
1 October 2020
Where to go in December
Even in the depths of December there's plenty of sunshine to be found. Plus, many European cities come alive with twinkling lights and the scent of mulled wine. We've picked our five favourite December destinations
In this article
Puerto de Mogán, Gran Canaria
Temperature: 21ºC

The west coast of Gran Canaria is sparsely populated, vertiginous and spectacular: the perfect winter break for those who want to get away from it all, with a bit of warmth thrown in.
As well as winter sunshine, Puerto de Mogán offers a pretty harbour of low-rise apartments with brightly painted window frames, picturesque bridges over the channels and flower-covered archways above the cobbled, car-free lanes.
The beach is sandy and sheltered (it does get busy), and backed by half a dozen local restaurants.
Read more: Best Canary Islands and Resorts
Puerto de Mogán, Gran Canaria | ||||||
Average airfare | Average hotel rate | Accommodation | Food and drink | Peace and quiet | Value for money | Resort score |
£191 | £125 | ![]() |
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82% |
Resort score combines overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend.
Sydney, Australia
Temperature: 26ºC

Sydney in summer is a beach bum's paradise, with well over 100 stretches of sand, fringing bath-warm waters, to choose from, including world-famous Bondi and Manly beaches.
You could spend your whole holiday on the showstopper of a harbour, but the slow ferry from Circular Quay to the beach suburb of Manly is the classic introduction.
Or better still is a slow walk along the 6km Spit Bridge to Manly Beach trail for sea views, secluded coves, and 1,000-year-old Aboriginal rock engravings.
Read more: Best long-haul city breaks
Sydney, Australia | ||||||
Average airfare | Average hotel rate | Accommodation | Food and drink | Cultural attractions | Value for money | City score |
£735 | £116 | ![]() |
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87% |
City score combines overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend.
Bruges, Belgium
Temperature: 7ºC

Bruges is picture perfect at the best of times, but especially so at Christmas when its Gothic gabled streets are draped in festive foliage and twinkly lights.
Its photogenic market squares are filled with handmade gifts, pop-up ice rinks and the sweet smells of mulled wine and winter spices.
For some of the best views, walk the Dijver Canal and watch the gables reflect off the water, or head to Sint-Janshuismolen windmill for rose-tinted sunsets.
Read more: Best city breaks in Europe
Bruges, Belgium | ||||||
Average airfare | Average hotel rate | Accommodation | Food and drink | Cultural attractions | Value for money | City score |
£135 | £114 | ![]() |
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82% |
City score combines overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend.
Bath, UK
Temperature: 8ºC

If you’re the kind of person who wraps up presents beautifully and would never be seen sporting a cheesy Christmas jumper, Bath is the place for you.
It does Christmas, and everything else, in style. Even the ice rink in beautiful Victoria Park and the city centre’s Christmas market seem elegant rather than kitsch. That’s probably thanks to the backdrop of honey-coloured Georgian townhouses, which sets the scene for visitors all year round.
Read more: Best city breaks in the UK
Bath, UK | ||||||
Average hotel rate | Accommodation | Food and drink | Cultural attractions | Shopping | Value for money | City score |
£126 | ![]() |
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80% |
City score combines overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Temperature: 31ºC

Vietnam’s largest city is a whirl of constant commotion, filled with vast skyscrapers, swarms of motorbikes and history seeping from every temple and paint-cracked colonial villa.
December is a good time to visit, after the rain and humidity have eased, and if it’s still too hot in the city, the Mekong Delta and the beautiful beach-lined Phu Quoc and Con Dao islands are within easy reach.
Our researchers know all the tips and tricks for finding the best deals on holidays, flights and car hire, saving readers money every single issue. Find out more about Which? Travel
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | ||||||
Average airfare | Average hotel rate | Accommodation | Food and drink | Cultural attractions | Value for money | City score |
£526 | £48 | ![]() |
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75% |
City score combines overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend.
Where to go when
- 1.Best UK cities for a Christmas break
- 2.Where to go in December
- 3.Where to go in January
- 4.Where to go in February
- 5.Where to go in March
- 6.Where to go in April
- 7.Where to go in May
- 8.Where to go in June
- 9.Where to go in July
- 10.Where to go in August
- 11.Where to go in September
- 12.Where to go in October
- 13.Where to go in November

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