December is one of the most popular months for Indian travellers to plan a holiday abroad, and it is easy to see why. Schools are on break, the festive season gives a good reason to travel, and most destinations are either at their best or at their most magical during this time of year.
Whether you want to lie on a beach in Bali, ski through the Swiss Alps, chase the Northern Lights in Finland, or shop at Christmas markets in Germany, December delivers. This guide covers 15 of the best places to visit in December outside India, with a clear breakdown of where to go, what to see, and what to do at each one.
1. Thailand
Dry season takes over Thailand in the month of December. But that’s the best part, because you get clear skies and zero humidity, which makes exploring cities and beaches comfortable. Even though it's undoubtedly among the best places to visit in December outside India, it might get crowded because nobody wants to miss this chance.
Places to Visit:
- Phi Phi Islands: One of the world's most iconic beach destinations, known for its crystal clear waters, tropical islands, and vibrant marine life.
- Chiang Mai Old City: This historic walled city has more than 300 Buddhist temples, lively night markets, and beautiful mountains in the background.
- Bangkok: Explore temples, enjoy rooftop bars, visit floating markets, and try some of the world’s best street food.
- Krabi: Discover sea caves and Tiger Beach, and enjoy a quieter atmosphere compared to the busy Phi Phi Islands.
- Koh Samui: This popular island offers a mix of beautiful beaches, wellness retreats, and several watersports.
Things to Do:
- Take a longtail boat ride to Railay Beach, which you can only reach by sea.
- Visit Doi Inthanon National Park near Chiang Mai, home to Thailand’s highest peak.
- Explore the Grand Palace and Wat Pho while you’re in Bangkok.
- Try a cooking class in Chiang Mai or Bangkok to learn how to make local dishes.
2. Bali, Indonesia
Bali in December sits between 26°C and 31°C, warm enough for beaches and outdoor exploring without feeling overwhelming. As one of the most loved places to visit outside India in December, Bali balances beach life, temples, rice terraces, and a food scene that has no real equal in Southeast Asia.
Places to Visit:
- Ubud: Bali’s cultural centre, surrounded by rice terraces, art galleries, and the famous monkey forest.
- Seminyak: Famous for its stylish beach clubs, sunset bars, and boutique shops.
- Uluwatu: Home to a cliff-top temple, great surf spots, and the well-known Kecak fire dance at sunset.
- Nusa Penida: Just a short ferry ride from Bali, this island is appealing and usually less crowded.
- Canggu: A laid-back area known for its cafes, surfing, and creative vibe.
Things to Do:
- See the Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple during sunset.
- Ride a bike through the Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud.
- Hike up Mount Batur, an active volcano, early in the morning to catch the sunrise.
- Go snorkelling or diving at Crystal Bay on Nusa Penida.
- If possible, join a traditional Balinese ceremony that welcomes visitors during your holiday.
3. Dubai, UAE
Dubai in December is certainly pleasant. Temperatures settle between 19°C and 26°C, making it one of the few months where outdoor activities are fully comfortable. The Dubai Shopping Festival kicks off in December, adding a layer of festivity that makes the city feel especially alive. It is consistently one of the best places to visit in December outside India for families and couples alike.
Places to Visit:
- Burj Khalifa: Visit the world’s tallest building and enjoy the views from the observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors.
- Dubai Mall: Explore one of the world’s largest malls, which features an indoor ice rink, an aquarium, and a waterfall.
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood: Discover Old Dubai’s wind-tower district, home to museums and art galleries.
- Palm Jumeirah: Experience the famous palm-shaped island, known for its beach clubs, Atlantis resort, and excellent dining options.
- Dubai Creek: Enjoy a traditional dhow ride and visit the spice and gold souks along the water.
Things to Do:
- Go on a desert safari that includes dune bashing, camel rides, and a Bedouin-style dinner.
- Visit the Dubai Frame for a view of old and new Dubai simultaneously
- Shop at the Global Village outdoor festival, which is open from October to April.
- Watch the fountain show at Burj Lake once the sun goes down.
- Ride a traditional Abra boat across Dubai Creek.
Tribe Travel Tip: The Dubai Shopping Festival usually starts in early-December. If you want to shop, plan your visit for the second half of the month to catch the best deals and events.
4. Switzerland
Switzerland in December looks like a scene from a postcard. Snow covers the Alps, villages glow with Christmas lights, and ski resorts welcome visitors for the season. This is one of the most remarkable places to visit in December outside India for Indian travellers who have never experienced real snow. Even if you do not ski, the beautiful views make the holiday worthwhile.
Places to Visit:
- Zermatt: This alpine village has no cars and offers direct views of the Matterhorn. It is also one of the most photographed places in Europe.
- Interlaken: Known as the gateway to the Jungfrau region, this town is surrounded by mountains, lakes, and snowy valleys.
- Lucerne: This well-preserved medieval city sits beside a lake and is home to the famous Chapel Bridge.
- Grindelwald: This classic Swiss ski village features First Mountain and offers amazing viewpoints.
- Geneva: An elegant city by the lake, Geneva has Christmas markets, great restaurants, and the famous Jet d'Eau fountain.
Things to Do:
- Ride the Jungfraujoch train up to the "Top of Europe," which sits at 3,454 metres.
- Try skiing or snowboarding on Zermatt's world-class slopes.
- Stroll through the Lucerne Christmas market by the lake.
- Enjoy a scenic train journey on the Glacier Express between Zermatt and St. Moritz.
- Taste fondue or raclette at a restaurant in an alpine village.
5. Germany
Rarely does Germany come alive with as much energy and festive charm as it does in December. Christmas is the main cause, but mulled wine and cobblestone streets dusted with snow are equally plausible reasons that pull tourists from around the globe. Its Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets) are among the finest in the world, making Germany one of the most atmospheric places to visit outside India in December for travellers who love culture and festivity.
Places to Visit:
- Nuremberg: This city hosts one of Germany's oldest and most famous Christmas markets, which has been running since 1628.
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber: This medieval walled town still looks much like it did in the 15th century.
- Munich: The Bavarian capital is known for its Marienplatz Christmas market, the English Garden, and excellent museums.
- Cologne: The impressive Cologne Cathedral stands out on the skyline, and in December, the Christmas market fills the area around it.
- Berlin: This cosmopolitan city offers a mix of history, art, nightlife, and great festive markets.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Nuremberg Christmas Market (Christkindlesmarkt) to browse traditional wooden decorations.
- Try Glühwein, a hot spiced mulled wine, at one of the outdoor market stalls.
- Take a day visit along the Romantic Road, which runs between Rothenburg and Würzburg.
- See the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall Memorial while you're in Berlin.
- Visit Neuschwanstein Castle near Munich, the fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney's designs.
Tribe Travel Tip: Most Christmas markets in Germany open in late November and close by December 24. For the best experience, plan your trip during the first three weeks of December before the markets end.
6. Maldives
December is when the Maldives earns every rupee you spend on it. The north-east monsoon has cleared the skies, the sea is calm, and the overwater villas actually look the way they do in photos.
Places to Visit:
- Malé Atoll: Visit the capital island to see the Old Friday Mosque, explore the fish market, and walk along colourful streets.
- Maafushi Island: This local island offers guesthouses, diving opportunities, and is a more affordable way to experience the Maldives.
- Rangali Island (Conrad Maldives): Here you can dine at the world's first undersea restaurant.
- Vaadhoo Island: See the shoreline glow blue at night, thanks to the famous bioluminescent plankton.
- North Malé Atoll: This is the easiest atoll to reach and has many luxury resorts to choose from.
Things to Do:
- Go snorkelling or scuba diving with manta rays and whale sharks, as December is the peak season for these experiences.
- Enjoy a sunset dolphin cruise on the Indian Ocean.
- Take a seaplane between atolls to get a bird's-eye view of the islands.
- Visit a local island to experience Maldivian culture outside the resorts.
- Watch the beach on Vaadhoo Island glow at night with bioluminescent light.
7. Japan
Japan in December is cold, festive, and beautiful. The autumn foliage season winds down and the country transitions into a winter version of itself, with illumination festivals, steaming ramen, and the first snowfall settling on the mountain towns. It is one of the most rewarding places to visit in December outside India for travellers who love food, culture, and variety.
Places to Visit:
- Tokyo: Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa Temple, and the teamLab Planets digital art museum
- Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Gion district, Arashiyama bamboo grove, and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Osaka: Dotonbori street food scene, Osaka Castle, and Namba shopping district
Things to Do:
- Experience a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn) with onsen and kaiseki dinner
- Visit the winter illumination festivals at Roppongi Hills and Odaiba in Tokyo
- Eat fresh sushi at Toyosu Market in Tokyo
- Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) between cities
- Ski at Niseko in Hokkaido, one of the world's best powder snow destinations
8. Singapore
December turns Singapore into a different city. Orchard Road is lit up end to end, the shopping malls compete to out-decorate each other, and the whole place hums with a kind of organised festivity that feels exciting rather than commercial.
Places to Visit:
- Gardens by the Bay: Check out the Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome. These spots are especially beautiful after dark.
- Orchard Road: This is Singapore’s main shopping street, and it looks spectacular with all the lights in December.
- Sentosa Island: Visit Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark, or the S.E.A. Aquarium for a fun day out.
Things to Do:
- Catch the Gardens by the Bay light show, it’s free and happens every night.
- Spend a day at Universal Studios Singapore on Sentosa Island.
- Try the local food at hawker centres such as Maxwell Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat.
9. Vietnam
Vietnam in December offers a mix of experiences. In the south, places like Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta have warm, dry days that are great for street food and river life. Up north, in Hanoi or Ha Long Bay, the weather is cool and misty, making ancient temples and rocky cliffs feel even more atmospheric.
That contrast within a single country is rare, and it is exactly what makes Vietnam one of the most interesting places to visit in December outside India for travellers who want variety without booking multiple flights.
Places to Visit:
- Ha Long Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with almost 2,000 limestone islands rising from emerald-green water.
- Hoi An Ancient Town: A well-preserved trading port known for its lantern-lit streets and skilled tailors.
- Ho Chi Minh City: A lively southern city famous for its food, the War Remnants Museum, and the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Things to Do:
- Take a two-day overnight cruise through Ha Long Bay
- Get custom clothing made by a tailor in Hoi An within 24 to 48 hours
- Try pho for breakfast in Hanoi, just like the locals do.
- Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, which were used during the Vietnam War.
- Walk across the Golden Bridge near Da Nang, which is held up by giant stone hands.
10. France
Few countries do December quite like France. The Christmas markets are running, the Alps have their first proper snowfall, and Paris in winter has a quieter, more unhurried version of itself that most people never see because they visit in summer.
Places to Visit:
- Paris: The Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Champs-Élysées Christmas market
- Chamonix: One of the world's most famous ski towns, at the foot of Mont Blanc
- Strasbourg: Often called the "Capital of Christmas" for its month-long Christmas market along the Rhine
- Lyon: Gastronomic capital of France; home to the Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières) in early December
- Nice: On the French Riviera; milder in December than northern France, with markets and the sea
Things to Do:
- Visit the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay in Paris on back-to-back days
- Attend the Festival of Lights in Lyon (usually the first weekend of December)
- Ski or snowboard in Chamonix on the Mont Blanc massif
- Walk the Champs-Élysées Christmas market from the Arc de Triomphe toward the Place de la Concorde
- Take a day trip from Paris to the Palace of Versailles, quieter in December than summer
11. Finland (Lapland)
Lapland in December is unlike anywhere else on the planet. Reindeer are real here, not decorative. The Northern Lights move across the sky above snow-covered forests. Santa Claus has his official residence in Rovaniemi, which sits exactly on the Arctic Circle. Nothing about this place feels ordinary, and that is precisely why Finnish Lapland has almost no competition when it comes to the most unique places to visit in December outside India for families and couples who want something actually different.
Places to Visit:
- Saariselkä: A quieter Lapland resort with Northern Lights safaris and snowmobile trails
- Levi: Finland's largest ski resort, with a good mix of skiing, husky safaris, and snowshoe trails
- Inari: A small Sami village on a frozen lake; the Siida Museum covers Sami culture in depth
- Ylläs: Another ski resort with reliable snow cover from November and some of Finland's best cross-country trails
Things to Do:
- Take a reindeer sleigh ride through a snow-covered forest
- Go on a husky safari with a team of Alaskan huskies pulling your sled
- Stay in a glass igloo or Aurora cabin for a Northern Lights viewing experience from bed
- Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi with children
- Try snowmobiling across a frozen lake at night
Tribe Travel Tip: You might not see the Northern Lights every night. Many Lapland resorts now have "Aurora alert" services that notify you when the lights appear. When you arrive, ask your accommodation to help set this up.
12. Sri Lanka
The west and south coasts of Sri Lanka go completely dry and sunny in December, just as the rest of the region turns unpredictable. Galle Fort is bathed in clear light, the seas off Mirissa calm down enough for whale watching, and the hill country mornings in Ella are cool and sharp. For Indian travellers thinking about the best places to visit in December outside India, Sri Lanka often gets overlooked simply because it feels too close to home.
Places to Visit:
- Sigiriya: It is a 5th-century rock fortress with gardens and frescoes.
- Mirissa: A relaxed south coast beach town, December to April being peak whale watching season here
- Galle Fort: A Dutch colonial fort on the south coast, now filled with boutique hotels, cafes, and art galleries
- Ella: Hill country village with tea plantations, the Nine Arch Bridge, and short hikes
- Kandy: Home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Things to Do:
- Go whale watching off the coast of Mirissa (blue whales and sperm whales)
- Take the train from Kandy to Ella, one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world
- Visit Yala National Park for leopard and elephant sightings
- Walk through a working tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya
- Explore the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa
13. Turkey
Istanbul has a completely different personality from its summer self. The crowds thin out, the mosques and bazaars breathe again, and the city settles into a cooler, moodier version that honestly suits it better. A few hours away, the ski resort of Uludağ near Bursa gets its first reliable snowfall of the season. Culture, history, and winter scenery within the same country, on a flight that most Indian cities can reach without a connection, makes Turkey one of the stronger best places to visit in December outside India that rarely gets the credit it deserves.
Places to Visit:
- Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus Strait, and Galata Tower
- Bursa and Uludağ: The historic Ottoman capital of Bursa, with a ski resort 36 km from the city centre
- Ephesus: One of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities in the world, near the Aegean coast
- Pamukkale: White terraced thermal pools that look like snow from a distance
Things to Do:
- Explore the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market in Istanbul
- Take a Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia
- Ski at Uludağ near Bursa
- Soak in the thermal pools at Pamukkale
14. Australia
Australia in December is the beginning of summer, which means long days, warm beaches, and the festive season celebrated entirely outdoors. It is one of the most distinct places to visit in December outside India because the experience flips everything you associate with December at home: Christmas on the beach with barbecues in the sunshine.
Places to Visit:
- Sydney: Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Bondi Beach, and the Royal Botanic Garden
- Great Barrier Reef (Cairns): December is a good month for snorkelling and diving before the wet season fully sets in
- Melbourne: Art galleries, laneways, Queen Victoria Market, and the Yarra River promenade
- Uluru (Ayers Rock): The sacred sandstone monolith in the Northern Territory, especially striking at sunrise
- Whitsunday Islands: One of the most beautiful island groups on Australia's east coast, with Whitehaven Beach
Things to Do:
- Snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns
- Walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal trail in Sydney
- Spot kangaroos, koalas, and wombats in the wild
- Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains from Sydney
Plan Your December Holiday Outside India with Holiday Tribe
There is no shortage of places to visit in December outside India, and that is exactly the challenge. The right destination depends entirely on what kind of holiday you want: a warm beach break, a snow adventure, a city escape, or a nature-heavy itinerary.
At Holiday Tribe, we build December holidays for Indian travellers that actually make sense: the right destination, the right hotels, and the right pace. Whether you are planning a family holiday to Singapore, a honeymoon in the Maldives, or a ski escape to Switzerland, talk to a Holiday Tribe advisor to start planning yours.
