December is a month full of celebrations throughout the whole world. Some places celebrate this season with a bit more excitement, and these are the best countries to visit in December. We will show you some of the best Christmas destinations around the world.
Traveling Tips During Christmas Season
1. Bring lots of winter clothing.
Weather can be pretty tricky to predict, and sometimes, the cold becomes too cold in just a quick second. Bring the right amount of winter clothing, and then add some for safety purposes. You don’t want to purchase a new jacket just because you forgot to bring some.
>>Find the best deals on winter clothing.
2. Immerse into the culture of your destination.
Traveling to a place with a different culture of Christmas celebration will always be a treat for anyone. Experience this new culture and embrace it fully. Getting a new perspective on things like this can open up your mind and give you fresh ideas.
Budapest
Budapest is one of the best countries to visit in December in Europe. Like most European cities, Christmas markets pop up during the Christmas season. In Vorosmarty Square, the Christmas market starts in mid-November and closes in early January. There’s also a Christmas Fair near the Basilica. Buy chimney cakes at the Christmas market, so you don’t get hungry while shopping.
There’s also the Szechenyi Baths and Pool, where they have open-air thermal pools and indoor pools that can help you feel warm during the cold weather of the Christmas season. Some patrons play chess while they are plunged chest-high in the waters. The Budapest Nutcracker Ballet performs every winter season at the Hungarian State Opera House. Check out their performance if you visit Budapest in December.
Stay at the castle-like hotel of Corinthia Budapest. They provide amazing amenities like an indoor pool, a spa and steam room, babysitting services, and a nightclub. They also have great breakfast servings and nice selections of wine and champagne.
Vienna
Vienna is one of the reasons why traveling to Europe is a great decision every December. The Christmas markets here are some of the best around the continent. They attract millions of customers, and it has a unique smell and atmosphere that makes you really feel that Christmas is coming. There are also rides and games around the Christmas markets, making it a great destination for kids.
If you ever feel like you want to listen to Christmas carols and Advent concerts, visit the Konzerthaus where a musical gala performs or drop by the Rathausplatz Christmas market and listen to the choir sing. Christmas in Vienna will never be complete if you don’t try a Weihnachtspunsch or Christmas Punch. It is a traditional drink in Vienna during the Christmas season.
Boutique Hotel am Stephansplatz can be your hotel during your Christmas visit to Vienna. They offer free breakfast for the guests, free airport transportation, and complimentary drinks. They also have a kid-friendly menu at the buffet. It is near St. Stephen’s Cathedral and just a short walk from most attractions you would want to see.
New York City
The United States is surely among the best countries to visit in December, specifically New York. A Christmas travel to New York City is like an escape to a winter wonderland. Christmas lights and large Christmas trees are scattered around the city, the snow will always be covering the streets, skating rinks in Bryant Park and Central Park, and Santas emerge every Christmas season in New York.
The Christmas tree in front of Rockefeller Center is a must-see attraction in New York every Christmas. It’s a huge Christmas tree with an ice skating rink below. Some might remember this attraction because of Home Alone 2.
Central Park becomes a snow-filled area, and there are lots of activities you can try during this time. Skate around the Wollman rink or ride horse carriages around the park to see what a majestic sight Central Park is during the winter season.
Park Central Hotel is a good hotel to stay at during your December trip to New York. Its proximity to Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square is a great benefit since you’re going to visit them anyway. 24-hour front desks and free internet access make this hotel a comfortable one for you.
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is known as the cultural capital of Russia. During the winter season, Christmas markets start to emerge. Some of the biggest ones are in Moskovskaya Square and Gachina Palace. The largest Orthodox cathedral also resides in St. Petersburg, St. Isaac’s Cathedral.
There’s also Nevsky Prospect or Regent Street, where some of the most famous restaurants are in place. For art enthusiasts, Russian Museum and Arts Square is also in Nevsky Prospect. There’s also the Faberge Museum, where some of the most dazzling eggs are displayed.
The DOM Boutique Hotel offers great amenities for every visitor and guest. Nice picture-perfect rooms, great interior design, and very accommodating staff. They provide a free breakfast buffet for the guests, complimentary drinks, and airport transportation.
Philippines
One of the best countries to visit in December is the Philippines. They may be the country with the longest Christmas celebration in the whole world. Once September comes, the Christmas spirit is already in the air. In December, things start to really pick up. Malls are packed, streets are filled with vendors of food, toys, or other gift ideas, and people are ready to finish their Christmas shopping.
One of the great things to experience on Christmas in the Philippines is Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo. It’s a devotional mass done in nine straight days before Christmas. Every night or early dawn, Filipino Catholics go to Church to celebrate this mass. One of the superstitions is that if you complete the nine masses, you get a wish granted just in time for Christmas.
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila offers the best stay in their hotel during the Christmas season. They have an amazing buffet at the Spiral that costs extra but is definitely worth it. They also prepare entertainment and lights displays throughout the hotel every December.
Conclusion
Every destination is a fun one, especially during December, since everyone is in high spirits. The best countries to visit in December are some of the destinations that offer great fun for you and your family. Now that you know these places, you can now start planning your winter vacation.
Need help in planning your vacation? Here are some of the best places to go on vacation!