Chasing Sun, Snow, and Savings: Your Top 10 December Getaways And How to Snag Cheap Flights
December isn't just about holiday parties and gift wrapping. It's a magical month to escape, offering a unique blend of festive cheer, winter wonderlands, and sun-drenched reprieves. But let's be real, the thought of holiday travel can send your budget into a panic. Fear not, fellow traveler! The secret isn't just picking a destination; it's knowing how and when to book. This list pairs incredible December destinations with actionable tips for finding last-minute cheap flights in December and securing the best affordable airline ticket booking deals. Let's dive into the top 10 places to visit in December.
TOP DESTINATIONS
11/20/20255 min read
1. Prague, Czech Republic: A Fairytale Frost
While many flock to Western Europe, Prague offers a slightly more off-the-radar, and often more affordable, festive experience. The Gothic spires dusted with snow, the aroma of mulled wine (svařák) and trdelník from Christmas markets, and the stunning Old Town Square tree create a storybook setting.
The Vibe: Cinematic, old-world charm without the blockbuster price tag.
Pro Booking Tip: Use flight comparison tools to find cheap flights to European Christmas markets. Often, flying mid-week right at the beginning of December (before the 15th) yields the best discounts on airline tickets for holiday travel.
2. Oaxaca, Mexico: A Cultural Fiesta
Swap snowflakes for sunshine and vibrant culture. Oaxaca in December is buzzing with unique festivities, most notably the Noche de Rábanos (Night of the Radishes) on December 23rd, where locals carve intricate scenes from giant radishes. The weather is perfect for exploring ancient ruins and indulcing in world-renowned cuisine.
The Vibe: Warm, colorful, and authentically magical.
Pro Booking Tip: Look for budget airline ticket prices to Mexico by being flexible with your airport. Sometimes flying into a smaller hub can save significantly. Set price alerts for "Oaxaca flights" well in advance.
3. The Austrian Alps: A White Christmas Guaranteed
If your dream December involves cozying up in a mountain lodge after a day on the slopes, the Austrian Alps (like Innsbruck or Salzburgerland) are your answer. It’s a quintessential white Christmas destination that feels straight out of a postcard.
The Vibe: Cozy, active, and utterly romantic.
Pro Booking Tip: The key to finding cheap last-minute flights to the Alps is to target the very first week of December, before the peak season truly kicks in. Search for flights to "Innsbruck" or "Salzburg" instead of the more generic "Austria."
4. Costa Rica: The Green Season Escape
December marks the start of the dry season in Costa Rica, but it's just beginning, meaning you can often find better deals than in peak January. You get lush landscapes, abundant wildlife, and fantastic opportunities for surfing, zip-lining, and hiking without the heavy crowds.
The Vibe: Adventurous, rejuvenating, and naturally spectacular.
Pro Booking Tip: To score low cost flight deals to Central America, consider flying on Christmas Day itself. It’s historically one of the cheapest days to fly. Search for "cheap flights to Liberia Costa Rica" as an alternative to San José.
5. Quebec City, Canada: Europe Next Door
No passport? No problem (for our US-based readers). Quebec City offers a heavy dose of European charm without the transatlantic flight. The Old City is a snowy, cobblestoned dream, with a famous German Christmas market and ice-skating in Place D'Youville.
The Vibe: Historic, charming, and incredibly festive.
Pro Booking Tip: Drive across the border! Look for cheapest way to book airline tickets to Burlington, VT, or Plattsburgh, NY, and then take a scenic drive into Canada. This can sometimes be far cheaper than a direct flight to Quebec.
6. Sri Lanka: A Tropical Alternative to Southeast Asia
While everyone is headed to Thailand, savvy travelers are discovering Sri Lanka in December. It's the heart of the dry season on the west and south coasts, perfect for beach-hopping, exploring ancient temples like Sigiriya, and going on a safari in Yala National Park.
The Vibe: Exotic, diverse, and incredibly good value.
Pro Booking Tip: Use the "explore" feature on flight search sites to find best websites to book international flights on a budget to Asia. Colombo (CMB) often appears as a top-value destination this time of year.
7. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA: A Festive Jazz Interlude
The humidity is gone, and the music is hot. December in NOLA is all about festive decorations in the French Quarter, Reveillon dinners (a Creole holiday tradition), and enjoying live jazz without the spring break crowds. It’s a uniquely American festive experience.
The Vibe: Lively, soulful, and delicious.
Pro Booking Tip: For tips for booking cheap flights during the holiday season to popular US cities, always book your rental car (if needed) at the same time as your flight. Package deals can sometimes unlock hidden discounts.
8. Tallinn, Estonia: The Hidden Gem of the North
For a truly unique European Christmas market experience, head to Tallinn. Its medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, hosts a Christmas market that claims to have had the first public tree in Europe. It’s less crowded than its German counterparts and feels incredibly authentic.
The Vibe: Medieval, magical, and undiscovered.
Pro Booking Tip: Hunt for affordable airline ticket booking deals to the Baltics. Flying into a major hub like Helsinki and taking a short ferry can be a great money-saving hack.
9. Arizona, USA: Desert Solstice
Escape the cold entirely by heading to the Sonoran Desert. Hike in the stunning red rocks of Sedona, marvel at the Grand Canyon under a potential dusting of snow, and enjoy the vibrant food and art scene in Phoenix and Tucson. The desert light in winter is spectacular.
The Vibe: Majestic, warm, and serene.
Pro Booking Tip: To find cheap flights to Phoenix or Tucson in December, be flexible with your dates. Use the calendar view on flight search engines to identify the cheapest days to fly, which are often Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
10. Seville, Spain: Orange Trees and Festive Cheer
While much of Europe shivers, Seville remains mild and beautiful in December. The city is adorned with lights, and you can enjoy its stunning Alcázar palace, flamenco shows, and tapas culture without the oppressive summer heat. It’s a cultural and sensory delight.
The Vibe: Romantic, vibrant, and effortlessly cool.
Pro Booking Tip: For the best time to book flights for Christmas break to Europe, the golden window is typically between late September and late October. Set those alerts early!
