December is one of the best months to travel. From snow-covered towns to warm tropical beaches, this is the time when many places turn magical.
Whether you love winter adventures, cozy Christmas markets, or sunny escapes, there’s a destination waiting for you. Here are ten great places to visit this December — counting down from number ten to number one.
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10. Kennebunkport, Maine
If you want a Christmas-town feeling straight out of a movie, visit Kennebunkport. This charming coastal town in Maine becomes a winter wonderland during its annual Christmas Prelude, a ten-day festival full of music, lights, and parades.
The whole place smells like cinnamon and pine, and you can see dogs in costumes at the Pooch Parade or locals showing off funny hats in the Hat Parade. It’s a cheerful way to experience small-town America during the holidays.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Best for | Classic Christmas town charm |
| Main event | Christmas Prelude Festival (Dec 4–14) |
| Where to stay | Kennebunkport Inn |
| Fun tip | Visit the Seashore Trolley Museum to ride festive, light-covered trams |
9. The Philippines
In the Philippines, Christmas celebrations last for months — starting as early as September! By December, every street glows with colorful lanterns called parols, especially in the city of San Fernando, home of the Giant Lantern Festival.
Families exchange food gifts, sing carols, and share traditional sweets like bibingka and ensaimada. It’s warm, joyful, and full of community spirit — proof that the holiday season can be both long and beautiful.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Best for | Experiencing the world’s longest Christmas season |
| Main event | Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando |
| Where to stay | Peninsula Manila |
| Fun tip | Try local Christmas treats like bibingka and ensaimada pastries |
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8. Healdsburg, California
In December, California’s wine country slows down but still sparkles. Healdsburg, a cozy town in Sonoma County, lights up for its “Season to Sparkle” celebration. The main square glows with fairy lights, and there are festive wine tastings, markets, and live music.
You can enjoy mild weather, sip local wines, and take a cycling tour through the quiet vineyards. It’s a relaxing getaway for anyone looking to wind down the year.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Best for | Wine, relaxation, and holiday lights |
| Main event | Merry Healdsburg Tree Lighting & Harvest Wine Trail |
| Where to stay | 27 North Hotel |
| Fun tip | Try a Party Bike wine tour for a fun group experience |
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7. Kii Peninsula, Japan
The Kii Peninsula in southern Japan offers one of the most unique winter experiences: bathing in a natural hot spring inside a river. At Kawayu Onsen, a temporary outdoor bath called the Sennin-buro opens every December, where warm spring water mixes with cool river water.
Surrounded by trees and mist, it’s peaceful and unforgettable. Locals and travelers come here to relax and reflect before the new year.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Best for | Natural hot springs and peaceful scenery |
| Main attraction | Sennin-buro outdoor river bath |
| Where to stay | Fujiya Ryokan |
| Fun tip | Try meharizushi rice balls and onsen coffee made with spring water |
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6. Noord, Aruba
Trade snow for sunshine in Aruba, where December brings not just beach weather but also the local Dande celebration. It’s a New Year’s tradition with music, singing, and dancing, originally created to celebrate freedom.
Locals go door-to-door with drums and instruments, singing blessings for the year ahead. The beaches at Palm Beach and Eagle Beach offer perfect turquoise water and white sand — ideal for ending the year with warmth and joy.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Best for | Warm weather and cultural traditions |
| Main event | Dande Festival (Dec 27–29) |
| Where to stay | St. Regis Aruba |
| Fun tip | Eat dinner at Papiamento, a romantic local restaurant in a traditional house |
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5. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah mixes Southern charm with festive cheer. The city’s historic squares, lined with oak trees and old houses, are beautifully decorated with lights and wreaths.
December brings markets, boat parades, and holiday shows, like the “Christmas Tradition” at the Savannah Theater. The mild weather makes it easy to explore, and the riverfront buzzes with live music and hot cocoa stands.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Best for | Southern-style Christmas fun |
| Main attractions | River Street Market, Lighted Boat Parade |
| Where to stay | Thompson Savannah |
| Fun tip | Try pralines and cookies from Byrd Cookie Company or Savannah Candy Kitchen |
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4. Patagonia Azul, Argentina
For travelers who love nature, Patagonia Azul is paradise. This wild stretch of Argentina’s coastline is now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, protecting amazing wildlife like penguins, sea lions, and guanacos.
December is summer here, making it a great time to explore beaches, cliffs, and lagoons. You can even spot the world’s largest colony of Magellanic penguins at Punta Tombo. It’s quiet, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Best for | Wildlife watching and off-grid adventure |
| Main attraction | Punta Tombo penguin colony |
| Where to stay | Bahía Bustamante Lodge |
| Fun tip | Go horseback riding with local gauchos for a true Patagonian experience |
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3. Frankenmuth, Michigan
Nicknamed “Little Bavaria,” Frankenmuth brings a touch of German Christmas magic to the U.S. The streets are lined with wooden bridges, snow, and twinkling lights.
You can meet real reindeer, visit the huge Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland store, or stay at the Bavarian Inn Lodge, which has an indoor waterpark for kids. It’s one of the best places in America to feel like you’ve stepped into a European winter village.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Best for | German-style Christmas markets and family fun |
| Main attractions | Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, Bavarian Inn Lodge |
| Where to stay | Bavarian Inn Lodge |
| Fun tip | Buy a custom hand-painted ornament as a keepsake |
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2. Bath, England
The city of Bath in England looks like it was built for Christmas. Its Georgian streets glow under fairy lights, and the air smells like roasted chestnuts.
December in Bath is extra special this year because of the Jane Austen 250th birthday celebrations, which include a ball and dance workshops. The famous Bath Christmas Market is another highlight, with dozens of stalls selling crafts, food, and gifts.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Best for | Historic charm and literary events |
| Main attractions | Bath Christmas Market, Jane Austen Ball |
| Where to stay | The Gainsborough Bath Spa |
| Fun tip | Try a Sally Lunn bun and visit Bath Aqua Glass for unique handmade ornaments |
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1. Keystone, Colorado
At number one is Keystone, Colorado — the ultimate December destination for anyone who loves snow. This ski town has fresh slopes, glowing night runs, and a fun winter carnival.
The new Kindred Resort gives guests ski-in, ski-out access and even “first tracks” before the lifts open to the public. Families can go ice skating, watch Santa light the Christmas tree, or sip hot cocoa by the fire. It’s everything you could want from a mountain holiday.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Best for | Skiing and winter adventures |
| Main attractions | Bergman Bowl slopes, Winter Carnival |
| Where to stay | Kindred Resort |
| Fun tip | Buy a custom trail sign from Keystone Sports as a memory of your trip |
Bottom Line
December offers something for everyone — whether it’s snow in Colorado, hot springs in Japan, or beaches in Aruba.
Each of these ten destinations brings its own magic to the holiday season. Wherever you go, you’ll find warmth, joy, and a chance to celebrate the end of the year in a special way.
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