December travel looks different for everyone. Some people want warm sand and fruity drinks. Others dream about deep snow and ski days. Then there are those who just want twinkling lights, markets, and cozy city streets.
This guide rounds up 17 of the best places to travel in December and sorts them into three simple styles: sunny escapes, snowy adventures, and magical holiday cities. For each, you will get a feel for weather, crowd levels, and what makes that spot special this time of year.
Plymouth Rock Travel members also get help picking the right destination, plus savings and perks on hotels, flights, and activities. If you want less stress and more value from your December trip, that kind of support goes a long way.
How to Choose the Best December Vacation: Sun, Snow, or Holiday Magic?
Before you jump into the list, it helps to know what you actually want from your trip. Think of it as choosing your “December mood”: swimsuit, ski jacket, or city coat.
A few key factors:
- Weather: Do you want warm beach days, crisp mountain air, or chilly city evenings with lights and markets?
- Crowds: Are you okay with busy streets and packed slopes, or do you prefer quieter spots and early December dates?
- Budget: Holiday weeks cost more in most places. Some destinations stay more affordable than others.
- Trip length: Short trips pair well with cities and closer ski areas. Longer trips can mix beach, snow, and city time.
A Plymouth Rock Exclusive Travel Membership can match you with the right type of December trip, then find wholesale hotel rates, room upgrades when available, and on-call trip planning during a peak month.
Key questions to ask before you pick a December destination
Use these questions to narrow the 17 options:
- Do you want to be warm, cold, or a mix on this trip?
- Are you traveling with kids, adults only, or a mix of generations?
- How do you feel about big crowds and higher prices around Christmas and New Year?
- Do you care more about outdoor time (beach, hiking, skiing) or city life (shopping, museums, food)?
- How many travel days are you willing to spend on flights and transfers?
- Do you want one easy base, or are you excited about a multi-stop itinerary?
Keep your answers in mind as you read. You will start to see which places fit you.
What to know about December weather, crowds, and prices
December is prime time for many sunny beaches and snowy ski resorts. That usually means:
- Higher prices on flights and hotels, especially around school breaks
- Heavier crowds in popular spots like New York City, Aspen, Cancun, and Waikiki
- Better value and breathing room if you travel in early December or right after New Year
Some destinations on this list have softer pricing or fewer people, especially places like Moab, Sedona, or Whitefish. Resources like Best places to visit in December can also help you compare big-picture patterns.
Plymouth Rock Travel planners help members pick dates that balance good weather with fewer crowds, then match them with properties that stretch the budget.
Why plan a December trip with Plymouth Rock Travel
December trips come with moving parts: tight dates, limited rooms, and busy airports. Working with Plymouth Rock Travel means you get:
- Expert guidance on when to go for each destination style
- Access to member-only rates and perks at many hotels and resorts
- Custom itineraries that mix sun, snow, and city time in one trip
- Help with logistics like airport transfers, ski rentals, resort credits, and tours
You can even Plan a Year of Travel with One Membership, using December as your anchor trip and building the rest of your travel calendar around it.
Sunny December Getaways for Warm Weather and Beach Time
If your perfect December includes flip-flops, pools, and late sunsets, these warm-weather spots are your lane. Expect comfortable to hot daytime temperatures, less packing bulk, and plenty of outdoor time.
For more ideas across the globe, check guides like the best winter sun destinations, then use this list to focus in.
Cancun, Mexico: All-inclusive beaches and winter sun
December weather: warm days around the low to mid 80s°F, pleasant evenings, low chance of storms.
Crowds pick up through the month, with Christmas and New Year among the busiest and priciest weeks of the year. Early December often has better deals and more room by the pool.
Why it is great in December:
- White sand beaches with clear, turquoise water
- All-inclusive resorts that work well for families and groups
- Easy day trips to Tulum, Chichen Itza, cenotes, and adventure parks
Plymouth Rock Travel can sort through hundreds of resorts for you, arrange private or shared airport transfers, and, for members, pursue extras like resort credits or better room views when available.
Palm Springs, California: Desert pools, spa days, and retro style
December weather: sunny, dry days in the high 60s to low 70s°F, with cool nights.
Palm Springs fills up on weekends and during the holidays but still feels calmer than big beach destinations.
Highlights:
- Pool time framed by mountain views
- The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, with the chance of snow at the top while the desert floor stays mild
- Mid-century modern architecture tours and design-focused hotels
- Golf, tennis, and spa resorts that appeal to couples and groups of friends
Members can lean on Plymouth Rock Travel to pick from boutique hideaways, golf resorts, and apartment-style stays, making it easy to match hotel style to your trip vibe.
Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii: Tropical holidays with surf and city energy
December weather: warm and humid, often in the high 70s to low 80s°F, with passing showers that clear fast.
The first half of December can feel busy but manageable. Crowds and prices spike late in the month as holiday travelers arrive.
Why it shines in December:
- Holiday lights and events like Honolulu City Lights near downtown
- Surfing in Waikiki for beginners, with big-wave viewing on the North Shore for day trips
- Plenty of dining, shopping, and nightlife in walking distance
Plymouth Rock Travel can help you compare oceanfront vs. city-view hotels, pair Oahu with a quieter island like Kauai or Maui, and line up luaus, snorkeling trips, and cultural tours ahead of time so you are not scrambling once you land.
Sedona, Arizona: Mild sunshine, red rocks, and wellness retreats
December weather: daytime highs usually in the 50s°F, colder nights, with the chance of a light dusting of snow that looks beautiful on the red rocks.
Crowds are lighter than peak spring and fall, and rates can be friendlier outside holiday weeks.
Top reasons to go:
- Red rock hikes with clear views and comfortable daytime temps
- Jeep tours, vortex sites, and dramatic photo spots
- Spas, yoga retreats, and stargazing thanks to dark skies
Plymouth Rock planners can suggest wellness-focused resorts or inns, piece together guided hikes and jeep tours, and design a road trip that links Sedona with the Grand Canyon or Phoenix for an easy flight hub.
Moab, Utah: Quiet national parks and clear winter skies
December weather: cool to cold, often in the 30s to 40s°F during the day, colder at night, but many days are sunny and crisp.
Crowds are much lighter in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks this time of year. Some restaurants and activities have reduced hours, so planning ahead is important.
Why Moab works in December:
- Wide open park roads with far fewer cars
- Shorter, easy hikes that feel different in the quiet winter light
- Great conditions for photography and stargazing on clear nights
Because winter services can be limited, having Plymouth Rock Travel confirm which hotels, tours, and restaurants are open for your dates helps you avoid surprises and make the most of the quiet season.
Snowy December Destinations for Skiing and Cozy Winter Fun
If your perfect December smells like pine trees and hot chocolate, these winter wonderlands are for you. Expect peak pricing around Christmas, so early December dates tend to be kinder to your wallet.
For more winter ideas, check out this guide on where to go for winter holidays, then use this list to focus in on ski-friendly towns.
Aspen, Colorado: Luxury ski town with big holiday energy
December weather: cold with regular snowfall, often below freezing, especially at night.
Aspen feels like a luxury snow globe in late December. It is also one of the priciest ski towns during the holidays.
Best for:
- Confident skiers and riders who want varied terrain and top-notch grooming
- Travelers who enjoy upscale hotels, designer shops, and great dining
- Couples and friend groups who enjoy nightlife after the lifts close
Plymouth Rock Travel can help secure high-demand lodging well ahead of time, arrange private or shared airport transfers into Aspen or nearby airports, and help with restaurant reservations and ski rentals so you are not stuck on waitlists.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Steep slopes, wildlife, and a real mountain town
December weather: cold and snowy, often in the teens or 20s°F.
Jackson Hole is famous for its steep terrain and deep powder, but it also has beginner and intermediate zones plus plenty of non-ski activities.
Why it is special:
- Advanced terrain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for expert skiers
- Family-friendly options and lessons for newer skiers
- Winter wildlife tours with chances to see elk, bison, or even moose
- Classic Town Square with antler arches and western-style shops
Plymouth Rock planners can help you pick between staying in Teton Village (steps from the lifts) or in town (for more dining and local feel), then book ski school and winter tours that fit your group.
Telluride, Colorado: Storybook ski village tucked in the mountains
December weather: cold, with regular snowfall and bright bluebird days.
Telluride sits in a box canyon, so the mountains feel like walls around you. The village and town glow with lights in December and feel cozy rather than flashy.
Good fit for:
- Travelers who like walkable villages and scenic views
- Skiers and riders of all levels who want good snow without a giant resort feel
- People who prefer charm over big nightlife scenes
Getting in can be more complex than some ski areas, with limited flights into small regional airports. Plymouth Rock Travel can map out the smoothest route, sort shuttles, and set up rentals and passes so you can start skiing quickly.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado: Family-friendly snow, hot springs, and ranch feel
December weather: cold and snowy, often in the teens and 20s°F, with Steamboat’s famous “champagne powder.”
Crowds build around school breaks, but early December is often calmer.
Reasons families love Steamboat:
- Wide runs and tree skiing for many levels
- Night skiing for kids and teens who never want to stop
- Natural hot springs that feel amazing after cold days
- A western, ranch-style feel in town rather than a flashy resort-only vibe
Plymouth Rock members can get help choosing between ski-in, ski-out hotels, condo stays with kitchens, or properties closer to town, plus booking ski school, rentals, and hot springs visits.
Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada: Big lake views and many ski options
December weather: cold and snowy in the higher areas, with a mix of sun and storms.
Traffic and crowds jump on holiday weeks and powder weekends, but Tahoe rewards planning with postcard views.
Why Tahoe stands out:
- A choice of many ski resorts around the lake, from family-focused to expert-heavy
- Deep-blue lake views from slopes and scenic drives
- Lively nightlife in South Lake Tahoe, quieter cabins and towns on the North Shore
Plymouth Rock Travel can help you pick North vs. South Shore, pair you with the resort that fits your level and vibe, and sort rental cars or shuttles around the lake.
Whitefish, Montana: Laid-back slopes near Glacier National Park
December weather: cold, often below freezing, with long winter nights and regular snowfall.
Whitefish feels more relaxed than many Colorado resorts, which appeals to travelers who prefer a low-key scene.
Highlights:
- A mix of beginner to advanced terrain at Whitefish Mountain Resort
- Friendly, compact downtown with local shops and places to eat
- Snowy views toward Glacier National Park, even if full park access is limited
Plymouth Rock Travel can handle flight connections into Glacier Park International Airport, local transfers, and hotel picks that work well for couples, groups, or families, so you do not have to piece it together alone.
Magical Holiday Cities That Glow in December
These cities light up in December with markets, decorations, shows, and special events. Expect chilly temps, possible snow, and lively streets, especially on weekends and around Christmas.
Lists like 20 places to visit in December show how popular city breaks are this month. The cities below bring that idea to life with their own twist.
New York City, New York: Iconic Christmas lights and big city buzz
December weather: cold, often in the 30s or 40s°F, with wind and possible snow or rain.
Crowds surge around Christmas and New Year, so early December can feel less intense.
Seasonal musts:
- Rockefeller Center tree and ice skating
- Holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue
- Bryant Park Winter Village for shopping and snacks
- Broadway and Radio City holiday shows
Plymouth Rock Travel can suggest neighborhoods that fit your style and budget, from Midtown convenience to downtown charm, then book central hotels and timed activities so you spend more time enjoying and less time standing in lines.
If you want a deal-centered trip, the New York City packages on our site show how membership pricing compares to public rates for holiday stays.
Vienna, Austria: Fairy-tale Christmas markets and classical music
December weather: cold, often in the 30s°F, occasionally dipping below freezing, with a chance of snow.
Vienna feels like a classic holiday postcard, with glowing markets and grand buildings.
Why Vienna is special:
- Large Christmas markets, including those in front of City Hall and Schönbrunn Palace
- Ice skating rinks in beautiful settings
- Historic coffee houses where you can warm up with cake and coffee
- Classical concerts and opera for a very European holiday feel
Plymouth Rock planners can weave Vienna into a wider European trip, suggest centrally located hotels in walkable districts, and help you time your stay around the peak of the market season without overloading your days.
Asheville, North Carolina: Biltmore Estate lights and artsy mountain charm
December weather: mild to chilly, often in the 40s or 50s°F by day, colder at night, with occasional snow at higher elevations.
Crowds grow around school breaks but are gentler than in major cities.
Asheville highlights:
- Biltmore Estate dressed in lights, trees, and garlands
- Craft breweries and a creative food scene downtown
- Art galleries and live music
- Nearby Blue Ridge Parkway drives if conditions allow
Plymouth Rock Travel can secure timed Biltmore tickets, find boutique hotels or cabins, and pair Asheville with a short mountain drive or nearby city stop.
Chicago, Illinois: Christkindlmarket and lakefront winter sparkle
December weather: cold, often windy, with temps in the 20s to 30s°F and occasional snow.
Weekends are busy with visitors and locals enjoying the holiday season.
What to enjoy:
- Christkindlmarket for German-style food, drinks, and gifts
- Ice skating in Millennium Park or Maggie Daley Park with skyline views
- Shopping and lights along the Magnificent Mile
- Indoor options like museums and deep-dish pizza for very cold days
Members can ask Plymouth Rock Travel to pick hotels near top sights to cut down on transit time, plan a tight 2 to 4 day itinerary, and build in warm indoor breaks so the cold does not slow you down.
Boston, Massachusetts: New England streets and historic holiday strolls
December weather: cold, often in the 30s°F, with the chance of snow that makes historic streets feel extra cozy.
Crowds are moderate, spiking around school breaks and New Year.
Boston perks in December:
- Holiday-themed Freedom Trail walks and historic sites
- Ice skating on Boston Common
- Charming neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and the North End lit for the season
Plymouth Rock Travel can pair Boston with other New England stops, help choose historic-style hotels, and mix in indoor museums and food tours so the trip suits cold-weather comfort levels.
For more planning help around busy dates and airports, check out their guide to stress-free Christmas travel tips.
North Pole, Alaska: A real-life Christmas town near the Arctic Circle
December weather: extremely cold, often well below zero, with very short days and long nights.
This is a bucket list idea for travelers who are happy in heavy winter gear.
What makes it unique:
- Santa Claus House and giant holiday displays
- Streets and lights that keep the Christmas look all season
- Aurora tours from nearby Fairbanks, with the chance to see the northern lights
Plymouth Rock Travel can plan flights into Fairbanks, line up safe winter lodging, and book guided aurora tours so you see the lights in comfort rather than trying to figure out icy roads on your own.
Sample December Itineraries: Mix Sun, Snow, and City Magic
You do not have to pick just one travel style. With smart routing, you can blend sun, snow, and city time into a single December trip.
Resources like 20 best places to visit in December in the USA show how varied December trips can be. Plymouth Rock Travel takes that idea and turns it into real, bookable plans for members.
One-week sun and city combo: Waikiki and New York City
Think of this as your “best of both worlds” December trip.
Sample 7 to 9 day flow:
- Days 1 to 4: Waikiki, Oahu
- Relax on the beach, try a surf lesson, walk to sunset dinners
- Join a snorkeling or catamaran tour and visit Honolulu City Lights
- Days 5 to 7 (or 9): New York City
- See the Rockefeller Center tree and skate at a rink
- Shop at Bryant Park Winter Village and explore Fifth Avenue
- Catch a holiday show or a Broadway favorite
Plymouth Rock Travel can string together multi-stop flights, match you with oceanfront and city hotels that use your membership perks well, and arrange airport transfers so the long-distance shift feels smooth.
Mountain escape plus desert retreat: Aspen and Palm Springs
This trip gives you packed ski days first, then pool time to thaw out.
Sample 7 to 10 day plan:
- Days 1 to 4: Aspen
- Ski Aspen Snowmass, enjoy après in town, and stroll the decorated streets
- Warm up in hot tubs and book a nice dinner with mountain views
- Days 5 to 7 (or 10): Palm Springs
- Trade ski boots for sandals and sun by the pool
- Ride the Aerial Tramway, hike desert trails, and visit a spa
- Enjoy mid-century architecture tours or a round of golf
Plymouth Rock planners can manage regional flights, help you choose between slopeside and in-town lodgings in Aspen, then line up a resort or mid-century style hotel in Palm Springs that fits your budget.
European-style holiday markets without the jet lag: Vienna plus a U.S. city
If you want classic European markets but still need an easy hop home, combine Vienna with a U.S. city like Chicago or Boston on the return.
Sample layout:
- Days 1 to 5: Vienna
- Visit several markets, from City Hall to Schönbrunn Palace
- See a concert, ride trams, and warm up in coffee houses
- Build in slow mornings to help with jet lag
- Days 6 to 8: Chicago or Boston
- Continue the holiday mood with Christkindlmarket in Chicago or colonial lights in Boston
- Mix museums and indoor sights with short outdoor walks
- Adjust back to your home time zone before returning to work
Plymouth Rock Travel can piece together flight paths that break up the long journey, pick walkable hotel locations in both cities, and time your stays with peak market dates so you are not showing up after things have closed for the season.
Conclusion: Pick Your December Travel Style and Make It Happen
From sunny beaches and desert pools to snowy ski towns and holiday-lit cities, December can look however you want it to. This guide shared 17 of the best places to travel in December, along with weather, crowd notes, and trip highlights so you can choose with confidence.
Think back to the questions at the start. Are you craving warmth, snow, or city sparkle this year? Use those answers to narrow your list, then focus on the one or two destinations that match your budget, schedule, and travel style.
If you want help pulling it all together, a Plymouth Rock Travel membership gives you personalized destination matching, wholesale hotel rates, and hands-on itinerary design in one place. Start planning now so your December trip feels relaxed, memorable, and full of the kind of holiday magic that fits you best.
