Whether you want to spend December revelling in the Christmas spirit or bathing in the sun’s rays on the beach, there’s a wealth of travel options in the last month of the year. Perhaps you fancy soaking up the atmosphere at Germany’s Christmas markets, relaxing in the thermal baths of Budapest or just lying back and enjoying long, lazy days beside the Indian Ocean in Mauritius.
Where better to go at the most festive time of the year than the home of Santa Claus himself? Located within the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, it’s said that the town of Rovaniemi is the official home of Father Christmas.
First spend a few days in Finland’s capital Helsinki, visiting its many museums, before heading up north to spend a few days in the snow – visiting the Santa Claus village, exploring his workshop with the elves and getting to know the reindeer.
When you think of all things Christmassy – mulled wine, gingerbread and Christmas markets – what you’re really picturing is a German Christmas. Yes, it’s cold at this time of year in Germany, but there’s really no better place to get into the Christmas spirit. Some of Germany’s best and most famous Christmas markets can be found in the cities of Cologne, Nuremberg, Dresden, Berlin and Stuttgart.
In December, Cyprus offers the chance for a bit of winter sun without the long-haul flight. The island is one of the warmest Mediterranean destinations in December with temperatures around 19°C.
December is also an ideal time of year for exploring the fascinating split capital of Nicosia Lefkosia, hiking in the Troödos Mountains or following the Aphrodite Cultural Route.
For a proper dose of winter sun in December, you can’t beat Mauritius, an Indian Ocean island east of Madagascar. Situated in the southern hemisphere, December is the height of summer here with temperatures consistently in the 27–33 °C range. This gives you the perfect excuse to cool off at one of the island’s many tropical white-sand beaches. Stay at the gorgeous Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, facing the Turtle Bay marine park and offering some of the best snorkelling and diving spots on the island.
Even though temperatures hover between a very chilly -1°C and 3°C in Budapest in December, there’s just something about the Hungarian capital that makes it perfect to visit during the colder months of the year – whether that involves soaking outdoors in the city’s thermal baths, practising on the outdoor ice-skating rinks or visiting the famed cosy ruin pubs.
Add to this a fabulous Christmas market, Buda castle and the charming old town district, and you’ll soon discover why Budapest makes for a great winter getaway.
Estonia’s capital of Tallinn often tops the lists of Europe’s best Christmas markets and there are many good reasons why. This fairytale-like city is often dusted in snow in December and its sparkling lights decorate all corners of the walled Old Town. Think traditional carousels, horse-drawn carriages, gingerbread treats and Christmas carol concerts in the city’s stunning churches. Base yourself at the elegant Hotel Telegraaf, just steps from the Old Town square.
The Austrian capital of Vienna is full of the Christmas spirit in December, with the Viennese going all out with their stylish decorations, glittering lights, traditional Christmas markets and advent concerts. At this time of year, steaming mugs of glühwein, hot roasted chestnuts and sizzling sausages are sold on street corners across the city – and the elegant Viennese cafes are even more inviting after an evening out in the snow. The city is also packed with museums, palaces and gardens to keep you entertained throughout your stay.
December days in Madrid are usually crisp and sunny with clear skies, making it perfect for a winter city break. Base yourself at the AC Hotel by Marriott Recoletos just north of the grand Retiro Park and within walking distance of the Golden Triangle of Madrid’s three famous art museums. At this time of year, there are lots of Christmas festivities to enjoy in the Spanish capital, including the traditional Christmas market in the historic Plaza Mayor. Keep warm during the chilly evenings with chocolate con churros and the hearty cocido Madrileño stew.
If you’re here right at the end of December for New Year’s Eve, you can join the party at the Plaza del Sol, pop a bottle of cava and take part in the Spanish tradition of eating twelve grapes on the twelve strokes of midnight.
A bit of Christmas magic in Edinburgh is just the thing to beat the winter blues. At this time of year, the Scottish capital is all decked out in festive lights and there are a whole host of activities to get you into the Christmas spirit, from markets and outdoor ice-skating rinks to carol concerts and pantomimes. The historic parts of the city such as Edinburgh Castle and the Golden Mile look especially enchanting at this time of year and can easily be explored if you’re based at the Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh.
If you’re here right at the end of December, you can also experience the famous Edinburgh Hogmanay festivities celebrating the coming of the new year and dating all the way back to the times of the Vikings.
Published: July 26, 2022
Last Updated: December 29, 2022
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