As the year comes to a close, December invites travelers to embrace the magic of winter. From snow-covered alpine retreats to sunlit island hideaways, this handpicked collection of December destinations offers the best of both worlds for your end-of-year getaway. You’ll find Christmas markets in Europe, festive city breaks, or barefoot luxury in the tropics in our curated December 2025 travel recommendations, blending seasonal charm with world-class hospitality. Experience the perfect finale to your travel year!
Vienna, Austria
Vienna in December feels like stepping into a fairytale. The Austrian capital glows with festive lights, classical music fills the air, and the aroma of roasted chestnuts drifts through its Christmas markets. Visitors can explore the city’s imperial palaces dusted in snow (if any), attend performances at the Vienna State Opera, or wander through the Belvedere’s illuminated courtyards. The Christmas Village at Maria-Theresien-Platz and the market in front of Schönbrunn Palace are among Europe’s most enchanting. Evenings call for cozy dinners in traditional Viennese cafés, followed by carriage rides along the Ringstrasse. For those seeking the best European cities to visit in December, Vienna offers a perfect blend of elegance, history, and holiday spirit.
Where to Stay in Vienna?
Rosewood Vienna brings modern luxury to the city’s historic heart. Opened in 2022, the hotel is housed within a beautifully restored 19th-century building on Petersplatz, just steps from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Each of its 99 rooms and suites features a sophisticated residential style, blending Art Deco touches with Austrian craftsmanship and contemporary art. The rooms offer stunning city views, marble bathrooms, and a serene atmosphere that contrasts perfectly with the festive buzz outside.
The hotel’s brasserie, Neue Hoheit, serves seasonal European cuisine with Austrian influences and occupies the top floors for panoramic skyline views. Guests can unwind at the Asaya Spa, which offers holistic treatments and saunas, or take advantage of its proximity to Vienna’s main shopping streets and cultural landmarks. Rosewood Vienna with its luxury and festive charm, is an ideal base for discovering the best places to visit in winter in Europe.
Megève, France
Nestled in the French Alps, Megève is a timeless winter destination. In December, the village transforms into a snowy wonderland, where horse-drawn carriages glide past luxury boutiques, and chalets sparkle under twinkling lights. Ski enthusiasts can explore over 400 kilometers of slopes across Mont d’Arbois, Rochebrune, and Le Jaillet, while non-skiers can enjoy ice skating, fine dining, and alpine wellness experiences. The festive atmosphere peaks during Christmas and New Year’s Eve, when cozy après-ski lounges, Michelin-starred restaurants, and chic boutiques make Megève one of the best winter destinations in Europe.Where to Stay in Megève?
Four Seasons Hotel Megève is an elegant mountain retreat on the Mont d’Arbois slopes, combining modern design with authentic alpine warmth. Each of its 55 rooms and suites offers panoramic views of snow-covered peaks, private terraces, and interiors featuring natural wood, soft wool, and local stone. The hotel’s ski-in, ski-out access ensures guests are always steps away from the pristine slopes, while private ski valets and the dedicated Ski Concierge make every detail effortless.
The dining experience is led by Brasserie Benjamin, Idéal 1850 and Kaito, offering diverse luxury dining options. Guests can unwind at the Spa by La Maison Guerlain, complete with an indoor-outdoor heated pool and mountain-view relaxation areas. For those seeking a luxurious alpine holiday blending adventure and tranquility, Four Seasons Megève captures the very essence of winter sophistication.
Jaipur, India
In December, Jaipur shines under clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures, making it one of the best vacation ideas for winter in India. Known as the “Pink City,” Jaipur offers a vibrant mix of royal heritage, colorful bazaars, and majestic architecture. Travelers can explore the Amber Fort, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal, or browse artisanal jewelry and textiles in the Johari and Bapu bazaars. December also marks the start of Jaipur’s cultural season, with art fairs and local festivals adding to its regal charm.
Where to Stay in Jaipur?
Amanbagh is a peaceful oasis nestled in Rajasthan’s Aravalli Hills, about 90 minutes from Jaipur. Once the hunting retreat of the Maharajah of Alwar, the resort combines Mughal-inspired architecture with Aman’s signature minimalist luxury. Each of its suites and pavilions opens onto private courtyards or gardens, with sandstone domes, hand-carved marble bathtubs, and expansive terraces overlooking the countryside.
Guests can embark on private heritage excursions to ancient temples and abandoned cities, or indulge in holistic wellness programs inspired by Ayurveda. Dining at Amanbagh focuses on fresh, organic produce from the resort’s garden, with menus changing seasonally to reflect local flavors. The tranquil spa, palm-lined pool, and serene ambiance make Amanbagh one of the most exceptional luxury retreats in India, perfect for a culturally rich and restorative December escape.
Lapland, Finland
Lapland in December is the ultimate winter wonderland. The landscape is blanketed in snow, and the Northern Lights dance across the sky. Visitors can enjoy reindeer sleigh rides, snowshoeing through pine forests, or meeting Santa Claus in Rovaniemi. It’s also an excellent time for cozying up in glass igloos or wooden lodges, experiencing authentic Finnish saunas, and embracing the quiet beauty of the Arctic wilderness.Where to Stay in Lapland?
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers a unique blend of luxury and nature, perched on a forested hillside overlooking the Arctic Circle. Each suite features panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, bringing the snowy landscape and starry skies indoors. The Arctic GlassHouses provide private saunas and fireplaces, perfect for watching the Northern Lights in comfort.
The hotel’s Rakas Restaurant & Bar serves locally inspired dishes such as reindeer, Arctic char, and cloudberries, all sourced sustainably from the region. Guests can book exclusive Arctic experiences directly through the hotel, including husky safaris, aurora photography tours, and private visits to SantaPark. Combining Scandinavian design with immersive nature experiences, Arctic TreeHouse Hotel offers one of the most magical places to stay in Lapland in December.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague in December feels like a fairytale come to life. The city’s Gothic spires and Baroque facades are dusted with snow, and Christmas markets fill Old Town Square with festive lights and the scent of spiced trdelník pastries. Visitors can explore Prague Castle, stroll along Charles Bridge at sunrise, or attend classical concerts in historic churches. With fewer crowds and a cozy winter atmosphere, it’s one of the most enchanting European cities to visit in December.
Where to Stay in Prague?
Four Seasons Hotel Prague combines centuries of history with modern comfort on the banks of the Vltava River. The property occupies three meticulously restored buildings, baroque, neo-classical, and modern, giving each room a distinctive character. Many of the 157 rooms and suites offer views of Prague Castle or the Charles Bridge, with refined interiors featuring Czech crystal and marble details.
The hotel’s restaurant, CottoCrudo, is a local favorite, serving modern Italian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Guests can also unwind at the AVA Spa, which overlooks the river and offers treatments using natural Czech ingredients. With its unbeatable location and exceptional service, Four Seasons Prague captures the romance and history of the city, making it an ideal base for exploring Prague in winter.
St. Barth, French West Indies
December marks the start of the high season in St. Barth, when the island’s turquoise waters, luxury yachts, and elegant beach clubs attract discerning travelers from around the world. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the island’s chic boutiques and restaurants. Gustavia’s harbor comes alive with festive lights and holiday celebrations, while secluded beaches like Gouverneur and Saline offer peaceful escapes.Where to Stay in St. Barth?
Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France, a member of LVMH’s prestigious collection, is simply barefoot luxury. Located on the pristine Baie des Flamands, the resort blends Caribbean spirit with Parisian elegance. Its 61 rooms, suites, and villas feature light, airy interiors with sea views, private pools, and direct beach access. Personalized Guerlain amenities and signature scents create a serene, refined atmosphere.
Dining is led by the Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert at La Case, where French gastronomy meets island flavors in a relaxed beachfront setting. Guests can enjoy the Cheval Blanc Spa by Guerlain, private yoga sessions, or bespoke island excursions. With its intimate service and timeless sophistication, Cheval Blanc St-Barth is one of the best beach resorts to visit in December for a luxurious tropical holiday.
London, United Kingdom
London in December sparkles with festive energy, from twinkling lights on Regent Street to the joyful atmosphere of Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Visitors can enjoy ice skating at Somerset House, attend Christmas shows in the West End, or explore world-class museums and galleries. The city’s historic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and Covent Garden take on a magical glow during the holiday season, making London one of the best cities to visit in December.
Where to Stay in London?
The Chancery Rosewood opened on Fall 2025 and brought a fresh wave of luxury to Mayfair, built within the restored former U.S. Embassy on Grosvenor Square. The all-suite property features 144 suites designed by Joseph Dirand and preserves the building’s modernist heritage through the restoration by architect Sir David Chipperfield. Each suite is bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows and offers views over Grosvenor Square or the London skyline, the top-tier “Houses” categories span multiple rooms and terraces, ideal for families or groups.
Dining and experiences at The Chancery Rosewood focus on diversity and artful expression: there are eight bars and restaurants, including bold global flavours and quiet tea corners. The expansive Asaya Spa features a 25-metre indoor pool, a hydro-zone, five treatment rooms and advanced wellness facilities. For those seeking a winter stay in London that blends architecture, culture, and high-end service, The Chancery Rosewood stands out as a compelling choice.
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From Vienna’s festive charm to Lapland’s Arctic magic and the tropical elegance of St. Barth, December offers endless inspiration for travelers seeking magical winter escapes. Each destination and hotel has been handpicked by the 79 team for its distinctive character and exceptional experience, the perfect way to end the year in style.
