Where To Go On Holiday In December

2. Krakow, Poland

Best for: Enchanting Christmas market, medieval charm, and cultural depth

Don’t miss: The Main Market Square’s Christmas Market - often voted among Europe’s best

Average Temperature in December: -5°C - 2°C

• Currency: Polish Zloty (PLN)
• Language: Polish
• Timezone: GMT +1
• Flight duration from Gatwick airport: 2h 20m
• Average price of a beer: 10 PLN - 16 PLN

A Krakow city break in December is a treat for those who love rich history mixed with festive warmth. The city glows with fairy lights and wooden stalls while retaining its historic soul - making it one of Europe’s most atmospheric destinations during the festive season.

What can you do in Krakow?

1. Soak up the festive atmosphere at Rynek Glówny (Main Market Square): The square comes alive with carollers, sparkling lights, and stalls selling everything from pierogi to handmade ornaments. It’s the heart of Krakow’s Christmas spirit and a must-visit for a true Polish festive experience.
2. Explore Wawel Castle and Cathedral: This historic site offers insight into Polish royalty and religious heritage. It’s especially serene in winter, when the castle grounds are quiet and dusted with snow.
3. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Old Town: A romantic and whimsical way to explore Krakow’s cobbled streets and medieval buildings. Blankets are provided to keep you cosy as you admire the city in winter twilight.
4. Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine (just outside the city): A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring underground chapels carved from salt and awe-inspiring tunnels. It’s a fascinating contrast to Krakow’s above-ground beauty and a unique winter day trip.

3. Budapest, Hungary

Best for: Thermal baths, grand architecture, and twinkling Christmas markets

Don’t miss: The Advent Basilica Christmas Market set against the stunning St. Stephen’s Basilica

Average Temperature in December: -1°C - 4°C

• Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)
• Language: Hungarian
• Timezone: GMT +1
• Flight duration from Gatwick airport: 2h 35m
• Average price of a beer: 500 HUF - 900 HUF

A Budapest city break in December blends old-world charm with festive sparkle, making it a top pick for winter travellers. With riverside views, warming hot springs, and one of Europe’s most photogenic Christmas markets, the city is an unforgettable setting for a magical December escape.

What can you do in Budapest?

1. Wander through the Advent Basilica Christmas Market: Set in front of the magnificent St. Stephen’s Basilica, this market is known for its artisan stalls, 3D light shows projected onto the church, and fragrant Hungarian street food. The festive lights and backdrop of the neoclassical façade create a picture-perfect holiday scene.
2. Soak in the Széchenyi Thermal Baths: Budapest’s famous outdoor thermal baths offer a surreal experience as steam rises from the warm pools on chilly winter days. The Neo-Baroque setting adds grandeur, making it a relaxing and uniquely local way to warm up in December.
3. Take a Danube River evening cruise: The city’s landmarks - including Buda Castle, the Parliament Building, and Chain Bridge - are illuminated beautifully at night. A river cruise offers a calm, panoramic way to see Budapest’s architectural elegance from the water.
4. Ride the festive tram through the city: Budapest’s historic tram lines are decorated with thousands of LED lights throughout December. Riding the glittering tram offers a fun, inexpensive way to enjoy the city’s festive flair while staying cosy on the move.

4. Berlin, Germany

Best for: World-class museums, urban cool, and over 80 Christmas markets

Don’t miss: Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market - one of Berlin’s most beautiful and elegant festive experiences

Average Temperature in December: -1°C - 4°C

• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Language: German
• Timezone: GMT +1
• Flight duration from Gatwick airport: 2 hours
• Average price of a beer: €4 - €6

A Berlin city break in December is perfect for those who want to combine culture, creativity, and Christmas charm in one dynamic destination. The city buzzes with winter energy, offering festive markets, vibrant nightlife, and historical sights, all wrapped up in a cool urban setting.

What can you do in Berlin?

1. Visit the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market: Framed by the Konzerthaus and the twin cathedrals, this market is one of the city's most elegant festive gatherings. You’ll find gourmet food stalls, handmade gifts, live choirs, and a magical atmosphere enhanced by classical architecture.
2. Take a walk along the East Side Gallery: This open-air stretch of the Berlin Wall features over a hundred murals painted by international artists. In December, the artwork takes on a dramatic tone against the grey winter skies, making for a thought-provoking cultural stop.
3. Explore Museum Island for a dose of history and art: Home to five world-renowned museums, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is ideal for escaping the cold while diving into Berlin’s rich cultural tapestry. From ancient relics to classical art, there's something to fascinate every curious mind.
4. Warm up with German comfort food and glühwein: Cosy up in a traditional kneipe (pub) and enjoy dishes like bratwurst, schnitzel, or a hearty bowl of goulash. Most Christmas markets also serve piping hot glühwein (mulled wine), perfect for keeping your spirits high on a frosty evening.

5. Milan, Italy

Best for: Fashion, historic landmarks, and festive lights

Don’t miss: The Piazza del Duomo Christmas Market and stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II decorations

Average Temperature in December: 1°C – 7°C

• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Language: Italian
• Timezone: GMT +1
• Flight duration from Gatwick airport: 2 hours
• Average price of a beer: €4 - €6

A Milan city break in December perfectly combines style, culture, and seasonal cheer, making it an exciting destination for those who enjoy a sophisticated holiday atmosphere. The city dazzles with Christmas lights, world-class shopping, and traditional markets, creating a vibrant yet elegant festive setting.

What can you do in Milan?

1. Explore the Piazza del Duomo Christmas Market: Located beneath the iconic Milan Cathedral, this market offers artisanal gifts, festive food, and seasonal delicacies. The combination of gothic architecture and festive stalls creates a spectacular backdrop for holiday shopping.
2. Admire the Christmas lights along Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: This elegant shopping arcade is transformed with dazzling light displays during December, attracting visitors with its blend of historic charm and festive glamour. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy a warm coffee or aperitivo while soaking in the atmosphere.
3. Visit the historic Sforza Castle: In winter, the castle’s courtyards and museums provide a fascinating escape from the cold. Seasonal exhibitions and festive events often take place here, adding to its appeal during December.
4. Attend a performance at La Scala Opera House: The world-famous opera house offers special December programmes, including classic ballets and operas. Experiencing a show here adds a touch of Italian cultural refinement to your holiday.

6. Switzerland

Best for: Stunning alpine scenery, world-class skiing, and Christmas charm

Don’t miss: The Christmas markets in Zurich and Basel, famous for their festive lights and crafts

Average Temperature in December: -4°C - 2°C

• Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
• Language: German, French, Italian (varies by region)
• Timezone: GMT +1
• Flight duration from Gatwick airport: 1h 40m (to Geneva)
• Average price of a beer: 5 CHF - 8 CHF

A Switzerland holiday in December offers a perfect winter wonderland experience, ideal for those who love snowy landscapes, cosy alpine villages, and vibrant Christmas markets. Whether you’re skiing the Alps or exploring charming cities, Switzerland combines natural beauty with festive cheer.

What can you do in Switzerland?

1. Explore Zurich’s Christmas Market in the Old Town: Zurich’s festive market is one of the largest and most atmospheric in Switzerland, with sparkling lights, handmade decorations, and local treats. The market’s “Christmas in the Caves” feature, set in an underground vault, is a unique highlight.
2. Ski or snowboard in the Swiss Alps: December marks the start of the ski season, with resorts like Zermatt and St. Moritz offering world-class slopes and breathtaking mountain views. After a day on the pistes, cosy mountain lodges provide warm food and Swiss hospitality.
3. Visit Basel’s Christmas Market: Basel boasts two main Christmas markets - one in Barfüsserplatz and the other in Münsterplatz - both known for their festive lights, traditional crafts, and culinary delights. The city’s medieval setting adds to the magical atmosphere.
4. Discover Geneva’s festive charm and lakeside beauty: Visit the traditional Christmas Market at Parc des Bastions, where you can enjoy Swiss treats, handcrafted gifts, and a cosy atmosphere surrounded by festive lights. Additionally, the city’s stunning location by Lake Geneva offers crisp winter walks along the promenade with breathtaking views of the snow-capped Alps.

7. Dubai

Best for: Warm winter sunshine, luxury experiences, and futuristic architecture

Don’t miss: The Dubai Miracle Garden – a spectacular floral display that blooms even in December

Average Temperature in December: 16°C - 26°C

• Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
• Language: Arabic (English widely spoken)
• Timezone: GMT +4
• Flight duration from Gatwick airport: 6h 50m
• Average price of a beer: 40 AED - 60 AED

A Dubai holiday in December offers a perfect escape from the chilly UK weather, with warm temperatures and plenty of outdoor activities under clear blue skies. The city’s combination of modern luxury, cultural experiences, and festive events makes it a top choice for a December getaway.

What can you do in Dubai?

1. Explore the Dubai Miracle Garden: The Dubai Miracle Garden is a breathtaking attraction featuring over 50 million flowers arranged in intricate and imaginative displays, creating a kaleidoscope of colour that is rare to see during the winter months. Visiting in December means you can comfortably enjoy wandering the vast gardens without the intense heat of summer, making it a truly magical experience.
2. Visit the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall: Ascending the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, offers unparalleled panoramic views of the city’s skyline and desert beyond, especially spectacular at sunset during winter evenings. Afterward, the adjacent Dubai Mall provides a festive shopping and entertainment experience with elaborate holiday decorations, an indoor ice rink, and seasonal events that cater to visitors of all ages.
3. Experience a desert safari adventure: December’s cooler climate makes a desert safari ideal for exploring the stunning Arabian desert landscape with activities such as exhilarating dune bashing, serene camel rides, and traditional Bedouin-style dinners under starry skies. This immersive experience blends adventure with cultural insight, allowing visitors to connect with the region’s heritage in a comfortable and memorable way.
4. Relax at Jumeirah Beach: With temperatures in the mid-20s Celsius, December is one of the best times to unwind on Jumeirah Beach, where soft white sands meet calm, turquoise waters. The pleasant weather encourages visitors to enjoy seaside walks, water sports, or simply bask in the sunshine while taking in the impressive views of Dubai’s iconic skyline.

8. Miami, USA

Best for: Vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, and diverse culture

Don’t miss: The Art Deco Holiday Walk along Ocean Drive, a festive celebration of Miami’s iconic architecture

Average Temperature in December: 16°C - 24°C

• Currency: US Dollar (USD)
• Language: English (Spanish widely spoken)
• Timezone: GMT-5
• Flight duration from Gatwick airport: 9h 20m
• Average price of a beer: $5 - $8

A Miami holiday in December combines warm weather with lively celebrations, making it ideal for those looking to escape winter and enjoy both beach and city life. The city’s multicultural atmosphere and festive events ensure a vibrant and memorable holiday experience.

What can you do in Miami?

1. Stroll the Art Deco Holiday Walk: The Art Deco Holiday Walk along Ocean Drive is an annual event that transforms Miami’s iconic pastel-coloured buildings into a festive spectacle with dazzling lights and decorations. Visitors can enjoy live music, street performances, and holiday markets, creating an immersive and joyous atmosphere that celebrates both the season and Miami’s unique architectural heritage.
2. Relax on South Beach: South Beach offers the perfect December getaway with its warm, sunny weather and inviting white sands, ideal for lounging or swimming in the gentle Atlantic waves. Beyond sunbathing, visitors can take part in a variety of water sports or enjoy the vibrant beachside cafes and bars that contribute to Miami’s energetic yet laid-back vibe.
3. Explore the Wynwood Walls:  The Wynwood Walls feature some of the world’s most impressive street art, with large murals painted by internationally renowned artists adding colour and creativity to the urban landscape. During December, the area often hosts special art events and festive installations, allowing visitors to experience Miami’s dynamic arts scene in a uniquely seasonal way.
4. Take a Bahamas Cruise: Miami is a major cruise departure point for trips to the Bahamas, and in December, many visitors take advantage of the warm climate to embark on a short cruise. These cruises offer a blend of relaxation and exploration, with opportunities to visit pristine beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and experience the vibrant culture and cuisine of the islands just a few hours away from the city.

December is a magical time to travel, whether you're chasing winter sun or embracing festive charm. From glittering Christmas markets to spectacular New Year celebrations, it’s the season to explore something unforgettable. Find an amazing deal with Wowcher and secure your December getaway before prices rise. Don’t forget to browse our other holiday guides for even more travel ideas.