Last-Minute December Getaways: Warm Escapes, Snowy Retreats, and Festive Holiday Towns

If winter’s chill isn’t your style, it’s time to chase the sun. From California’s coastline to Caribbean islands and exotic beaches abroad, these destinations promise relaxation and warmth for your holiday getaway.

San Diego, California: With daytime temperatures in the 60s°F, San Diego delivers sunshine and ocean breezes even in December. It’s ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who want mild weather and plenty of activities. Enjoy beach walks, hiking, or whale watching, and take in festive events like the Botanic Garden Lightscape, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, and beachfront ice skating at the famous Hotel del Coronado.

You’ll get the perfect mix of laid-back California charm and holiday cheer.

Florida Fun: Orlando & St. Augustine: Florida is always a favorite for winter sun and seasonal fun. Orlando shines in December when the theme parks are decked out with lights, parades, and special events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

If theme parks aren’t your thing, explore Orlando’s gardens, lakes, and outdoor markets. Meanwhile, historic St. Augustine offers old-world charm with its famous Nights of Lights Festival, when millions of white bulbs illuminate cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial buildings. Enjoy carriage rides, lighthouse views, and holiday tours in mild, pleasant weather.

The Caribbean & Mexico: Nothing says “holiday escape” like the Caribbean or Mexico’s coast. December marks the start of the dry, sunny season, making it perfect for beach days and festivals.

In the Turks & Caicos, enjoy the colorful Maskanoo Festival on Boxing Day with parades, costumes, and music. In Puerto Rico, celebrate with festive parrandas and Christmas Eve feasts, all without needing a passport for U.S. citizens.

Prefer Mexico? Head to Cancún or the Riviera Maya for warm waters, white sand, and luxurious resorts where relaxation comes easy. Just grab your swimsuit and sunglasses and you can be basking in the sun within hours.

Maui, Hawaii: If you want tropical paradise without leaving the U.S., Maui is an unforgettable choice. December brings warm 80°F days and the start of whale-watching season. Take a boat tour to spot humpback whales, explore scenic drives through Upcountry, or attend a luau to experience Hawaiian traditions.

Maui offers the perfect mix of beauty, adventure, and Aloha spirit for couples, families, or solo travelers. Plus, visiting now helps support local communities as tourism continues to rebuild.

International Hot Spots: Bali, Thailand, and the Canary Islands: For those ready to travel farther, December is an excellent time to explore tropical destinations abroad.

In Bali, Indonesia, the island is lush and lively with warm temperatures, peaceful beaches, and tranquil resorts perfect for relaxation. Ubud’s rice terraces and spiritual charm make it ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking serenity.

Thailand offers endless sunshine and culture. Spend your days island-hopping around Phuket or Krabi, or explore Bangkok’s floating markets before celebrating New Year’s Eve on the beach at a lantern festival.

If you prefer a shorter flight from Europe, Spain’s Canary Islands offer mild weather, volcanic landscapes, and golden beaches. Tenerife and Gran Canaria are especially popular for winter sun with a European twist.

Prefer snowy peaks to sandy beaches? December is a perfect time to embrace the magic of winter. From the Rockies to the Alps, these destinations deliver cozy charm and classic holiday spirit.

Colorado Ski Towns: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge: The Colorado Rockies offer world-class skiing and a lively holiday atmosphere. Aspen is especially magical in December with its Twelve Days of Aspen celebration featuring fireworks, concerts, and carolers.

Even if you don’t ski, there’s plenty to enjoy such as strolling through snow-covered streets, sipping cocoa by a lodge fireplace, or taking a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride. Families will find great ski schools, while couples can cozy up in mountain chalets.

Vermont and New England Charm: For a quintessential New England winter escape, Vermont’s small towns and ski resorts deliver postcard-perfect scenes. Visit Stowe, Killington, or Okemo for excellent skiing, or simply enjoy sleigh rides, snowshoeing, and warm drinks by the fire.

Don’t miss Woodstock’s Wassail Weekend, where the town celebrates with parades, music, and horse-drawn carriages. Whether you’re a skier or a snow admirer, Vermont’s cozy inns and festive spirit make for an unforgettable December getaway.

The Mountain West: Utah, Oregon, and Montana: The western U.S. is full of snow-covered gems. In Park City, Utah, you’ll find Olympic-quality slopes and a charming historic downtown perfect for après-ski fun.

Head to Bend, Oregon, for skiing on Mount Bachelor and relaxing in hot springs after a day on the slopes. Or venture to Whitefish, Montana, where torchlight parades, Christmas strolls, and 3,000 acres of ski terrain make for a magical alpine experience.

Even non-skiers can enjoy these destinations with options like tubing, skating, and scenic snowcoach tours through Yellowstone National Park.

International Winter Wonderlands: The Alps, Japan, and Canada: If you’re heading abroad, December is prime time for skiing and snow-filled adventures in some of the world’s most beautiful winter destinations.

In Switzerland or Austria, snow blankets the Alps, creating postcard-worthy views and some of the best skiing on the planet. Destinations like Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Innsbruck combine top-tier slopes with cozy chalets, Christmas markets, and mountain spas.

Japan’s Hokkaido region offers incredible powder snow, natural hot springs, and a unique blend of culture and adventure. The town of Niseko is a global favorite for ski enthusiasts.

If you want something closer, Banff and Lake Louise in Canada deliver stunning scenery, great skiing, and a cozy alpine feel. After a day on the slopes, unwind in a hot spring or enjoy festive lights along Banff Avenue.

If your idea of holiday magic includes twinkling lights, ice skating, and bustling Christmas markets, these cities deliver all the festive vibes.

New York City: Few places celebrate the holidays quite like New York. From the towering Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to the Bryant Park Winter Village, the city sparkles with excitement.

Take in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, shop at holiday markets, and marvel at department store window displays along Fifth Avenue. Couples can enjoy carriage rides through Central Park, families can meet Santa at Macy’s, and solo travelers can explore the city’s many festive pop-ups and performances.

New York truly offers the ultimate big-city holiday experience.

Montreal, Canada: Montreal delivers European holiday charm just a short flight from the U.S. Explore cobblestone streets in Old Montreal, browse traditional Christmas markets, and warm up in a cozy café with French pastries and hot chocolate.

The city’s Underground City offers a unique shopping experience when it’s too cold outside, and fireworks over the Old Port on New Year’s Eve make for an unforgettable celebration. Bundle up and embrace the magic because Montreal in December is pure winter wonder.

European Holiday Cities: Paris, Vienna, and Prague

If you’re ready for a true Christmas market experience, Europe is calling.

Paris sparkles in December with elegant lights along the Champs-Élysées, holiday markets near the Eiffel Tower, and festive ice rinks in front of Hôtel de Ville.

In Vienna, Austria, the aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the air at one of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets. The city’s grand architecture and classical concerts add to the old-world charm.

Prague feels like a storybook come to life with its Gothic spires, glowing markets, and the massive Christmas tree in Old Town Square. Warm up with a cup of mulled wine and enjoy the carolers as snow drifts through the cobblestone streets.

Sometimes the best holiday getaways are small towns that go big on Christmas spirit. These destinations deliver cozy charm, local traditions, and picture-perfect scenes.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania: Nicknamed Christmas City USA, Bethlehem lives up to its name with old-world charm and festive traditions. Stroll through the German-style Christkindlmarkt, sip hot spiced wine, and enjoy nightly events like the Live Advent Calendar.

The historic downtown glows with lights, candles in the windows, and a star shining above the city. It’s perfect for couples, families, or anyone who loves small-town holiday magic.

Solvang, California: This Danish-inspired village in California’s Santa Ynez Valley feels like a European Christmas market without the long flight. During Julefest, Solvang hosts nightly light shows, carolers, parades, and candlelight tours.

Enjoy treats like Danish doughnuts (æbleskivers) and mulled wine as you explore the charming streets and windmills. With mild temperatures and cozy inns, Solvang is ideal for couples and families alike.

Williamsburg, Virginia: Step back in time in Colonial Williamsburg, where 18th-century buildings are decorated with candles, wreaths, and pine boughs. The Grand Illumination fireworks kick off the season, and Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town offers one of the largest light displays in North America.

Families will love the combination of history, fun, and festive flair, while couples can enjoy candlelit dinners in historic taverns.

North Pole, Alaska: Yes, there’s a real North Pole, and it’s as magical as it sounds. This small town near Fairbanks embraces Christmas year-round with candy cane streetlights, Santa’s House, and a massive winter festival complete with ice sculptures and local crafts.

If you’re lucky, you might even see the Northern Lights dance across the sky on Christmas Eve. Bundle up and get ready for a one-of-a-kind holiday adventure.

European Holiday Villages

For an international twist on small-town charm, consider Colmar, France, a fairy-tale Alsatian village glowing with lights and half-timbered houses. The entire town becomes a living Christmas card filled with cozy markets and canals.

In Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany, the cobbled streets and medieval architecture feel timeless, and the famous Christmas Museum makes it a must-visit for holiday enthusiasts.

No matter what kind of getaway you choose, sunny and tropical or snowy and cozy, December is one of the best times to travel.

Be flexible, keep an open mind, and you might discover your new favorite holiday tradition. Whether you’re walking a beach in flip-flops or sipping cocoa in a mountain lodge, December offers the perfect chance to recharge and make memories before the new year begins.

Happy holidays and happy travels!