In December, three completely different travel moods open up at once: tropical warmth, snow and Christmas markets, or midsummer in the southern hemisphere. Here are six destinations that genuinely deliver on their end-of-year promise.
Get my travel insurance quoteHead for the sun: three warm destinations in December
Madeira, Portugal
Just a two-hour flight from mainland Europe, Madeira sits at 17 to 20°C during the day with sea temperatures of 20-21°C throughout December. This is the island of eternal spring: no transatlantic journey required to swap your winter coat for a light jumper.
Funchal puts on a stunning show for the festive season, with animated nativity scenes and a Christmas market along the Avenida Arriaga, complete with live music and local specialities such as bolo de mel (honey cake) and Madeiran wine. On New Year’s Eve, fireworks launched from around sixty sites across the bay draw nearly 100,000 spectators every year, making it one of the largest pyrotechnic displays on the planet.
The Bahamas
December marks the start of the Bahamas’ dry high season: daytime temperatures reach 27°C, the sea stays at 24-26°C and rainfall becomes increasingly rare. Nassau, the Exuma islands and their white-sand beaches are at their very best.
On 26 December and 1 January, the Junkanoo festival fills Nassau with dazzling costumed parades and traditional music. This one-of-a-kind cultural event gives you a genuine taste of Bahamian life far beyond the beach.
Mombasa, Kenya
December falls at the tail end of Kenya’s short rainy season: brief showers are possible, but temperatures of 23 to 32°C and lower tourist numbers create a compelling window. In practice, accommodation and safari rates are considerably more accessible than during peak season.
Diani and Nyali beaches are well suited to snorkelling and kitesurfing. Tsavo National Park, a few hours’ drive from the coast, is one of the largest wildlife parks in Africa. Mombasa’s Old Town and Fort Jesus add a rich layer of Swahili culture to the mix.
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Milan, Italy
Milan in December turns festive at every corner. The Oh Bej! Oh Bej! market, held in early December (7-10 December 2026) at the foot of the Sforza Castle, is the oldest and most beloved among Milanese locals: crafts, Lombard specialities and mulled wine beneath the city lights. The Piazza del Duomo also hosts a Christmas village, with chalets open into early January.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, with its marble mosaics and glittering dome, is even more impressive after dark. Temporary ice rinks, La Scala opera house and the boutiques of the Fashion District make Milan one of Europe’s most experience-rich cities within just a few square kilometres. Find all our tips in our guide to things to do in Milan.
Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City in December means winter without compromise: temperatures hover between -5 and -15°C, the cobbled streets of Old Quebec disappear under snow, and the Château Frontenac looms through the cold. It is exactly the atmosphere those postcards have always promised.
The German Christmas Market in Old Quebec brings together around a hundred stallholders selling pretzels, smoked sausages and mulled wine. Ice skating on Place d’Youville, ice kayaking on the St Lawrence River and the slopes of Mont-Sainte-Anne round out the programme. For a wider Canadian escape, our feature on dream destinations for Christmas in Canada has plenty more ideas.
The hidden gem: Montevideo, Uruguay
Less well known than Buenos Aires, Montevideo slips into southern summer in December, with daytime temperatures of 16-26°C and an average of 23 rain-free days in the month. The Rambla, the long promenade running along the Río de la Plata, comes alive with families enjoying the end-of-year sunshine.
The Ciudad Vieja district packs in colonial buildings, artisan markets and bars where candombe, the Afro-Uruguayan musical tradition, echoes well into the night. For anyone seeking warmth and a change of scene without the Caribbean crowds, it is a genuinely compelling alternative.
If you are torn between several sun-soaked destinations, our round-up of Christmas in the sun: top sunny destinations breaks down the comparisons.
FAQ
What is the best destination for winter sun in December?
Madeira (17-20°C), the Bahamas (27°C) and Mombasa (23-32°C) all offer generous sunshine. Madeira is the closest option for European travellers: a two-hour flight from the continent. The Bahamas guarantee tropical warmth with sea temperatures of 24-26°C. Mombasa combines beaches and safari at lower rates during low season.
Can you travel in December without breaking the bank?
Yes, depending on where you go. Mombasa and Montevideo are in low or shoulder season in December, with more accessible prices. Madeira and Milan remain reasonable outside Christmas week. The Bahamas and Quebec City are in high season: book early and take out your travel insurance several weeks in advance.
Do you need travel insurance for a December trip?
Whatever your destination, cover for medical expenses and repatriation is essential. In Kenya or the Bahamas, private clinic treatment is not covered by your home health insurance. In the event of hospitalisation or medical evacuation, your travel insurance pays the bill directly.
What is the weather like in Quebec City in December?
Temperatures range from -5 to -15°C with regular snowfall. Pack a heavy winter coat, waterproof boots and thermal base layers. It is a genuinely wintry destination, beautiful as long as you come properly prepared.
Which destination works best for a first family Christmas trip?
Madeira or Quebec City are both excellent starting points. Madeira for its mild climate and easy access (a two-hour flight from Europe), with lively Christmas markets and year-round accessible nature. Quebec City for the magical atmosphere of a North American winter, with ice skating, sleigh rides and the reassurance of travelling in Canada.
