14 Magical Places to Visit in December for Families
Embark on a festive journey with Mangoes and Palm Trees’ guide to 14 top December destinations, blending winter magic, tropical escapes, and global cuisines!
December transforms the world into a tapestry of twinkling lights, bustling holiday markets, and snow-dusted landscapes, making it a magical time for family travel. From the frosty slopes of Aspen to the sun-kissed beaches of Maui, this month offers diverse experiences for every traveler. At *Mangoes and Palm Trees*, we celebrate December’s global charm, drawing on festive traditions from Europe to Asia, including Natalia’s Siberian heritage, to curate **December travel destinations** that blend adventure, culture, and culinary delights. Whether you’re sipping mulled wine in Vienna or chasing the Northern Lights in Reykjavik, these 14 destinations promise unforgettable memories. Plan your holiday escape and explore more at our Recipes Collection.
Why December for Family Travel?
December’s festive spirit and varied climates make it ideal for family vacations. Northern destinations like Banff (20-35°F) offer snowy adventures, while tropical havens like Phuket (75-85°F) provide warm escapes. Holiday markets, winter festivals, and cultural events add a special glow, from New York’s Rockefeller tree to Kyoto’s serene temples. California’s multicultural heritage inspires global culinary connections, like Italian pastries in Rome or Thai street food in Phuket. Our **winter vacation spots** guide ensures every destination is family-friendly, accessible, and enriched with food-travel synergy, creating memories that last a lifetime (Condé Nast Traveler).
Planning Your December Getaway
December travel suits all budgets, with activities ranging from free market strolls to premium ski resorts (~$100-$300/day). Book flights and accommodations 3-6 months in advance for peak season deals, especially in popular spots like Aspen or Vienna. Pack for varied climates—coats for Prague, swimsuits for Maui—and check visa requirements (e.g., New Zealand requires an NZeTA, ~$12). Our guide offers **100% unique** insights, blending adventure, culture, and cuisine to create a vacation everyone will love (Travel + Leisure).
Top Family-Friendly December Destinations
Explore these 14 **best places to visit in December**, each offering unique activities and culinary highlights for an unforgettable family vacation.
1. Aspen, Colorado, USA: Winter Ski Haven
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Aspen is a premier winter destination with world-class skiing and a festive alpine village vibe.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Skiing | Hit Aspen Snowmass slopes (~$150-$250/day lift tickets). |
| Winter Festivals | Enjoy the 12 Days of Aspen (Dec 20-31, free). |
| Snowshoeing | Explore East Aspen Trail (~$30-$50/rental). |
| Dining | Savor hearty chili at The White House Tavern (~$15-$30/meal). |
Aspen’s cozy lodges and American comfort food make it a winter gem (Aspen Snowmass).
2. Banff, Canada: Snowy Wilderness
Banff National Park transforms into a winter paradise, with frozen lakes and hot springs under the Canadian Rockies.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Ice Skating | Skate on Lake Louise (~$10-$20/rental). |
| Hot Springs | Soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs (~$8-$16/entry). |
| Snowshoeing | Trek Johnston Canyon (free with park pass, ~$20/day). |
| Dining | Enjoy maple-glazed salmon at The Bison (~$20-$40/meal). |
Banff’s rustic Canadian cuisine complements its snowy allure (Banff & Lake Louise Tourism).
3. New York City, NY, USA: Festive Urban Wonderland
New York City dazzles in December with iconic holiday displays and vibrant city energy.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Ice Skating | Skate at Rockefeller Center (~$20-$40/entry). |
| Holiday Markets | Shop at Bryant Park Winter Village (free entry). |
| Shows | See the Rockettes at Radio City (~$50-$150/tickets). |
| Dining | Indulge in hot chocolate at Serendipity 3 (~$10-$20/meal). |
NYC’s global cuisine, from bagels to dim sum, enhances the festive vibe (NYC Tourism).
4. Vienna, Austria: Christmas Market Elegance
Vienna’s historic charm and Christmas markets create a magical December escape.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Christmas Markets | Visit Rathausplatz for crafts and mulled wine (free entry). |
| Concerts | Attend a Mozart concert at Musikverein (~€30-€100/tickets). |
| City Tours | Explore Schönbrunn Palace (~€20-€40/tickets). |
| Dining | Savor gingerbread and schnitzel at Café Sacher (~€15-€30/meal) (Recipes). |
Vienna’s Austrian pastries are a holiday treat (Vienna Tourism).
5. Maui, Hawaii, USA: Tropical Paradise
Maui’s warm beaches and vibrant marine life offer a sunny December retreat.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Whale Watching | Spot humpback whales off Lahaina (~$50-$100/tour). |
| Snorkeling | Explore Molokini Crater (~$80-$150/tour). |
| Beach Days | Relax at Wailea Beach (free). |
| Dining | Enjoy poke bowls at Mama’s Fish House (~$20-$50/meal) (Healthy Meal Plans). |
Maui’s Hawaiian cuisine, like fresh fish, is a highlight (Go Hawaii).
6. Phuket, Thailand: Beachside Bliss
Phuket’s turquoise waters and cultural festivals make it a vibrant December getaway.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Beach Activities | Swim at Patong Beach (free). |
| Festivals | Experience the Phuket Vegetarian Festival (early Dec, free). |
| Island Tours | Visit Phi Phi Islands (~$50-$100/tour). |
| Dining | Savor pad Thai at street markets (~$5-$15/meal) (Salads). |
Phuket’s spicy Thai street food is a must-try (Tourism Thailand).
7. Kyoto, Japan: Serene Cultural Retreat
Kyoto’s tranquil temples and winter calm offer a peaceful December escape.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Visits | Explore Kinkaku-ji (~¥500/entry, ~$3). |
| Bamboo Forest | Walk Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (free). |
| Tea Ceremony | Experience a traditional teahouse (~¥2,000, ~$13). |
| Dining | Enjoy sushi at Gion district (~¥2,000-¥5,000/meal). |
Kyoto’s delicate Japanese cuisine enhances the experience (Japan National Tourism).
8. Rome, Italy: Historic Festive Charm
Rome’s ancient landmarks and holiday glow create a magical December vibe.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Landmark Tours | Visit the Colosseum (~€16-€24/tickets). |
| Christmas Markets | Shop at Piazza Navona (free entry). |
| Vatican Visit | Explore St. Peter’s Basilica (free, ~€20 for museums). |
| Dining | Savor carbonara at Trattoria Vecchia Roma (~€10-€25/meal) (Sauce Recipes). |
Rome’s Italian pasta dishes are a holiday treat (Italia Tourism).
9. Queenstown, New Zealand: Summer Adventure Hub
Queenstown’s summer (Dec, 60-75°F) offers thrilling outdoor activities in stunning landscapes.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Bungee Jumping | Leap at Kawarau Bridge (~NZ$200, ~$120). |
| Hiking | Trek Ben Lomond Track (free). |
| Lake Cruises | Sail Lake Wakatipu (~NZ$50, ~$30). |
| Dining | Enjoy grilled lamb at Fergburger (~NZ$15-$25/meal) (Grilled Chicken Recipes). |
Queenstown’s hearty Kiwi cuisine fuels adventures (New Zealand Tourism).
10. Patagonia, Argentina: Nature’s Frontier
Patagonia’s glaciers and peaks in December (50-65°F) are a haven for adventurers.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking | Trek Perito Moreno Glacier (~$100-$200/tour). |
| Wildlife Tours | Spot penguins at Punta Tombo (~$50-$100/tour). |
| Camping | Stay in El Chaltén (~$20-$50/night). |
| Dining | Savor Argentine empanadas at local estancias (~$10-$20/meal). |
Patagonia’s robust cuisine pairs with its wild beauty (Argentina Tourism).
11. Prague, Czech Republic: Fairytale Winter
Prague’s medieval charm and Christmas markets create a storybook December setting.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Christmas Markets | Visit Old Town Square for trdelník pastries (free entry). |
| Castle Tours | Explore Prague Castle (~CZK 250, ~$10). |
| Concerts | Attend Advent concerts at St. Vitus (~CZK 500, ~$20). |
| Dining | Enjoy goulash at U Fleků (~CZK 200-400, ~$8-$16/meal). |
Prague’s hearty Czech dishes warm the holiday season (Czech Tourism).
12. Salzburg, Austria: Musical Holiday Magic
Salzburg’s Mozart legacy and festive markets shine in December’s glow.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Christmas Markets | Shop at Mirabellplatz for stollen (free entry). |
| Mozart Tours | Visit Mozart’s Birthplace (~€12/ticket). |
| Winter Walks | Stroll Hellbrunn Palace gardens (free). |
| Dining | Savor apple strudel at Café Tomaselli (~€10-€20/meal). |
Salzburg’s Austrian desserts are a festive delight (Salzburg Tourism).
13. Reykjavik, Iceland: Northern Lights Adventure
Reykjavik’s long December nights (20-30°F) offer prime Northern Lights viewing and unique winter experiences.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Northern Lights Tours | Chase auroras (~$50-$100/tour, 60% visibility chance). |
| Geothermal Spas | Soak in Blue Lagoon (~$70-$100/entry). |
| Winter Festivals | Enjoy Yule Lads events (Dec 12-24, free). |
| Dining | Try lamb stew at Icelandic Street Food (~$10-$20/meal). |
Reykjavik’s Nordic cuisine warms the winter chill (Visit Iceland).
14. Lapland, Finland: Santa’s Winter Realm
Lapland’s snowy landscapes and Santa Claus Village create a magical December adventure.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Santa Claus Village | Meet Santa in Rovaniemi (free entry). |
| Reindeer Sledding | Ride through snow (~€50-$100/tour). |
| Snow Hotels | Stay in Arctic SnowHotel (~€200-$400/night). |
| Dining | Savor reindeer stew at Nili Restaurant (~€15-$30/meal). |
Lapland’s Finnish cuisine adds warmth to its icy charm (Visit Finland).
Travel Tips for Your December Family Vacation
Budgeting
Balance premium experiences (e.g., Aspen skiing, ~$150-$250/day) with free activities (e.g., Prague markets). Book early for deals, especially in high-demand destinations like Vienna or Maui.
Accessibility
Most destinations offer family amenities (e.g., stroller access at New York’s Rockefeller Center) and ADA compliance (e.g., Blue Lagoon’s accessible paths). Check official sites for details.
Culinary Connections
December’s global cuisines, from Austrian strudel to Thai curries, enhance your trip. Pair with festive drinks like mulled wine or tropical cocktails from our Drinks.
Video Tutorial
Plan your December family vacation with this inspiring video, showcasing global festive destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Places to Visit in December for Warm Weather?
Maui, Hawaii, and Phuket, Thailand, offer sunny beaches and warm temperatures (75-85°F) for a tropical December escape.
Which Cities Have the Best Christmas Markets?
Vienna (Rathausplatz), Prague (Old Town Square), and Salzburg (Mirabellplatz) are renowned for their enchanting Christmas markets with crafts and festive foods (Vegetarian Recipes).
Where Can I See the Northern Lights in December?
Reykjavik, Iceland, and Lapland, Finland, offer prime viewing with ~60% visibility odds during December’s long nights.
What Are Some Budget-Friendly Destinations in December?
Prague and Banff provide festive activities and stunning scenery at lower costs (~$50-$100/day for activities and dining).
Are There Special Travel Tips for December Vacations?
Book flights and accommodations 3-6 months early, pack for varied climates (coats for Lapland, swimsuits for Phuket), and research holiday events for a festive experience.
Which December Destination Will You Visit First?
Aspen Vienna Maui
Vote and share your travel plans on Instagram with #MangoesPalmTrees!
Conclusion
December’s magic shines in these **14 best places to visit**, from Aspen’s snowy slopes to Phuket’s sunlit shores. Whether you’re savoring strudel in Salzburg or meeting Santa in Lapland, these destinations blend festive charm, adventure, and global cuisines for an unforgettable family vacation. Plan your holiday escape, share your journey on Instagram with #MangoesPalmTrees, and explore culinary inspiration at our Recipes or sweet treats at Desserts. Discover your travel style at our Personality Quiz Hub. Happy holidays!
