Top 10 December holidays

Our top 10 December holidays have been chosen in part by you, our travellers, as they’re some of the most popular places you like to go at this time of year. It may be for wildlife watching or because the weather is at its best so, whether you want sun or snow, get your inspiration here.

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Top 10 December holidays

It doesn’t matter how you want to spend your December, whether it’s relaxing under sunny skies, discovering another culture or stepping into a magical snowscape, there’s a holiday to suit. Our most popular tours range from seeing the Northern Lights to, more unusually, spending time with tribes in Morocco. We’ve picked our top 10 December holidays, from dancing in Cuba to penguin-spotting cruises, to help you decide.

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1. See the Northern Lights

Seeing the Northern Lights depends on clear skies, and there’s never a guarantee of good weather. But in December, when the nights are dark and very long, you’ve at least got time on your side. Northern Finland is a popular place to try and spot them, where Narnia-like landscapes make the few hours of daylight fantastic for snowshoe forest walks and exploring the fells by snowmobile.

Our top selling trip: Tailor made Northern Lights family holiday
See all our trips: Northern Lights holidays
Read more: Northern Lights travel guide and Finland family holidays guide

2. Spend Christmas in Cuba

Christmas is celebrated a little differently in Cuba – think delicious seafood and firework fiestas, rather than turkey and TV specials. If you’re looking for an alternative way to spend December, but still want to feel festive, come and enjoy Cuban hospitality with a stay at a family-run homestay – with a side order of colourful island culture and some exceptional rum cocktails.

Our top selling trip: Cuba tour
See all our trips: Cuba holidays
Read more: Cuba travel guide and Christmas in Cuba guide

3. Journey to the end of the world

If you’ve ever imagined yourself as an adventurer, it doesn’t get much more adventurous than this: crossing ice-packed oceans in search of penguins and seal pups on an expedition cruise in Antarctica. In December, the warmer weather (and lighter, longer days) have already melted enough ice for small ships to pass through and see the polar wildlife. Passengers can even embark on small sea kayaking and camping trips.

Our top selling trip: Antarctic Peninsula Cruise
See all our trips: Antarctica holidays
Read more: Antarctica travel guide and Expedition cruise guide

4. Dance away the December blues

Cuba is a fun-filled place to spend this time of the year – December is full of festivals, from fiery street parties to festive feasts. It’s cooler now, too, so what better way to experience the local culture than by dancing the nights away – with your own personal tutor to guide you. Live music and salsa beats will lift your spirits, and offer you an insight into Cuban life.

Our top selling trip: Cuba salsa dance holiday
See all our trips: Cuba holidays
Read more: Dancing holidays guide and Cuba cultural holidays guide

5. A Finnish family holiday with Santa

Finnish Lapland is a magical December destination for a family holiday, and kids will love the winter scenery that looks like a scene straight from Frozen. Steer clear of the mass-market attractions with a tour that takes you on sleigh rides through quiet, snow-dusted forests and past herds of reindeer. What could beat a week spent sledding and cross-country skiing, followed by a family visit to see Santa?

Our top selling trip: Finland family multi activity holiday
See all our trips: Finland holidays
Read more: Finland family travel guide and Winter multi activity guide

6. Dodge the crowds in Jordan

December is a fab month to be in Jordan, provided you’re happy with mild daily temperatures of around 15°C or so, and far quieter tourist sites. You’ll want to wrap up warm around the fire when staying at a Bedouin desert camp, but otherwise it’s a great experience to dodge the queues at Petra, and hike around Wadi Rum with only a few other visitors around at the start of winter. And in case you’re wondering, swimming in the Red Sea (and floating in the Dead Sea) is still very comfortable in December.

Our top selling trip: A week in Jordan
See all our trips: Jordan holidays
Read more: Jordan travel guide

7. Discover a different culture

First time travellers to Morocco might find the country’s famous souks and tiny medina streets overwhelming – it’s hard to know where to look first. But a tour that takes you out of the most visited cities is the best way to get a real feel for the local culture. Cold December weather is often preferred for trekking in the Atlas Mountains, where you can keep warm in traditional Berber tents.

Our top selling trip: Morocco cultural tour
See all our trips: Morocco holidays
Read more: Morocco travel guide and Morocco culture guide

8. Take a walk on the wild side

Tours often start in San Jose, so you can sample some of the city life, but Costa Rica’s main attraction? Its animal inhabitants, which are easier to see in December when the rainy season ends. Take a boat trip through Tortuguero National Park, named after its resident green sea turtles, or try a canopy walk through the cloud forests; you’ll be above branches festooned with orchids and bromeliads – face to face with monkeys and colourful birds.

Our top selling trip: Costa Rica highlights holiday
See all our trips: Costa Rica holidays
Read more: Costa Rica travel guide and Costa Rica wildlife guide

9. Speed through the snow on a husky safari

In your cosy forest cabin, you can curl up in comfort by a roaring log fire and listen to the sounds of the wild all around you. During the daylight hours, however, your holiday will pick up the pace, as you race through the trees on a husky safari. The fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down – dark December means moonlit safaris through the silent night.

Our top selling trip: Husky safari holiday in Lapland
See all our trips: Husky safari holidays
Read more: Husky safari holidays guide and Multi activity holidays guide

10. Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary

Two weeks in Thailand is sure to cure any of the seasonal restlessness that comes with spending a winter indoors. It’s the ideal December destination if you’re craving some winter sun, but want much more than just your average beach holiday. White sands aside, a tailor made tour of Thailand could include a taste of city life, adventurous activities and wonderful wildlife.

Our top selling trip: Thailand tailor made holiday
See all our trips: Thailand holidays
Read more: Thailand travel guide and Asia travel guide