Best Places to Visit in December

There’s something cosy about December in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s a time when fairy lights adorn living rooms and buildings, everybody’s favourite winter scarves and gloves are donned, and Christmas Markets start popping up like cozy fires on a cold night, inviting people to gather and share in the season's joy.  

There are so many reasons we love travelling in December, from the quietness of off-season destinations to cheaper accommodation, so we’ve made a list of the best places to visit in December in the UK and Europe, so you can take advantage of travelling in winter. 

Coming up in this article: 

• Our Top Destinations to Visit in December

  • Zermatt, Switzerland

  • Speyside Region, Scotland

  • Cornwall, England

  • Dingle Peninsula, Ireland

  • Andalucía, Spain

• December Places to Visit FAQs

Our Top Destinations to Visit in December 

We love travelling in winter. Queues are shorter, accommodation is cheaper, streets are quieter making snapping the perfect photo much more achievable. Not to mention that hint of winter magic in the air. 

And winter is one of our favourite times of year to embark on our small-group tours with new friends from around the globe (that’s you, by the way). Each year, we look forward to travelling with you in winter, to see the delight on your faces upon seeing a snow-dusted landscape spotted with deer and wild haggis. Only kidding about the haggis... though it does make an excellently warming meal on a cold winter’s day. 

There are so many places to recommend, but these next 5 locations will make your December holiday extra memorable.  

Zermatt, Switzerland

Average temperature: -6°C - 2°C (21 - 35°F) 

Season: Winter 

Best for: Ski holiday vibes 

Rabbie’s Tour: 13-day The Vistas of Switzerland & Italy tour

Picture a European Christmas movie. Go on, we’ll wait as you conjure up enormous sparkling Christmas trees, horse-drawn sleighs, Christmas market stalls, cider and mulled wine, cinnamon donuts and roasted nuts, ski goggles and frosted eyelashes... as the characters wander under the imposing gaze of snow-covered slopes. 

We pictured the same thing. We pictured Zermatt in Switzerland. And while it can be frightfully cold there during winter, it makes for the idyllic European winter destination, especially during the festive season. The cold is part of the appeal. You want the alpine buildings of Zermatt covered in snow, trust us. You want an excuse to dash inside to warm yourself by the fire before venturing out into the Naria-esque landscape that surrounds you. 

Lying at the base of the Matterhorn, one of the world’s most famous mountains, it’s no wonder this ski resort town is a touristic hotspot. But in winter... fresh falls of snow give the resort an almost renewing effect.  

And while our Switzerland tours to Zermatt don’t operate over winter (sorry!), it doesn’t mean you can’t venture there yourself on a wee snowy escape. 

Speyside Region, Scotland

Average temperature: 0 - 6°C (32 - 43°F) 

Season: Winter 

Best for: Narnia in winter vibes 

Rabbie’s Tour: 1-day Speyside Whisky Trail tour

We can hear it now: Scotland in winter – are you crazy? While December is one of the coldest months to visit Scotland, it’s also one of the most magical. Why? For many reasons: 

• No midges 

• Less crowds 

• Cheaper and more available accommodation 

• Quieter streets 

• That good old Scottish Highland magic we call... snow  

Isn’t the point of seeing snow embracing the icy goodness that comes along with it? Bundled up in your favourite winter coat and scarf, your breath frosted on the air before you, a cosy silence wrapping around you, the promise of a pub’s fireplace calling to you... this is the magic of winter in Scotland. 

And Speyside makes for the ideal place to visit in Scotland in winter... namely because of its biggest export: whisky. That good old warming golden drink. Speyside is known as the whisky region of Scotland, with some 50 plus distilleries, including some of the world’s most famous names such as Glenfiddich, Macallan, and Glenlivet. A dram or two of any of these wonderful brands is bound to warm the cockles of your heart no matter what the weather is outside. 

Plus, for those who are fascinated with seeing behind-the-scenes, most distilleries run tours of their production facilities. Trust us, once you’re hit with that powerful smell and surrounded by Wonka-esque machinery, you’ll forget all about that wintery sky. 

Cornwall, England

Average temperature: 4 – 9°C (39 – 48°F) 

Season: Winter 

Best for: Staring out at the seaocean and waiting for Captain Jack Sparrow to appear 

Rabbie’s Tour: 5-day Devon & Cornwall tour

This is as far south as you can go in the UK during winter, which means this is about as warm as it’s going to get. Though with that cooling breeze coming off the water, you’ll still definitely need your wintery clothes. But at least with those views, it’s absolutely worth it. 

Unspoilt harbour villages, rings of standing stones. Craggy moorish landscapes, castles perched on cliff-faces. Cornwall is infused with history and passion everywhere you look. It doesn’t matter if you’re wandering narrow streets through the artist’s haven of St Ives or investigating the links to the Arthurian legend in Glastonbury, Cornwall is the kind of place that is alive and bustling with its stories, even when it appears to be slumbering. Drowsy village streets and windswept crags, looming gothic cathedrals and fierce coastal paths... we itch to see Cornwall in her all seasons. And in winter, Cornwall has a moment to breathe, to take stock of her assets and really show them off to you. 

Dingle Peninsula, Ireland

Average temperature: 8°C (46°F) 

Season: Winter 

Best for: The jovial Irish spirit 

Rabbie’s Tour: 5-day Escape to the South West tour 

Oh no, you’ve been forced inside a cosy Irish pub because it’s raining outside and oh no, you’re tucked up beside the open fire with a Guinness and having to converse with the locals. Oh no, it sounds horrible. Or is it the perfect adventure? 

You might not believe us, but something quite similar happened to one of our very own Rabbie’s staff many years ago. Bronwyn was cycling through the south of Ireland with her best friend when the sky opened up and poured a year’s worth of rain down on them. Isolated and freezing, they knocked on the door of a nearby house. An elderly gentleman answered, and they asked if they could wait out the storm in his home. Not only did he say yes, but he also offered the use of his washer and dryer, while force-feeding them tea and biscuits, and regaling them with stories of his quaint Irish life. Later that night, in the pub of their hostel, they were adopted by a group of locals and ended up singing traditional Irish songs after a wonderful day exploring the wild and luscious landscapes of Ireland. 

Needless to say, it’s easy to make friends in Ireland, no matter the time of year. And everybody knows that the weather is an easy icebreaker. And luckier still, it doesn’t always rain. The sun loves to peek out and cast glorious golden light over emerald hills, deep blue oceans, and all the towering forts and humble churches scattered across the Dingle Peninsula. Ringed by sandy beaches and craggy cliffs, this southwest region of Ireland is ideal for road trips, whether that be in a car, on a bike, or on a small-group tour. 

Andalucía, Spain

Average temperature: 10 – 18°C (50 - 64°F) 

Season: Winter 

Best for: Feeding one’s soul (and stomach) 

Rabbie’s Tour: 4-day The Colours of Andalucía tour 

Andalucía is a tapestry. Rich colours, striking views, world-class wine and food, and impossible architecture... this region of Spain is a true cultural experience. And even in winter, you don’t have to fear the chronically freezing temperatures. So, if you’re looking to escape winter this December, you might consider a trip to Andalucía. 

Old Towns and Alcázars, treasure-filled labyrinths and history-soaked palaces. Thousands of years of passion and culture has influenced the genetic makeup of Andalucía. 

And the funny thing is, Spain in summer can actually be a tad stifling. A bit too hot for some. But in winter? There’s no queuing outside in the scorching heat to sneak a peek at one of the many popular destinations. There’s only quiet meandering for hours and hours, because you have a winter-infused energy coursing through your body as you explore this kaleidoscope of architectural and cultural wonders. 

December Places to Visit FAQs  

Tempted by that winter adventure? We know you are. We’re sure you will have some questions about it, so let us answer some of the most common questions asked for this time of year.  

Where Is Hot to Visit in December?  

Yes, it’s a tad chilly to explore in December... but it’s that magical time of year when the festive spirit engulfs main streets and local pubs. The kind of festivities that make you want to explore more. So, you’ll need to pack a variety of clothing options to keep you comfortable while you travel, including a scarf, beanie, gloves, and a jacket. A raincoat or umbrella is always a good idea too!  

Is December a Good Time to Travel?  

In our opinion, December is a joyful time to travel thanks to it being far quieter where travellers are concerned, not to mention the Christmas spirit colouring many of the places you’ll visit. If you’re looking for shorter queue times and more peaceful explorations, then travelling in winter is for you. 

Of course, some attractions shorten their opening hours during this part of the year, so make sure to account for that when planning your trip. 

What Is the Best Short Break for December?  

The best short break in December depends on what you want to do and see, but we have a soft spot for the Speyside Region in Scotland. Maybe that’s because there’s something about snow-covered mountains and icy views that bring a peacefulness that can be harder to find in cities. 

But perhaps you want to chase the relative warmth in somewhere like Andalucía in Spain. It’s up to you to decide where to next. To help plan your next getaway, refer to our short breaks guide to ensure you don’t miss a step. 

Winter Escapes with Rabbie’s 

Isn’t it nice to have someone do all the driving? To tell you the tricks of the local area, or to take a picture of the whole family? That’s what we’re here for, among other things. We’d love to join you on your next adventure on a Rabbie's tour.  

And right now, we’re running a unique offer for autumn and winter with 10% off day trips when you travel in October until the 17th Dec 2024. 

Whether you choose to travel in December, or you opt for another time of year, our driver-guides will be awaiting you with a smile. What’s more, when you travel with a B Corp certified company, you are making the choice to explore more responsibly. And that’s always a positive thing to celebrate. Make sure you sign-up to our newsletter for your portion of inspiration and to be one of the first to know about new destinations we’re going to explore.