Discover enchanting winter wonderlands, festive celebrations and warm escapes. From historic towns to alpine resorts and tropical beaches, these 7 spots are ideal for a December vacation.
As the holiday season approaches, many of us start thinking of making special travel plans for the month of December. From quaint New England towns to European winter havens and tropical escapes, there are some amazing destinations that await discovery in December. Whether you’re drawn to festive markets, world-class skiing or simply a warm beach to relax on, these seven locations promise unforgettable holiday memories.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Why not spend December partaking in Nantucket’s most popular festive celebration: the annual Christmas Stroll. This year (the event’s 50th anniversary) the walk will run from December 6-8. You’ll be captivated by Nantucket’s historic downtown as it becomes transformed into an incredible winter wonderland. The event was originally begun as a way to encourage residents to buy local and enjoy their own downtown center rather than going to the mainland to shop for gifts. Now, boutiques stay open throughout the month and proudly display elaborately designed storefronts. Downtown’s cobblestone streets will be adorned with hundreds of illuminated seven-foot trees decorated by locals. Festive attire and ugly sweaters are encouraged — and don’t miss Santa’s big arrival via the Coast Guard vessel. The White Elephant hotel, located just a short walk from downtown, is a wonderful family-friendly option for accommodation.
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is ideal for winter enthusiasts offering a great mix of top-tier cuisine and cultural activities, along with easy access to some of the best ski areas in the world. Check out one of Europe’s largest Christmas markets with a 30+ foot tree enveloped in Swarovski crystals. After your finish your Christmas shopping, get nice and toasty with a visit to Lindt Home of Chocolate for chocolate tours and workshops to discover the fine art of Swiss chocolate-making. Stay at La Réserve Eden au Lac, a stunning Belle Époque palace on Lake Zurich, that offers opulent accommodations with panoramic lake vistas and a rooftop Peruvian restaurant featuring heated dining bubbles.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna transforms into a magical winter destination in December and there’s no better place to be in the middle of it all than at Almanac Palais Vienna. Thanks to its prime location on the Ringstrasse, Vienna’s most famous boulevard, guests can easily stroll to Vienna’s fabled Christmas markets jam-packed with hand-made crafts and local delicacies, such as Lebkuchen gingerbread-like cookies. Fill your nights with song by enjoying classical music with an Advent concert at St. Stephen’s Cathedral or go to a performance at the Vienna State Opera House. As temperatures drop, head to the hotel’s subterranean two-floor wellness sanctuary, which pays homage to Vienna’s 2,000-year-old bathing culture with its marble-clad spa, with indoor thermal pool and sauna facilities.
Paris, France
Paris got lots of attention this summer as the host of the 2024 Olympic Games, but its moment in the spotlight continues with the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in December, five years after a devastating fire. A ceremony on December 7 will precede public access starting December 16. For accommodations, La Réserve Paris offers a romantic getaway near the Champs-Élysées, while La Réserve Paris Apartments caters to families and has views of the Eiffel Tower. Alternatively, Hotel Hana, newly opened in February 2024 in the Japanese quarter, features minimalist Japanese design blended with Parisian Belle Époque elements for a truly unique stay.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Home to the Matterhorn, the world’s most sought-after ski slope, Zermatt is where ski lovers go for a once-in-a-lifetime ski holiday. But even if you don’t ski, there’s so much to enjoy, including a picturesque village, great dining (including a handful of Michelin-starred spots) and a charming car-free village. Try your hand at snowshoeing, ice-skating, skiing (you can ski over the border to Italy) or curling. Stay at Mont Cervin Palace, a 170-year-old hotel that offers postcard-perfect mountain views, three gourmet restaurants, and a fabulous spa with indoor and outdoor pools and more. Or stay at Schweizerhof, a cozy upscale ski lodge with a family-friendly Kid’s Club.
Eleuthera, Bahamas
Eleuthera, a hidden gem in the Bahamas, is home to an incredible 135 pristine beaches and is perfect for a December getaway, especially for those looking to escape winter’s deep freeze. The Potlatch Club, the island’s first luxury boutique hotel, just opened in June 2024 after an extensive seven-year restoration. The secluded hideaway features a lovely mix of historic and newly built whitewashed suites, garden cottages, ocean-facing cottages and more.
The Cotswolds, U.K.
The area, made famous by the beloved movie The Holiday, is only a 2-hour drive from London, and is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (an official designation for protected land). At holiday time, the villages in the region are all decked out in lovely twinkly lights. To immerse yourself in the destination, there’s no better place to stay than Thyme, a family-owned, restored country estate in Southrop. The property offers beautiful hikes and resplendent gardens, as well as lots of engaging activities like cooking and a wreath-making workshop.
This article was originally published on forbes.com.
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