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Person walking up to Sodankylä Old Church, a 17th-century wooden church near the Kitinen River in Sodankylä, Lapland. The church has a snow-covered roof and is surrounded by pine trees and winter scenery – peaceful Finnish winter landscape.
Wanderlust · 6 min read · November 27, 2025

The best December holiday spots – snow, sun and Santa

Escape the chill or lean into it – these top December destinations include festive city breaks, ski towns and tropical islands.

Short on time? Let us summarise this guide for you.

This guide rounds up the best December holiday destinations, whether you're chasing snow or sun. For a winter wonderland, head to Lapland for huskies and Northern Lights, Tallinn for its cosy charm, Chambéry for skiing without the crowds, York for a festive market experience, or Bruges for fairytale streets and glühwein. If you're craving warmth, Barbados offers sun-drenched beaches and laid-back island vibes, while Nicaragua delivers dry-season adventure with colonial towns, surf beaches, and tropical ease.

What you'll find in this guide:

This month's beach read: The Twelve Clues of Christmas, Rhys Bowen

This cosy mystery is set in a snow-dusted English village during the 1930s. Lady Georgiana Rannoch, broke but ever resourceful, takes on a holiday hostess gig, only to find herself in the middle of a string of suspicious deaths. Think crackling fires, festive cheer, and a clever whodunnit that wouldn't feel out of place unfolding in the crooked alleyways of York.

York | United Kingdom

UK ranks 17th – Good Trip Index People walking down a brightly lit cobblestone street in York lined with historic shops and Christmas lights at night – festive holiday shopping scene.

You don't have to travel far to enjoy one of Europe's great Christmas markets. Edinburgh, Bath, Winchester and London's South Bank all know how to do Christmas – but York takes it up a notch. Come December, this already charming city leans right into the season.

Think crooked lanes lit with festive lights, the smell of roasted chestnuts drifting past half-timbered shops, and mulled wine served from wooden stalls. The city's Christmas market sprawls through Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square, packed with local crafts, handmade gifts, and enough festive food to fuel a week of browsing. It's busy, but never frantic – just the right side of lively.

Wander through the Shambles or follow the snickleways behind the Bar Walls to find quiet corners and unexpected views. Pop into a candlelit pub or duck into a cosy fudge shop to warm up. Whether you're here for shopping, photos or just a bit of festive atmosphere, York makes it all feel easy.

Lapland | Finland

Finland ranks 5th – Good Trip Index Snow-covered cabin in a moonlit forest at night, surrounded by tall pine trees under a clear, starry winter sky – peaceful Arctic wilderness scene in Ivalo, Lapland.

Because where else are you gonna go for a festive snow-filled adventure complete with huskies, Northern Lights and actual Santa?

Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland and it sits just a stone's throw from the Arctic Circle. Literally – you could probably throw a stone from Rovaniemi and it would land in the Arctic if your arm was strong enough.

The city is officially Santa's hometown, so if you want to meet him then this is where you'll need to go. About 10 minutes outside the city is Santa Claus Village, where you'll find the man himself busy in his office.

Head really far up north and you'll find the little village of Ivalo. Like most other places in Lapland, it's surrounded by dense forests and lakes. The only difference is that you can more reliably expect snow in the autumn and winter months. And when it does snow, you're treated to some of the most gorgeous and sometimes otherworldly landscapes as the snow and ice turn the trees into frosted monoliths.

Being so far north and out of the way also makes it one of the best areas for spotting the Northern Lights and stargazing. So if you've had your fill of the Claus family, head here for a relaxing wintery escape.

Tallinn | Estonia

Estonia ranks 13th – Good Trip Index Panoramic view of Tallinn Old Town with red-roofed buildings, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Mary's Cathedral, and medieval stone towers – historic European cityscape.

Stepping into Tallinn's Old Town in December is like walking into a snow globe. Cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and twinkly lights – everything's got that quiet, wintry magic. The Christmas market in Town Hall Square is a proper highlight. Mulled wine in hand, you can browse for local crafts or just soak up the atmosphere under the towering spruce tree.

This isn't a city that goes overboard, and that's part of its charm. It keeps things cosy. There's history on every corner, but also cool little cafes and design shops tucked away down narrow alleys. Climb Toompea Hill for snowy views over the red rooftops, or duck into a museum if your toes need thawing.

What also stands out? Estonia's quietly impressive green credentials. The country topped the Environmental Performance Index recently, which makes wandering around feel even better. Smart public transport, clean air, and plenty of green space – it's doing the small things right.

Chambéry | France

France ranks 20th – Good Trip Index Colourful old town buildings in Chambéry, France with snow-dusted mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky – scenic alpine city view.

Tucked between the French Alps and the Jura mountains, Chambéry is quickly stepping into the spotlight. Once a secret among locals, it's a fantastic gateway to the many ski resorts dotted around southeast France.

Skip the crowds of bigger resorts and head straight to the heart of Savoie. From here, you've got easy access to the massive Les Trois Vallées ski area, plus smaller, lesser-known slopes that pack just as much punch without the queues. Whether you're after powdery runs or just the mountain air and mulled wine, Chambéry makes a solid base.

Beyond the slopes, the town itself has charm in spades. Wander cobbled streets lined with pastel facades, warm up with a vin chaud in one of the old-town cafés, or dip into the local history – Chambéry was once the capital of the Savoy region. It's compact, laid-back, and full of character.

Bruges | Belgium

Belgium ranks 19th – Good Trip Index Illuminated arched bridge over a canal in Bruges at night, with glowing lights, historic buildings, and reflections on the water – romantic cityscape.

A short hop across the Channel, Bruges is close enough for a day trip – but you'll want to stay longer. The medieval old town has a real storybook feel, especially in December when the cobbled streets are lit up and the smell of waffles hangs in the air.

Make a beeline for the main square to wander the Christmas market. Pick up handmade trinkets, warm your hands with glühwein, and soak up the festive buzz. Then duck into a café for a Belgian beer or two – preferably next to a roaring fire.

Once you're done at the market, take a quiet canal-side stroll, where the old buildings lean in like they've got secrets to tell. And if that's a bit too twee for you, then why not punctuate your trip with a fascinating visit to the Torture Museum?

Barbados

Barbados ranks 63rd – Good Trip Index People swimming in calm turquoise water near a tropical beach in Barbados with soft pink sand, palm trees, and a yellow lifeguard tower – relaxing Caribbean getaway.

Barbados is one of those places that always feels like a good idea – especially in December. With golden beaches, warm seas, and a tropical climate that doesn't mess about, it's a proper escape from the cold back home. Even in the middle of winter, the heat holds strong.

Spend your days hopping between beaches, rum shops, and beachside food stalls serving grilled fish and flying fish cutters. There's no rush here – just easy days, laid-back locals, and the occasional sea turtle swimming past your toes.

Head inland and you'll find lush gardens, old sugar plantations, and hiking trails with knockout views. But honestly? No one's judging if you stick to a sun lounger with a rum punch in hand.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua ranks 117th – Good Trip Index Tropical beach in Nicaragua with leaning palm trees, soft white sand, and calm turquoise ocean under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds – Cayo Crawl, Laguna de Perlas.

Swap the winter coat for your swimmers. December in Nicaragua is all about sunshine, surf, and slow mornings with strong coffee. It's the start of the dry season, which means clear skies and warm days without the sticky humidity. Whether you're wandering through colourful colonial towns or hitting the beach, it's an easy place to relax into.

Start in Granada or León if you like your sunshine with a side of history. Think cobbled streets, pastel buildings, and plenty of rooftop bars to catch the sunset. From there, head to the coast. San Juan del Sur is a laid-back surf town with just the right mix of waves and nightlife. Or if you're after something quieter, the Corn Islands offer white sand, turquoise water, and no real need for shoes.

There's adventure too. Climb a volcano, zipline through the forest, or kayak across Lake Nicaragua. But honestly? December's charm lies in how unhurried everything feels. It's warm, welcoming, and a bit different from your typical December escape.


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