December transforms cities across the globe into winter wonderlands and tropical escapes. Vienna's Christmas markets glow with warmth, Prague's cobblestones glisten with frost, while Dubai and Bangkok offer perfect weather for exploration.
Keep reading as we uncover the best cities to visit in December that will make your holiday travel unforgettable.
List of Contents
- 1. Vienna: Christmas Market Capital
- 2. Prague: Fairy Tale Winter
- 3. New York City: The December Dream
- 4. Dubai: Desert Winter Paradise
- 5. Mumbai: Monsoon's End, Spirit's Beginning
- 6. Bangkok: Cool Season Comfort
- 7. Marrakech: Atlas Mountain Clarity
- 8. Cairo: Pharaoh's Perfect Weather
- 9. Sydney: Summer's Sweet Beginning
- 10. Singapore: Tropical Christmas Magic
1. Vienna: Christmas Market Capital
Vienna in December feels like stepping inside a snow globe. The city's Christmas markets stretch across historic squares, filling the air with cinnamon and roasted chestnuts.
I remember standing in Schönbrunn's market at dusk, watching steam rise from mulled wine cups while classical music drifted from nearby concert halls. The palace glowed golden against the winter sky.
Skip the crowded Rathausplatz market. Head to Spittelberg instead—smaller, more authentic, and locals actually shop there.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: Mid-December
- Getting there: Vienna International Airport, train from major European cities
- Suggested stay: 3-4 days
- Must-see spots: Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Belvedere Museum
2. Prague: Fairy Tale Winter
Prague's Gothic spires pierce December skies like something from a Brothers Grimm story. Snow dusts the red rooftops of Old Town, and the astronomical clock chimes through crisp air.
The Charles Bridge at dawn belongs to photographers and early risers. Most tourists sleep in, leaving you alone with the statues and morning mist rising from the Vltava River.
Czechs drink beer year-round. Duck into any hospoda when the cold bites—these traditional pubs serve as neighborhood warming stations.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: December 20-31
- Getting there: Václav Havel Airport, extensive train connections
- Suggested stay: 3-4 days
- Must-see spots: Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Jewish Quarter
3. New York City: The December Dream
New York City wears December like its finest suit. Ice skating rinks appear in Central Park and Bryant Park, while the Rockefeller Center tree stands tall against Manhattan's steel canyon.
Broadway shows run holiday specials, and the Met Opera performs seasonal classics. Book tickets in advance—December is when New Yorkers actually enjoy being tourists in their own city.
Avoid Times Square on New Year's Eve unless you enjoy standing in one spot for eight hours without bathroom breaks.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: December 20 – January 2
- Getting there: JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark airports
- Suggested stay: 4-6 days
- Must-see spots: Central Park, 9/11 Memorial, Brooklyn Bridge, High Line
4. Dubai: Desert Winter Paradise
Dubai in December offers perfect weather—sunny days hover around 75°F with cool evenings. The oppressive summer heat vanishes, replaced by blue skies and gentle breezes.
At the Dubai Fountain, I watched water dance to classical music while families from across the world gathered on the promenade. Children ran freely, parents relaxed—everyone seemed lighter in the comfortable air.
The beaches feel tropical without the humidity. Marina Beach stays busy until sunset, when the call to prayer echoes across the water.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: December through March
- Getting there: Dubai International Airport
- Suggested stay: 4-5 days
- Must-see spots: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Jumeirah Beach, Desert Safari
5. Mumbai: Monsoon's End, Spirit's Beginning
December marks Mumbai's best weather—the monsoons have cleared, leaving behind clean air and comfortable temperatures. The city awakens from its soggy slumber with renewed energy.
Marine Drive becomes a evening promenade where couples hold hands and street vendors sell roasted peanuts. Locals call it the Queen's Necklace for how the street lights curve along the bay.
Take the local trains during rush hour once. It's chaotic, overwhelming, and completely essential to understanding Mumbai's heartbeat.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: December through February
- Getting there: Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport
- Suggested stay: 3-4 days
- Must-see spots: Gateway of India, Dharavi, Colaba Causeway, Elephanta Caves
6. Bangkok: Cool Season Comfort
Bangkok's cool season runs December through February, bringing relief from tropical heat. Temperatures drop to a comfortable 80°F, and humidity becomes bearable for walking tours.
The floating markets open early when vendors paddle their boats loaded with fresh fruit and steaming noodles. At Damnoen Saduak, I watched a grandmother steer her wooden boat with one hand while stirring soup with the other.
Street food tastes better in cool weather. Try pad thai from any cart with a line of locals—they know where the good stuff hides.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: December through February
- Getting there: Suvarnabhumi Airport
- Suggested stay: 4-5 days
- Must-see spots: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Floating Markets, Khao San Road
7. Marrakech: Atlas Mountain Clarity
December brings clear mountain air to Marrakech as Atlas peaks wear snow caps visible from the medina. Days stay warm while nights cool enough for rooftop dinners without sweat.
In Jemaa el-Fnaa square, snake charmers play their flutes while the High Atlas mountains frame the chaos. The contrast never gets old—ancient mountains watching over centuries-old traditions.
Haggle respectfully in the souks. Start at half the asking price, but remember these craftsmen feed families with their sales.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: October through April
- Getting there: Marrakech Menara Airport
- Suggested stay: 3-4 days
- Must-see spots: Majorelle Gardens, Atlas Mountains, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace
8. Cairo: Pharaoh's Perfect Weather
Cairo's winter brings comfortable temperatures and clear skies—perfect for exploring ancient wonders without melting. December offers the best pyramid-visiting weather of the year.
Standing before the Great Pyramid at sunrise, I understood why ancient Egyptians worshipped the sun. The limestone blocks turn golden, and for a moment, you feel connected to something eternal.
Visit the Egyptian Museum early morning or late afternoon. The crowds thin out, and the afternoon light streaming through windows illuminates the artifacts beautifully.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: December through February
- Getting there: Cairo International Airport
- Suggested stay: 4-5 days
- Must-see spots: Pyramids of Giza, Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili, Islamic Cairo
9. Sydney: Summer's Sweet Beginning
Sydney celebrates December as summer's arrival. Beaches fill with locals escaping to the coast, and harbor ferries carry crowds to seaside suburbs for Christmas barbecues.
Bondi Beach on Christmas morning transforms into an international party. Backpackers from cold climates celebrate the holiday in swimwear while surfers catch waves between the flags.
Take the Manly ferry instead of the harbor bridge climb. The views are equally stunning, the experience more authentic, and locals actually use this transportation daily.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: December through February
- Getting there: Kingsford Smith Airport
- Suggested stay: 4-6 days
- Must-see spots: Sydney Opera House, Harbor Bridge, Bondi Beach, Blue Mountains
10. Singapore: Tropical Christmas Magic
Singapore transforms December into a tropical Christmas wonderland. Orchard Road sparkles with elaborate light displays while shopping malls compete for the most creative holiday decorations.
Gardens by the Bay hosts a Christmas light show that rivals any winter festival. The Supertrees glow in synchronized patterns while families picnic on the grass beneath—Christmas magic in 85°F weather.
The hawker centers serve the best cheap food on earth. Follow office workers at lunch—they know which stalls serve authentic dishes.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: Year-round destination
- Getting there: Changi Airport
- Suggested stay: 3-4 days
- Must-see spots: Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Sentosa Island, Little India
December travel opens doors to experiences impossible in other months. Christmas markets and tropical beaches. Snow-dusted castles and desert sunsets. Ancient pyramids under perfect skies.
The best cities to visit in December offer more than just good weather or holiday decorations. They provide moments that stick with you—watching sunrise paint the Atlas Mountains pink, feeling Bangkok's energy flow through crowded streets, standing small beneath Vienna's Gothic arches.
Pick your December destination based on what moves you. Cold and cozy? Choose Vienna or Prague. Warm and wild? Bangkok and Mumbai await. Adventure and wonder? Cairo and Marrakech call.
Your December adventure starts with choosing where to point your compass. The world waits.
