24 Best Places to Visit in December, According to Travel Pros
Check out these top U.S. and international destinations for a kid-friendly winter wonderland or a warm-weather getaway.
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With hurricane season finally in the rearview mirror and snow falling in northern states, December takes center stage as a traveler's dream come true. Whether you need a beachy getaway before this month's holiday chaos or want to take the kids to a destination full of Christmas cheer, we've laid out the best places to visit in December in the U.S. and across the world for every travel preference and budget.
Some picks involve new openings and special programming designed for couples. Others are family friendly ski resorts full of endless activities. The Good Housekeeping team has been jetting all over for the brand's annual Family Travel Awards. We've tapped into those first-hand experiences and checked in with other experts to bring you our top December destinations.
If you're flying internationally, book ASAP because airfare is unlikely to decrease, according to a new Google Flights report. For trips within the U.S., the report notes that mid- to late October is the sweet spot to book holiday travel.
While tickets and rooms are still widely available now, it's likely that many of these places will sell out, so dash off to request your PTO now and start packing up your favorite carry-on bags.
Hotel del Coronado, San Diego
Ice skating with an ocean view? Not only is it a thing, it's an epic holiday tradition at Hotel del Coronado, winner of a 2022 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award. Skating by the Sea returns to the historic property from November 21 to January 5. After your 90-minute skating sesh, reserve seating with firepits (mmm, s'mores) at the Frostbite Lounge. Other holiday happenings at The Del include a light show and beachside igloos.
The Green O, Greenough, Montana
An epic glamping spot that won a 2024 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award, the all-inclusive Paws Up Montana resort now includes a secluded adult-only section consisting of 12 luxe treehouses. Known as the Green O, these hidden gems at the southern end of the 37,000-acre ranch are a fairytale-like home base for wintery adventures, including snowmobiling, dogsledding and horseback riding. Skiing and tubing are just a short drive away. In the heart of the Green O lies the Social Haus, an innovative dining concept that offers a tasting menu (and lots of opportunities to mingle) daily.
Santa Barbara, California
Not only does Santa Barbara get decked out for the holidays, it's also whale-watching season! Migrating Pacific gray whales pass through the Santa Barbara Channel as they head back to Baja California. Visitors can spot them on one of the town's many whale-watching tours. Fortunately, you won't feel too frosty on the boat or at the city's 38th Annual Parade of Lights on December 8.
Stay at The Steward, an all-suite property offering guests a secret hideaway tucked between the ocean and mountains on California's idyllic central coast. Not only does it boast a heated outdoor pool and sweet porch swings, but the hotel also offers many sustainable touches like solar-powered lights and water-filling stations.
Washington, DC
Giant pandas will be back at the Smithsonian National Zoo by the end of the year, making DC the only spot in the country where you can see these adorable endangered creatures for free. You'll also get a chance to check out the attraction's famous ZooLights, running from November 24 to December 30. While you're in town, put on your ice skates because you can practice figure 8s at four locations around town, including The Wharf. Stay at the new downtown Arlo Washington DC hotel, which is expected to open this fall.
Beaches Resorts, Turks & Caicos and Jamaica
Level up your Elf on the Shelf game at two Beaches locations in Jamaica and one in Turks & Caicos. Through a special partnership with the Elf on the Shelf creators and, um, Santa, the family-focused resorts will have special elf-related activities, games, movie nights and dessert parties from November 29 to January 3. Kids receive a luggage tag to transport their elf. And if you stay in butler-level suites, let's just say that they'll be some extra magic. Besides the elf-a-palooza, the resorts' usual lineup of Sesame-Street activities will also take place.
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Nashville, Tennessee
The holiday season really makes the Music City sing. Both the iconic Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry will feature festive concerts. As you explore Nashville's neighborhoods, one million twinkling lights can't help but put you in the holiday spirit.
If you're bringing the kids, stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, home to an elaborate Frosty the Snowman-themed ICE! attraction where kids can zoom down frozen slides and participate in many holiday activities. For a more kitschy adventure, stay at the Graduate by Hilton Nashville. Its pink decor gives off Legally Blonde vibes — oh my goodness, you guys!
Salt Lake City, Utah
With spectacular mountain views at every turn, Salt Lake City wows winter sports enthusiasts and foodies alike and has incredible seasonal events to boot. Throughout December, visitors can stop by the holiday art market at Alta Ski Resort, hop on a full moon lift ride at Snowbird or take a self-guided tour of the ten striking murals by some of Salt Lake’s most renowned local artists.
Restaurants like downtown's SLC Eatery and White Horse have imaginative menus. Stay nearby at Le Méridien or Element downtown. "The two hotels are under one roof and we enjoyed them both," says a Good Housekeeping staffer who recently visited. "The Element is more kid-friendly and includes free breakfast while Le Méridien is high-end and has a rooftop bar."
Biddeford, Maine
A hidden gem about a half hour south of Portland, Biddeford's downtown gives off Hallmark movie vibes. Come for the annual Holiday Festival on December 6, which includes a tree and menorah lighting, caroling and even free desserts prepared by the local cultural center.
Make it a weekend with a stay at The Lincoln Hotel, which fills its lobby with Christmas trees and has gas fireplaces in every room. Don't forget to stop for lunch at the Palace Diner in a vintage railcar and the oldest diner in Maine.
Fort Worth Stockyards, Fort Worth, Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the Christmas celebrations. In its 23rd year, Christmas in the Stockyards on December 7 spreads cheer with a massive ice skating rink, photos with Cowboy Santa, strolling carolers and a holiday parade. Even if you can't make it that day, most of the activities (minus the parade) are available throughout the rest of the season. Stay at Le Méridien Hotel Fort Worth which will also be decked out for the holidays.
Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, Whitefield, New Hampshire
This historic hotel on 1,700 acres in New Hampshire's White Mountains just received a glow-up to its lobby, guest rooms and restaurant so now's the time to visit! Bring the kids because the resort offers an indoor pool, movie room, ice skating, cross-country skiing and snow tubing on site. The best option for families is a Grand Vista Suite, starting at $239 per night, which includes a king bed for you and a sleeper sofa for the kids.
Snowflake Lane, Bellevue, Washington
Pick up gifts for everyone on your list and see a magical nighttime parade all in one place! That's multi-tasking at its finest. Every night from November 29 to December 24, a holiday parade with nearly 200 performers, floats and faux snow transforms this shopping and entertainment mecca near Seattle into a veritable winter wonderland. You can even stay overnight in the heart of the festivities at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue, which has an indoor pool and an amazing breakfast buffet.
The Boca Raton, Florida
The iconic resort, The Boca Raton, consists of five hotels — and one of them will re-open in December after a total re-imagination. The property's new coastal design is swoon-worthy and includes several suites that will flow into poolside outdoor living spaces. A trio of pools and new restaurants plus the stunning beach provide all the R&R you'll need to sail through the holiday season.
Cabo San Lucas
December is the best month to visit Cabo San Lucas, according to locals. The stunning destination has the best weather with daily high temps around 80 degrees and little or no chance of rain. Los Cabos appeals to travelers with a variety of interests — from snorkeling to arts and culture. You can even learn how to make some Mexican cuisine during hands-on cooking classes at Flora Farms.
If you're looking for an all-inclusive, the Grand Velas Los Cabos doesn't disappoint with its legit gourmet food options plus plenty of activities to appeal to families. For a more serene stay, the new Four Seasons Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol also offers exceptional food, a luxe spa, two pools, an art studio and a supervised complimentary club for kids ages 4 to 12.
Sydney, Australia
With summer heating up in the Southern Hemisphere, December is the perfect month to take a trip down under. For travelers who enjoy nature and wildlife, take an immersive walking tour with knowledgeable guides to explore the city’s living world.
During your trek, visitors might get a glimpse of cute koalas sitting in treetops, spot a hopping kangaroo or experience other unforgettable creature encounters. For those who’d rather relax, the city has plenty of brilliant beaches to lounge on and sunbathe.
Beyond nature, Sydney is teeming with iconic sights and cultural attractions like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, which offers kids' programming throughout the month.
Charleston Place, South Carolina
Visions of sugar plum fairies will be dancing in your kids' heads if you stay at the Charleston Place in the heart of the historic district. To say that the hotel goes all out for Christmas is an understatement: Decorations include more than 100 trees, oversized Nutcrackers, a life-sized Gingerbread house and more. Local ballet companies even put on mini performances in the lobby. Sweet dreams are practically guaranteed.
Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Oh, what fun it is to ride at Hersheypark! Families can take a spin on select rides and attractions, including coasters, at Christmas Candylane on select dates in November and December. Santa and his nine reindeer also make special appearances at the park. Make it a weekend by staying at Hotel Hershey or Hershey Lodge, which also have a lineup of holiday-themed activities. Many involve chocolate, of course!
Times Square, New York City
If you're planning to buy the family tickets to Disney's The Lion King on Broadway for a holiday gift, do one better and book The Lion King Suite at the Hilton Times Square. It evokes the African heritage of the story and includes many plants and tribal touches. There's a master sleeping area with a tapestry over the king bed plus themed accent pillows and a comfy pull-out sofa in the living area. Your lions (big and small) will sleep very well tonight.
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Holiday magic is happening all around Philadelphia. The city's LOVE Park transforms into a European marketplace with 100+ vendors from November 23 to December 24. Over at the waterfront, families can ice skate at the outdoor rink, enjoy treats and play games as part of Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest all December long. On the South side, a block bans together to create a Miracle on South 13th Street, complete with decked-out movie displays. In fact, it's convenient for families to stay on the South side at The YOWIE Hotel, a buzzy spot with multi-bedroom options that are great for a large crew.
Alexandria, Virginia
This historic town just outside of Washington, D.C. packs in the festivities all month long. It'll be tough deciding when to go — a Holiday Boat Parade of Lights takes place on December 7 while Christmas Illuminations with fireworks at George Washington's Mount Vernon light up the skies on December 20-22. Stay at a hotel in the Old Town area so you'll be near many locally owned shops and restaurants. The Alexandrian boasts a great location.
Belize
It's never a bad time to visit Belize, but escaping the bustle of the holiday season for a place with pristine jungles, rainforests and exhilarating adventures sounds like a dream. Stay at Cayo Espanto, a private island that's an enchanting escape. With villas equipped with a personal butler, private dock area and customized meals, guests won’t soon forget the experience. To get in the holiday spirit, the resort even offers a holiday photoshoot for couples or families. Say, cheese!
Karen is a seasoned journalist who specializes in travel, book, lifestyle and food coverage. Cicero has visited almost every state with her family (look out Wyoming, she’s coming for you next!). She has spoken at several travel industry conferences, including PRSA and the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance and was previously the senior editor at Parents. A mom who goes overboard for all the holidays, Cicero lives in the Christmas city itself: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
