Where to go in December
A clean split between Europe's Christmas markets and Asia's best dry-season weather.
December offers two clearly different trips. One is Europe in winter — Christmas markets, lights and short days. The other is Southeast Asia and the Gulf in the best weather of their year. Both are expensive in the last week of the month; if the dates are yours to choose, the first two weeks give much the same atmosphere at a far better price.
8 places this month suits
Tailàndia
Mid dry season and the best weather of the year: clear skies and comfortable evenings. Prices peak in the final week.
Tailàndia plansAlemanya
Christmas markets run through the month up to the holiday, and the cities stay walkable despite the cold because most of it happens in the centre.
Alemanya plansÀustria
Christmas markets and the ski season start together, so one trip can take in both the cities and the mountains without a long transfer.
Àustria plansEmirats Àrabs Units
The best weather of the year with everything outdoors open, and a destination many cities fly to directly with little travel time.
Emirats Àrabs Units plansFilipines
The dry season begins and the water clears again, in the country's liveliest festival month — book domestic flights ahead.
Filipines plansNova Zelanda
Early summer with long days and every trail open, before the new-year rush arrives at the end of the month.
Nova Zelanda plansFinlàndia
Full winter in the north: snow is a certainty and every winter activity is running. Daylight is very short, so plan around the light.
Finlàndia plansÍndia
The north is cool and dry, which suits overland travel; leave margin, because early-morning fog can delay trains.
Índia plansWhat this month does to a data plan
The last week of the month is the fullest airports get all year and the slowest terminal Wi-Fi gets, which is exactly when a plan to activate on arrival tends to fall apart. Install and activate before you leave home.
What to skip this month
The final week is the most expensive of the year almost everywhere. If the dates can move, the first two weeks give much the same atmosphere at a far lower price.
Where to go in December
How long do Christmas markets run?+
Most run through the month and close within a few days either side of the holiday, depending on the city. Check the closing date for that city before booking — they are not the same everywhere.
Should I avoid the last week?+
If value is the point, yes — it is the year's price peak and everything is at its fullest. If the new-year atmosphere itself is the point, that price is the cost of it.
Can an eSIM be set up before travelling?+
Yes, and this month you should. Install the profile in advance and let the plan start counting when you arrive, so you are not configuring anything in the busiest terminal of the year.