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Best Places to Travel in December 2025
Posted on Dec 17, 2025
Updated on Dec 17, 2025
December is a time when you can take unforgettable Christmas trips, as this month is one of the most magical times to explore festive towns and Christmas villages or enjoy fresh powder or winter sun. Whether you want to spend Christmas with family, visit new places in the US, go on a European adventure, or unwind in a tropical paradise, take a look at the places to spend Christmas vacations to plan your getaway. Here we've collected Credit-Land's favorite places to visit, all based on travels of our team.
Best Places to Visit in December in USA
New York
New York City has undeniable magic during the holiday season, with all its lights, festive window displays, and iconic sights like the towering Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and open-air Bryant Park ice rink turning the city into a winter wonderland. You can enjoy the seasonal buzz by visiting Radio City Christmas Spectacular, strolling around Bryant Park and Union Square holiday markets, and awing Hanukkah celebrations across the city.
Where to stay: Moxy NYC Chelsea. It's a 4-star hotel in the flower district with rooms with pretty views of the New York City skyline. Nearby popular attractions include 5th Avenue, Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building, and the legendary Vessel.
Good for: Urban explorers, festive atmosphere lovers, couples with children, traveling with a large company, couples seeking a romantic winter getaway, shoppers, and culture enthusiasts who enjoy theater, museums, and bright city lights.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg is part of the "Historic Triangle" and a magical Christmas escape. With Colonial Williamsburg, a historical district, in its heart, the city transforms into a festive wonderland with candlelit streets, traditional decorations, carolers, and steaming cups of hot cider by the fire. The city's biggest and brightest Christmas event is the annual Busch Gardens Christmas Town™ celebration with millions of lights and the festive Williamsburg Christmas Parade.
Where to stay: Wedmore Place. The hotel is a classic country estate with an award-winning winery, rooms named after European destinations, and antique furnishings. Nearby attractions include Williamsburg Winery, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and Historic Jamestowne.
Good for: Wine lovers and travelers, connoisseurs of history and culture, lovers of parks and beautiful places, families with children of all ages.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville offers a magical Christmas with plenty of places to visit, among which Biltmore Estate is the most outstanding. Biltmore is a Gilded Age mansion that transforms into a holiday dream filled with roaring fires, carols, and a big Christmas tree every December. Want more magic? Walk around the European-inspired Antler Hill Village, and enjoy candlelight tours, festive music, and twinkling garden lights.
Where to stay: Blind Tiger Asheville. A 4-star hotel in a charming 19th-century Queen Anne-style house with rooms decorated using vintage pieces and local artworks. The hotel is a short walk from the Basilica of Saint Lawrence and Asheville Botanical Gardens.
Good for: Fans of majestic architecture and history, lovers of excursions, couples looking for an atmospheric vacation, art and design lovers, travelers who appreciate the combination of nature (Blue Ridge Mountains) and sophisticated culture, as well as for everyone who dreams of a fabulous Christmas in a luxurious historical setting.
Best Places to Ski in December
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is an incredible December getaway. It is an upscale mountain town transformed into a snow-covered alpine paradise with world-class skiing, twinkling holiday lights, a buzzling apre-ski scene, and a spectacular winter atmosphere. Each year enthusiasts team up in Aspen to throw the biggest dozen-day party the city sees all year. The 12 Days of Aspen festival brings everyone together to celebrate the season and new beginnings.
Where to stay: Aspen Meadows Resort. The resort is surrounded by the Colorado Rocky Mountains and offers easy access to endless recreational activities. Top-rated ski trails and a downtown area with local shops and restaurants are also easily accessible.
Good for: Skiers and snowboarders of all levels, luxury travelers, lovers of mountains and beautiful views, people who are not afraid of the cold and love snowy beauty, party lovers, couples going on a high-class romantic vacation, and families who are looking for a premium winter vacation filled with activity, with impeccable service and amenities.
Alta, Utah
Located just outside of Salt Lake City, UT, Alta offers everything all skiers need: the best snow and great terrain. It is also a home to community events and holiday festivities. Enthusiasts can enjoy festive mountain lodges with holiday cheer, events like carol sing-alongs, and surprisingly fewer crowds on Christmas Day itself.
Where to stay: Snowpine Lodge. A four-star mountain experience with unrivaled access to the world's best mountain recreation. All adventures are just steps away all year round.
Good for: Lovers of mountains and beautiful views, people who are not afraid of the cold and love snowy beauty, serious skiers and snowboarding enthusiasts, tourists who prefer ski resorts only for skiing (without snowboarding), for those who want to spend Christmas in a cozy and quiet place.
Best Warm Places to Visit in December in USA
Waikiki, Hawaii
Those who want a sun-soaked December getaway, Waikiki can deliver this and even more. Here you can find golden sands, calm turquoise waters, and a laid-back tropical vibe. For those who need city buzz with festive cheer, the nearby North Shore has the giant Honolulu City Lights display.
Where to stay: Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton. A four-star hotel located within 10 minutes' walk of Waikiki Beach. The hotel features guest suites with kitchenettes and offers a rooftop outdoor pool.
Good for: Lovers of hot and sunny climates, lovers of beach holidays and beautiful views, surfers, families with children, newlyweds, travelers who want to spend a classic tropical vacation with the amenities of the city (shops, restaurants, nightlife).
Siesta Key, Florida
Siesta Key offers sugar-white sand and warm weather in winter. It is far more comfortable in winter than in summer and sunny enough to get your dose of vitamin D. Here you will find powder-soft quartz-sand beaches, relaxed island vibe with festive events, and outdoor dining, all without the dreaded winter chill.
Where to stay: Inn on Siesta Key. A charming, family-owned spot where you'll experience vintage Florida with its coastal charm. Its suites are located within walking distance of the village, Siesta Key Beach, and Lido Beach.
Good for: Lovers of relaxing holidays, beaches and beautiful views, families looking for a relaxing and safe beach holiday, couples looking for a quiet and romantic retreat on the coast, residents of the Eastern United States who want to spend a warm and sunny winter without a long flight.
Best Countries to Visit in December
Rome, Italy
December months provide lots of attractions in Rome with fewer crowds. Visitors can stroll through numerous Christmas markets and warm their bellies with vin brulé, the usually non-alcoholic mulled wine served with intervals of pannetone. There's more to discover by simply wandering the city: from nativity scenes to classical music and choirs at Rome's beautiful churches and historic auditoriums.
Where to stay: art'otel Rome Piazza Sallustio, Powered by Radisson Hotels. A five-star, art-inspired boutique hotel in Rome's city center. The hotel is close to historic ruins and authentic restaurants and steps from Villa Borghese, the Spanish Steps and the Dolce Vita-known Via Veneto.
Good for: Lovers of romance, foodies and lovers of delicious food, couples and singles, fans of culture and history, travelers who want to explore the main European attractions without crowds at the height of the season.
Morocco
Those who want Christmas without Christmas will love Morocco. Though, today it's possible to find glimpses of the holiday in a large city like Marrakech, Casablanca or Rabat. Visitors can have two different experiences by spending Christmas in Morocco. A traditional Christmas experience in European style can be found in Rabat. Those who want to escape Christmas can head to smaller towns and cities, like Mirleft or Dakhla, where the holiday is barely noticeable.
Where to stay: Conrad Rabat Arzana. The hotel offers a front-row view of the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean. It's located a 25-minute drive down the coast from the Moroccan capital, Rabat.
Good for: Discoverers of new cultures, those who want to completely avoid the traditional Christmas holidays, foodies who want to get acquainted with Moroccan cuisine, those interested in Islamic architecture, medinas and desert landscapes.
Zermatt, Swiss Alps
For those who are looking for snowy-mountain scenes, horse-drawn sleighs, twinkling trees, gluhwein stalls, and a pretty village this Christmas, Zermatt has it all. It is also one of Europe's best ski resorts with snow-pure slopes - 200 astoundingly pretty kilometers of them. There are a lot of activities for both avid skiers and fun lovers.
Where to stay: Monte Rosa Boutique Hotel. It's Zermatt's oldest hotel with amazing views of the Matterhorn. The Monte Rosa is located right in the center of the village.
Good for: Snow-capped mountain scenery lovers, skiers and winter sports enthusiasts of all levels, families dreaming of a classic, picturesque Christmas in the Alps, newlyweds and couples looking for romantic solitude in the snow-capped mountains, photographers, suitable for lovers of small villages with beautiful views and a cozy atmosphere.
How to save on Christmas travel?
Traveling during the holiday season may bring you joy and some challenges. It usually means you are off to see your loved ones or heading on a vacation to end the year right. And you may not always find the best deals on hotel stays and flights, but there's always a sure way to save on your expenses - a rewards credit card. Here we've picked credit cards with generous welcome bonuses and high ongoing rewards.
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
0% Intro APR (15 months)
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
0% Intro APR (15 months)
Regular APR
17.74% - 26.74% Variable APR *Rates as of December 15, 2025
Balance Transfer Fee
3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Annual Fee
$0
- UNLIMITED BONUS: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match. You could turn 35,000 Miles into 70,000 Miles.
- Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase
- No annual fee.
- Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants, and more.
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.74% to 26.74% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply. Rates as of December 15, 2025.
- Terms and conditions apply.
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
Balance Transfer Fee applies to balances transferred at a promotional rate
Annual Fee
$395
- Click "APPLY ONLINE" to apply now
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn 100,000 bonus miles once you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening - equal to $1,000 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Top rated mobile app
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
0% (15 months on Purchases)
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
0% (15 months on Balance Transfers)
Regular APR
18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
Annual Fee
$0
- For a limited time, earn 30,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months; after that, the variable APR will be 18.74% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- Earn 3 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent in an eligible Self-Select Category of your choice (Fitness Clubs, Select Streaming Services, Live Entertainment, Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons, or Pet Supply Stores). Choose your eligible Self-Select Category on Citi Online or by calling customer service. The default Self-Select Category is Select Streaming Services.
- Earn 5 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked on Citi Travel® via cititravel.com; earn 3 ThankYou Points for each $1 spent at Supermarkets, on Select Transit purchases, and at Gas & EV Charging Stations.
- Earn 2 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent at Restaurants; earn 1 ThankYou® Point for each $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
- No Annual Fee
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR
Balance Transfer Fee
3% intro for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%, min: $5
Annual Fee
$0
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
- Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
- $0 annual fee.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% variable APR thereafter.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Rates & Fees
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
19.74% - 27.74% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
Annual Fee
$95
- Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
- Earn 10 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
- Earn 3 Points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
- Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
- No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
0% intro on purchases (for 15 months)
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
0% intro on balance transfers (for 15 months)
Regular APR
18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
Balance transfer fee applies
Annual Fee
$0
- Click "APPLY ONLINE" to apply now
- Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 18.74% - 28.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- Top rated mobile app
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Regular APR
18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR
Balance Transfer Fee
3% intro for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%, min: $5
Annual Fee
$0
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Rates & Fees
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
19.74% - 29.74% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Annual Fee
$350
- For a limited time, earn 90,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $5,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.
- American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles are not available if you have received AAdvantage® bonus miles for a new AAdvantage® Globe™ account in the past 48 months or if you converted another Citi credit card account on which you earned a new account bonus in the last 48 months into a AAdvantage® Globe™ account.
- Every calendar year, receive four Admirals Club® Globe™ Passes.
- Global Entry® or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit of up to $120 every 4 years.
- Earn 6 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible hotels booked through aadvantagehotels.com.
- Earn 3 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at restaurants, including takeout and delivery.
- Earn 1 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
19.49%, 25.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR
Balance Transfer Fee
3% intro for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%, min: $5
Annual Fee
$95
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
- Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.
- $95 annual fee.
- Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
- Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
- Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Rates & Fees
our choice
