12 December Destinations That Always Sell Out First
Many travelers plan their December getaways months ahead since popular holiday destinations tend to fill quickly. Warm beaches, festive city centers, and snowy winter escapes each draw their own crowd during this busy season. People look for places that offer memorable views, comfortable weather, and plenty of seasonal events. With demand rising each year, it helps to know which spots usually reach full capacity long before the holidays arrive.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Maldives
The Maldives draws steady December visitors thanks to its clear lagoons, warm temperatures, and quiet island charm. Many travelers book far ahead because the holiday season brings peak demand for resorts that offer private villas and beachfront rooms. Calm seas make December ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and watching reef life up close. Holiday travelers enjoy peaceful mornings on the deck of an overwater villa and long afternoons surrounded by bright turquoise views. The overall experience feels calm and relaxing, which explains why December availability rarely lasts long.
Another reason the Maldives fills up so quickly is the limited capacity on each island. Since most resorts occupy their own small island, space is naturally limited during busy periods. Travelers who want sunset cruises, sandbank picnics, and guided reef trips tend to book early to secure specific dates. Popular excursions like manta ray tours often reach full capacity weeks ahead of peak season. With so many travelers wanting the same peaceful island setting during the holidays, spots disappear faster than at many other tropical destinations.
Thailand
Thailand remains a December favorite for travelers who want warm weather paired with lively local culture. Phuket and Krabi welcome crowds drawn to soft beaches, dramatic rock formations, and casual waterfront dining. December’s dry season weather creates perfect conditions for island hopping, snorkeling, and exploring busy night markets. Many visitors enjoy the relaxed holiday atmosphere where beach life and seasonal decorations blend naturally. This makes December one of the most popular times to visit, and resorts fill up weeks in advance.
Bangkok and Chiang Mai bring a different kind of December appeal. Bangkok fills with travelers who enjoy riverside hotels, holiday light displays, temple visits, and endless shopping options. Chiang Mai draws visitors who like cooler mountain air, tree-lined streets, and a slower pace during the holidays. Seasonal markets sell warm drinks, handmade gifts, and local snacks that attract both tourists and locals. With festivals, food stalls, and cultural events happening throughout the month, both cities reach peak capacity earlier than most other months.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna turns into a glowing winter destination in December, drawing travelers who love festive markets and classic European charm. Streets and public squares fill with wooden stalls offering warm drinks, pastries, and handmade gifts. Visitors enjoy wandering through historic areas decorated with soft lights that create a cozy atmosphere. Classical concerts and seasonal performances add to the experience, giving December visitors more to see and enjoy. With so many holiday events happening at once, hotels and holiday rentals book quickly every season.
Travelers also appreciate Vienna’s combination of elegant architecture and warm seasonal traditions. The city offers ice skating rinks, grand coffeehouses, and museums that become even more appealing during colder months. Families and couples enjoy spending time at the city’s oldest markets, tasting local treats, and taking evening strolls through illuminated streets. Since December is one of the most celebrated months in Vienna, visitors must secure their stays early to avoid missing out. Demand increases each year, making it one of Europe’s quickest destinations to sell out.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague feels like a winter storybook scene in December, which explains why travelers rush to book accommodations early. The city’s medieval architecture looks striking against the winter weather and holiday lights, creating a warm and inviting December atmosphere. Many visitors enjoy exploring the Old Town Square, where seasonal stalls offer warm drinks, pastries, and traditional snacks. Street performances and festive decorations help keep the area lively and engaging throughout the month. With so many seasonal events happening at once, availability tends to shrink quickly.
The city’s scenic views and historic buildings draw photography fans and holiday travelers who love charming backdrops. The Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and winding cobblestone alleys all become busier as December approaches. Visitors enjoy walking tours, river cruises, and cozy cafes while taking in the city’s seasonal charm. Since Prague is one of the most popular winter destinations in Europe, hotels in central areas often book out months in advance. Many repeat travelers aim for December every year, which adds to the rush for limited rooms.
Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg’s famous Christmas market is one of the oldest in the world, attracting travelers who want an authentic holiday experience. Wooden stalls line the main square, offering gingerbread, handmade ornaments, and warm local drinks. Visitors enjoy listening to holiday music, browsing traditional toys, and watching live demonstrations that show long-standing local traditions. The market creates a cheerful holiday atmosphere that draws families, couples, and winter travelers from many countries. With so much interest, December availability in Nuremberg disappears quickly.
The city’s old-town charm helps set the mood for an unforgettable December visit. Cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and stone towers look especially charming when decorated with seasonal lights. Travelers enjoy guided walks, local museums, and warm meals in traditional restaurants near the market. Many visitors return year after year for the same seasonal traditions, which adds to the strong demand for December stays. Hotels near the market fill especially fast due to their convenient location and classic holiday scenery.
New York City, USA
New York City becomes one of the most visited places in the world during December, drawing travelers who want to experience its famous holiday atmosphere. Iconic sights such as the Rockefeller Center tree, decorated shop windows along Fifth Avenue, and busy ice skating rinks create a lively holiday setting. Visitors enjoy Broadway shows, bustling markets, and seasonal food stands throughout the month. The combination of bright displays and festive crowds makes December one of the most exciting times to explore the city. Hotels, especially near Midtown, fill up quickly because of global demand.
Many visitors plan December trips to New York months in advance because of annual events and traditions. People travel from around the world to see the holiday lights, outdoor attractions, and winter activities that the city is known for. Families enjoy visiting themed pop-ups and toy stores, while couples enjoy dinners with city skyline views. With so many travelers arriving at once, restaurants and attractions can reach capacity early. This high level of interest makes December one of the hardest times to secure last-minute bookings.
Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City becomes a magical winter setting during December, drawing travelers who love classic European architecture paired with snowy surroundings. Cobblestone streets and old buildings look especially charming when covered with lights and winter decorations. Many visitors enjoy holiday markets, warm street snacks, and evening strolls through the historic district. Seasonal concerts and outdoor events add to the festive mood, making it a favorite for December vacations. As demand increases each year, December rooms tend to sell out quickly.
Travelers enjoy the city’s cozy atmosphere, with cafes and restaurants offering warm drinks and traditional dishes. Popular spots like the Old Quebec district draw people who want scenic photos and quiet moments in between busy holiday activities. The famous hotel overlooking the city becomes an attraction in itself during the season. Families enjoy sleigh rides, ice skating, and winter festivals that happen throughout the month. With so many seasonal activities packed into December, many visitors return annually, creating strong competition for available rooms.
Lapland, Finland
Lapland attracts December travelers who want a true winter escape with snow-covered forests and northern lights. Families love visiting Santa-themed villages, reindeer farms, and snowy trails perfect for winter activities. Visitors enjoy dog sled rides, snowmobile tours, and cozy evenings inside heated cabins. The region feels peaceful and remote, which adds to its strong December appeal. Many travelers book nearly a year in advance to secure spots during the busiest weeks.
The short winter days create a calm and mystical atmosphere that visitors find memorable and unique. Guided tours take people to remote areas where the sky glows with natural colors, creating scenes that many travelers hope to witness at least once. Holiday-themed attractions become especially busy, drawing families from many countries. With limited lodging in small towns across the region, room availability tends to disappear quickly. December remains the most crowded month in Lapland because of its strong holiday connection.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik draws visitors in December thanks to its winter scenery, warm geothermal pools, and lively seasonal events. Travelers enjoy short day trips to waterfalls, black sand beaches, and icy coastlines before returning to the city for evening markets. Many visitors come hoping to see the northern lights, which can be visible on clear December nights. Holiday lights and decorations make the city feel warm and inviting, even with the colder weather. Since Iceland has become a popular winter destination, December spots fill quickly.
The city offers many indoor attractions that keep visitors entertained during colder days. Local museums, restaurants, and geothermal spas give travelers plenty of ways to enjoy quieter moments between outdoor tours. Many visitors spend time in the Blue Lagoon, which becomes especially popular in December. Tours to glaciers and ice caves also sell out early because of limited daily spots. With so many winter activities available, travelers often plan their December trips months to secure ideal dates.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is a dream destination for winter travelers who enjoy skiing, mountain views, and cozy alpine towns. December brings fresh snow and strong interest in early-season skiing, causing demand for hotels and chalets to rise quickly. Visitors come to see the famous mountain peaks, ride scenic cable cars, and enjoy warm meals in quiet village restaurants. The car-free town adds to the charm, making strolls through the area peaceful and memorable. Because of its popularity, December availability in Zermatt often disappears sooner than expected.
Travelers enjoy the combination of outdoor activities and relaxing evenings by fireplaces or in local spas. Ski schools, guided tours, and mountain restaurants fill up early, especially during holiday weeks. The village hosts seasonal events and festive decorations that add even more appeal during December. Many repeat visitors return each year for the same winter traditions. This strong seasonal interest keeps demand high and available rooms limited.
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg becomes a lively holiday setting in December with seasonal markets spread across the city. Visitors enjoy browsing handmade goods, listening to choir performances, and tasting warm snacks along decorated streets. The city’s baroque buildings and mountain backdrop add to the winter atmosphere, making it a favorite for holiday travelers. Seasonal concerts and cultural events take place throughout the month, keeping the city lively and inviting. As interest grows each year, December bookings sell out earlier than many expect.
Travelers appreciate Salzburg’s blend of scenic views and long-standing traditions. Many enjoy attending classical music events and visiting historic sites decorated with lights for the season. The city also offers ice skating rinks, walking tours, and warm cafes perfect for rest after exploring. With holiday markets spread across multiple squares, visitors have plenty to explore throughout their stay. Demand builds quickly as travelers plan winter vacations, especially during the two weeks surrounding Christmas.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo fills quickly in December thanks to its bright winter lights, large shopping districts, and lively holiday celebrations. Visitors enjoy walking through illuminated streets and plazas decorated with themed displays. Seasonal markets, winter menus, and holiday pop-ups attract both locals and tourists throughout the month. Travelers love the mix of traditional Japanese culture and modern holiday experiences. Since Tokyo holds many special events during December, hotels in central locations fill up quickly.
The city’s attractions draw travelers looking for both cultural experiences and seasonal entertainment. Temples, gardens, and museums offer quiet spaces for visitors who want a calmer day before returning to busy districts. Families enjoy theme parks that host seasonal shows and events, creating strong December demand. Shopping centers become especially popular for end-of-year purchases and limited items. With so many experiences packed into a short period, December stays are often booked months in advance.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.