The holiday season is one of the most exciting times of the year to travel. Destinations worldwide transform into enchanting escapes in December. Whether you’re craving a beach vacation, snowy mountains, or celebratory New Year festivities, discover the perfect holiday vacation for you.
Still deciding where to go for the holidays? Here are the best and most popular winter destinations, perfect for families, couples, solo travelers, and luxury seekers.
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New York City, USA
New York City is one of the world’s most iconic holiday destinations. Be dazed by bright, colorful lights, lavish decorations, and endless attractions.
Popular Experiences:
The Rockefeller Center lit the Christmas Tree on December, 03. Visitors can view the spectacular display throughout the month.
Be sure to catch the revival of the iconic 2025 Fifth Avenue holiday window displays. Catch the light show every night from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. until Dec. 27.
Locations for Ice Skating:
- The Rink at Rockefeller Center
- The Wollman Rink NYC in Central Park
- Gottesman Rink in Central Park
- Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Enjoy a show at the Radio City Music Hall. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the world-famous Radio City Rockettes at the Christmas Spectacular.
Peak travel dates: December 15–31. Travelers should book earlier in advance for better prices.
Colorado, USA
Colorado reigns as a winter wonderland with pristine snow, 28 ski resorts, and luxury relaxation.
Aspen offers snow sports, an ultimate shopping experience, and scenic mountain views.
Popular Experiences:
- Ski Resorts
- The Little Nell: Premier ski-in/ski-out hotel, 5-star, 5-diamond service, and celebrity guests.
- St. Regis Aspen Resort: Known for the renowned spa with oxygen lounge.
- Hotel Jerome: A historic landmark providing timeless elegance near downtown Aspen.
- The Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands: Expert skiing, residence-style with amenities, and stunning mountain views.
- Snowy Gondola Rides:
- The Silver Queen Gondola is best for a classic experience and winter sightseeing.
- Elk Camp Gondola in Snowmass offers dining and activities.
- The Exhibition Chairlift in Aspen Highlands is a shorter trip to the Merry-Go-Round restaurant.
- Buttermilk Summit Express is a good option for views and Cliffhouse dining.
- Go shopping at upscale boutiques and designer stores (Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Prada, Moncler) in the downtown area, Aspen Snowmass.
Denver is a great choice for mixing holiday city festivities with quick affordable access to snowy landscapes.
Denver offers:
- Christmas Markets:
- Denver Christkindlmarket, authentic German market in Civic Center Park.
- Cherry Creek Holiday Market in Fillmore Plaza.
- Ice skating rinks
- Skyline Park along 16th Street Mall.
- Big Bear Ice Arena.
- McGregor Skate Ice Rink in McGregor Square plaza. (NEW)
- Fireworks in downtown Denver on New Year’s Eve at 9 p.m.
London, England
London is one of the most popular international destinations for December travel with Christmas markets and holiday shopping. Expect decorated streets, themed events, and charming winter vibes.
Popular Experiences:
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a Christmas festival with rides, attractions, and more, open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. until Jan. 1.
- Oxford Street with 300,000 LED lights on display until Jan. 5.
- Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Ritz, Palm Court, with various times and pricing until Jan. 6.
Florida, USA
Miami is warm, sunny, and lively all year-round with events, rooftop parties, and the beach. Visit one of the busiest luxury destinations during the holidays.
Popular Experiences:
- Miami Zoo Lights with appearances by Santa until Dec. 23.
- Christmas Wonderland is the largest holiday attraction in the U.S. held at Tropical Park until Jan. 4.
- Holiday events and New Year’s parties can be found on the city’s web page here.
- The Countdown Miami with a fireworks show at Bayfront Park on New Year’s Eve.
Orlando is perfect for adult family vacations and magical holidays, with numerous theme parks nearby.
Popular Experiences:
- Disney World Christmas
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.
- Epcot International Festival of the Holidays until Dec. 30.
- Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios until Dec. 22.
- Universal’s Holiday Parade until Jan. 4.
- Grinchmas until Jan. 4.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai has become one of the world’s top holiday destinations, with an estimated $1 trillion in liquid assets. So, expect unforgettable New Year celebrations.
Popular Experiences:
- Take a trip to the festive German-style market at Madinat Jumeirah until Dec. 31.
- Watch snow fall at the Winter District, a wonderland at Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City.
- Be amazed by the spectacular Burj Khalifa New Year’s fireworks show in downtown Dubai.
- Visit the Dubai Miracle Garden, where 150 flowers blossom.
- Depart from the desert and warm weather, and ski on real snow at Ski Dubai.
Paris, France
Experience a more romantic getaway with cozy cafés and elegant decorations during the holidays in Paris.
Popular Experiences:
- View the Christmas lights on the Champs-Élysées until Jan. 4.
- Christmas markets
- Pick between 300 chalets at the largest market in the region, La Défense, until Dec. 28.
- Go to the Jardin des Tuileries, or Tuileries Garden market, with ice skating and attractions until Jan 7.
- Enjoy iconic hot chocolate and pastries from Angelina Paris, the Autumn-Winter collection.
- Capture all the aesthetics and overlook the city from the Eiffel Tower.
St. Moritz and Zürich, Switzerland
St. Moritz is a top destination for elite winter holidays, boasting five-star hotels, designer shopping, and fine dining. Famed as the Beverly Hills of the Alps.
Travelers enjoy panoramic mountain views, crisp air, the Bernina Express, and global seasonal events for an unforgettable winter escape.
Popular Experiences:
- The enchanting Glatschin Christmas Market with a gastro village and ice skating in Plazza Mauritius.
- Horse-drawn carriage rides across the frozen Lake St. Moritz, through the Stazer Forest, or the town of St. Moritz.
- Badrutt’s Palace Hotel offers a magical Christmas for those seeking sophisticated luxury.
Zürich blends luxury, tradition, and winter charm filled with Christmas markets, high-end shopping, lakeside scenery, and cozy cafés.
Bahnhofstrasse is one of the world’s most famous shopping streets that glows with lights and designer stores. While, Old Town offers narrow cobblestone streets, warm holiday drinks, and beautifully decorated buildings.
Popular Experiences:
- The Singing Christmas Tree, Werdmühleplatz is a local favorite with live choir performances.
- Zürich Christmas Markets featuring handcrafted gifts, Swiss chocolates, and mulled wine
- Visit Europe’s largest indoor market, Christkindlimarkt, with a magnificent Swarovski tree at the main station.
- Niederdorf is the town’s oldest market with a traditional atmosphere.
- Browse the elegant Münsterhof market with local brands, Swiss products, and cultural workshops.
- Another indoor market, better for travelers with kids, is also at the main station: Polarzauber.
- Lake Zürich winter cruises provides scenic holiday views, dining, and entertainment.
- Illuminarium at the National Museum enchants visitors while engaging their senses.
Cancun and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Begin planning your trip to Cancun, with consistent warm weather, budget-friendly prices, and activities. Resorts fill quickly due to popularity, so book well in advance.
Popular Experiences:
- Swim and snorkel in natural limestone pools, Cenotes, or crystal-clear beaches.
- Visit the Christmas Village at Malecón Tajamar until Jan. 6.
- Go to the La Isla Shopping Village, with Christmas lights and decor.
Create unforgettable memories in Cabo San Lucas. The signature Arch of Cabo San Lucas, golden beaches, and sparkling blue water backdrops make for a serene experience.
Popular Experiences:
- Be astonished watching whales migrate during peak season with yacht days and private boat charters.
- Relax at luxury all-inclusive resorts with spas, and fine dining.
- The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal offers a range of festive activities.
- Holiday shopping and décor at Luxury Avenue Los Cabos, featuring high-end boutiques.
California, USA
Los Angeles offers beautiful weather, Hollywood glamour, and endless entertainment. Explore from the upscale boutiques of Beverly Hills to Santa Monica and Malibu.
Popular Experiences:
- Holiday lights
- Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens until Jan 4.
- Enchant LA at Santa Anita Park until Dec. 28.
- Holiday Road at King Gillette Ranch until Dec. 26.
- Marina Lights at Burton Chace Park.
- Sparkle DLTA at The Bloc.
- Attend the 24th annual Christmas at The Grove at 8 p.m. for the tree lighting ceremony on Christmas Eve and Day.
- Enjoy family-friendly or adult fun at Holidays at Universal Studios until Jan. 4.
- Take the “Holidays Made Here” tour with Warner Bros. Studio until Jan. 4.
Palm Springs is one of the chicest holiday destinations. The city transforms into a soft-life holiday escape ideal for unwinding and indulging in curated experiences.
Popular Experiences:
- Palm Canyon Drive is festively decorated with lights and holiday displays.
- Fine dining and events for New Year’s Day celebrations.
- Ride an Aerial Tramway for breathtaking winter mountain views, tickets sell fast.
Nevada, USA
Las Vegas is one of the most popular places for New Year’s Eve. Expect huge events, concerts, and unforgettable nightlife.
Popular Experiences:
- Join the lively party with fireworks on the Strip and Fremont Street Downtown.
- Visit Enchantment Christmas, the world’s largest Christmas light maze with ice skating at the Las Vegas Ballpark.
- Go ice skating at the largest rink on the Strip at the Fountainbleau Oasis Ice Rink, open until Jan. 4.
- Magical Forest features lights, the Forest Express train, food, shopping, and an Avalanche Slide.
- Drive through three miles of over 600 light displays at Glittering Lights at the Speedway.
North Carolina, USA
McAdenville, nicknamed Christmas Town U.S.A., began in 1956, transforming the classic small town into the ultimate holiday wonderland. The perfect destination for families, couples, and Christmas aesthetics.
Popular Experiences:
- Millions of Christmas lights on display shinning until Dec. 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Lake views with festive displays and tree-lined streets glow all month.
- The Esquire Hotel offers a luxurious stay nearby.
Deciding the Best Holiday Destination
When planning your December travels, consider your weather preference: do you crave snow or warm sunshine? Prices can vary significantly during the festive season; be mindful of your spending budget. Think about the type of experience you want, whether you’re looking for luxury, adventure, family-friendly activities, or vibrant nightlife. Since Christmas and New Year’s week are peak periods, be sure to plan vacation dates well in advance.
Note: Booking early ensures better deals and more availability.
The holidays are perfect for exploring, celebrating traditions, changing scenery, and creating new, unique memories. Whether you seek snowy slopes, tropical escapes, or vibrant cities, there is a destination for all travelers.
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