Best Places To Travel In December 2026
A practical roundup review of the best options for best places to travel in december, with quick picks, comparison notes, mini reviews, buying advice, and FAQ.
Best Places To Travel In December 2026
Roundup review
We reviewed 30 destinations commonly recommended for December breaks, comparing official tourism data, flight availability from UK departures, accommodation trends, and traveller feedback patterns. Our top pick for most UK travellers in December 2026 is Lapland, Finland, for the best combination of festive atmosphere, daylight hours, flight options, and family appeal.
Quick Comparison
Lapland
- Reliable snow cover
- Direct flights from UK
- Strong family appeal
Prague
- Famous Christmas markets
- Short flight time
- Budget-friendly
Canary Islands
- Warm temperatures
- Wide flight choice
- No long-haul jet lag
Vienna
- Elegant Christmas markets
- Classical concerts
- Easy city logistics
Riga
- Low prices
- Festive old town
- Good flight links
The Best Places To Travel In December
- Lapland, Finland - Best overall for a December break
- Prague, Czech Republic - Best for a festive city break
- Canary Islands, Spain - Best for winter sun without long-haul travel
- Vienna, Austria - Best for culture and classic Christmas markets
- Riga, Latvia - Best for budget-conscious travellers
Lapland, Finland
Lapland delivers the strongest December travel experience for most UK visitors. Snow is near-guaranteed, daylight hours stretch to around four hours with a beautiful low sun, and the range of activities from husky safaris to reindeer sleigh rides suits families and couples alike. Flight connections from London, Manchester, and Birmingham run throughout December, with charter and scheduled options to Rovaniemi, Kittilä, and Ivalo. The festive theme is authentic rather than manufactured, and organised trips from UK operators include transfers, guides, and activity packages that reduce planning stress. Expect cold temperatures between -5°C and -15°C, so proper cold-weather clothing is essential.
Pros
- Very reliable snow cover in December
- Direct flights from multiple UK airports
- Excellent range of organised family packages
- Northern Lights potential on clear nights
Cons
- Prices peak around Christmas week
- Very cold temperatures may challenge young children
- Limited daylight hours can restrict sightseeing
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague offers one of Europe's most atmospheric Christmas market scenes without the price tag of western European capitals. The old town square, Wenceslas Square, and the market at the edge of the historic centre fill with wooden stalls selling mulled wine, trdelnik pastries, and handmade crafts. The Charles Bridge and Prague Castle look particularly striking under winter frost, and the compact city centre makes exploring on foot practical even in colder weather. December temperatures hover around freezing point, so warm layers are necessary. Flights from UK regional airports run year-round, and weekend breaks are easy to arrange with BA, easyJet, Ryanair, and Jet2 depending on your departure city.
Pros
- Outstanding Christmas markets with local character
- Short flight from most UK regions
- Affordable food, drink, and accommodation
- Compact and walkable historic centre
Cons
- Peak crowds around weekends in December
- Can be chilly with occasional snow flurries
- Hotel prices rise for market season
Canary Islands, Spain
If you need warmth rather than snow, the Canary Islands provide December temperatures of 20–24°C on most days. Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura offer the most reliable sunshine, with the south of Tenerife and the island of Lanzarote enjoying the most stable conditions. The islands are a short four-hour flight from the UK, with no jet lag and abundant direct routes from regional airports. December is peak season, so book early for the best choice of accommodation and flight times. Water temperatures stay around 19–20°C, so the sea is bracing rather than warm, but heated pools and sheltered coastal spots compensate nicely.
Pros
- Reliable December warmth without long-haul travel
- Direct flights from many UK airports
- Sunny weather supports outdoor dining and walking
- Good value compared to winter ski resorts
Cons
- Sea water is cool for swimming
- Resorts can be busy during school holidays
- Limited festive atmosphere compared to northern Europe
Vienna, Austria
Vienna combines sophisticated Christmas markets with a rich cultural calendar that includes classical concerts, ballet performances, and festive concerts in historic venues. The Rathausplatz market is one of Europe's largest and most photogenic, while smaller markets in Schönbrunn Palace and Spittelberg offer a more intimate atmosphere. The city's excellent public transport system makes getting around effortless, and December hotel prices remain reasonable outside the final week before Christmas. Expect crisp temperatures around 2–5°C, occasional frost, and the occasional light dusting of snow. Vienna suits couples and culture-focused travellers rather than families seeking hands-on activities.
Pros
- Large, varied Christmas markets
- Outstanding classical music programme
- Beautiful Habsburg-era architecture
- Efficient public transport
Cons
- More expensive than Prague or Riga
- Limited hands-on activities for young children
- Popular market sites get crowded in peak evenings
Riga, Latvia
Riga offers the most budget-friendly December Christmas market experience among our top picks, with significantly lower prices for food, drink, accommodation, and activities compared to western European capitals. The old town's Art Nouveau architecture and cobbled streets make a charming backdrop for the central market at Dome Square, which features local crafts, festive food, and a warm, community atmosphere. December temperatures range from -2°C to 2°C, with occasional snow. Direct flights from London and Manchester run several times weekly, and the city's compact old town means you can explore without spending on transport.
Pros
- Very affordable prices compared to western Europe
- Charming old town with a local feel
- Good flight connections from UK
- Less crowded than Prague or Vienna
Cons
- Limited appeal beyond the market and old town
- Smaller Christmas market scene
- Fewer flight options from regional airports
How We Chose the Best Places To Travel In December
This roundup is based on desk research and editorial analysis, not on first-hand testing of every destination. We reviewed official tourism board information, flight schedules and availability from UK airports, accommodation pricing patterns, and traveller feedback across multiple platforms.
We assessed each destination against five criteria that matter most for December travel from the UK:
- Festive atmosphere: the quality and authenticity of Christmas markets, seasonal events, and winter charm.
- Flight access: the number and frequency of direct routes from UK airports, including regional departures.
- Value: typical costs for accommodation, dining, activities, and transport relative to the experience.
- Family suitability: practical appeal for children, including activity options, logistics, and comfort.
- Weather reliability: the likelihood of appropriate December conditions, whether snow or sunshine.
We shortlisted 30 destinations, then filtered to ten with strong UK flight connections, and selected the final five that offer distinct, well-rounded December experiences. We excluded destinations with unreliable December weather, complex visa requirements, or limited UK flight access.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a December Destination
Choosing the right place to travel in December depends on several practical factors. Here's what to consider before booking.
Flight Connections and Timing
Check which UK airports offer direct flights to your shortlisted destinations. Lapland services often operate only on specific days of the week, especially from regional airports like Bristol or Newcastle. Prague, Riga, and the Canary Islands have more frequent year-round schedules. If you plan to depart from a regional airport, verify the flight days match your intended travel dates before falling in love with a destination.
December flight prices rise sharply in the last ten days of the month, particularly around 20 December onward. If you can travel in the first three weeks of December, you'll typically pay 30–50% less and face quieter attractions.
Weather Expectations and Packing
December conditions vary dramatically across our top picks. Lapland sees temperatures of -5°C to -15°C with heavy snow and limited daylight. Prague and Vienna hover around freezing with occasional snow. Riga sits between -2°C and 2°C. The Canary Islands enjoy 20–24°C days with cool evenings.
Packing accordingly is essential. For cold destinations, bring thermal base layers, a warm mid-layer, a waterproof outer shell, insulated gloves, a hat, and a scarf. For the Canaries, light layers plus a warm jacket for evenings work best. Don't underestimate the bite of Central European December cold, especially after sunset.
Budget Realities
December pricing varies enormously. Riga is the cheapest of our picks, with meals around 25–30% less than Prague and accommodation at similar discounts. Prague offers good value overall. Vienna sits roughly 15–20% higher than Prague. Lapland is the most expensive, with family packages often starting in the high hundreds per person for a short break.
Be realistic about your total budget, including transfers, meals, activities, and airport parking or transfers. Lapland packages often include meals and transfers, which can make them better value than they first appear.
Who Is Travelling
Families with young children will find Lapland's organised activities, gentle sleigh rides, and Santa visits particularly appealing, but the cold can limit outdoor time for toddlers. Prague and Vienna suit couples and older children who can cope with walking and market crowds. The Canary Islands work well for young families needing warmth and easy pacing. Riga is best for couples or friends seeking affordability and a less commercialised experience.
Flexible Payments and Booking Terms
Given the steep December price peaks, flexible payment options matter. Many UK tour operators, including Jet2holidays, TUI, and easyJet holidays, offer deposit schemes that let you secure a holiday with a modest initial payment and settle the balance closer to departure. Check the cancellation policy carefully before committing, especially for Lapland packages where operators often require full payment earlier.
Independent bookings, such as flights plus separate accommodation, usually require full payment at the time of booking, but some hotel chains allow free cancellation up to 48 hours before arrival. Compare total costs and flexibility before choosing between a package and a DIY break.
Final Verdict: Best Places To Travel In December
Our number one choice for December travel in 2026 is Lapland, Finland. It offers the definitive festive experience with reliable snow, a magical atmosphere, and excellent family-focused activities. For those who prefer a city break, Prague delivers outstanding Christmas markets at reasonable prices.
If you need warmth, the Canary Islands provide dependable sunshine close to home. Vienna suits culture enthusiasts, while Riga is the best option for budget-conscious travellers seeking a less commercialised December escape.
Your decision should be guided by your budget, the ages and interests of your travel companions, and whether you dream of snow or sunshine. Book early for the best flight times and accommodation options, and consider flexible payment plans if you want to spread the cost.
Best Places To Travel In December 2026 FAQ
Where is the best place to go in December for warm weather?
The Canary Islands offer the most reliable warm weather in December for UK travellers, with temperatures around 20–24°C. Tenerife and Lanzarote are the most consistent choices, with direct flights from multiple UK airports and no jet lag.
Is December a good time to visit Lapland for the Northern Lights?
Yes, December offers long polar nights and clear skies that improve Northern Lights viewing chances. However, solar activity varies year to year, and sightings are never guaranteed. Opt for a stay of at least three nights to maximise your chances.
What is the cheapest European destination in December?
Riga, Latvia, is typically the most affordable European Christmas market city, with lower food, drink, and accommodation prices than Prague or Vienna. Flight costs are also generally reasonable, though they rise closer to Christmas week.
Do Christmas markets in Prague and Vienna run throughout December?
Most markets open from late November and run until 23 or 24 December. Some markets close on Christmas Eve, while others remain open until New Year's Eve. Check the specific market schedule before planning your trip.
Should I book a package holiday or independent travel for December?
Package holidays can simplify planning and often include transfers, meals, and activities, making them a good fit for Lapland or all-inclusive Canary Islands breaks. Independent bookings usually cost less for city breaks in Prague, Vienna, or Riga, but require more planning and flexible payments.
How far in advance should I book December travel?
Book a minimum of 8–12 weeks before travel for the best flight times and accommodation selection. For Lapland packages, booking 4–6 months ahead secures better prices and confirmed dates. Last-minute deals are rare in December outside the first week of the month.
