WHERE TO GO IN DECEMBER | THE BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL THIS MONTH
December is all about the holidays, whether you want twinkling Christmas markets, a snowy mountain lodge or a warm beach to escape it all. Holiday weeks book up fast, so plan early.
Here are my top picks for December, plus a splurge and a save hotel for each one so you can choose what fits your budget.
1. Vienna, Austria
The Christmas markets are pure magic: mulled wine, twinkling lights, holiday music and pastries everywhere you turn. Spend your days in the palaces and coffee houses and your nights wandering from market to market. Pair it with Salzburg for an even more festive trip.
Splurge: Hotel Sacher Wien — Opera views and the original Sachertorte, in one of Vienna's most famous hotels.
Save: 25hours Hotel beim MuseumsQuartier — Playful and central with a rooftop bar, near the museums and the Spittelberg Christmas market.
2. The White Mountains, New Hampshire
A grand old hotel decked out for the holidays, snowy mountain views and plenty to do even if you don't ski. Go snowshoeing, take the gondola up at Bretton Woods and warm up by a big stone fireplace. It's a cozy, festive escape.
Splurge: Omni Mount Washington Resort — A grand historic hotel decorated for the holidays, with a spa and Bretton Woods skiing right across the road.
Save: AMC Highland Center Lodge — A simple, affordable lodge in Crawford Notch, great for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Read more: Top 5 winter activities at Bretton Woods
3. Copenhagen
Hygge season! Tivoli Gardens lights up for Christmas, and the whole city feels cozy with candlelit cafés and holiday markets. Days are short, so plan for long lunches, mulled wine and warm pastries. It's one of the most festive cities in Europe.
Splurge: Hotel d'Angleterre — Copenhagen's grand dame on Kongens Nytorv, famous for its holiday decorations and steps from Nyhavn.
Save: Hotel Ottilia — A converted brewery with a cozy feel and a rooftop terrace, at a friendlier price.
Read more: 2 days in Copenhagen
4. Los Cabos, Mexico
Warm, sunny and the start of whale season. It's perfect for escaping the cold over the holidays, with beach days, boat trips to Land's End and great dining. Holiday weeks book up fast, so plan early.
Splurge: Las Ventanas al Paraíso — Iconic luxury with ocean-view suites and private plunge pools, perfect for a holiday splurge.
Save: Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos — An easy all-inclusive with something for everyone, great for family holiday trips.
Read more: My guide to Los Cabos
5. The Maldives
December marks the start of the dry season, with calm, clear water for snorkeling and diving. Stay in an overwater villa, snorkel with manta rays and turtles and do absolutely nothing. The ultimate holiday splurge.
Splurge: Soneva Fushi — Barefoot luxury at its finest, with huge private villas, an observatory and an outdoor cinema.
Save: Kandima Maldives — Fun, social and more affordable, with plenty of activities and a lively atmosphere.
6. Québec City
Snow-covered cobblestones, a German Christmas market and the Château Frontenac lit up for the holidays. Go tobogganing on Dufferin Terrace, shop the Petit Champlain district and warm up with poutine. It feels like Europe without the long flight.
Splurge: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac — The castle-like icon of the city, beautifully decorated for the holidays.
Save: Auberge Saint-Antoine — A museum-hotel full of history in the Old Port, cozy and warm in winter.
Not sure where to go?
Take my Trip Finder quiz. Answer a few quick questions about when you're traveling, your travel style and your budget, and I'll match you with a destination plus three places to stay.
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Every trip is different, and weather, events and hotel availability can change from year to year, so double-check dates before you book.
More months: Where to go in November · Where to go in January
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