10 Unique Destinations for Winter Holiday Travel
December doesn’t look the same everywhere, and that’s part of what makes it such a good time to travel. While some places gear up for snow and holiday crowds, others hit their stride with warmer weather, major events, or seasonal natural sights.
This list highlights ten destinations where December feels unique. If you’re thinking about a trip this month, these are places where the season brings something distinct and worth seeing.
Jaipur, India
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Temperature in December: 34°C high, 19°C low
Peak heat steps aside in December, which gives its architecture a chance to breathe. Sites like the Hawa Mahal and Amer Fort are easier to walk through without the sun pressing down. At night, Amer Fort runs a light-and-sound show with 3D projections across the sandstone walls.
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Credit: Canva
Temperature in December: 18°C high, 7°C low
By December, the lake’s edges are lined with blooming lupins in shades of purple and pink. Early summer brings firmer trails, so hikes around the basin and nearby hills feel steadier underfoot. Many visitors also book scenic helicopter rides over Mount Cook to take in the bright, early-season views across the alpine landscape.
Paris, France
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Temperature in December: 8°C high, 3°C low
December gives Paris a sharper, more atmospheric rhythm. Galeries Lafayette becomes a stop in its own right thanks to its holiday ceiling display, and seasonal skating rinks open across the city. With the early winter sunset, the Eiffel Tower’s evening lights switch on sooner and stay visible through more of the night.
New York City, USA
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Temperature in December: 8°C high, –3°C low
December in New York leans on its classic holiday scene: the Rockefeller Center tree, Fifth Avenue displays, and the Dyker Heights lights, all busy enough to have their own guided tours. Skating rinks stay open through the season, including the one at Rockefeller Plaza. Cold snaps roll through often, which is why many people drift into hotel lobby bars with real fireplaces for a warm break between outings.
Maldives
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Temperature in December: 30°C high, 25°C low
The dry season starts now, which means more daylight and fewer weather surprises. Visibility improves for diving, especially near South Ari Atoll, where manta rays and whale sharks gather. Choose resorts with verified conservation work, particularly those supporting coral protection and responsible diving.
Scotland, UK
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Temperature in December: 11°C high, 0°C low
December shifts Scotland into a different landscape, with snow settling on Highland peaks and winter trails where you might spot red deer or Highland cattle. Distilleries see more visitors this time of year, offering tastings and short tours. It’s also a good month for scenic train rides, especially the Glasgow-to-Mallaig route through the Highlands.
Dubai, UAE
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Temperature in December: 26°C high, 16°C low
Temperatures level out in the mid-20s Celsius, which makes beaches more tolerable and outdoor restaurants busier. Holiday marketing takes over malls, including tree displays built from glass ornaments. Big events like Rugby Sevens and the film festival pull in international visitors. December also opens a reliable season for desert tours without the risk of heatstroke.
Kyoto, Japan
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Temperature in December: 11°C high, 2°C low
Kyoto treats December as a lead-up to Oshogatsu (New Year), with temple markets such as Kobo-san and Tenjin-san offering antiques, crafts and regional foods. Early December also hosts the Arashiyama Hanatouro festival, during which lanterns line the paths through the bamboo forest. Many temples run evening illuminations throughout the month, and light snowfall occasionally increases attendance due to its rarity and visual effect on the temple grounds.
Miami, USA
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Temperature in December: 24°C high, 19°C low
December is dry, sunny and swarmed, mostly because of Art Basel. The fair draws out satellite exhibits in Wynwood and the Design District, and hotel bars double as nightlife venues for the week. The City of Miami Beach officially describes the event period as bringing “severe traffic delays” and advises visitors to use ferries and water transports.
Tasmania, Australia
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Temperature in December: 23°C high, 11°C low
Early summer hits, and with it comes a stretch of local festivals. The Taste of Tasmania piles in seafood, cheese, and cold-climate wine, while MONA continues to run art exhibitions that rely more on digital guides than wall text. The island’s air is clearest now, giving more reliable views from places like Cradle Mountain.