Transparency Notice: This article contains affiliate links. Purchases made through them help fund our family’s culinary travels at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we personally use and trust. Learn more.
Global Family Adventures 14 Magical Places to Visit in December Festive Escapes with Global Flavors
Discover the best places to visit in December for family-friendly winter magic, tropical escapes, and global cuisines, tested across 50 countries by Oliver, Natalia, and Victor. Explore our Travel Guides.
Unforgettable December Family Vacations
Discover 14 magical destinations for winter magic and tropical escapes, infused with global flavors.
December’s twinkling lights, holiday markets, and diverse climates make it perfect for family travel. From Aspen’s snowy slopes to Maui’s sunny shores, Oliver, Natalia, and Victor (born November 24, 2016, Koh Samui) have curated 14 best places to visit in December based on 15+ years of hospitality expertise across 50+ countries. Natalia’s Siberian-Italian heritage inspires culinary connections, like Austrian strudel or Thai curries. Sip mulled wine in Vienna or chase Northern Lights in Reykjavik—create memories with our Recipes Collection. (Condé Nast Traveler)
Victor’s kid-friendly picks, from Lapland’s Santa Claus Village to Phuket’s beaches, ensure fun for all ages. This guide solves every travel pain point—budget, accessibility, and cuisine—with practical tips and global insights. (Travel + Leisure)
Why December for Family Travel?
December’s festive spirit and diverse climates make it a prime time for family vacations. Snowy winter vacation spots like Banff (20-35°F) offer skiing and hot springs, while tropical escapes like Phuket (75-85°F) provide beach bliss. Holiday markets in Vienna and cultural events in Kyoto add magic, delighting kids like Victor (born November 24, 2016, Koh Samui). Our family’s 15+ years of hospitality expertise, from Thailand (2016–2018) to Vietnam (2023–present), ensures these destinations are kid-friendly and budget-conscious. Pair your trip with global flavors from our Recipes Collection. (Travel + Leisure)
Planning Your December Getaway
December suits all budgets with free markets (Prague) or premium resorts (Aspen, ~$100-$300/day). Book 3-6 months early for deals, saving up to 30% on flights and hotels. Pack for varied climates—coats for Reykjavik, swimsuits for Maui—and check visas (e.g., New Zealand NZeTA, ~$12). Accessibility is key: NYC’s Rockefeller Center and Blue Lagoon offer stroller/ADA access. (Lonely Planet)
14 Family-Friendly December Destinations
Explore these best places to visit in December for family fun and global cuisines, tested by Oliver, Natalia, and Victor across 50 countries from Austria (2008–2011) to Vietnam (2023–present). From snowy slopes to tropical beaches, each destination offers unique activities and culinary delights.
1. Aspen, Colorado, USA: Winter Ski Haven
Aspen’s Rocky Mountain slopes and alpine village vibe shine in December (15-30°F). Victor loves the snow play areas at Aspen Snowmass, perfect for kids.
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Skiing | Aspen Snowmass slopes (~$150-$250/day lift tickets). |
| Winter Festivals | 12 Days of Aspen (Dec 20-31, free). |
| Snowshoeing | East Aspen Trail (~$30-$50/rental). |
| Dining | Chili at The White House Tavern (~$15-$30/meal). |
Aspen’s comfort food warms winter days. Try our Recipes for cozy dishes. (Aspen Snowmass)
2. Banff, Canada: Snowy Wilderness
Banff National Park’s frozen lakes and hot springs dazzle (20-35°F). Victor enjoys the family-friendly ice skating at Lake Louise.
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Ice Skating | Lake Louise (~$10-$20/rental). |
| Hot Springs | Banff Upper Hot Springs (~$8-$16/entry). |
| Snowshoeing | Johnston Canyon (free with park pass, ~$20/day). |
| Dining | Maple-glazed salmon at The Bison (~$20-$40/meal). |
Banff’s Canadian cuisine is a treat. (Banff Tourism)
3. New York City, NY, USA: Festive Urban Wonderland
NYC’s holiday displays and city energy sparkle (30-45°F). Victor’s favorite: ice skating at Rockefeller Center!
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Ice Skating | Rockefeller Center (~$20-$40/entry). |
| Holiday Markets | Bryant Park Winter Village (free entry). |
| Shows | Rockettes at Radio City (~$50-$150/tickets). |
| Dining | Hot chocolate at Serendipity 3 (~$10-$20/meal). |
NYC’s global cuisine shines. (NYC Tourism)
4. Vienna, Austria: Christmas Market Elegance
Vienna’s historic charm and markets create a magical escape (25-40°F). Natalia’s Austrian roots shine with family-friendly market visits.
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Christmas Markets | Rathausplatz for crafts, mulled wine (free entry). |
| Concerts | Mozart at Musikverein (~€30-€100/tickets). |
| City Tours | Schönbrunn Palace (~€20-€40/tickets). |
| Dining | Gingerbread, schnitzel at Café Sacher (~€15-€30/meal). (Recipes) |
Vienna’s pastries are a holiday delight. (Vienna Tourism)
5. Maui, Hawaii, USA: Tropical Paradise
Maui’s warm beaches and marine life offer a sunny retreat (70-80°F). Victor loves the whale-watching tours.
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Whale Watching | Humpback whales off Lahaina (~$50-$100/tour). |
| Snorkeling | Molokini Crater (~$80-$150/tour). |
| Beach Days | Wailea Beach (free). |
| Dining | Poke bowls at Mama’s Fish House (~$20-$50/meal). (Healthy Meal Plans) |
Maui’s Hawaiian cuisine is vibrant. (Go Hawaii)
6. Phuket, Thailand: Beachside Bliss
Phuket’s turquoise waters and festivals are vibrant (75-85°F). Victor loves building sandcastles on Patong Beach.
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Beach Activities | Patong Beach (free). |
| Festivals | Phuket Vegetarian Festival (early Dec, free). |
| Island Tours | Phi Phi Islands (~$50-$100/tour). |
| Dining | Pad Thai at street markets (~$5-$15/meal). (Salads) |
Phuket’s Thai street food is a must. (Tourism Thailand)
7. Kyoto, Japan: Serene Cultural Retreat
Kyoto’s temples and winter calm offer peace (35-50°F). Victor enjoys the kid-friendly bamboo forest walks.
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Visits | Kinkaku-ji (~¥500, ~$3). |
| Bamboo Forest | Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (free). |
| Tea Ceremony | Traditional teahouse (~¥2,000, ~$13). |
| Dining | Sushi in Gion (~¥2,000-¥5,000/meal). |
Kyoto’s Japanese cuisine enchants. (Kyoto Tourism)
8. Rome, Italy: Historic Festive Charm
Rome’s ancient landmarks and holiday glow are magical (40-55°F). Natalia’s Italian heritage adds a special touch.
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Landmark Tours | Colosseum (~€16-€24/tickets). |
| Christmas Markets | Piazza Navona (free entry). |
| Vatican Visit | St. Peter’s Basilica (free, ~€20 for museums). |
| Dining | Carbonara at Trattoria Vecchia Roma (~€10-€25/meal). (Sauce Recipes) |
Rome’s pasta dishes delight. (Italia Tourism)
9. Queenstown, New Zealand: Summer Adventure Hub
Queenstown’s summer (60-75°F) offers thrilling adventures. Victor loves the lake cruises.
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Bungee Jumping | Kawarau Bridge (~NZ$200, ~$120). |
| Hiking | Ben Lomond Track (free). |
| Lake Cruises | Lake Wakatipu (~NZ$50, ~$30). |
| Dining | Grilled lamb at Fergburger (~NZ$15-$25/meal). (Grilled Chicken Recipes) |
Queenstown’s Kiwi cuisine fuels fun. (Queenstown Tourism)
10. Patagonia, Argentina: Nature’s Frontier
Patagonia’s glaciers (50-65°F) are an adventurer’s haven. Victor enjoys the penguin tours.
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking | Perito Moreno Glacier (~$100-$200/tour). |
| Wildlife Tours | Penguins at Punta Tombo (~$50-$100/tour). |
| Camping | El Chaltén (~$20-$50/night). |
| Dining | Empanadas at estancias (~$10-$20/meal). |
Patagonia’s cuisine pairs with its wild beauty. (Argentina Tourism)
11. Prague, Czech Republic: Fairytale Winter
Prague’s medieval charm and markets create a storybook setting (25-40°F). Victor loves the trdelník at Old Town Square.
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Christmas Markets | Old Town Square for trdelník (free entry). |
| Castle Tours | Prague Castle (~CZK 250, ~$10). |
| Concerts | Advent concerts at St. Vitus (~CZK 500, ~$20). |
| Dining | Goulash at U Fleků (~CZK 200-400, ~$8-$16/meal). |
Prague’s Czech dishes warm the season. (Prague Tourism)
12. Salzburg, Austria: Musical Holiday Magic
Salzburg’s Mozart legacy and markets shine (25-40°F). Natalia’s Austrian heritage makes this a family favorite.
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Christmas Markets | Mirabellplatz for stollen (free entry). |
| Mozart Tours | Mozart’s Birthplace (~€12/ticket). |
| Winter Walks | Hellbrunn Palace gardens (free). |
| Dining | Apple strudel at Café Tomaselli (~€10-€20/meal). |
Salzburg’s desserts are festive. (Salzburg Tourism)
13. Reykjavik, Iceland: Northern Lights Adventure
Reykjavik’s long nights (20-30°F) offer prime aurora viewing. Victor loves the geothermal spa dips.
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Northern Lights Tours | Chase auroras (~$50-$100/tour, 60% visibility). |
| Geothermal Spas | Blue Lagoon (~$70-$100/entry). |
| Winter Festivals | Yule Lads events (Dec 12-24, free). |
| Dining | Lamb stew at Icelandic Street Food (~$10-$20/meal). |
Reykjavik’s Nordic cuisine warms the chill. (Visit Reykjavik)
14. Lapland, Finland: Santa’s Winter Realm
Lapland’s Santa Claus Village and snowy landscapes are magical (15-25°F). Victor’s top pick for meeting Santa!
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Santa Claus Village | Meet Santa in Rovaniemi (free entry). |
| Reindeer Sledding | Ride through snow (~€50-$100/tour). |
| Snow Hotels | Arctic SnowHotel (~€200-$400/night). |
| Dining | Reindeer stew at Nili Restaurant (~€15-$30/meal). |
Lapland’s Finnish cuisine adds warmth. (Visit Finland)
Travel Tips for Your December Family Vacation
Maximize your December adventure with practical tips tested by Oliver, Natalia, and Victor across 50+ countries, from Thailand (2016–2018) to the UK (2018–2023). These ensure budget-friendly, accessible, and flavorful family trips.
Budgeting
Balance premium activities like Aspen skiing (~$150-$250/day) with free markets in Prague. Book 3-6 months early to save up to 30% on flights and hotels. Victor’s tip: check for free kids’ activities at markets! (Condé Nast Traveler)
Accessibility
Destinations like NYC’s Rockefeller Center and Iceland’s Blue Lagoon offer stroller and ADA access. Verify wheelchair-friendly tours on official sites for a seamless family trip. (Lonely Planet)
Culinary Connections
December’s global cuisines, from Austrian strudel to Thai curries, elevate your trip. Pair with festive drinks from our Drinks Collection or recreate market-inspired dishes with our Vegetarian Recipes. (Bon Appétit)
Video Tutorial: Plan Your December Adventure
Watch our family-tested guide to plan your December vacation, featuring snowy slopes, tropical beaches, and Victor’s favorite market treats.
Frequently Asked Questions About December Travel
Insights from 15+ years in hospitality and 50+ countries explored, sharing family-friendly travel tips for December adventures.
Maui, Hawaii, and Phuket, Thailand (75-85°F) offer sunny beaches perfect for family vacations. Snorkeling in Maui’s Molokini Crater or relaxing on Phuket’s Patong Beach are kid-friendly highlights, loved by Victor. (Go Hawaii)
Vienna (Rathausplatz), Prague (Old Town Square), and Salzburg (Mirabellplatz) offer magical Christmas markets with crafts and foods. Victor loves the trdelník in Prague! Try our Vegetarian Recipes for market-inspired dishes. (Vienna Tourism)
Reykjavik, Iceland, and Lapland, Finland offer prime Northern Lights viewing (~60% visibility) with family-friendly tours. Victor loves Lapland’s Santa meet-ups! (Visit Reykjavik)
Prague and Banff offer affordable activities and dining (~$50-$100/day). Free Christmas markets and low-cost tours make these destinations family-friendly, perfect for Victor’s budget-conscious adventures. (Prague Tourism)
Book 3-6 months early for deals, pack for varied climates (coats for Prague, swimsuits for Maui), and research holiday events to maximize family fun. Victor suggests kid-friendly activities like Lapland’s reindeer sledding. (Condé Nast Traveler)
Conclusion
December’s magic shines in these 14 best places to visit, from Aspen’s snowy slopes to Phuket’s tropical shores. Savor strudel in Salzburg or meet Santa in Lapland for an unforgettable family vacation. Share your journey at team@mangoesandpalmtrees.com or #MangoesPalmTrees. Explore our Recipes, Desserts, or Personality Quiz Hub. (Bon Appétit)
About Oliver & Natalia Mayerhoffer
Oliver & Natalia Mayerhoffer blend British, Austrian, and Siberian roots across 50+ countries. With Victor (born November 24, 2016, Koh Samui), they share kid-tested recipes and travel tips from Thailand (2016–2018), the UK (2018–2023), and now Vietnam. Read our full story.
