As the Northern Hemisphere embraces cooler temperatures and longer nights, December transforms into a month of diverse travel opportunities. Whether your ideal escape involves crisp, snow-kissed landscapes and festive cheer, or the blissful warmth of sun-drenched beaches, the world offers a myriad of incredible adventures. From the whimsical Christmas markets of Europe to the pristine, wildlife-rich expanses of Antarctica and the vibrant cultural celebrations in unexpected corners of the globe, December beckons explorers to tailor their perfect end-of-year journey. Embrace the magic of the season, chasing either aurora displays or sun-soaked shores, and ring in the New Year with unforgettable experiences.
Europe’s Enchanting Winter Festivities
December in Europe is synonymous with festive charm, where cities illuminate with twinkling lights and the air fills with the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread. Edinburgh, Scotland, stands out as a particularly vibrant destination. The Scottish capital becomes a riot of cheer in the lead-up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve, with stunning light displays transforming its historic honey-hued streets. Edinburgh Castle becomes a canvas for the “Castle of Light” after-dark projections, while the Royal Botanic Garden shimmers with a million ethereal lights along its festive trail. The German-style Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens offers everything from mulled Irn Bru to whimsical rides in Santa Land. Beyond Christmas, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is a legendary three-day New Year’s Eve celebration featuring a torchlight procession, street parties, fireworks over the castle, and the bracing tradition of a “Loony Dook” dip in the Firth of Forth.
Meanwhile, Austria beckons ski enthusiasts seeking fresh powder before the peak crowds arrive. Early December marks the start of Europe’s ski season, and Austria’s higher peaks, like glacial Hintertux, Obergurgl, and Ischgl, boast reliable snow records. Beyond the exhilarating slopes of Kitzbühel or St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria’s dreamy mountain towns amplify the festive spirit with charming Christmas markets. These traditional markets are laden with handcrafted wooden toys, glass ornaments, gingerbread, and an abundance of warming glühwein, making for a truly immersive winter experience.
Chasing the Sun: Tropical Escapes
For those yearning for warmth as winter descends, December offers ideal conditions in several southern destinations. Cuba, with its iconic pastel architecture and palm-fringed streets, becomes a dreamlike escape. The month ushers in the dry season, promising reliably warm days and minimal rain, perfect for exploring the sun-soaked south coast beaches, hiking the picturesque hills of Viñales, or observing seasonal birds in its diverse wetlands. The vibrant cities of Havana and Trinidad, with their pristinely preserved Spanish colonial architecture, invite sightseeing to a backdrop of rhythmic music.
Beyond the beaches, Cuba thrives with a slew of cultural festivals in December. The Havana Film Festival showcases Spanish-language cinema, while the art-laden Havana Biennial often coincides. For a wilder, more local experience, the Las Parrandas firework competition in Remedios, alongside street parties and rumba ensembles, offers an uninhibited celebration. For a classy New Year’s Eve, an al fresco cabaret show and dinner at Cathedral Plaza in Old Havana provide an atmospheric close to the year.
Polar Adventures and Wildlife Wonders
December is a prime month for unparalleled polar adventures, where the landscapes are dramatically transformed by ice and light. In Finnish Lapland, the frosty weather facilitates a plethora of seasonal activities, from staying in an intricately rebuilt ice hotel like the Arctic SnowHotel to exhilarating snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The month is also peak season for witnessing the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights across clear Arctic Circle skies, where the Aurora Borealis is at its most frequent and intense. For families, a visit to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi offers a magical encounter with Father Christmas himself, alongside artisan workshops and the unique opportunity to send postcards with an Arctic Circle stamp.
Further south, the remote continent of Antarctica becomes accessible to expedition ships as the sea ice retreats. Early December travel offers the added benefit of shoulder season prices. Temperatures rise to a balmy 0∘C, and the sun never sets, providing extended daylight for extraordinary wildlife encounters. This is the time when the first emperor penguin chicks begin to hatch in their coastal rookeries, and hungry humpback whales return from tropical waters. Seals of various species, including Weddell and leopard seals, can be spotted lounging on ice floes, while seabird breeding is in full swing, with albatross, cormorant, and petrel chicks emerging.
Cultural Immersion and Ancient Rhythms
December also offers deeply immersive cultural experiences in destinations rich with history and unique traditions. In Konya, Turkey, the holy city comes alive with poetry, dance, and music for the annual Şeb-i Arûs ceremonies, marking the anniversary of the 13th-century scholar Rumi. This 10-day festival, particularly significant this December for its 750th anniversary, draws visitors from around the world. The central attraction is the captivating performance of the whirling dervishes, or Mevlevis, an Islamic order that practices whirling as a meditative prayer.
This powerful and captivating dance is said to have originated when Rumi, in a moment of spiritual ecstasy, began spinning after hearing the words of God in Konya’s coppersmith workshops. Centuries later, the Mevlevis continue this tradition, blessing audiences with their mesmerizing movements. The ceremonies offer a profound glimpse into a spiritual practice that has transcended time, inviting attendees to connect with the deep historical and mystical essence of the region. A visit to the Mevlana Museum, where Rumi is buried, further enriches the understanding of this enduring cultural legacy.
