7 of the best places to visit in December

1. New York City, USA

New York City certainly knows how to do Christmas in style. Its shops have dazzling window displays, Christmas lights twinkle in the streets and you can wrap up in your finest knitwear to stroll around the city’s Christmas markets.

Visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a must on a visit in December – its lights will be lit on 4 December – as is whizzing around an ice rink. Try the rink at the Rockefeller Center or the 17,000-square-foot rink at the Bryant Park Winter Village.

For a festive treat, book yourself tickets to a show. This year’s productions include The Nutcracker, The Great Gatsby and Radio City's Christmas Spectacular.

Don’t miss: You’ll never forget ringing in the new year in New York City. Join the crowds around Times Square to watch celebrity presenters and performances in the lead up to midnight – this year’s performers include Tyla and Flo Rida. Or start 2025 as you mean to go on by taking part in the New York Road Runners Midnight Run through Central Park.

2. Edinburgh, Scotland

For festive cheer closer to home, Edinburgh could be the perfect choice. You can stock up on Christmas presents in its wide range of shops and Christmas markets, admire the city from its seasonal big wheel, or visit post-Christmas for some of the world’s most famous New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The city kicks off December with a Santa Fun Run & Walk on 8 December. Plus, many locations across the city put on special events throughout the month, including Edinburgh Castle's spectacular light show, Castle of Light, and the Royal Botanical Gardens' festive trail, Christmas at the Botanics.

Then, there’s ice skating on the rink on George Street and Christmas afternoon tea in style in Edinburgh Castle’s Tea Rooms, which includes admission to the castle.

Don’t miss: Edinburgh’s world-famous Hogmanay celebrations, which take place from 29 December to 1 January. Join in the huge street party on the evening of December 31 (you’ll need to buy tickets to take part) and check out this year's Hogmanay Concert in the Gardens, headlined by Scottish music legends, Texas.

3. Tenerife, Spain

December temperatures can reach around 20C in Tenerife, so the largest of the Canary Islands is a lovely contrast to the chilly weather back at home. And you can choose whether to embrace the festive season on a break or completely escape the madness while taking a dip at the beach.

If you visit Tenerife for Christmas itself, join in with some traditional celebrations. There’s nativity scenes in the island’s cities and towns, the Ports of Tenerife Christmas Concert and many restaurants will have special menus.

For those looking to escape the festivities this December, try a whale watching trip or stargazing expedition. From 13-14 December, you’ll be able to look out for the Geminidas meteor shower. Your best chance of seeing the meteors is to head to the island’s Teide National Park on a moonless night.

Don’t miss: Take home a unique Christmas gift by visiting the La Arrancadilla Craft Fair in the east of the island on 14 December. Held in the municipality of Fasnia, local artisans will be showcasing Tenerife’s traditions and selling ceramics, textiles, jewellery and more.

4. Sydney, Australia

December is the start of summer in Sydney, so expect temperatures in the high 20s and pleasant 21C waters, too. Visit over Christmas itself to swap turkey and the trimmings for a barbecue on the beach.

Despite the sun, you’ll still be able to stroll around Christmas markets, listen to carol concerts and admire Christmas lights. Complement Christmas festivities with drinks in rooftop bars, surfing and watching sport – the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race sets sail on 26 December and the Australian Open golf runs from 28 November to 1 December.

If you visit for New Year’s Eve, you can be one of the first people in the world to welcome in 2025. Watch the fireworks in Sydney Harbour, enjoy a waterfront picnic in the Botanic Gardens or take a harbour cruise.

Don’t miss: This December, head to The Rocks, which is considered to be the birthplace of modern Sydney. Here, as part of the Homegrown Christmas celebrations, there will be live music by the water, free Christmas movies at the outdoor Laneway Cinema every Wednesday evening and unique gifts to buy at The Rocks Market.

5. Vienna, Austria

Vienna has been repeatedly named as the number one city to live by the Mercer Quality of Living Survey, and on a break to the elegant city in December, you’ll be able to discover why.

You’ll have to wrap up to explore – temperatures can dip below zero – but you may see some snow. Warm up with a steaming mug of glühwein (mulled wine) and a bag of roasted chestnuts as you stroll around one of its Christmas markets (the Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz in front of City Hall is favourite).

While you’re in the city, look up a concert to attend or head to the MuseumsQuartier to find modern art in mumok. Round out your stay with a cosy afternoon in a coffeehouse (with a slice of sachertorte chocolate cake, of course).

Don’t miss: If you’re in Vienna on New Year’s Eve, take in its central New Year’s Eve Trail from 2pm on 31 December until 2am on 1 January (from Freyung via Am Hof square, Graben, Stephansplatz, and Kärntner Strasse to Neuer Markt). Expect entertainment, punch, sparkling wine and to learn how to waltz. Next year marks the 200th birthday of composer Johann Strauss and, as part of the trail, a 100-piece super band will perform “Countdown Strauss” – a new arrangement of the Blue Danube.

6. Barbados, Caribbean

The official hurricane season in Barbados has passed by December and temperatures can reach around 29C, making it an excellent destination for winter sun. However, peak season starts in mid-December, so if you’re flexible and travelling without school-aged children, visit early in the month to stand the best chance of getting a deal.

If you’re visiting for Christmas or New Year, you won’t be disappointed by the combination of sun, sea, sand and larger-than-life celebrations. In Bridgetown, visit Queen’s Park on Christmas Day, where residents gather and celebrate in their best outfits. Meanwhile, on New Year’s Eve, there are parties and fireworks galore in the island’s hotels and restaurants.

Make some time to explore the island beyond its beaches, too. If you’re a fan of rum, go on a tour of the Mount Gay rum distillery, stroll around Historic Bridgetown, swim with turtles on a catamaran tour, and head underground on a tram to explore Harrison’s Cave.

Don’t miss: Stay fit during the festive season by taking part in the Run Barbados Marathon from 6-8 December, which celebrates its 41st year in 2024. Over three days, there are events for every level of athlete, whether you’ve been training for a full marathon or would like to soak up the atmosphere on a 5K walk while taking in the scenery of the east coast.

7. Reykjavik, Iceland

Embrace the cold on a city break to Reykjavik in December. Temperatures may drop to minus figures but Christmas-themed fun abounds.

While exploring Reykjavik, look out for Iceland’s 13 Yule Lads – the characters from Icelandic folklore are on some of the city’s buildings. To stay in the festive mood, you can also admire the decorations in Reykjavik Botanical Garden.

For a truly special December experience, book a Northern Lights tour. As December is the darkest month, you’ve got one of the highest chances of seeing them.

And, after a day of sightseeing, warm yourself up and relax by bathing in a geothermal pool. Laugardalslaug is the largest with a 50m outdoor pool and several hot tubs.

Don’t miss: Take part in a festive scavenger hunt this December by looking for 14 Christmas creatures all over Reykjavík. The comical creatures are from Icelandic folklore and include the Yule Cat (a huge cat who roams around at night and eats children who didn’t get a new item of clothing for Christmas) and Sad Sack (the Yule Lad’s little sister). Find four creatures and answer questions using QR codes to win gift cards and passes.