December: Christmas markets, northern lights or sun on the other side of the world

Goes out 25 Nov 2026

December is about Christmas atmosphere or escaping the dark. Choose between Christmas markets, snow in Lapland or sun on the other side of the world.

Ideas for December

• 

  Strasbourg, France

  One of Europe's best-known Christmas markets in a beautiful old town. Great for a long weekend.

  Photo: Photo Claude TRUONG-NGOC · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
• 

  Rovaniemi, Finland

  Snow, reindeer and Santa's village on the Arctic Circle. Popular with children, so book well ahead.

  Photo: Floppyjb · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
• 

  Phu Quoc, Vietnam

  Dry season in southern Vietnam, with beaches and calm seas. A long trip that fits well with the Christmas holidays.

  Photo: Trantuonglam · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
• 

  Oman

  Pleasant winter days for mountains, wadis and desert camps. Calmer than the big Gulf cities.

  Photo: albinfo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
• 

  New York, USA

  The Rockefeller Center tree, ice rinks and lit-up shop windows. Cold, but full of Christmas spirit.

  Photo: Daniel Dimitrov · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Where is it warm?

In December it's hot and dry in southern Vietnam and pleasant in Oman. Strasbourg, Rovaniemi and New York are cold – there you travel for the Christmas atmosphere.

Tips before you book

• Travelling over Christmas? Book soon. Departures around Christmas and New Year are among the most in-demand of the year – if you can shift by a day or two, you'll have more options.
• Christmas markets are at their best on weekdays. Check the market's dates before you book – many close just before Christmas Eve.
• Around the winter solstice the days are very short in the far north. Plan activities in the daylight hours and pack layers – they beat one thick coat.
• Going far? Check the entry rules for your passport in good time. Wayoop's travel quiz links to the official rules for every country on your route.