Top Places to Travel: December 2025

As the year draws to a close, December invites travelers to embrace the magic of the season—whether that means basking in the southern hemisphere sunshine, exploring festive European cities, or retreating to snow-capped mountain hideaways. From the Galápagos Islands’ rare wildlife wonders to the storybook landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, these destinations promise unforgettable journeys to end the year on a high note.

This December, the Galápagos Islands will unveil a rare spectacle: the hatching of giant tortoise eggs. Watch hatchlings break through their shells and take their first steps in the wild—an unforgettable reminder of the islands’ timeless wonder, and one of the many reasons December is the perfect time to visit.

Experience this once-in-a-lifetime moment aboard Aqua Mare, the first true superyacht in the Galápagos. At 50 meters, this Italian CRN-built vessel with custom Zuretti interiors features seven elegant design suites, accommodating just 16 guests in a private sanctuary. After days spent exploring remote wildlife and dramatic volcanic landscapes, guests can unwind in expansive social spaces, savor award-winning Peruvian cuisine by Chef Pedro Schiaffino, and enjoy the personalized care of a 16-member crew.

In December, Chile’s Atacama Desert glows under warm summer light, where rust-red canyons, shimmering salt flats, and steaming geysers stretch beneath endless blue skies. The days stretch long and dry, with temperatures in the mid-70s, making it the ideal season for full-day adventures including biking across the stunning desert landscapes, hiking to high-altitude lagoons, or watching the sun rise over the El Tatio geysers.

Adventure lovers are drawn to Nayara Alto Atacama, an adobe-style sanctuary carved into a cactus-strewn gorge just outside San Pedro de Atacama. Designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, the property’s low-slung terracotta buildings open to sweeping views of the Cordillera de la Sal. Each of its 42 rooms features a private terrace, handcrafted textiles, and deep soaking tubs for post-adventure relaxation. Between excursions, guests can cool off in the terraced pools, wander the hotel’s gardens, visit the resident llamas, or book a treatment at the Puri Spa, where therapies draw on desert botanicals and Andean traditions. As night falls, head to the onsite observatory, where the in-house astronomer guides guests through one of the clearest, most star-saturated skies on Earth.

Each December, Prague transforms into one of Europe’s most enchanting winter destinations with Christmas markets straight out of a Hallmark movie. From the twinkling stalls of Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square to the scent of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread drifting through cobbled streets, the city’s markets are a top celebration of tradition, artistry, and festive spirit.

This year, Almanac X Alcron Prague adds its own festive flair with a striking décor concept by Czech designer Linda Pro in collaboration with Glassor Decor, a Czech design and glass-manufacturing company that specializes in the design and manufacture of mouth-blown, hand-painted and artisanal glass Christmas ornaments. At the heart of the hotel lobby, a 12-foot tree will sparkle with hand-blown glass bows in powder pink and cream white, surrounded by a “forest” of smaller ribbon-trimmed potted trees dusted with artificial snow. Guests can also enjoy exclusive holiday experiences including festive hidden-neighborhood tours, styling sessions with fashion designer Lukáš Macháček to craft the ultimate party-season outfit, hands-on art workshops with Jan Bican to create personalized Christmas gifts, and culinary masterclasses with Chef Richard Bielik focusing on gingerbread baking and decorating.

For anyone who has ever dreamed of stepping into a holiday storybook, Christmas at The Fife Arms delivers the magic in true Highland style. Think snow-dusted peaks, roaring fires, and Victorian-era decorations crafted from locally foraged greenery—all set against the fairytale backdrop of Braemar village. From December 24–27, 2025, guests are invited to embrace centuries-old traditions and festive indulgence with The Fife Arms’ signature Christmas package. The three-night celebration begins with a special afternoon tea on Christmas Eve before the Cairngorm Reindeer Parade winds through the village. Later, guests gather around the fire pit for roasted chestnuts, create their own ornaments for the hotel’s Christmas trees, and take part in ancient Yuletide rituals like burning birch twig bundles in the courtyard. Between wintry walks through Cairngorms National Park and visits to the village’s festive markets, guests can retreat to Bertie’s Whisky Bar—stocked with more than 500 bottles—or unwind with a treatment at the Albamhor Spa, inspired by the wild landscapes of the Highlands.

With soaring peaks, glacier-fed slopes, and postcard-perfect villages, the Swiss Alps are the quintessential December destination. Days are spent carving fresh powder, nights lingering over world-class cuisine and fireside après-ski. Among its legendary resorts, Zermatt and Crans-Montana shine for their blend of iconic scenery, exceptional skiing, and refined hospitality.

At the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt pairs car-free charm with high-altitude thrills, from skiing into Italy to Michelin-starred dining along cobblestone lanes. Travelers should stay at Mont Cervin Palace, the 170-year-old grand dame, offers a refined retreat with three gourmet restaurants, an indoor-outdoor pool, and a spa complete with an ice grotto—plus the rare privilege of skiing the Matterhorn before anyone else on Thursday mornings.

Just an hour north, Crans-Montana’s sunny plateau offers sweeping views, 85 miles of slopes, and glacier skiing on the Plaine Morte at 9,600 feet. In 2025, Crans-Montana joined Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass network, making it easier for American travelers to experience the prestigious ski destination. Staying at Crans Ambassador offers easy lift access just 200 yards from its doors, a sleek alpine-chic design, and an expert concierge team to arrange everything from ski school for the kids to guided glacier adventures for seasoned skiers.

Meeting growing demand, SWISS has extended several summer routes into the winter season—including five weekly flights to Zurich from Washington, D.C.—making it easier than ever for U.S. travelers to experience the city’s winter charm. And it’s no wonder: Zurich offers winter travelers a perfect mix of world-class cuisine, vibrant culture, and easy access to nearby ski regions. Stroll between the city’s festive Christmas markets, including one of Europe’s largest, home to a 30-foot tree shimmering with Swarovski crystals. Afterward, warm up at the Lindt Home of Chocolate, where tours and hands-on workshops celebrate Switzerland’s sweet legacy. Families will love the Märlitram, a storybook streetcar for children ages 4–9, driven by Santa himself while two angels read Christmas tales.

Set directly on Lake Zurich, La Réserve Eden au Lac occupies a Belle Époque palace from 1909, fully reimagined by Philippe Starck in 2020. Its prime location puts the Opera House, Pavilion Le Corbusier, the Art Nouveau-era Bad Utoquai bathing pavilion, and the luxury boutiques of Bahnhofstrasse just steps away. Many rooms frame icy lake views, visible from private balconies—and even from the bathrooms.