The Most Festive Places to Visit in December to Celebrate the Holiday Season

The months leading up to the end of the year bring forth the holiday spirit. Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, takes place in late October towards November, and from Christmas in December to New Year's Eve Celebration in January, the festivities stretch globally.

If you're looking for places to visit outside India in December, consider replacing a traditional celebration with an international holiday! Whether looking for natural attractions, historical sites, or scenic sights, the things to do for a fun holiday are endless.

Here are some of the best places to visit in December for your perfect holiday destination.

The United Arab Emirates is a wonderful destination for exciting activities and top tourist attractions. Its vibrant cities are filled with scenic destinations and thrilling things to do—perfect for adding color to your international holiday.

Everything is grander in Dubai, one of the UAE's major cities! From the grandeur of the Dubai Mall to the innovative array of activities to try, you'll never run out of big ways to celebrate.

You can spend the holiday season gazing at magnificent structures like Dubai's very own Burj Khalifa, or trying once-in-a-lifetime activities in some of the top places to visit, like the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo for lovers of marine life or IMG Worlds of Adventure for thrill-seekers at heart! For those who want to spend the festive days admiring UAE's natural beauty, embark on an evening desert safari through Dubai's beautiful sand dunes.

Though known for its cultural destinations, Abu Dhabi is also home to even more unique outdoor activities and parks. Get a glimpse of the wonder of extravagant parks by visiting Yas Island—choose to spend the festive season at Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld, or all of the above!

For those who want a more immersive cultural experience for the holidays, visit iconic spots like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Presidential Palace. Why not go all in? Try going on a full-day tour with this handy Klook pass, which includes everything you need and more.

There are spots in Singapore that also embody the perfect getaway for the festive season!

Spend the holidays in some of Singapore's most well-loved tourist attractions, like Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Cable Car, Skyhelix Sentosa, and more. You can even visit one of the most popular theme parks in the world, Universal Studios Singapore (Southeast Asia's only Universal Studios)!

Discover how wildlife spend the holidays by paying them a visit at the Singapor

e Zoo. Want something similar but with a bit of a twist? Experience the nocturnal life of various animals during the Night Safari Singapore!

Another ideal destination in Asia to visit in December is Hong Kong. Known for its many world-renowned tourist attractions and food spots, Hong Kong seems to be festive all year round! Towards the end of the year, you'll be greeted by pleasant weather as average temperatures range from 25 to 15 degrees Celsius.

Is any trip to Hong Kong complete without exploring its classic theme parks, like Disneyland and Ocean Park? Say hello to beloved characters like Mickey, greet adorable creatures, and enjoy the thrill of rides!

Spend the season adventuring through Hong Kong's rich scenery and natural beauty, too, by going on a cable car ride through serene and dense forests, hopping aboard the Victoria Peak Tram, and going on a Victoria Harbor Evening Cruise.

Japan is definitely an iconic holiday stop. Part of the wonders of traveling there is that there is always a beautiful spot surrounding whatever nearest airport you decide to land from! An even better option would be to book a JR Pass to see as many sights as possible and tick off as many railway station stops during your holiday.

Additionally, if you want to enhance the holiday mood, plan your visit in December and celebrate right as the winter season begins. Average temperatures range from 0 to -6 degrees Celsius. Brrr!

Take advantage of the snowy surroundings or stroll through a national park in major cities like Tokyo, interact with the deer in Nara Park from Osaka, or even take a day trip to the scenic Mount Fuji. Better yet, spend the festive season trying something new! There's no better way to experience fresh snow than taking a Hokkaido Ski Lesson!

If you want to trade the harsh snow for pleasant weather, France is a recommended place to visit in December. The average temperature during this season ranges from 7 to 12 degrees Celsius. If you're searching for Christmas markets and towns to visit, stop by the Pearls of Alsace in Strasbourg. In this picturesque town, you'll discover the region's rich history and enjoy the views of the old town square.

To get the full tourist experience, don't forget to stop by Paris! Take a Panoramic Night Bus Tour to admire the city's Christmas lights from a unique viewpoint. And since it's been a recurring theme for top holiday activities, why not stop by another iconic theme park, Disneyland Paris? Nothing spells festive cheer quite like the magic of Disney.

We can't discuss a festive European destination without naming Switzerland! Known for its snow-dusted Alps and natural sights, Switzerland is ideal for a holiday vacation. If you plan your visit in December, the green hues of Switzerland's landscapes are transformed into a lush winter wonderland of snow-capped mountains.

The festivities begin even as you travel around the country. When you take the train, for example, every railway station is a beautiful, serene hill station.

Since the average temperature during this time ranges from 4 to -1 degrees Celsius, it's also a good place to visit to maximize the snowy terrain for winter sports. If you're planning your holiday vacation to ski in Zurich or Lucerne, this is practically considered pleasant weather! And with various Christmas spots to visit, you can even join a Private Christmas Walking Tour in Bern!

Whether strolling through cities, trying out new sports, or simply learning from new cultures, there are many exciting ways to celebrate the end-of-year festive season. So what are you waiting for? Plan your holiday trip with these tips in mind, head to the nearest airport, and embark on your best festive celebration yet!