Holidays allow you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, give yourself a mental and physical break, and explore new-to-you locations. If you’re currently in the UK and trying to figure out where to go for your holiday in December, the good news is that you’ve got lots of warm and cold-weather choices. That said, we’re here to help, as we’re taking a look at the best places for December travel from the UK.
Christmas Markets in Germany
Just because you’re ready to escape the UK for a holiday in December doesn’t mean you want to travel far. Maybe you only want a short break, or you don’t want to deal with a long-haul flight. If that’s the case, a trip to Germany focusing on the Christmas Markets may be right up your alley. This is the kind of trip where you can set the pace, exploring as much or as little as you want in a day.
The Christmas Markets are world-renowned not just for the handcrafted treasures you’ll find but also for the live entertainment, food, and drinks available. It’s the kind of trip that will create lasting memories; don’t be surprised if you end up making it a yearly tradition!
Dolomites, Italy
For those who embrace winter and want to be outdoors enjoying activities, the Dolomites in Italy are the place to go. In December there are all kinds of outdoor sports, activities, and events. The area is best known for its skiing, especially for advanced skiers who want a challenge. The ski season officially kicks off at the end of November, so December is perfect timing.
When not on the slopes, be sure to dine around, treating yourself to authentic Italian cuisine. There are also a handful of Christmas Markets to explore, ideal for souvenir or gift shopping.
Malta
Malta has been a popular choice among UK tourists for decades. In 2023, statistics showed that tourists from the UK were one of the top groups. Not only is the natural landscape stunning, but Malta is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ruins, history, architectural gems, and fabulous dining. To top it off, it’s a relatively short and often affordable flight from the UK.
Many aspects of Malta will feel familiar, much like other parts of Europe, but it has unique features that you won’t find anywhere else. Malta is made up of three islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Malta is the main island and home to the country’s capital city, Valletta, which deserves a full-day tour. Don’t forget to also carve out time to visit the other two islands so you get a taste of each.
Cape Town, South Africa
Not everyone wants to sit around and relax on holiday—many seek adventure. If that sounds like you, then Cape Town, South Africa, could be perfect. Because December marks the hottest temperatures of the year, not to mention plenty of clear sunny days, it’s also a great way to escape the gloomy weather at home. The average high during December is 27°C, and the average low is 17°C, perfect for exploring outdoors.
Some of the attractions both in and near Cape Town include Two Oceans Aquarium, Boulders Beach, The Cape Wheel, Lion’s Head, Table Mountain National Park, Cape Point, Signal Hill, the South African National Gallery, and the Iziko South African Museum. You can also book overnight safari trips that depart from Cape Town.
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Las Vegas has gone through many reinventions over the years and morphed into the kind of destination that can appeal to all age groups and all types of travellers. Whether that means singles, groups of friends, couples, or even families, there’s something for everyone.
The large resorts and hotels on the strip tend to offer more entertainment options, like casinos that could be a great choice for low-rollers, multiple restaurants at different price points, shopping, and incredible live shows.
Generally speaking, Las Vegas tends to be ideal for short holidays, but if you want to stay longer, you won’t be bored. You can venture outside of the strip and take some day trips to landmarks like the Hoover Dam, Death Valley National Park, Red Rock Canyon, the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Valley of Fire State Park.
The Caribbean
For those who dream of laying on a beach with the hot sun beating down on them while their cares and worries drift away, a trip to the Caribbean is perfect. Because this is a long flight from the UK, you may want to look at booking a two-week stay. Some resorts may even offer a discounted price on the second week.
The big question is, which island should you visit? There’s no right or wrong answer here; you’re guaranteed to have a lovely time at any of the islands. That said, some of the more popular choices tend to be the Dominican Republic, the British Virgin Islands, St. Lucia, Antigua, Saint Kitts, Saint Martin, and Jamaica.
Many Fabulous Destinations to Choose From
As you can see by this list, if you’re looking to escape from the UK on a holiday in December, you’ve got a wide array of options. It really just comes down to what kind of vacation you like, how active you want to be, and what kind of weather you prefer.