December holidays

Cheap holidays in December

Where to go on holidays in December

As the festive season approaches and the year draws to a close, December offers a unique opportunity to escape the chilly weather and embark on a memorable holiday. Whether you dream of soaking up the sun, exploring festive markets in a charming city, or experiencing a winter wonderland, December has something special in store for every traveller.

Why travel in December?

Travelling in December comes with a host of fantastic benefits. While some destinations are bustling with festive cheer, many offer a unique charm with beautiful decorations and special events. For those seeking warmth, it's the ideal time to escape to sunnier climes when the UK is at its coldest. Plus, with careful planning, you can still find some truly cheap holidays in December, especially if you book outside of the immediate Christmas and New Year period. It’s the perfect month to create lasting memories before the new year begins.

Best destinations for a December holiday

Sunseekers

Escape the winter chill and chase the sun! These destinations promise warm temperatures, perfect for relaxing on the beach, swimming in the sea, or enjoying outdoor activities away from the cold.

Sharm el Sheikh

Located on Egypt's Red Sea coast, Sharm el Sheikh offers year-round sunshine and warm waters, making it a prime spot for diving and snorkelling among magnificent coral reefs. In December, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures perfect for desert safaris or simply relaxing by the pool.

Flights to Sharm el Sheikh Hotels in Sharm el Sheikh

Agadir

Agadir, in Morocco, boasts a beautiful crescent beach and a mild climate, even in December. It's a great destination for those seeking a relaxed beach holiday combined with cultural experiences, including vibrant souks and delicious Moroccan cuisine.

Flights to Agadir Hotels in Agadir

Cape Town

As it's summer in the Southern Hemisphere, Cape Town, South Africa, is bathed in sunshine during December. Explore Table Mountain, relax on stunning beaches like Clifton and Camps Bay, or visit the V&A Waterfront. It’s an ideal destination for outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery.

Flights to Cape Town Hotels in Cape Town

Cultural gems

For travellers keen to immerse themselves in rich history, bustling markets, and unique local traditions, these destinations offer a captivating cultural experience in December, often with comfortable temperatures for exploring.

Havana

Havana offers a blend of colonial history, rich culture, and Caribbean charm. In December, the weather is warm and sunny, ideal for exploring Old Havana's UNESCO-listed streets, admiring its vintage cars, enjoying live music, and savouring the unique Cuban culinary experience.

Flights to Havana Hotels in Havana

Fes

Fes, in Morocco, is one of the world's best-preserved medieval cities, with its labyrinthine Fes el-Bali medina. December offers cooler temperatures, which make it a perfect destination for exploring ancient tanneries, intricate mosques, and bustling souks, immersing yourself in traditional Moroccan life.

Flights to Fes Hotels in Fes

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a magical archipelago off the coast of East Africa, famous for its stunning beaches and lively Swahili culture. December brings warm, sunny weather, making it ideal for wandering through the winding alleyways of Stone Town, checking out spice farms, and just unwinding on those gorgeous, palm-lined white sandy beaches.

Flights to Zanzibar Hotels in Zanzibar

North Africa

Discover the unique allure of North Africa in December, where ancient history meets vibrant culture under pleasantly mild skies. These cities offer a fascinating blend of traditions, architecture, and warm hospitality.

Tangier

Tangier is a city that brims with history and a captivating blend of Moroccan and European influences. In December, the mild weather is ideal for exploring the Kasbah, the bustling Grand Socco, and enjoying panoramic views of the Strait of Gibraltar.

Flights to Tangier Hotels in Tangier

Tunis

Tunis, Tunisia's capital, offers a journey through ancient ruins and modern life. December provides pleasant temperatures to explore the UNESCO-listed Medina, the Bardo Museum with its impressive Roman mosaics, and the nearby archaeological site of Carthage.

Flights to Tunis Hotels in Tunis

Algiers

Algiers is a city of white buildings cascading down hillsides to the Mediterranean. December, with the mild weather, it’s an ideal time for exploring the historic Kasbah, visiting the Notre Dame d'Afrique basilica, and enjoying the city's unique blend of French and Arab architecture.

Flights to Algiers Hotels in Algiers

Coastal escapes

Enjoy the best of both worlds with a December holiday that combines urban exploration with relaxing coastal vibes. These destinations offer a diverse range of experiences, from historic city centres to beautiful waterfronts.

Oran

Oran, in Algeria, is a bustling port city with a rich history and a vibrant atmosphere. December offers mild weather, perfect for exploring its colonial architecture, the Santa Cruz Fort with stunning views, and enjoying the local seafood and music scene.

Flights to Oran Hotels in Oran

Toulouse

Toulouse, known as the "Pink City" for its terracotta buildings, offers a charming European city break in December. While the temperature might be low, the city comes alive with festive lights and markets, and you can still visit its impressive basilica, canals, and aerospace attractions.

Flights to Toulouse Hotels in Toulouse

Bordeaux

Bordeaux, renowned for its wine, also offers a beautiful urban experience in December. Explore its elegant 18th-century architecture, visit world-class wine museums, and enjoy its festive atmosphere in the city centre. It's a perfect destination for food and wine lovers.

Flights to Bordeaux Hotels in Bordeaux

Tropical wonders

Whether you crave tropical warmth or a true winter wonderland experience, these destinations cater to both desires in December.

Colombo

Colombo, in Sri Lanka, offers a tropical escape in December, with warm and sunny weather perfect for exploring its bustling markets, colonial architecture, and enjoying the street food scene. It's also a great starting point to explore the island's diverse attractions.

Flights to Colombo Hotels in Colombo

Koh Samui

Koh Samui, in Thailand, is a paradise island that transitions to drier, sunnier weather in December, making it ideal for beach lovers. Relax on pristine sands, explore lush waterfalls, or enjoy its nightlife. It's a perfect choice for a luxurious tropical getaway.

Flights to Koh Samui Hotels in Koh Samui

Tromso

If you’re seeking a true winter wonderland experience, Tromso, in Norway, is the place to be in December. Located in the Arctic Circle, it's one of the best places on Earth to witness the Northern Lights, enjoy dog sledding, or explore the Arctic landscape.

Flights to Tromso Hotels in Tromso

Tips for finding cheap holidays in December

Book early for festive travel

December, especially around Christmas and New Year, is a popular time for travel. Booking your December holidays well in advance is crucial to securing better prices.

Be flexible with your dates

If possible, avoid travelling on the peak days immediately before and after Christmas and New Year. Shifting your departure or return by a few days can significantly reduce costs.

Explore Flight + Hotel packages

Bundling your flight and hotel together through Opodo can often result in considerable savings compared to booking them separately.

Consider less obvious destinations

While famous festive cities are appealing, explore destinations that might not be on everyone's radar. You might find fantastic value and unique experiences!

Set up price alerts

We'll notify you when prices drop, ensuring you don't miss out on a great deal for your December trip.

Let Opodo simplify your travel experience

At Opodo, we're here to make your travel experience as easy and enjoyable as possible.

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Find flights, hotels, holiday packages, and car hire all in one place, making your booking process seamless.

Exclusive deals with Opodo Prime

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24/7 support

Our dedicated customer service team is available around the clock to assist you with any queries or needs.

Flexible options

We offer a variety of flexible booking choices to give you peace of mind, should your plans need to change.

Ready to book your December getaway?

Don't let December pass you by without an adventure! Whether you're dreaming of a fun getaway, a cultural trip, or a magical winter experience, Opodo has everything you need to make your next December holiday unforgettable.

FAQs

Is December a good time for cheap holidays?

Finding cheap holidays in December can be challenging due to festive demand, but it's possible outside peak travel dates like Christmas and New Year. Flexibility with dates and booking in advance are key to find better deals.

Where are the warmest places to go in December?

For warm weather in December, consider destinations like Sharm el-Sheikh, Agadir, or Cape Town, where it's summer. These spots offer pleasant temperatures for beach time and outdoor activities.

What kind of holiday is best in December?

December is ideal for diverse holidays: warm escapes to sunny beaches, festive city breaks with Christmas markets, or unique winter wonderland experiences like seeing the Northern Lights. It depends on whether you seek sun or snow.

Are there any good city breaks in December?

Yes, cities like Toulouse and Bordeaux in France offer charming festive atmospheres with Christmas markets and beautiful architecture. Tangier and Fes can provide rich cultural city breaks with milder climates.

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