Where to travel in December
See out the year in style. Whether you’re dreaming of a white sand beach at Christmas or you have visions of sugar plum-filled markets dancing in your head, one of these December getaways is sure to make it onto your wish list.
Author: By Amber-Louise Large
The City
The lowdown
New York is at its most glamorous in December. From high-kicking Rockettes in poinsettia-red costumes to ice skaters holding hands beneath the Rockefeller tree’s Swarovski star, there’s movement and movie-like magic everywhere. Dazzling Christmas lights shine and shop windows on Fifth Avenue entice even the busiest New Yorkers to stop and stare. While you’re in the city ‘so nice they named it twice’ (it must be on Santa’s good list, then), pop into Macy’s Herald Square to see where ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ was filmed and ride the vintage wooden escalators.
Stay
Waldorf Astoria New York is synonymous with Manhattan luxury. This five-star hotel is an icon with its art deco facade facing Park Avenue. Enter into the lobby and by the time you’ve reached the check-in desk you’ll have already seen the famous marble floor mosaic, the 1893 World’s Fair Clock and the grand piano Cole Porter apparently used to write ‘I Get a Kick Out of You’ – yes, you will get a kick out of this place’s glitz and glamour.
The beach
The lowdown
If it’s felt like a long year, you might just want to spend December sprawled out on a beach lounger listening to nothing but the sound of the sea and palm trees swaying. Punta Cana promises plenty of chances to do just that. During the last month of the year, the weather is warm and the rainfall is low. The resort pools are waiting, winking under the sun. With temperatures reaching highs of around 29C, this is the perfect place to be if all you want for Christmas is to laze by the beach.
Stay
Dreams Dominicus La Romana is a sun-seeker’s paradise. Stay at this all-inclusive resort to unwind on a Caribbean beachfront and be surrounded by tropical nature. Dip in and out of freshwater pools, toast to towering palm trees at thatch-roof bars and leave flip-flop prints in pristine sands. Make the most of the weather by sitting out on your private balcony or terrace and consider a swim-up room if you want to make the commute from your bed to the pool as short as possible.
The family trip
The lowdown
If you like to get cosy in December, Copenhagen – land of fairytales and fairy lights – is the place for you. Pair apple pancakes with steamy glogg as you look for Hans Christian Andersen’s house in Nyhavn before riding carousels and Ferris wheels under the glow of thousands of Christmas tree lights in Tivoli Gardens theme park. Pack plenty of comfy knitwear and discover the ‘hygge’ spirit. Getting cosy is second nature to Copenhageners who spend winter days by fireplaces in candlelit cafes.
Stay
Absalon Hotel is a neoclassical beauty in the central Vesterbro neighbourhood, only 0.3 miles from Tivoli Gardens and its candy-cane-filled Christmas market. Rooms are cosily decorated with artistic flourishes by the Designers Guild Company and spacious options for groups can sleep up to four guests. Family rooms feature one double bed for two adults and one sofa bed for either one adult or two children younger than 12.
The cultural break
The lowdown
By December, Germany’s capital is full of Christmas markets and the scent of sweet almonds. Traditional wooden huts line the old town of Spandau, star-topped tents fill Gendarmenmarkt square and heated pagodas sell warming treats in front of Charlottenburg Palace. There’s potential for snow – the icing on the cake if you’re wanting wintery scenery – and a guarantee of gluhwein. December’s also a good time to visit Berlin’s historic sites like East Side Gallery and Checkpoint Charlie if you want to see the landmarks without large crowds.
Stay
Adlon Kempinski exudes luxury with a Michelin-star restaurant and a lobby so elegant you’ll want to linger on one of its plush chairs. Due to its location, this five-star hotel is also a fabulous choice if you’re planning to see the New Year’s Eve fireworks that sparkle over the Brandenburg Gate. Some of the suites even look over the landmark, so you can toast to the fireworks in your slippers if that’s your style.
Just the two of us
The lowdown
Not a fan of cold weather? Dubai’s winter sun might be the balm you need. The gleaming city in the UAE reaches highs of around 27C in December and humidity levels are relatively low, which is ideal for days spent exploring gold souks and bronze-sand deserts. Make the most of seasonal offerings: get ready to be wowed by the sheer size of Global Village and its thousands of attractions. Be prepared to say ‘don’t mind if I do’ to Dubai Shopping Festival’s discounts, too, and bring an extra suitcase.
Stay
Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa is Dubai luxury through and through. Sitting alongside the white sands of Jumeirah Beach and boasting 19 acres of manicured gardens, this five-star resort has everything you need for an itinerary full of sitting back and relaxing in the sun. Pools, beach beds, palm trees and spa treatments await. Stay in a Royal Club room and you’ll even have access to an on-call butler service.
The wild card
The lowdown
Whether you’re sipping Santa-themed cocktails in Covent Garden or tucking into a festive afternoon tea in a luxury hotel, ‘tis the season to be jolly well indulgent in London. Even regular bus journeys can leave you wide eyed in December: sit on the top deck of a 139 (try to get the front seat) and you’ll feel like you’re within a wing’s distance of the Christmas angels that glitter over Regent Street. Elsewhere in London, see ice skaters glide in front of Hampton Court Palace and hear carollers send high notes soaring through St Paul’s Cathedral. Then warm up with pie and mash in a pub.
Stay
Covent Garden is dressed to the nines in December with the likes of giant golden bells and regular fake ‘snow’ flurries. NoMad London sits right there among it all. Stepping into this five-star hotel feels like entering the home of a lavish creative: sink into red velvet chairs in the library and unwind fireside under giant artworks. In December, you can also be sure they’ll have decked the hotel halls tastefully.
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