Where are the best places to travel in December?

When it comes to winter vacations, everyone has different wants and needs to make their vacation perfect for them. Some people want to savor everything that comes with a snowy environment such as crisp air, mountains draped in white, cozy fireplaces, skiing, mulled wine and hot cocoa. Others may want to just get away from the cold sun-bathe on a relaxing beach. 

Regardless of the destination, it is safe to say that most people desire to take a winter vacation as the season begins to drag. 

Below are the 8 best December travel places in North America you can visit to have a memorable and enjoyable Christmas vacation. 

New York City, New York

You can gaze at the stunning light and decorations, go ice skating at the famous Central Park, go see a live television show and see the ball drop in Times Square. What else could you ask for in a successful December travel vacation?

Things to do: 

• See the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting in early December

• Visit one of the best Christmas markets in NYC at Bryant Park

• Take part in a New York tradition by attending the Radio City Christmas Spectacular 

• Dress-up as a holiday figure and go on the day-long pub crawl called Santacon on December 14, 2019

• Take the whole family to Winter Wonderland at the Apollo Theatre (for free!)

• Attend the world’s most famous countdown to the New Year on New Year’s Eve in Times Square

Weather in December: Don’t expect to experience a “white Christmas” in New York City during the first few weeks of winter, but do expect a brisk windchill. As long as you dress appropriately, the 44-degree highs and 32-degree lows won’t ruin your stay in the illuminated city. 

Miami, Florida

December in Miami is an excellent time to visit since there are fewer crowds and warmer weather. Miami is famous for its stunning nightlife and sunny winter weather. This is a perfect place to visit to get away from the cold. 

Things to do: 

• Experience a “winter-holiday” in Miami by attending the world’s largest holiday theme park at Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Tropical Park 

• Take a tour of the majestic and historic Deering Estate at any point during the month of December 

• Soak in the sun and take a stroll on Miami’s famous beaches

• Take advantage of the free SoundScape Cinema Series presented every Wednesday all year-round

Weather in December: The Sunshine State lives up to its name all year round, making it the perfect place to escape the dreary wintry weather. The temperatures range from 68 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Washington, DC

Washington D.C. is home to the National Christmas Tree, which is surrounded by 56 smaller Christmas trees that represent the 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia, making it a spectacular site. From the abundance of winter festivities to the enchanting holiday displays,there is perhaps no city like D.C. during the holiday season for any religious winter celebration

Things to do: 

• Experience the region’s only public outdoor light art experience at GLOW in Georgetown

• Visitthe National Christmas Tree

• Check out the Willard Intercontinental Display with unique exhibits like a life-size gingerbread house!

• Attend the lighting of the giant Menorah to celebrate Hanukkah

• Experience the old Christmas tradition at Mount Vernon

• Enjoy musical performances, laser-light shows, train-rides and animal exhibits at the National Zoo’s Zoolights

• Shop at the Downtown Holiday Market

• Attend the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting 

Weather in December: There may be snow on the ground, but it is unlikely as temperatures hover around mid to low 50’s, and mid-40’s towards the end of the month. 

San Francisco, California

Retreating to southern California during the brisk winter months of the north is highly advised if you’re not a fan of wind, snow, and ice. Not to mention there are fewer crowds, cheaper flights and hotels, and unique holiday-events in San Francisco during December. 

Things to do: 

• Take a train ride at the Walt Disney Family Museum 

• Attend Beach Blanket Babylon’s Holiday Extravaganza

• Marvel at the 2-story edible Victorian Gingerbread House at the Fairmont

• Visit one of the city’s only waterfront aquariums at Aquarium of the Bay

• Enjoy a variety of Christmas shows ranging from the Nightmare Before Christmas to Handel's Messiah at the Civic Center and/or Geary Theatre 

• Take a ride to Alcatraz and explore the island

• Enjoy the Victorian-era atmosphere at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Weather in December: With a daily average high of 68 degrees, and a low of around 46 degrees Fahrenheit, you could get away with a light jacket. 

Orlando, Florida

Orlando is already one of the most magical places on earth, but the parks receive an extra dose of magic during the holiday season. 

Things to do: 

• Experience Christmas at Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland, and Sea-World, where you can enjoy holiday attractions and events 

• Ride your bike decked in Christmas gear in Retro City Christmas Lights Ride

• Experience an extraordinary kinetic light show at the Kennedy Space Center 

• Visit wildlife protection theme park Gatorland

• Visit the famous Busch Gardens’ Christmas town

• Stop by Gaylord Palms for fantastic ice sculpture displays and snow tubing (in real snow!) 

Weather in December: You can expect to experience comfortable temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit in Orlando’s pleasantly cool winter. 

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans certainly knows how to throw a party and Christmas and New Year’s are no exception. From stunning lights to bonfires to holiday cocktails, the Big Easy is a great place to vacation this December. 

Things to do: 

• See the meaning of Christmas extravagance on Canal Street

• Experience a Polar Express train ride  

• Go see a free holiday concert in St. Louis Cathedral

• Enjoy festive celebrations by attending the annual Jingle Bugs at Audubon Insectarium

• Attend the city’s Celebration in the Oaks 

• See the mystical Krewe of Kwampus parade

• Marvel at the annual Christmas Eve Bonfires on the other side of the Mississippi

Weather in December: Between November and December, the temperatures rarely fall below 52 degrees at nighttime and rise above 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. 

Honolulu, Hawaii

There is perhaps no better place than Hawaii to get away from the cold and enjoy perfect temperatures in the sea and on land. 

Things to do: 

• Kick-off the holiday season by attending one of the world’s most premier tree-lighting festivals at Honolulu City Lights 

• Attend the Pearl Harbor Memorial parade

• Take a picture with Santa after he finishes canoeing his way onto the island

• Experience Christmas in Polynesia, complete with Polynesian snacks and traditions

• Take a Glass-Bottom boat tour 

• Just enjoy the warm weather and take a stroll on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world 

Weather in December: The weather around this time of the year is not sweltering or frigid, but rather clement. The average daily temperature ranges between 77 and 83 degrees Fahrenheit, and the sea tends to remain a very comfortable 75 degrees. 

Quebec Canada 

December is an excellent time to visit Quebec. Not only are flights cheaper around this time, but there are also fewer tourists. If you can withstand the cold, check out the alluring Christmas lights, holiday decorations, and festive attractions. 

Things to do: 

• Experience the legendary ice hotel named Hotel de Glacé, where you can stay overnight in a freezing room surrounded by ice 

• Celebrate winter at the Quebec Winter Carniva

• Explore historic Vieux-Quebec by walking around Petit-Champlain, Place Royale, Rue Saint-Jean, and Grand Allee

• Walk around the German Christmas Market

• Visit the enchanted Festilumières the few weeks following Christmas

• Hit the slopes, whether skiing or snowboarding

Weather in December: Check for blizzards before booking your flight as Quebec doesn’t mess around when it comes to snowy winter weather. You’re certainly going to want to pack your heavy winter jackets as temperatures are almost always below freezing.

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