There’s still time to end 2025 with a trip, whether it’s a quick getaway to kick off the ski season or a relaxing week on a faraway beach ahead of the holiday bustle. We have some ideas for both kinds of travel, along with plenty of suggestions for the best hotels, resorts, and things to do while you’re there. Here are our top picks for where to go in December.
San Diego, California
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No matter if you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic getaway, or a vacation with friends, San Diego is the perfect destination. It may not be swimming weather in December—prepare for mild temperatures in the 60s—but a stroll or bike ride along the beach is always great. You can also fill your days with hiking, tide pooling, whale watching, and shopping. During the holidays, there’s Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Garden, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo, and Legoland Holiday Fireworks. At Hotel del Coronado, there’s beachfront ice skating, cozy igloos, and children’s activities.
Where to Stay: Travel + Leisure readers named Pendry San Diego, Andaz San Diego, and Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina as their favorites in the 2025 World’s Best Awards. If you’d prefer to stay outside of the city, consider Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa or Rancho Bernardo Inn.
Catskill Mountains, New York
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Snow-covered mountains, cozy evenings in front of a fireplace, and wintery scenery just a few hours from New York City and Boston make the Catskills a great December destination. Charming towns host Christmas markets, tree lightings, and craft fairs, and ski resorts like Hunter Mountain, Windham, and Belleayre host a range of snow sports, including snowboarding, tubing, and skiing. If you prefer to enjoy snow from indoors, you can find cozy lodges, luxury resorts, and spas throughout the region.
Where to Stay: T+L editors are partial to a few upstate New York hotels. Exceptional properties include The Chatwal Lodge, The Henson, The Rounds at Scribner’s, Urban Cowboy Lodge & Resort, and The Roxbury.
Orlando, Florida
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While it’s a favorite year-round destination, Orlando attracts many visitors celebrating the holiday season in December, so be sure to plan ahead. While prices may increase during periods of high demand, it’s still possible to visit on a budget and find free things to do. Theme parks are, unsurprisingly, family favorites, but Orlando also offers natural beauty, outdoor activities, and Michelin-starred restaurants. In Winter Park, the Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade is set for Dec. 6.
Where to Stay: The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort and the Waldorf Astoria Orlando both received nods in the 2025 World’s Best Awards. Not quite your style? There’s also Conrad Orlando, Villatel Orlando Resort, and Grande Lakes Orlando.
Bend, Oregon
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The Central Oregon city of Bend combines the snowy slopes of Mt. Bachelor with a cozy downtown scene where visitors find breweries, cafes, and excellent restaurants. Mt. Bachelor is set to open for the season on Nov. 28, so you can be among the first to enjoy fresh powder. In downtown Bend, day spas, shops, street art, and holiday events make December a great time to explore, and you can also check out nearby Sunriver while you’re in the area. Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) offers 30 daily flights by major airlines.
Where to Stay: Riverhouse Lodge on the Deschutes River was recently renovated, and Brasada Ranch and Sunriver Resort are T+L reader favorites.
Ridgedale, Missouri
The Ozarker
For a cozy winter getaway with holiday lights, hot chocolate, and a crackling fireplace, head to the Ozarks. You can get into the Christmas spirit at Big Cedar Lodge, with a nighttime golf cart tour through wildlife light installations, glittering trees, and festive music at Top of the Rock. In nearby Branson, visitors can see a holiday-themed show with singers, dancers, and traditional songs. Don’t miss the Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium, where exhibits provide fun, education, and entertainment for all ages.
Where to Stay: Big Cedar Lodge, one of T+L readers’ favorite Midwestern resorts in the 2025 World’s Best Awards, offers a variety of accommodations, from lodge rooms to private log cabins. The Ozarker Lodge is located near downtown Branson.
Maui, Hawaii
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Maui has been open to visitors for a while, and guests can continue to support the island by vacationing there and shopping at local businesses. In December, the weather is warm and whale watching season begins; this time of year, thousands of humpback whales arrive to breed, calve, and nurse their young. While the beaches are gorgeous, a trip to Upcountry Maui takes you to art galleries and wineries, and gives you a glimpse of paniolo cowboy culture. Whether it’s a family holiday trip, honeymoon, or babymoon, Maui is an ideal destination in December.
Where to Stay: Family activities at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea include a visit from Santa, who arrives by outrigger canoe. Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort features the largest spa in Hawaii, and Montage Kapalua Bay was a winner in the 2025 World’s Best Awards.
St. Augustine, Florida
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From Nov. 23 through late January, the oldest city in the U.S. glows with millions of white lights during the famous Nights of Lights festival; marvel at the scene from horse-drawn carriages, harbor cruises, or trolley tours. During the day, there’s plenty to do, from strolling along the city’s cobblestone streets to hiking up the steps to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse for stunning views. The mild weather is also perfect for golf. About 45 minutes up the coast, Ponte Vedra Beach has exceptional courses, including the famed TPC Sawgrass.
Where to Stay: The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens, Bayfront Marin House, and Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection have all received the T+L stamp of approval. If you’re looking for oceanfront rooms, golf, and a world-class spa, you can’t go wrong with The Ponte Vedra Inn & Club and The Lodge & Club.
Puerto Rico
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December marks the start of Puerto Rico’s high season, when the weather is in the low 80s, humidity is mild, and holiday festivities delight visitors. It’s a great time to enjoy the island’s beaches, including San Juan’s Condado Beach and Culebra’s Flamenco Beach, one of the world’s most beautiful, just a ferry ride away. Christmas celebrations bring music, lights, traditional foods, like pasteles and coquito, Puerto Rican eggnog with coconut and rum. Old San Juan’s cobblestone streets and plazas are decorated, and there’s live music most evenings. Make time to explore, and be sure to visit El Yunque, a rainforest about an hour from San Juan.
Where to Stay: T+L readers voted for their favorite Puerto Rico resorts in the 2025 World’s Best Awards. The historic Condado Vanderbilt Hotel recently completed an extensive renovation, with redesigned guest rooms and suites, new wellness offerings, and a new chef.
Montana
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If your ideal December includes snow and slopes, head to Montana. With more than a dozen ski resorts in the state—including Big Sky, the state’s largest—Montana’s alpine offerings range from world-class luxury to family-oriented community ski areas. Red Lodge Mountain, south of Billings, boasts excellent skiing in an incredibly charming small town. Fair warning: Montana sees an increase in visitors—and prices—in late December, a popular time for holiday vacations. So for a more affordable vacation, consider mid-sized or smaller ski areas and local favorites.
Where to Stay: Triple Creek Ranch in Darby was a favorite in the 2025 World’s Best Awards. You can also be one of the first to stay at the new One&Only Moonlight Basin, which is set to open in November. Montage Big Sky, Lone Mountain Ranch, and Sage Lodge offer all sorts of snow experiences—from cross-country skiing to sleigh rides.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
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In December, which falls in the middle of Riviera Maya’s dry season, temperatures typically range from the high 70s to low 80s. Whether you want to swim in the warm sea, visit ancient ruins in Tulum or Chichen Itza, or explore the Yucatán’s cenotes, it’s an ideal time to be outdoors. You can relax at a resort, play golf, or indulge in spa treatments at Mayakoba, a hotel and residential development with four excellent resorts and El Camaleón golf course. You’ll also find Christmas traditions, festive lights, artisan markets, and traditional holiday foods—along with plenty of year-end vacationers, so make your plans ASAP.
Where to Stay: In Mayakoba, stay at the Rosewood, Banyan Tree, Fairmont, or Alila. You can also check out Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya, Grand Velas Riviera Maya, and Maroma, a Belmond Hotel—each one has been reviewed and approved by T+L writers and editors.
Edinburgh, Scotland
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A chill in the air, holiday decorations, and a festive atmosphere descend upon Edinburgh in December. The days are short—with sunset around 3:30 p.m.—but you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the twinkling lights and cozy fireplaces. The Edinburgh Christmas Market at East Princes Street Gardens features an ice rink, rides, handmade gifts, and mulled wine, and Edinburgh Castle is particularly stunning with dramatic lighting for the holidays. If time allows, stay until the New Year for Hogmanay.
Where to Stay: The Balmoral, Gleneagles Townhouse, 100 Princes Street, and The Witchery are among the best places to stay in Edinburgh.
Hamburg, Germany
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Germany’s Christmas markets are renowned for their baked goods, music, handcrafted ornaments, and lively atmosphere, and Hamburg, Germany’s historic port city, is filled with holiday spirit in December; there will be picturesque decorations, themed markets, and floating markets aboard festively decorated ships. The Rathausmarkt is located in the Old Town, the Fleetinsel is set along canals, and there’s the adult Santa Pauli Market in the city’s red-light district. Visitors can take harbor cruises or enjoy performances at Elbphilharmonie, one of Europe’s iconic concert halls.
Where to Stay: If Hamburg is your base, stay at The Fontenay, a five-star resort on Lake Alster with a Michelin-starred restaurant and full-service spa.
Montreal, Canada
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For European-style atmosphere, Christmas markets, and twinkling lights, plan a December visit to Montreal. Expect cold weather and possibly snow, so pack accordingly. And come hungry—food is a top priority at the markets, especially at the Jean-Talon. Explore Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets in a horse-drawn carriage, or head below the streets to Montreal’s Underground City, which features more than 20 miles of tunnels with shops, cafes, and metro stations. Museums also offer an extra dose of warmth, culture, art, and local history.
Where to Stay: T+L readers voted for their favorite Canadian city hotels in the 2025 World’s Best Awards—and The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal and Four Seasons Hotel Montreal made the list. The Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile recently debuted a major refurbishment, with a redesigned lobby, guest rooms, meeting spaces, fitness center, and signature restaurant.
Athens, Greece
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While you may not initially think of Athens as a winter destination, December is actually an ideal time to visit the Acropolis and other ancient sites; you’ll get to enjoy them without summer’s hot weather and crowds. Temperatures in the 50s make it comfortable to be outdoors, and you can always warm up in a museum, like the Hellenic National Archaeological Museum or the Acropolis Museum. Christmas markets, decorations, and traditional holiday sweets celebrate the festive season, which begins on St. Nicholas Day, Dec. 6. Watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and spend time in Syntagma Square, beautifully decorated for Christmas.
Where to Stay: Take a look at the best hotels in Athens, as curated by T+L. Standouts include the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, One&Only Aesthesis (located just outside of Athens), Cape Sounio, Hotel Grande Bretagne, La Divina, and Xenodocheio Milos.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
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During the annual Amsterdam Light Festival, from Nov. 27 through Jan. 18, the city’s canals and waterways glow with stunning displays created by international artists. Take a canal cruise with a guide who will describe the artworks as you pass, immerse yourself in the light festival on foot, covering the show in about 4 miles, or take a guided bike tour. Christmas markets and an ice skating rink near the Rijksmuseum are more ways to enjoy Amsterdam in December; be sure to warm up with Dutch hot cocoa or mulled wine.
Where to Stay: T+L readers named their favorite Amsterdam hotels in the 2025 World’s Best Awards, with De L’Europe Amsterdam, Sofitel Legend Amsterdam The Grand, and Pulitzer Amsterdam taking home the highest honors. Not sure if you want a hotel experience? Choose to live like a local in a waterfront home or luxury townhouse with the HomeExchange Collection.
South Australia
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Starting in December, United Airlines will offer nonstop service from San Francisco (SFO) to Adelaide (ADL), making for a convenient way to visit South Australia’s wine regions as well as the state’s capital city. Visit the Adelaide Central Market and Night Market for carolers and live performances, along with holiday gifts, food, and handmade crafts. December’s warm weather is perfect for exploring Adelaide Botanic Garden before heading to wine country, where you can take a hot air balloon ride over the Barossa Valley or visit the historic Château Tanunda winery. Explore South Australia’s natural beauty at Nilpena Ediacara National Park or Kangaroo Island, also known as “Australia’s Galapagos.”
Where to Stay: In the Barossa Valley, choose The Villas – Barossa, Barossa Weintal, or Kingsford The Barossa. Places to stay in Adelaide include Sofitel Adelaide, Eos by SkyCity, Crowne Plaza Adelaide, and Pavilions at Lenswood. On Kangaroo Island, you can stay at Southern Ocean Lodge or Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island.
Turks and Caicos
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Turks and Caicos was named one of the best places to go in 2025 by T+L editors. High season starts in December, and celebrations include Maskanoo on Boxing Day, Dec. 26. A cruise among the islands, a diving or snorkeling excursion to the barrier reef, and a dinner of local fish and conch specialties are among the best things to do in Turks and Caicos. Visit Grand Turk, Salt Cay, South Caicos, or the private island of Pine Cay for a change of scenery.
Where to Stay: There is no shortage of relaxing, luxurious places to stay in Turks and Caicos.