boutiques, and bakeries, as well as its European atmosphere, it is a popular visit. Solvang, California, is known for its Danish-style Christmas celebrations, which include a Julefest procession, food tours, seasonal markets, and festive lights and trees. Santa’s Village is located in the park. Stay in town at either The Winston or Vinland Hotel + Lounge, both of which are accommodating to guests traveling with pets and offer a convenient location. Nearby is where you’ll find the brand-new boutique Hotel Ynez, which is situated on four acres of land amidst oak, madrone, and redwood trees. The Victor is the new trademark restaurant at the Santa Ynez Inn, which is located only a few minutes away from Solvang.
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun, which is located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, has beautiful weather in December, with temperatures in the mid 80s. This weather is perfect for the beach, as well as for seeing the neighboring Mayan ruins and going shopping downtown. Visitors have the option of staying in resorts or hotels that provide all-inclusive packages, and these accommodations are suitable for families, couples, and large groups. The NIZUC Resort & Spa is another option for those seeking luxury accommodations in the Cancun area. The new Waldorf Astoria Cancun is located on 100 acres of coastline. The Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla is ideally situated for easy access to a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. The Andaz, Banyan Tree, Fairmont, and Rosewood resorts are located in the destination village of Mayakoba, which is less than an hour away from Cancun International Airport. Mayakoba also boasts beaches, lagoons, golf, and restaurants.
Anguilla
Temperatures in December average in the mid 80s on Anguilla, and the island receives very little precipitation thanks to its location in the eastern Caribbean, roughly 12 miles north of St. Martin. As is the case in most places that have warm weather tourism year-round, the month of December begins with a low number of guests and gradually builds up to a peak during the week leading up to the New Year. Anguilla is known for having stunning beaches with white sand, a diverse selection of water activities, and warm and welcoming locals. Visitors can choose to laze on the beach and soak up the sun, or they can keep themselves busy by fishing, snorkeling, or touring the island. On the island’s northwest side, you can choose to stay at either the oceanfront Zemi Beach House or the Four Seasons Anguilla Resort. Charter flights can be arranged from New York, Washington, D.C., and Fort Lauderdale to arrive at the Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, which features the only golf course on the island.
Miami, Florida
Art is the focus in Miami during the first week of December, with Art Basel taking place from December 1 to 3, Art Miami running from November 29 to December 4, and art institutions all across the city coming together to create what has become known as Miami Art Week. Crowds of artists, collectors, and fans will attend events, exhibitions, galleries, and other venues including the Miami Beach Convention Center during Art Basel. As we get further into the month, the peak travel season for the end of the year will begin, and the most popular destinations will be those with beaches, pools, restaurants, and clubs. Enjoy a stay in lavish comfort at The Setai, the venerable Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, or any other of Miami’s many wonderful resorts. With a stay at the enchanting Esmé Hotel, guests will have the opportunity to discover Espaola Way, one of Miami’s first neighborhoods located in South Beach.
Madeira, Portugal
The island of Madeira, which belongs to Portugal and is the largest of the archipelago that shares its name, may be found in the Atlantic Ocean. The month of December sees temperatures that are normally in the 50s, and it is a lovely destination thanks to its mountains, valleys, beaches, and other challenging terrain. It may not be the best weather for swimming, but it is a wonderful time to spend time outside hiking, exploring, and tasting the renowned wines of the region. The month of December is filled with celebrations of Christmas traditions, including decorations, holiday markets, and festivities. SATA Azores Airlines will begin offering non-stop flights between New York and Funchal, the capital of the Azores, commencing in November. The travel time from New York to Funchal is around seven hours.
Chile
It is the beginning of summer in the southern hemisphere, and due to the unusual topography of Chile, there is a significant difference in the weather as one travels from the north to the south, which is nearly 4,000 kilometers in distance. Deserts, lakes, volcanoes, and glaciers and fjords may be found in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego in the south of the country, which are all part of Chile, which is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains. The town of Navidad is an ideal vacation spot, particularly during the month of December, due to its proximity to beaches and opportunities for watersports. The nation’s capital, Santiago, is filled with historic structures, as well as restaurants, bars, and other forms of nightlife. Patagonia, located in the south, is the place to go if you’re interested in wildlife, landscape, and adventure.
