Whether you're craving pure Christmas vibes with a touch of winter magic or dreaming of palm trees and white sandy beaches, here are the best travel destinations for December 2024.
Climate: -15 to -6 °C average temperature, 2 hours of sunshine per day, 15 days of snowfall in December
Why book: Almost everyone knows Rovaniemi, the official home of Santa Claus, and his workshop is typically bustling in the lead-up to Christmas. If you're looking for the best travel destinations in December and prefer something a bit quieter, the snow-covered region near the Arctic Circle is the perfect choice. Here, you can also enjoy some truly unique experiences. How about reindeer yoga or dining at Tapio, the northernmost Michelin-starred restaurant in the world? Of course, you can also embark on husky safaris and enjoy some top-notch sauna relaxation.
Where to stay: Ruka Peak is a family-run hideaway in Kuusamo. Surrounded by breathtaking nature, offering some of the best views of the Northern Lights in December, guests can enjoy ski-in, ski-out access, six rooms, and two suites. Stunning views through the large windows and cozy Scandinavian chic complete the experience.
Ruka Peak
Juhannuskalliontie 27 A, FI-93830 Rukatunturi, Finland
Tel.: +358 8 868 4100
Web: rukapeak.fi
Price: Doubles from €270
Climate: -11 to -4 °C average temperature, 2.4 hours of sunshine per day, 15 days of snowfall in December
Why book: The ski travel operator SnowTrex recently released its list of the best ski resorts in the world. Once again, Courchevel took the top spot, followed by Les Portes du Soleil in second place and Tignes in third. Tignes is particularly appealing for those seeking diverse off-piste opportunities and is renowned for its snow reliability. The ski area, formerly known as Espace Killy, reaches elevations of up to 3,456 meters. Additionally, the après-ski scene is varied and vibrant.
Where to stay: Hôtel Le Diamond Rock stands out not only for its striking exterior but also for its prime location. Guests staying here are already on the slopes while others are still on their way. The hotel is just 200 meters from the nearest lift and offers direct ski-in, ski-out access. Stylishly designed rooms and suites, floor-to-ceiling windows with Alpine views, and a spa make this hotel an excellent choice.
Hôtel Le Diamond Rock
Route du Rosset, 73320 Tignes, France
Tel.: +33 4 79 06 44 66
Web: diamond-rock.fr
Price: Doubles from €384
Climate: 25 to 30 °C average temperature, 8 hours of sunshine per day, 10 days of rain in December
Why book: The Maldives are now considered a year-round destination and have always been among the top travel destinations for December. While this is the transition period between the dry and rainy seasons, rain showers are usually brief and far more pleasant than the dreary weather often seen in Europe. Despite the sunshine and white sandy beaches, you don’t have to miss out on Santa and holiday treats in the Maldives. Every island resort offers a special festive program in December.
Where to stay: The Huvafen Fushi erstrahlt nach umfangreichen Renovierungen nun mit neuen Naturbungalows und Pavillons. Auch die neuen kulinarischen Höhepunkte lassen aufhorchen. So gibt es neue Chef’s Table Locations, zum Beispiel auf einer Felseninsel vor dem Resort. Außerdem bietet das Luxusresort Christmas und New Years Galadinner, spezielle Aktivitäten für Kinder und unvergessliche Erlebnisse. Wer direkt über die Website bucht, darf sich über ein complimentary Upgrade zur Halbpension freuen.
Huvafen Fushi
Nakachchafushi, North Malé Atoll, 08390, Maldives
Tel.: +960 664-4222
Web: huvafenfushi.com
Price: Villa from €1,200
Climate: 21 to 28 °C average temperature, 8 hours of sunshine per day, 18 days of rain in December
Why book: Die kleine Insel liegt in der Karibik, sie gehört zu St. Vincent & Grenadines. Da es sich um eine Privatinsel handelt, auf der gerade einmal ein Hotel zu finden ist, verbringen die meisten Reisenden ihren Aufenthalt in einer der zahlreichen luxuriösen Villen. Und weil man hier natürlich vollkommene Freedom in der Gestaltung des Urlaubs hat, können Weihnachtsmuffel hier perfekt dem Feiertagstrubel entfliehen. Kein Christbaum, kein “Last Christmas” und keine Kekse gewünscht? Kein Problem!
Where to stay: Recently, new villas on Mustique have opened, including the magnificent Villa Sundance. With its spacious layout, it can accommodate up to 18 guests. Thanks to its expansive location, guests can enjoy uninterrupted views of both the sunrise and sunset. Naturally, the villa also features a pool and a private guesthouse.
Villa Sundance
Mustique Island, St. Vincent & Grenadines
Tel.: +1 784 488 8424
Web: mustique-island.com
Price: 1 week from €50,300, including 6 staff members
Climate: 5 to 13 °C average temperature, 4 hours of sunshine per day, 6 days of rain in December
Why book: Wer Lust auf einen Städtetrip außerhalb Europas hat, sollte Kyoto in Erwägung zählen. Seinen Platz auf der Liste der besten Reiseziele im Dezember 2024 sichert sich die Stadt aufgrund seiner einzigartigen Mischung. Denn neben Winterzauber und Ruhe gibt’s auch wundervolle Illuminationen. Zum Beispiel beleuchtet man den Arashiyama Hanatouro Bambuswald mit tausenden Laternen. Und auch die Innenstadt erstrahlt in festlicher Beleuchtung. Selbst Tempel taucht man in wundervolles Licht. Gleichzeitig sind weniger Touristen in der Stadt.
Where to stay: Opened in April, Six Senses Kyoto is the brand's first property in Japan. Located in the heart of the city, it features winding paths through an oasis-like garden and is close to the Myoho-in Temple and Tokyokuni-Jinja Shrine. Just a short walk away, you'll find the the historic Gion district. Guests can look forward to 82 elegant rooms and suites.
Six Senses Kyoto
431 Myohoin Maekawacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0932, Japan
Tel.: +81 75-531-0700
Web: sixsenses.com
Price: from €1,069
