Because of the holiday season, December can be a pretty chaotic time, which is all the more reason to squeeze in a vacation. Be sure to keep reading to learn about the top 10 travel destinations in December for redeeming points and miles.
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1. Tokyo (Japan)
| Average Temperature | 54°F high; 39°F low |
| December Events | Chichibu Night Festival Winter Comiket |
December is cold in Tokyo, which is fitting for the holiday season. To add to the festive atmosphere, the city is illuminated with beautiful winter illuminations. The parks, gardens and buildings around Tokyo are adorned by these lavish light shows, many with synchronized music. You can shop at Hibuya Park‘s European-style Christmas market for souvenirs and gifts.
Additionally, there are still plenty of non-holiday things to do in Tokyo. For boutiques, shops, cafes and restaurants that cater to the famous youth fashion culture, visit Harajuku area. Check out Meiji Jingu, which includes a museum, a garden and a shrine. Furthermore, you can explore the Imperial Palace grounds, which is home to the Emperor of Japan, and an amazing collection of paintings. Tokyo Disneyland is also a great place to spend the day if you have kids.
2. Miami, Florida (USA)
| Average Temperature | 76°F high; 48°F low |
| December Events | Art Basel Miami Beach The Nutcracker |
Miami is a destination that has plenty to offer even in December. Every Friday and Saturday during the month, families can enjoy Zoo Lights Miami with Santa pictures, Snowman ‘s River Boat trips, fun activities and performances. At Tropical Park, there is also Santa’s Magical Forest, with rides, exhibits, games and eye-catching holiday decorations.
Additionally, from mid to late December, the Miami City Ballet will be performing The Nutcracker. If you’re an art lover, then you won’t want to miss Miami Beach ‘s annual Art Basel, featuring large-scale installations, performances and screenings of films.
3. Tallinn (Estonia)
| Average Temperature | 34°F high; 23°F low |
| December Events | PiparkoogiMaania (Gingerbread Mania) Google Translate may be needed |
Be sure to check out the traditional Christmas market in Tallinn. Typical holiday food, mulled wine, a giant Christmas tree, an outdoor ice skating rink and a stage for live performances are featured in this market. Visit PiparkoogiMaania (Gingerbread Mania), which is an art exhibition featuring all things gingerbread, if you’re looking for more festive events.
To admire the stunning architecture and locals dressed in medieval clothes, escape into the Old Town. From the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform, you can get unobstructed views of the harbor, bell towers, and the terracotta roof tiles. And treat yourself to food, from Estonian to Indian cuisine to medieval food and local craft beer.
4. Las Vegas, Nevada (USA)
| Average Temperature | 59°F high; 26°F low |
| December Events | Wrangler National Finals Rodeo |
There is never a bad time to go to Las Vegas, but if you’re going in December, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo promises something different than the normal gambling, drinking and shows. It has all the traditional rodeo activities, such as steer wrestling, bull riding and tie-down roping, as well as the contest for Miss Rodeo America, Christmas Cowboy, charity events and after parties.
If you want to be more festive, check out the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden‘s special holiday display and the ice rink on top of the Cosmopolitan Hotel with the occasional “snow shower.”
5. Chiang Rai (Thailand)
| Average Temperature | 81°F high; 57°F low |
| December Events | Chiang Rai Flower Festival |
In the northern part of Thailand, the dry season makes December a perfect time to visit Chiang Rai with hotter, less humid weather. While Christmas and New Year’s in this area are not common holidays, many locals still celebrate these occasions.
Chiang Rai holds its own festivals this month, including the Chiang Rai Flower Festival with tulips, lilies and other cold-climate flowers in full bloom. You can also enjoy a photo contest, flower-painting competition, cultural shows, local product and food fairs, and musical performances.
You can see six ethnic groups and their cultures at the Color of Doi Tung Festival. Enjoy both ethnic and royal cuisines, shop for hilltribe fashion and handicrafts, explore flower gardens, and go on a tour led by local youth guides.
6. Winston-Salem, North Carolina (USA)
| Average Temperature | 52°F high; 33°F low |
| December Events | Holidays in Old Salem |
Winston-Salem was founded in the mid-18th century by Moravians from Eastern Europe, while the more industrial Winston offers resources and a streamlined bureaucracy.
Candlelight tours, gingerbread and Lovefeast buns are used to celebrate the festive season in Old Salem, just like the Moravians did hundreds of years ago. Main Street has beautiful holiday decorations where you can also shop for gifts. Reynolda House is open for shopping at the gardens, village, and house. At the Downtown Arts District, you can enjoy galleries murals, and artistic displays.
7. Auckland (New Zealand)
| Average Temperature | 72°F high; 59°F low |
| December Events | Chichibu Night Festival Winter Comiket |
New Zealand is a great place to visit in December, with Coca-Cola’s Christmas in the Park in Auckland. This is a free annual event that has outdoor concerts that’s fun for the entire family.
Furthermore, you can visit Sky Tower and take the SkyWalk, tour the city on a private cruise, kayak to Rangitoto Island, go on a marine mammal eco-safari with Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari and try wines at Waiheke Island.
8. Paso Robles, California (USA)
| Average Temperature | 61°F high; 31°F low |
| December Events | Christmas Light Parade
Vine Street Victorian Christmas Showcase |
Paso Robles is on the central coast of California, almost exactly halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. There are many vineyards, olive orchards, farms and ranches in this town, making it very warm and vibrant. The wine trail, seafood restaurants, and organic farms are great places to visit while you’re there.
If you’re visiting in December, you can check out the Christmas Light Parade which features sparkling lights on floats. In addition, they have the Vine Street Victorian Christmas Showcase, where 13 blocks are cordoned off as more than 15,000 people stroll up and down to admire the beautifully-restored Victorian houses lit up with Christmas lights and decorations.
9. Patagonia (Chile)
| Average Temperature | 63°F high; 48°F low |
| December Events | Patagonman |
Chile is a great place to visit in December, with great weather because of the incoming summer. However, Patagonia is infamous for strong winds, so be sure to bring layers.
There are many things to do in Patagonia such as horseback riding, whitewater rafting, seeing Magellanic penguins at Isla Magdalena, exploring Torres del Paine National Park and Tierra del Fuego National Park, strolling through the quaint fishing towns and sip on a glass of local wine.
In December, the city of Aysen hosts the starting point of Patagonman, an extreme triathlon where competitors swim 3.8km, bike 180km and run 42.2km.
10. New York City, New York (USA)
| Average Temperature | 45°F high; 32°F low |
| December Events | Luminocity Festival Radio City Christmas Spectacular Santa Con Broadway Under The Stars |
New York City is a great place to visit during the holiday season, with many different events and activities to do. Visit the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza, meet Santa at Macy’s Santaland, shop at the winter and holiday markets, admire the holiday window decorations along 5th Avenue, and go ice skating at Bryant Park.
Head to Randall’s Island Park for Luminosity Festival, an immersive wonderland of lights. Check out the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the infamous Radio City Rockettes. Join thousands of wannabe Santas in Santacon, a fun and charitable pub crawl. And catch a free Broadway Under The Stars performance at the Shops at Columbus Circle.
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Conclusion
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