Where to Go in December? Holiday Destinations

Hello, travelers! Where should you go in December for a change of scenery as the holidays approach? Imagine a few days in the snow, an evening at a Christmas market, or an invigorating stroll by the sea. Whether you’re traveling with family, as a couple, or with friends, choose the setting that will add a special touch to your end-of-year celebrations.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Where to go in December to celebrate Christmas with your family?
What winter sports can you enjoy during the December holidays?
Why travel in December?
Where to go in December for a beach vacation?
How do you choose a destination in December?

Where should you go in December to celebrate Christmas with your family?

The Alps and Les Orres for a winter vacation

How about spending the holidays in the great outdoors? In the Alps, your days begin with a view of the peaks before continuing on the slopes, in a village, or over a warm snack. From a campground in the Alps, you can tailor your itinerary to suit your preferences. Tignes, Avoriaz, Val Thorens, and Megève each have their own unique atmosphere, while the Southern Alps offer a blend of rugged terrain, larch forests, and abundant sunlight.

In the Hautes-Alpes, head up to Les Orres. The resort offers 100 km of slopes and a ski area reaching an altitude of 2,720 meters. Beginner areas, green, and blue runs are perfect for your first runs down the slopes, while red and black runs await more experienced skiers. From a campground in Les Orres, you can also enjoy winter trails and panoramic views overlooking Lake Serre-Ponçon.

In December, the opening of the slopes depends on the resort’s schedule and snow conditions. Check the snow report before each outing and reserve your equipment in advance during school breaks. For a longer stay focused on the mountains, a mountain campground also puts you close to trails, villages, and activities accessible without skis.

The Vosges and Their Christmas Markets

A change of scenery in the Vosges. From the very first days of winter, the fir trees, lakes, and wooded hills create the perfect festive setting. Explore the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park on a hike, on snowshoes when snow conditions permit, or on a stroll punctuated by scenic viewpoints. A campground in the Vosges brings you closer to the mountain range, Gérardmer, and the roads leading to the cities of Alsace.

Then comes the time for Christmas markets. In Colmar and Strasbourg, decorated chalets, crafts, bredele, and hot drinks bring the illuminated squares and streets to life. Arrive in the late afternoon to see the lights come on and plan a tasty treat with the kids. Dates and times change every year: just check the official schedule before planning your trip.

For a change of scenery, the holiday lights and historic towns extend the festive spirit beyond the mountains. A campground in northern France can serve as a starting point for a winter getaway focused on heritage sites, markets, and coastal landscapes.

Why travel in December?

In December, the holidays are a different experience. We take the time to enjoy an activity together, sample a local specialty, and watch the cities light up. Five great reasons to pack your bags:

to spend time with family on a day of skiing, a walk, or a cozy meal;
enjoy winter activities like snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing, or ice skating;
discover seasonal specialties, from raclette to blueberry pie, not to mention bredele and hot drinks at the Christmas markets;
admire the holiday lights in historic districts, on town squares, and around Christmas chalets;
get away from it all for the holidays, whether for a weekend or a longer stay.

Your only mission? Find the right pace. A morning outing, a gourmet break, and then a stroll at the end of the day also leave time to enjoy your accommodations and spend time together.

Where should you go in December for a beach vacation?

Brittany: From Illuminated Cities to the Great Outdoors

Want to get away from it all near the Atlantic Ocean, onthe west coast of France?
Surrounded by Breton traditions and landscapes, combine nature and a change of scenery during your stay in Brittany.

Stroll through the historic center of Quimper. Among the half-timbered houses, small squares, and cobblestone alleys, savor a delicious Breton galette with salted butter caramel. After your walk around the cathedral, do a little shopping to pick up or finish your Christmas gifts.
Give your children the magic of Christmas by taking them through the aisles of the Christmas market. Treat them to a gourmet snack of a crêpe with sugar and hot chocolate.

A fortified theater for some of Europe’s highest tides, admire the crashing waves from the ramparts of Saint-Malo. At low tide, take a stroll on the Île du Grand Bé and be sure to visit the tomb of Châteaubriand, a native of the island. Extend your getaway by treating yourself to a moment of serenity and relaxation at a spa at the Thermes de Saint-Malo.

Italy: For a More Relaxing End to the Year

Looking for peace and quiet? An unspoiled destination for beach vacation lovers—celebrate New Year’s Eve by the Mediterranean.
Beyond the snow-capped mountains, settle in on the Riviera dei Fiori. Just a stone’s throw from France, discover the Italian “Dolce Vita.”
Away from the tourist crowds, enjoy the Ligurian coast. Even if some places are closed, take advantage of the still-mild temperatures. With its mild climate year-round, this destination is perfect for a visit any time of year, summer or winter.

If you love iconic architecture, don’t miss the stunning historic center of San Remo. Amid the Christmas traditions and lights, explore the seaside resort and wander through its cobblestone streets.
During your city trip, take the time to savor a delicious coffee on a sidewalk café terrace. Warmed by outdoor heaters, linger over a plate of pasta al pomodoro or a traditional pizza. Extend your romantic weekend with a stroll along the white-sand beaches, lapped by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
Hit the road to explore the area around your destination. Among the fishing villages, stop in the town of Portovenere, the medieval villages of Cinque Terre, the fashionable Portofino, or the elegant Santa Margherita.

How do you choose a destination in December?

A weekend for the markets, a week for a variety of activities

Got two or three days to spare? A city all lit up, a Christmas market, or a nearby resort is all it takes to enjoy a change of scenery without spending your entire trip on the road. Where to go for a weekend getaway in December will depend mainly on your starting point, your mode of transportation, and the kind of atmosphere you’re looking for.

If you have a week, mix up your experiences: skiing and snowshoeing in the mountains, cultural sites and fine dining in the city, and walks and wellness on the coast. Keep one day flexible in your itinerary so you can adapt to the weather.

A destination suited to the children's ages and everyone's pace

To figure out where to go with your family in December, start by considering the factors that really matter: travel time, activities suitable for your children’s ages, proximity to shops, and the comfort of your accommodations. In the mountains, beginner areas and sledding runs make it easier to enjoy your first vacation in the snow. In the city, a short itinerary leaves time for breaks and culinary discoveries.

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FAQ: Traveling in December for the Holiday Season

The Alps, the Vosges, and Brittany are among the top destinations to consider in December. The Alps are ideal for winter sports, with resorts where you can enjoy skiing, sledding, and walks in the snow. The Vosges combine wooded landscapes with easy access to Alsatian Christmas markets. In Brittany, Quimper and Saint-Malo invite you to spend a few days enjoying holiday lights, historic sites, and walks along the seashore.

Les Alpes et les Vosges sont deux choix adaptés pour profiter de la neige en décembre. Les stations d’altitude proposent du ski, de la luge ou des balades hivernales. L’enneigement variant selon les dates et les massifs, consultez le bulletin neige avant le départ.

For a December vacation with kids, choose a destination that offers age-appropriate activities and easy travel. A family-friendly resort with a beginner’s area and a sledding run makes for an ideal first trip to the snow. For a non-skiing getaway, Colmar and Strasbourg immerse families in the festive atmosphere of Christmas markets. Quimper offers a different pace, with holiday lights, historic sites, and culinary delights. The children’s ages, travel time, and available local activities will help you make your choice.

For a weekend getaway in December, choose a destination you can reach in just a few hours. Colmar, Strasbourg, Gérardmer, Quimper, or Saint-Malo make it easy to plan a two- or three-day trip centered around Christmas markets, the mountains, or the coast.

Yes, some campgrounds welcome vacationers in December, particularly in the mountains or at year-round facilities. Depending on the campground, you can stay in a mobile home, a cabin, or another type of heated lodging. However, opening dates, available services, and accessible facilities vary in winter. Before booking, be sure to check the distance between your lodging and the ski slopes, Christmas markets, or attractions you’d like to visit.

About the Author

Gwénaëlle

Brand Content Manager at Sunêlia • Destination Explorer

Passionate about travel and always eager to discover new places, Gwénaëlle explores Sunêlia’s destinations to find the experiences that make every stay unique. From must-visit spots and getaways to family activities and local treasures, she shares her tips and inspiration to help you plan a vacation full of discoveries and memories.