There are plenty of great places to visit in December and I’m sharing my favorite ideas here for you! December is jam-packed with holidays and usually time off of work and school, which makes for a great time to travel.
I chose these three destination based on:
- Places I’ve personally loved to traveling to
- When the weather is nice (not too hot and not too cold)
- When it isn’t the peak tourism season, so that you can beat the crowds and avoid exorbitant prices.
This post is all about places to visit in December!
1. england, united kingdom
England in December is truly magical. Whether you’re strolling the streets that are decorated in holiday glitz and glam or cozying up in a pub, you’ll experience the quaint and homey vibes of England.
Oxford and London are two beautiful cities worth visiting in December. The English countryside during the holiday season is truly charming. If you’ve ever watched the movie, “The Holiday”, you’ll understand the immediate and intense feeling of nostalgia. Explore the area, enjoy a traditional Sunday roast, wander around the different Christmas markets, indulge in afternoon tea and dive into the theater and/or museum scene!
Why did I choose this city as one of the best places to visit in December?
- Weather: Let’s face it, weather in England isn’t why travelers are headed there. It’s often rainy, overcast, and dreary, so focusing on the month isn’t as important. I also personally enjoy exploring cities during cooler months. In December, the average temperature is around 48°F/9°C. So pack a sweater, some fun layers and book the flight!
- Activities: Explore, explore, explore. Don’t just do what people tell you to do on social media, or do things you’d do back home. Try new foods – the unofficial National dish of Chicken Tikka Masala, go to the National Portrait Gallery museum, go see a theater production, have afternoon tea, and just explore the city you’re in!
- Crowds: The crowds are still high especially in London. The draw to London doesn’t waver much throughout the year. The summer is the peak tourist season, making December a great time to visit.
2. Tallinn, estonia
Tallinn, Estonia is one of my favorite food cities in Europe. There are incredible bakeries, medieval restaurants, and the food is typically warm and hardy. The cobble stone streets, colorful buildings, and medieval styled buildings are truly so fun to see and experience. The holidays already bring out childlike feelings, and the city’s storybook setting makes for a truly enchanting feeling.
Why did I choose this city as one of the best places to visit in December?
- Weather: Similarly to England, travelers aren’t coming here for the perfect sunny day or crossing their fingers for clear blue skies. The storybook-like architecture and feel of this city is so whimsical and fun especially during the holiday season. In December, the average temperature is around 33°F/0.5°C.
- Travel Opportunities: Uniquely, I think that Tallinn is a perfect city to combine with a trip to Finnish Lapland. You can take a quick and easy ferry from Tallinn, Estonia to Helsinki, Finland. We also loved taking the overnight train from Helsinki to Lapland – more info below!
More Exploren Lauren articles about Tallinn!
Take the Ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki
5 Places to Dine at in Tallinn
3. finnish lapland
This must be the dreamiest place to visit in December. Picture this: northern lights, reindeer, snow covered trees, hot cocoa, saunas, skiing and short daylight, but long sunsets and beautiful colors.
Why did I choose this city as one of the best places to visit in December?
- Weather: If you are planning to visit Finnish Lapland then you’re likely hoping for the winter wonderland experience. Snow season is typically October-May, making December a great month to visit.
- Activities: Visiting Finnish Lapland in December is perfect for the winter sports and for holiday specific activities. I got to ski in Levi, which was both incredibly fun and beautiful because of the long sunsets. The Santa Claus Village is located in Rovaniemi and you can book an experience that allows you to visit and go on husky and reindeer ride. Click here to book!
4. valparaíso, chile
Valparaíso, Chile is such a special corner of the world. Located about 1.5 hours NW of Santiago, Chile is the coastal town of Valparaíso. The area is known for it’s colorful hillside buildings, street art, the port, and its beaches. Chile isn’t currently one of the tourism hotspots making it a perfect place to experience now.
Why did I choose this city as one of the best places to visit in December?
- Weather: Due to being located below the equator, December is summer in Chile. The warmest months of the year are November-February. If you’re wanting to explore a city and relax on the beach a trip to Santiago and Valparaíso is a great choice for you.
- Activities: If you aren’t able to stay in Valparaíso there are plenty of excursions that you can book that will take you directly to Valparaíso. This excursion takes you to Valparaíso, Casablanca Valley for a vineyard tour and wine tasting and will bring you to Viña del Mar for the food and street art scene.
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