December can be a hectic month, with the holidays basically bookending it. That said, if you need a place to jet off to—or maybe spend the holidays—I think you’ll find an epic time at these best places to visit in December.
I tried to include locations with winter activities as well as some sunny, warm locations. I also did my best to steer clear of cloudy, gloomy places (definitely no Seattle) and to provide places that might be chilly but will have sun (Bend, OR).
Fingers crossed, these help you plan some fantastic trips in December.
1. Sedona, Arizona
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch
Sedona is easily one of the best places to visit in December if you’re looking for epic scenery without intense cold. The iconic red rocks often see a light dusting of snow, creating magical sunrise and sunset conditions.
Hiking is a top activity this time of year—Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Soldier Pass, and Boynton Canyon all offer cool temperatures and fewer crowds. Jeep tours, vortex sites, and stargazing take advantage of Sedona’s crisp winter atmosphere and Dark Sky designation.
The town feels peaceful compared to spring and fall, though traffic increases near Christmas. In Uptown, holiday events and boutique shops create a festive, cozy vibe. Wellness retreats also thrive this time of year, making Sedona a rejuvenating winter getaway.
Why Go
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Great deals early in the month
Weather
2. Kauai or Maui, Hawaii
Na Pali Coast from a helicopter Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch
Hawaii is among the top places to be in December for sunshine, beaches, and warm weather. On Maui, the season’s biggest highlight is whale watching—humpbacks arrive to breed offshore, making boat trips unforgettable.
Snorkeling, coastal drives like the Road to Hana, and Haleakalā sunrise trips are top hits. Kauai is perfect for adventure lovers thanks to the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and rugged jungle-covered trails.
Crowds are heavier during the holidays, and prices reflect peak season. Expect occasional showers—especially on Kauai—which keep the landscape lush and vibrant. Surf is big on the north shores, but the south shores are great for relaxing and swimming.
Why Go
Weather
3. Aspen, Colorado
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Aspen is incredible (year-round) but especially in December for elite skiing and classic winter charm. Four mountains—Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk—offer terrain for beginners to experts.
Downtown Aspen glows with holiday lights and has some of the best après-ski and dining scenes in the country. Snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and dog-sledding add to the winter adventure.
The second half of the month is extremely popular, meaning busy slopes and premium lodging prices. For quieter conditions, visit early December.
Why Go
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Upscale winter village atmosphere
Weather
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Lows: Single digits–teens°F
4. New York City, New York
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
NYC is one of the most iconic places to visit in December thanks to its legendary holiday decorations and cultural attractions.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Fifth Avenue window displays, and Bryant Park Winter Village create a festive atmosphere. Cultural highlights—Broadway shows, museums, holiday markets, and ice skating—keep the city buzzing day and night.
Crowds are heavy—especially mid-month through New Year’s—so advanced bookings help. While hotel prices are high, the holiday spectacle is unmatched, and every neighborhood feels magical.
Why Go
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World-famous holiday decorations
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Ice-skating + festive markets
Weather
5. Florida Keys, Florida
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
The Florida Keys are an excellent tropical option among the best places to visit in December, offering sunshine, warm temperatures, and an easygoing island vibe. Key West is lively—sunset parties, bars, live music, and iconic historic streets lit up. Key Largo and Islamorada deliver great scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing.
Early December has smaller crowds, while holiday weeks get busy and expensive. Beaches are limited here, but boating, wildlife viewing, and sunsets more than make up for it.
Why Go
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Snorkeling + boating experiences
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Great seafood + nightlife
Weather
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Highs: Mid-70s–Low 80s°F
6. Santa Barbara, California
A woman paddleboards at sunset. Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch
With Mediterranean weather and coastal elegance, Santa Barbara earns a spot among the amazing places to explore in December for relaxing winter sunshine.
Visitors can explore the Mission, stroll State Street, and enjoy ocean walks from Stearns Wharf to the Funk Zone. Day trips to nearby Santa Ynez Valley mean excellent wine tasting in a festive winter setting.
Crowds are lighter than in summer, and hotel rates are often more approachable. Outdoor activities, spanning from surfing to the many nearby hikes, remain comfortable.
Why Go
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Boutique coastal atmosphere
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Wine tasting + great food
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Historic Spanish architecture
Weather
7. Bend, Oregon
Smith Rock State Park Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch
Bend is a quieter outdoor option on this list, especially for skiers and beer lovers. But it’s still fantastic!
Mt. Bachelor offers fantastic downhill runs, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Downtown has craft breweries, cozy coffee shops, and boutique shopping—ideal after a snowy day. Holiday lights add a festive feel without overwhelming crowds. And Smith Rock State Park is always open and accessible for hiking.
Road conditions vary, but the mix of winter sports and laid-back town culture makes Bend a rewarding sub-mountain retreat.
Why Go
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Great skiing + snowshoeing
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Craft breweries + cozy vibe
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Smaller crowds than major resorts
Weather
8. Phoenix, Arizona
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Phoenix delivers perfect sunshine and warmth in December, making it one of the best places to visit in December for outdoor activities. (I might be biased, considering I grew up there.)
With mild temperatures, hiking Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak is a must. The Desert Botanical Garden hosts seasonal events, while golf courses thrive. December evenings sparkle with holiday light displays like ZooLights and Las Noches de las Luminarias.
Phoenix sees winter visitors, but its size disperses crowds. Resorts offer upscale amenities without the sticker shock of peak beach destinations.
Why Go
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Warm hiking weather, either locally or out in the Supersition Mountains
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Holiday lights + cultural events
Weather
9. Palm Springs, California
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Palm Springs is consistently one of the top places to visit in December, thanks to endless sun and warm days.
Spend time exploring Joshua Tree National Park, hiking the Indian Canyons, or riding the Aerial Tramway into snowy mountain landscapes. The town combines boutique hotels, spas, art galleries, and stylish restaurants.
Early December is calmer; holiday weeks see more visitors, but you still feel more relaxed than in the spring frenzy
Why Go
Weather
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Highs: Upper-60s–Low 70s°F
10. Lake Tahoe, California
Two middle aged men on skis look out over the lake tahoe mountains, USA
Lake Tahoe is a winter wonderland and one of the best places to visit in December for snow lovers. The lake’s striking blue water backed by snowy peaks is unforgettable.
Resorts like Heavenly, Northstar, and Palisades Tahoe typically have strong early-season snow for skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and snowshoeing.
Holiday weeks are hectic, while early December is more peaceful and affordable. Road snow conditions can vary, but winter storms create excellent powder days.
Why Go
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Excellent skiing + snowboarding
Weather
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