December is a great month for shopping. If you have a lot of gifts to buy, consider going to Europe where you will find delightful Christmas markets. Besides, the southern hemisphere experiences the most pleasant weather during this time of the year.
Once Christmas is over, get ready for the exciting New Year’s Eve celebrations, where people from all around the globe commemorate the end of one year and the start of a new one by lighting up the skies with colorful fireworks. Lastly, here’s a summary of some fantastic destinations worth visiting in December.
10. Christmas in Vienna
During Christmas time, Vienna in Laos transforms into a magical place as beautiful squares light up with festive decorations and greenery. The markets, which open in mid-November and close on Christmas Eve, offer a wide range of gifts, ornaments, and traditional snacks.
There are various markets scattered around the city, catering to different preferences. For those with kids or looking for children’s gifts, the markets at Karlsplatz or Reissenradplatz are great options.
On the other hand, those who appreciate handicrafts might prefer visiting the market at Spittelberrg or the Christmas Village at Maria-Theresienplatz. One of the oldest markets, the Old Viennese Christmas Market, has been held on Freyung since 1772.
9. Nassau Junkanoo
Bahamians are known for their love of parties, which is why many believe that Junkanoo originated during the late 18th century when slaves were granted three days off during Christmas to celebrate. During these celebrations, they would wear vibrant masks and sing and dance their way through Nassau, often on stilts.
Nowadays, Junkanoo is a nighttime event that begins at 2 a.m. and lasts for eight hours. It requires this lengthy duration for large groups of up to 1,000 performers, dressed in colorful costumes, to dance and play traditional instruments along the parade route.
8. Guatemala – Burning of the Devil
If you’re not in Guatemala, you can only watch the Burning of the Devil celebration from afar. Guatemalans have a belief that the devil lives in their homes, especially in the garbage. Therefore, on December 7th, they throw their rubbish onto the streets, which is then collected and set on fire.
Occasionally, they even place a dummy representing the devil on top of the pile of rubbish. When the rubbish is set ablaze, it is believed that this chases away evil spirits. However, it’s possible that the devil is also running away from the loud marimba bands and fireworks.
7. The Maldives
The Maldives is a stunning destination that doesn’t need festivals to attract visitors because of its beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue seas. December is a wonderful time to visit as the islands experience the dry monsoon season, meaning less rain and humidity.
These islands, situated in the Indian Ocean, are among the most breathtaking in the world and are often a top choice for honeymooners. One of the things that make the Maldives famous is its variety of overwater bungalows, which have glass panels in the floors allowing guests to observe the colorful fish swimming beneath them.
Additionally, the Maldives is renowned for its fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving spots.
6. Nuremberg Christmas Market Christmas Market
Imagine how much fun it would be to go on a shopping spree around the world to find Christmas presents for everyone on your list. Well, the Nuremberg Christmas Market is the perfect place for people who love to shop till they drop.
This German city’s Christmas market opens on the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent and stays open until December 24th. It’s a tradition that has been going on for hundreds of years! With over 180 vendors selling their goods in beautifully decorated stalls, the Old Town of Nuremberg transforms into a magical Christmas City.
And to make the shopping experience even better, you can enjoy delicious snacks like spiced cider and Nuremberg bratwurst.
5. Times Square New Years Eve
Times Square is always busy, but it gets even busier on New Year’s Eve. More than one million people gather there for the annual celebration, which includes live music, balloons, and confetti. The highlight of the night is when a large ball made of Waterford crystal starts descending from the top of One Times Square.
This tradition, which started in 1907, is watched by people all around the world. When the ball finally reaches the bottom at midnight, fireworks light up the sky.
4. Sydney Firework
If you’re in Sydney on New Year’s Eve, make sure to look up because that’s where all the exciting things happen at Sydney Harbor. The festivities kick off with an impressive air show, followed by tug boats spraying water into the air. Australia’s Aborigines also join in by releasing eucalyptus smoke to purify the water while crossing the harbor.
Additionally, the harbor bridge gets illuminated, and there are plenty of fireworks to enjoy from different spots in the city.
3. Douz – Festival of the Sahara
Douz, a small town, has more palm trees than permanent residents. However, during the International Festival of the Sahara, the population increases significantly. This festival lasts for four days and attracts many visitors who come to witness the various cultural performances.
Performers dress up in costumes, dance, play traditional instruments, and demonstrate impressive juggling skills. The festival includes thrilling horseback stunts performed by Berber men that leave the audience breathless.
Horse races and camel fights are also held, and the festival concludes with a reenactment of a typical southern Tunisian wedding. The festival is vibrant and reminiscent of a scene from the famous movie, Lawrence of Arabia.
2. Antarctica
Antarctica is a great place to visit in December because it is summer there. Visitors can enjoy long daylight hours, up to 20 hours in fact. Additionally, this is the time when penguin chicks hatch, which is really adorable.
Although it’s not a typical tourist destination, Antarctica is becoming more popular among travelers who have already been to many other places. However, planning for this unique trip needs to be done in advance, as arrangements may need to be made several months ahead of time.
The scenery at the South Pole is breathtaking, but don’t expect to see any wildflowers. Nonetheless, it is recommended to bring binoculars because the shorelines are home to migratory birds.
1. Gubbio Christmas Tree
If you’re planning a trip to Gubbio in Italy’s Umbria region, you might be disappointed to find that there aren’t many ski runs on Mount Ingino. However, what you will find is a unique and impressive sight – the residents of Gubbio have created what they claim to be the world’s largest Christmas tree.
They have strung hundreds of lights from the top of the mountain all the way down to the base, creating a tree that stands at an impressive height of 2,130 feet (650 meters).
This incredible tree can be seen from as far as 30 miles away! The tradition began in 1981 when the residents of Gubbio decided to celebrate Christmas in a way that was different from the norm. The lights on the tree are turned on every year on December 7th, which is the eve of the Immaculate Conception, and they are kept on until early January.
