The Wanderlist: Where to Go in December 2017
From winter wonderlands perfect for celebrating the holidays to the sunniest spots to kick off the new year on the sand, these are our picks for the best places to travel this December.
Germany
The German concept of gemütlichkeit may not be as well known as its Danish equivalent, hygge, but Germans certainly know a thing or two about wintery coziness and contentment. And there’s no better place than Germany to get in the holiday mood, with snow-dusted cathedrals, twinkling light displays and Christmas markets creating a magical atmosphere.
Christmas markets are hosted in cities and towns across the country, with Cologne, Berlin and Nuremberg home to some of the largest and most famous festivities. Get ready to warm your belly and heart with cups of glühwein, a hot mulled wine, and gingerbread-like cookies called lebkuchen.
Rene Schwietzke via Flickr
The Bahamas
A three-hour flight from Toronto, the Bahamas is a classic destination for travellers looking to escape icy December temperatures. New Providence, Grand Bahama Island and Paradise Island are ideal for no-fuss getaways that revolve around all-inclusive resorts, beautiful beaches and buzzing nightlife. If you’re not into the resort scene, head to the Out Islands to enjoy uncrowded beaches, fresh seafood and laid-back vibes.
December in the Bahamas also means a chance to experience Junkanoo, which is held in the early morning hours of Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. This carnival-style festival features massive street parades, lively music and dance, colourful costumes and a generally celebratory atmosphere.
Cathy T via Flickr
Scotland
From wild countryside landscapes to majestic historic buildings, Scotland’s diverse scenery looks a little extra enchanting when it’s covered in a layer of snow. Sure, Scotland is chilly during the winter, but December brings plenty of clear, sunny skies and daytime temperatures averaging around 5°C aren’t nearly as cold as Toronto’s frigid winters.
Visit toward the end of the month to experience Scotland’s famed new year celebration, Hogmanay. Edinburgh hosts the biggest bash, featuring multiple performance stages and a high-energy street party, but almost every city and town across Scotland participates in the celebration.
Scott Barron via Flickr
The Philippines
If Santa ever decided to relocate his Christmas workshop from the North Pole (and didn’t mind the warm temperatures), we think he’d feel at home in the Philippines. The southeast Asian country celebrates Christmas longer and harder than anywhere else in the world, with festivities beginning as early as September.
Streets, homes and shops across the country are decorated with traditional star-shaped paper lanterns called parols, while street vendors serve up Christmas foods like puto bumbong, a sweet, sticky purple rice. Festivities aside, December also brings pleasant temperatures and sunny weather, making it an ideal time for discovering the country’s stunning beaches.
Mer S via Flickr
Quebec City
If time or budget don’t allow for international jaunts this month, or if you simply don’t want to stray too far from home for the holidays, look no further than Quebec City for a weekend getaway this December. The city’s cobbled streets, dazzling outdoor light displays and colonial French architecture are the closest you can get to experiencing a European holiday season atmosphere without leaving the country.
Plus, Quebec City knows how to do winter right. From the free outdoor skating rink at Place D’Youville to cozy wine bars and a beautiful German-style Christmas Market, Quebec City makes it worth braving those below zero temps.
Caribb via Flickr
