December is a month of contrasts. While some dream of snow-covered landscapes and eggnog in their mittened hands, others yearn for sunny skies and beachside margaritas. In the northern hemisphere, the iconic streets of New York twinkle with festive cheer and round-the-clock entertainment, while down south, Chiang Mai and Sydney promise sun-kissed bliss combined with a rich cultural experience. To make planning feel more like an adventure and less like a chore, here's a list of the best places to visit in December.
Jump to:
New York: Stars in Your Eyes
Come December, New York City transforms into a winter wonderland, evoking many iconic cinema moments.
The city’s landmarks are decked out in festive décor, and Central Park wears a blanket of snow in a picturesque scene straight out of Home Alone. Tall and bright, The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree draws crowds from all over the world, as does its open-air ice-skating rink. Broadway embraces the generous Christmas spirit with extra performances and family-friendly titles like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Aladdin and The Lion King.
For Mad Men fans, staying at the glamorous NH Collection New York Madison Avenue in Midtown Manhattan is a chance to step into the shoes of Don Draper and Peggy Olson. The hotel itself boasts recently revamped interiors that nod to Madison Avenue’s golden age of advertising. And booking the Empire State Suite means waking up to views of the iconic building each morning – a move New York’s most famous on-screen ad man would certainly approve of.
The real question, however, is how to ring in the New Year. If crowds are a source of excitement rather than anxiety, the Times Square Ball Drop with its live performances by the likes of Miley Cyrus, Post Malone and South Korean sensation BTS is a chance to be part of what is arguably the world's most famous New Year's Eve celebration.
Chiang Mai: One of the Best Places to Go in December
If you're looking to escape the cold, head to Chiang Mai in Thailand, where December brings cool, pleasant weather perfect for exploring the city's cultural treasures. The former capital of the Lanna Kingdom offers culture and northern Thai cuisine as its main attractions, but they are most definitely not the only draws.
One of the best places to visit in December in Asia, Chiang Mai is highly walkable. Most of its revered temples, such as Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, are located in the compact Old City, making it easy to explore this UNESCO candidate on foot.
Between temple visits, pop into any of Chiang Mai’s characterful cafes to try local teas and artisan coffees, and don’t miss the excellent Kalm Village – an art, craft and culture center in the heart of Chiang Mai Old Town. Here you will find locally made handicrafts, interesting architecture, curated objects, food, workshops, exhibitions, residency programmes and creative events.
Chiang Mai is also a nature lover’s playground, with peaceful trails that lead to hidden waterfalls, vigorous hikes up Doi Suthep mountain, as well as caving and stand-up paddleboarding on Sri Lanna Lake for those who want their December active rather than indulgent.
To enjoy nature in a more serene way, drift through the city on a luxury JAO Ping River cruise or take a cooking class at Anantara Chiang Mai nestled on a river bank — one of the best places to go in December.
Sydney: Summer Vibes Down Under
While the Northern Hemisphere bundles up, Sydney basks in the warm glow of summer.
The laid-back capital of New South Wales – one of the best places to visit in December – is synonymous with outdoor activities and beach fun. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Bondi Beach, where you can swim, ride the waves (several surf spots along the beachfront offer board rentals) or simply soak up the sun while enjoying the best flat white and avocado toast you’ll ever taste.
If being in the water is not your element, consider a coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee for stunning ocean views and hidden coves. Don’t forget to include the Bondi Icebergs, which is not only for swimming, but also an iconic location for the perfect sunrise photo you often see on the internet.
For the perfect photo moments, head over to Circular Quay and get on a ferry ride which will bring you across the harbour for breathtaking vistas of the city skyline with the Sydney Opera House and the towering curve of the Harbour Bridge in the background.
With the ferry, you can choose to set sail to many locations including the famous Taronga Zoo, where you can encounter the gentle koalas and experience wildlife presentations with keeper talks against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour and the city, or you can choose to go a little further up north to the bustling Manly Beach, considered one of Australia’s most famous beaches as the place to hold the world’s first surfing event back in the 1960s.
If, like many visitors, you choose to stay in the CBD, you will have the best of dining, shopping and entertainment on your doorstep, with many hotels in Sydney offering convenient access to these attractions.
The apartment-like Oaks Sydney Castlereagh Suites will place you close to both Haymarket, the city’s one-stop-shop for best Asian food, and Pitt Street Mall with its boutiques. Oaks Sydney Hyde Park Suites is equally well situated. For postcard views of the Sydney skyline, stay in the heritage-listed Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites, located a short walk from the bright lights of the Darling Harbour precinct.
On Christmas Day, locals and tourists flock to the beaches for a BBQ. Be sure to add The Rocks market to your weekend programme for excellent handmade gifts. For the spots to view the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks, consider Fleet Steps in the Royal Botanic Garden or Pirrama Park with its wide pathways. Alternatively, head north to Bradfield Park or Blues Point Reserve, both conveniently accessible from North Sydney train station.
In short, what places Sydney among the best places to go in December is its unique ability to rekindle one’s appreciation of life. Centered on the dazzling harbour, the city’s laid-back sensibility with its dynamic café culture and magical light steals your heart once and for all.
A Classic European Escape: Top Christmas Markets and More
Europe, the spiritual home of Christmas, is always a good idea for December travels. In Central Europe, Germany consistently tops the list for its enchanting festive atmosphere. Its world-renowned Christmas markets, such as those in Berlin, Dresden, Nuremberg and Munich, create a magical experience with twinkling lights, handcrafted goods, mulled wine and cheerful caroling. In Berlin, both NH Collection Berlin Mitte Friedrichstrasse and NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie are centrally located, placing you amid the festive magic. The latter is just a short walk away from the famous Checkpoint Charlie, a key symbol of the Cold War and a well-known border crossing point between East and West Berlin.
In Prague, stroll through the enchanting Christmas markets at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, where the aroma of mulled wine and trdelník fills the air. Admire the towering Christmas tree adorned with twinkling lights, and enjoy live performances. For a touch of tradition, attend midnight mass or explore the Prague Castle Christmas Market for handcrafted gifts and local delicacies. The palatial NH Collection Prague Carlo IV sits just 10 minutes from the Old Town Square, placing you within walking distance from Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and St. Vitus Cathedral.
Another popular destination is the Winter Wonders (Winterpret) festival in Brussels, in which fairground rides, an illuminated Christmas tree and a sprawling market take over the historic heart of the city for five weeks. The market’s 200 chalets, offering everything from artisanal crafts and seasonal treats like Belgian waffles and mulled wine, are a great way to unwind after the thrills of the ice skating rink at Place de la Monnaie. If you stay at nhow Brussels bloom in the vibrant Botanique area, the city’s major attractions are just a short tram ride away. The hotel has an on-site art gallery and a studio where you create your own art pieces inspired by the city’s winter charms.
The City of Light truly shines during the festive season. Whether you're experiencing Paris for the first time or returning to its irresistible charm, starting your December journey with the enchanting Christmas markets at Tuileries Garden and La Défense is an excellent choice. Discover gourmet delights, unique gifts and the warm, festive spirit that makes Paris a magical winter destination. Marvel at the sparkling holiday displays along the Champs-Élysées and Galeries Lafayette. For a magical experience, skate under the Eiffel Tower or at the Grand Palais, surrounded by Paris’s iconic beauty. Over in the 10th arrondissement, home to NH Paris Gare de l'Est, the vibe is trendy, with charming cafés, boutiques and restaurants along the Canal Saint-Martin offering a mix of local culture and festive cheer.
In Rome, apart from overindulging in panettone and torrone, explore the Vatican's "100 Presepi" exhibition, showcasing nativity scenes from around the world. For a musical touch, consider attending a Christmas-themed opera concert at St. Andrew's Church of Scotland. These intimate performances feature Puccini's greatest hits alongside beloved Christmas songs like "White Christmas" and "O Holy Night". The inviting atmosphere, with limited seating that creates a private concert feel, is made even cosier with a post-show offering of wine and a traditional Italian Christmas aperitif. If you want to stay in the historic centre, the monumental Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel is hard to beat, with some of Rome’s most iconic attractions, including the Piazza di Spagna, right on your doorstep.
Finally, Vienna. As one of the most visited cities in Europe during winter, the Austrian capital’s storybook charm is all you need to embrace the magic of European Christmas. Stroll through 145 stalls at the iconic Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, nibbling on roasted chestnuts, Bauernkrapfen (farmer’s doughnuts) and Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), or visit the elegant Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market, set against the backdrop of the illuminated palace.
For music lovers, Vienna’s renowned classical concerts at the Hofburg Palace and Karlskirche are a big draw. Stay at Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel designed by Baron Theophil Edvard von Hansen – the renowned architect responsible for some of the city’s most famous landmarks – for a full immersion into Vienna’s architectural splendour.
Ready to start your search for the best places to visit in December? Plan your end-of-the-year adventure with Minor Hotels in New York, find top accommodation in Sydney, discover our hotels in Chiang Mai for a memorable winter retreat, or simply enjoy the Christmas spirit in European destinations.
