December is the month everyone wants a break, and it is also one of the trickiest months to plan. The first two weeks are quiet and often cheap, while Christmas and New Year's week are the busiest and most expensive days of the year. Here are the best places to travel in December 2026, from warm beaches and easy cruises to festive cities, plus what each trip really costs.
- Cheapest dates: December 1-18 (after Thanksgiving, before school breaks).
- Most expensive: December 19 - January 2.
- Warm picks: Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, Hawaii, Florida Keys.
- Festive picks: New York City, Quebec City, European Christmas markets.
Warm places to travel in December
Hurricane season ends on November 30, which makes December the start of the dry, sunny season across most of the Caribbean and Mexico. These are the easiest warm-weather wins.
1. The Caribbean islands
Aruba, Grand Cayman, St. Thomas and Jamaica sit in the low to mid 80s with calm seas. Aruba is outside the hurricane belt and almost always dry. A cruise is often the cheapest way to see several islands in one week; see our list of cheap Caribbean cruises.
2. The Bahamas
Only a short flight or a 3-night cruise from Florida, the Bahamas are perfect for a long weekend. Expect slightly cooler evenings than the southern Caribbean. Our guide to Bahamas cruises from Florida covers the quickest options.
3. Mexico: Cancun, Cozumel and Cabo
The Yucatan coast and Baja California are dry and warm, with whale season starting in Cabo late in the month. West Coast travelers can sail there on Mexican Riviera cruises from Los Angeles and San Diego.
4. Hawaii
Hawaii stays in the high 70s and low 80s. December brings bigger surf on north shores and the first humpback whales. Book early for the holidays, as flights and hotels fill fast.
5. Florida Keys and Miami
No passport, no long flight, and reliably mild weather. Key West is especially lively in December, and Miami is a starting point for many cruises.
December cruises: the easy way to get somewhere warm
A cruise solves the biggest December headache: rising hotel and restaurant prices. Your cabin, meals and entertainment are bundled, and early-December fares can be surprisingly low. Families should look at our family cruise deals, while couples may want to compare a cruise with a resort in our cruise vs all-inclusive resort breakdown.
| December sailing | Length | Typical fare per person* |
|---|---|---|
| Bahamas from Florida | 3-5 nights | $250-$700 |
| Western Caribbean from Texas or Florida | 5-7 nights | $400-$1,100 |
| Eastern or Southern Caribbean | 7 nights | $600-$1,500 |
| Christmas or New Year's week | 5-7 nights | $1,000-$2,500+ |
*Interior to balcony on mainstream lines, before taxes, fees and gratuities. Estimates only; holiday weeks vary a lot.
Festive December trips
New York City: the Rockefeller Center tree, holiday windows and ice skating. Go early in the month on weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds. Quebec City: snowy old-town streets that feel like Europe. European Christmas markets: Vienna, Prague, Nuremberg and Strasbourg; a Rhine or Danube river cruise links several markets without repacking.
What does December travel cost?
Prices follow the calendar more than the destination. The same Caribbean week can cost twice as much on December 26 as on December 5. Flights are cheapest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and red-eye or early-morning departures are often lower still. To see where your money goes on a cruise, read how much a cruise costs.
How to save on December travel
- Travel December 1-18 if your schedule allows.
- Fly on Christmas Day or New Year's Day for lower fares and emptier airports.
- Book holiday weeks 6-12 months ahead; watch for cheap cruise deals for early December.
- Pick a drive-to cruise port to skip airfare entirely.
- Winter storms can cancel flights; consider cruise insurance that covers missed connections.
Want a warm December getaway?
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📞 Call 1-888-229-6801Frequently Asked Questions
Where is warm to travel in December?
The Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico's Pacific and Caribbean coasts, Hawaii, Florida and Costa Rica are all warm in December, with daytime highs mostly in the high 70s to mid 80s Fahrenheit and the hurricane season over.
What is the cheapest week to travel in December?
The first two weeks of December, after Thanksgiving and before school holidays, are usually the cheapest. Prices jump sharply from about December 19 through January 2.
Is December a good time for a cruise?
Yes. Early December is one of the best-value times to cruise the Caribbean and Bahamas, while Christmas and New Year's sailings are festive but cost much more and sell out early.
Where should I go in December for Christmas atmosphere?
New York City, Chicago, Quebec City and European Christmas-market cities like Vienna and Prague are classic choices. River cruises on the Rhine and Danube visit several markets in one trip.
When should I book a December trip?
For Christmas and New Year's, book 6 to 12 months ahead. For early-December travel you can often find deals 4 to 8 weeks out, especially on cruises.
Talk to a cruise expert
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📞 Call 1-888-229-6801Prices, itineraries, fees and policies change often and vary by cruise line, ship and sailing date. Always confirm current details with your cruise line or booking agent before you pay. Last reviewed: October 2026.