As the holiday season arrives, the temperature drops in various parts of the world. When you travel in winter, you can go skiing, snowboarding, or sightseeing in snowy paradises. Whether you're staying for a few nights or you decide to extend your vacation by just a few weeks more, you're in for a treat when you opt for a winter vacation.
1. Embody the Holiday Spirit at Christmas Markets
The Dortmund Christmas Market is adorned with festive decorations when you visit in December. Photo Credits : Joeke Pieters/Flickr
Home to record-breaking Christmas trees, 300 stalls, and lots of holiday spirit, the Dortmund Christmas Market in Germany fills the town with Christmas decorations and a festive atmosphere from November to December.
Its origins date back to 1878, making it part of Germany's traditional holiday celebration for over a hundred years.
Celebrate the holidays at the Dortmund Christmas Market's many attractions and stalls. Photo Credits : Rolf Schotsch/Flickr
So many local vendors line the streets during the holiday season, selling mulled wine and handcrafted souvenirs!
Feast your eyes and stomach with Fredenbaumpark's holiday decorations and traditional German cuisine. Credits: Klook
Dortmund gets especially busy from November to December, which is when Christmas markets take place, so book your hotel early for a comfortable stay in the city.
Klook Tip: You can find Christmas markets all around the world. If you're set on a German Christmas, check out this German-style Christmas market located in Taipei, which offers traditional German food, mulled wine, performances, and products—all in Taiwan!
2. Discover Snow on the Beach
Stroll through New Jersey Shore's snowy beachside when you visit in December. Photo Credits: Mike Carroll/Flickr
Who says the beach is only for sunny weather? If you're a fan of both luxurious beach resorts and winter wonderlands, get ready for the best of both worlds.
When you visit in December, you can indulge in the beach and restaurant scene, explore groovy coastal towns, and celebrate holiday shoreside parties—all with a beautiful snowy view.
Here are some pristine beaches that experience snowfall, making wintertime feel like prime beach weather.
- Jersey Shore, New Jersey, USA
- South Haven Beach, Michigan, USA
- Kings Beach, California, USA
- Chatham Lighthouse Beach, Massachusetts
- Omori-hama Beach, Hokkaido, Japan
- Cox Bay Beach, Tofino, Canada
3. Embark on a Winter Adventure at the Park
You can never go wrong with a snowy day at the park! Whether you go snowboarding or glacier gazing, both the parks on this list are perfect for a fun-filled visit in December.
The Skaftafell National Park is home to glaciers, icefalls, and a whole lot of fun! Photo Credits: Klook
Central Park, USA
Strap on a pair of ice skates and enjoy a day of frosty fun in New York City. Photo Credits : Joe Brantley/Flickr
Whether it's skiing, snowshoeing, or ice skating, Central Park has endless activities to try when you visit in December. After some outdoor fun at the park, you can drop by the nearby Fifth Avenue Department stores for your holiday shopping spree! Conclude your holiday vacation in New York City with the iconic New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square.
A couple walking down a snowy path in Central Park, New York City during winter. Photo Credits : Almir reis/Pexels
Klook Tip: Book a hotel near the NYC subway for easy transport around the city!
Skaftafell National Park, Iceland
Hike to the mountains. Photo Credits : Klook
Stand face-to-face with Iceland's famous glaciers at Skaftafell National Park!
This national park is one of the most unique holiday destinations out there. As you explore the icy terrain, you can even sight-see inside an ice fall, an overhead hanging glacial formation that resembles a frozen waterfall.
As you stand inside the ice falls at Skaftafell National Park, your pictures will turn out cool-as-ice! Credits: Klook
Klook Tip: Skaftafell is open year-round. While winters are best for visits to glaciers and ice caves, summertime is perfect for sunny hikes and tent camping.
Witnessing the sunset at Vatnajokull is a mesmerizing experience. Photo Credits: Klook
Home to Vatnajokull Glacier, Europe's largest glacier, Skaftafell has a collection of dazzling ice formations that the untrained eye might miss. We recommend glacier hiking with a certified tour guide to discover the hidden gems at Skaftafell National Park.
Klook Tip: With a 24-hour front desk to help you book glacial hikes and a sauna to unwind after a long day in the icy outdoors, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon has all the accommodations you need when you visit Skaftafell!
4. Venture to the Snowy Regions of Cape Town
Breathtaking view of snow-covered mountains during winter season in Ceres, Western Cape, South Africa. Photo Credits : Kallie Calitz/Pexels
If you aren't planning a tourist visit in December but still want to see snow, consider a vacation to Cape Town!
Most of Cape Town doesn't usually snow in winter, but its western towns enjoy snowfall while the rest of the country experiences the rainy season from July to September.
The town of Ceres, located in the Western Cape, is a popular snowy destination. You can ski, snowboard, build a snowman, or engage in snowball fights!
Klook Tip: We recommend getting a hotel in Cape Town City and taking a day trip to Ceres, which is less than two hours away by cab, so you can explore the rest of the city after your snowy excursion.
5. Time-Travel During the Holiday Season Through Traditional Towns
Trek through the perfectly preserved ancient streets of these traditional towns. Photo Credits: Klook
We didn't forget about you, history buffs! Hallstatt in Austria and Shirakawa-go in Japan, two old towns, located on opposite sides of the world will transport you to the past while offering beautiful snowy landscapes. With historical architecture that especially charms in wintertime, here are the most picturesque old towns to visit in December.
Hallstatt, Austria
Charming Village of Hallstatt in Austria. Credits: Klook
Dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hallstatt is known for its stunning mountain scenery, intriguing ice cave, and famous salt mines. This Austrian town's Alpine landscape is especially beautiful during winter, making it the perfect stop for your December holiday. You'll find snow if you visit from December to February.
Celebrate a traditional Austrian winter at Hallstatt when you visit in December. Credits: Klook
Klook Tip: To visit even more attractions in Austria, consider booking your hotel in Vienna, where you'll start your Hallstatt day tour.
Shirakawa-go, Japan
Step inside a winter fairytale when you visit Shirakawa-go. Credits: Klook
Another world heritage site is Japan's Shirakawa-go, a traditional gass-ho village in the Nagoya prefecture.
It is especially popular to visit in December because of how beautiful the snow makes the quaint town appear. During wintertime, which spans from December to March, visit its natural hot springs and try to swing by one of its nighttime light-up events!
Near Shirakawa-go is Gujo Hachiman, a historical town full of majestic castles and winding waterways. Credits: Klook
If you're enjoying the old Japanese charm of Shirakawa-go, consider traveling to the nearby Gujo Hachiman, a small traditional town just over an hour away from Shirakawa-go. Then, to get the full cultural experience, proceed to Hida Takayama, a historical town with interesting museums and unique festivals.
You can explore all three of these villages on a day trip to Shirakawa-go Nagoya.
Now that you've seen these enticing, snow-capped possibilities, make your winter wonderland dreams come true! On your next vacation, venture into these beautiful winter destinations for the holidays.
