These are the very best trips to enjoy in December, whether you're seeking out some winter sun at a beachfront resort or want to explore Lapland from a luxury glass igloo.
December is a time for festivities, whether that's reindeer sled rides in Swedish and Finnish Lapland or exploring Norway’s Tromso with its Northern Lights spectaculars. The world-famous winter ICEHOTEL also opens its doors for the season, and over in Iceland, December is an excellent time to combine Reykjavik’s buzzing nightlife with the country’s spectacular natural world.
December is high summer in Antarctica, opening up possibilities for bucket-list, luxury expedition cruises that take in the mesmerising landscapes and wildlife of the world's final frontier. Expect to spot whales and vast seal and penguin colonies as you head out on Zodiac cruises with expert naturalists. Antarctica cruises are now available to book for this winter and even into 2024 and 2025.
Escape the cold this December and head instead to the sun-drenched islands of the Caribbean or Indian Ocean, from beachfront Barbados resorts to adults-only Maldives idylls.
December Down Under sees balmy weather around the states of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, ideal conditions for city sightseeing coupled with a coastal road trip. Don't miss out on the likes of Kangaroo Island and the Blue Mountains for spectacular flora and fauna, while oenophiles will find plenty to delight amid the vineyards of Hunter and Barossa Valley. Meanwhile, across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand's alpine landscapes and glorious coastlines are coming into their own.
Discover our Australia & New Zealand holidaysAcross in the Americas, December is high season in South America, meaning excellent temperatures for exploring, particularly in the south – think stargazing in Chile and eco-lodge stays in Patagonia. With December one of the most popular months, particularly for Patagonia, booking early is essential.