Where to go in December?

December is summer in the Southern Hemisphere, and across Australia we’re hitting the beaches and getting ready to see off the year in style. If you’re looking at your leave calendar and want to get away, these are the best place to travel in December.

We have a recommendation for every type of traveller. For sunny getaway, embrace the surf scene in QLD and go on a retreat in India. If you’re looking to cool down, December is when to go skiing in Japan, Christmas market shopping in Germany and chasing the northern lights in Norway.

Travel inspiration tailored for you

Finding travel inspiration has never been easier using our travel planner below. Simply select the activity you're into and your preferred months of travel. We'll reveal the best places to go based on your availability and interests.

At Skyscanner, we’ve mastered the art of data analysis. We’ve sifted through historical weather data from destinations worldwide to pinpoint the best times for the activities you love. Dreaming of a beach getaway? We’ll guide you to locations with plenty of warmth and sunshine. Craving a snow skiing adventure? Our recommendations highlight places based on snowfall, snow depth and clear skies.

If you like beaches and sunbathing

Gold Coast, Australia

Summer is in full swing come December at Queensland’s Gold Coast, one of the best places for families looking for a holiday getaway. Take your pick of beaches, ideal for picnicking, sandcastle building and lazing the day away. Experienced surfers, head to Snapper Rocks, Kirra and Green Mount for wave after wave. Then embrace the Goldie’s café culture with a long, lazy brunch in Burleigh Heads. Surfer’s Paradise tends to attract the lion’s share of international arrivals, but if you want to find a stretch with more of a local vibe, throw your towel down at Broadbeach or Coolangatta. Solitude is often found north of Kirra or at Currumbin Creek.

If you like skiing

Niseko, Japan

December is one of the snowiest months in Niseko, a premiere snow sports town in Hokkaido, Japan. Come to ski, snowboard, tube and snowshoe among fresh snow (some skiers even claim it’s the best for powder). There are four ski interlinked resorts to choose from, each with their own offerings. Groomed runs welcome beginner and intermediate riders, but more experienced riders will want to take advantage of the off-piste powder. Stunning snow-capped Mount Yotei stands as a backdrop. Once a day on the slopes is done, warm up in an onsen and grab a drink at Bar Gyu+, where you enter through a fridge door.

If you like cities

Berlin, Germany

Christmastime at home means beachside barbecues and cossies—but if you’re dreaming of a Christmas with a more festive feel, there’s few better places than Berlin. The city is always alive with events and activities, even more so once the Christmas markets open by the beginning of December. Dry hot spiced wine (gluhwein), roasted chestnuts, candied almonds and currywurst. The city is also illuminated with twinkle lights, even at the train stations. Many of Berlin’s big sights like the Berlin Wall Memorial, Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Cathedral tend to be quieter this time of year, allowing you to take it all in without a crowd. If temperatures dip too low, wander around the many museums like the Pergamonmuseum, Neues Museum of the Jewish Museum.

If you like retreats

Goa, India

In December, Goa is dry, sunny and warm, making it an ideal spot for a retreat into nature. If you’ve ever wanted to practice yoga, go on a retreat on the coastline for beach bliss. Arambol Beach, Assagao Beach and Mandrem Beach on Goa’s northern end have yoga classes to escape the region’s party scene. Veda5 is a centrally located option. Or, for true solitude, retreat inland to move and meditate in lush jungle. Swan Yoga Retreat has yoga teacher, meditation and tantra training. Anahata Retreat has eco-friendly stays with meditation and yoga classes, and is within close distance to many of the region’s beautiful temples. In South Goa, Bamboo Yoga Retreat is a luxurious option on the shores of quiet Polem Beach.

If you like stargazing

Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø lies at the heart of the northern lights’ prime viewing zone, offering you a great chance to witness this natural spectacle. In December, despite frigid temperatures, the mesmerizing dance of electric blues, greens, yellows and purples in the night sky makes braving the cold worth it. With polar nights, when the sun never fully rises, your chances of seeing the aurora borealis are even greater. To increase your odds, venture on a guided tour outside the city to escape light pollution. And if the northern lights don’t make an appearance, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy Tromsø—stay in a magical ice dome, go snowmobiling or embark on a whale watching tour at twilight, where you might spot humpback and orca whales migrating along the icy coastline.

Travel tips for Australians

The best time to book December flights

To find the best time to book your December flights and save money, use Skyscanner's Best Time to Book tool. With the extra savings, you can splurge on a decadent brunch on the Goldie, post-skiing sushi in Niseko, gluhwein at Berlin’s Christmas markets, prawn balchao in Goa and lamb stew in Norway.

Visa requirements and travel restrictions

Before you go, be sure to check the latest visa requirements for your trip. Japan, Germany and Norway and do not require Australian passport holders to have a visa. Australian passport holders will need an eVisa (Electronic Visa) for India.

What to pack

December is the heart of winter for the northern hemisphere, so pack warm! Thick jackets, scarves and warm boots will keep you cosy in Germany, Japan and Norway, where both days and nights are cold. If you’re heading to the Gold Coast, pack your swimwear and plenty of sun protection—the beaches are cloaked in canopies for good reason. Goa is hot and humid in December, and flowy, breathable fabrics will keep you comfortable. Want more packing tips? Read on for our expert packing advice.

Ready to travel this December? Skyscanner can help you find flights, hotels and car hire options for your trip.

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