December Hot Spots! Places to Enjoy – or Avoid – the Winter Weather!

Introduction

December can be a tricky month to travel. Some places are magical under snow, while others can be icy and challenging. Knowing the best December travel destinations helps you enjoy your vacation fully, whether you want warm beaches, winter sports, or festive city lights.

Whether you’re looking to escape the chill or embrace the snow, careful planning is key. You can compare flight tickets from New York to Miami or book flights from Chicago to Las Vegas to make travel simple.

In this guide, we’ll explore top spots to enjoy December travel and places you might want to avoid if cold weather isn’t your thing. Plus, we’ll include practical tips, flight options, and mini itineraries for each destination.

Warm December Travel Destinations

1. Miami, Florida

Miami is a sun-lover’s paradise in December. While much of the U.S. is freezing, Miami enjoys temperatures around 70–75°F. It’s perfect for beach walks, outdoor cafes, and exploring vibrant neighborhoods.

Highlights & Attractions:

• South Beach: Famous for white sands and turquoise waters, perfect for sunbathing and people-watching. 
• Wynwood Walls: Open-air street art museum with huge colorful murals. 
• Little Havana: Immerse yourself in Cuban culture with live music, salsa dancing, and authentic cuisine. 
• Everglades National Park: Take an airboat tour to see alligators in their natural habitat. 

Tips:

• Morning visits to beaches are quieter and cooler. 
• Flights to Miami are frequent; try cheapest flight tickets from Boston to Miami for deals. 
• Renting a car helps explore nearby towns like Fort Lauderdale. 

2. Los Angeles, California

LA is ideal for combining city sights with mild weather. December temperatures average 65–70°F, making sightseeing comfortable without the summer crowds.

Highlights & Attractions:

• Santa Monica Pier: Classic amusement park rides and ocean views. 
• Hollywood Walk of Fame: Spot your favorite celebrity stars. 
• Griffith Observatory: Great for views of the city and stars. 
• Rodeo Drive: Holiday lights and luxury shopping. 

Tips:

• LA is very spread out; using ride-share or renting a car is best. 
• Check cheap round-trip flights from Los Angeles to Chicago for savings. 
• December evenings can be chilly near the coast, so pack a light jacket. 

3. Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is warm and sunny in December, perfect for outdoor activities. Average temperatures are around 65–70°F, ideal for hiking and exploring deserts.

Highlights & Attractions:

• Camelback Mountain: Popular hiking spot with panoramic views. 
• Desert Botanical Garden: See unique desert plants, especially beautiful in winter light. 
• Heard Museum: Learn about Native American art and culture. 
• Golf & Spa Resorts: Many world-class options for relaxation. 

Tips:

• Wear sunscreen even in winter; desert sun can be intense. 
• Flights like best flight deals from Dallas to Phoenix make travel easy. 
• Early mornings are best for hiking to avoid afternoon heat. 

Winter Wonderland Destinations

4. Denver, Colorado

Denver is a perfect base for winter sports enthusiasts. December brings snow, but the sunny climate keeps temperatures manageable. Average highs are around 45–50°F in the city, colder in the mountains.

Highlights & Attractions:

• Skiing in Vail & Breckenridge: World-class ski resorts just 1–2 hours away. 
• 16th Street Mall: Shopping and dining with holiday lights. 
• Denver Botanic Gardens: Holiday light displays make the city magical. 
• Coors Field: Catch a winter baseball game or stadium tour. 

Tips:

• Rent a car with winter tires if driving to mountain resorts. 
• Book flights from Chicago to Denver early to avoid high holiday rates. 
• Layer clothing for warmth in the city and mountains. 

5. Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City is the gateway to snowy adventures. Perfect for families or ski enthusiasts. Temperatures hover around 35–40°F but skiing in nearby resorts is world-famous.

Highlights & Attractions:

• Park City & Snowbird: Skiing, snowboarding, and cozy mountain towns. 
• Temple Square: Iconic Christmas lights and cultural experiences. 
• Hiking & Snowshoeing: Winter trails are peaceful and scenic. 
• Sundance Film Festival Prep: Early screenings and events happen in December. 

Tips:

• Check shuttle services to ski resorts; parking can be tough during holidays. 
• Cheap flight tickets from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City are available with some advance booking. 

6. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis is chilly but vibrant in December. Average temperatures can drop below freezing, but the city is full of winter charm and holiday events.

Highlights & Attractions:

• Depot Ice Rink: Family-friendly skating with lights. 
• Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: Iconic art covered in snow. 
• Holiday Theater Shows: Check out local theaters for seasonal performances. 
• Chain of Lakes: Snowy landscapes for walking or cross-country skiing. 

Tips:

• Dress in layers and wear waterproof boots. 
• Flights from major cities like airlines flying from Chicago to Minneapolis are convenient. 

December City Getaways

7. New York, New York

NYC is a must-see in December, perfect for holiday lovers. Though it’s cold (around 30–40°F), the city is festive everywhere.

Highlights & Attractions:

• Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: Iconic holiday landmark. 
• Holiday Windows on Fifth Avenue: Beautiful store displays. 
• Bryant Park Ice Skating: Free or low-cost skating with seasonal food stalls. 
• Broadway Shows: Special December performances. 

Tips:

• Book book flight tickets from Boston to New York early; winter is peak tourist season. 
• Layer clothing; NYC winds can be sharp. 
• Public transport is convenient and avoids traffic. 

8. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago’s winter is cold but offers unique urban winter activities. Temperatures average 25–35°F.

Highlights & Attractions:

• Millennium Park Ice Skating: Famous location under city lights. 
• Christkindlmarket: German-inspired Christmas market with food and crafts. 
• Chicago Riverwalk: Winter walks with festive decorations. 
• Architecture Tours: Some winter boat tours are still available, often scenic with snow. 

Tips:

• Pack hats, gloves, and waterproof boots. 
• Use cheapest flight tickets from New York to Chicago to get early deals. 

9. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston combines history and winter beauty in December. Average highs are around 40°F.

Highlights & Attractions:

• Freedom Trail: Walk through historic landmarks; less crowded in winter. 
• Newbury Street Shopping: Holiday shopping and lights. 
• Boston Common: Snowy park walks with seasonal charm. 
• Local Cuisine: Warm up with clam chowder or baked goods from local bakeries. 

Tips:

• Bring layers for chilly winds. 
• Affordable flights from New York to Boston are easy to find. 
• Public transport is great for avoiding parking hassles. 

10. Orlando, Florida

Orlando is warm, sunny, and family-friendly in December. Temperatures average 70°F, perfect for outdoor activities without summer crowds.

Highlights & Attractions:

• Walt Disney World & Universal Studios: Special holiday events and decorations. 
• International Drive: Shopping, dining, and entertainment. 
• Resorts & Pools: Relaxing options without summer congestion. 
• Nearby Natural Spots: Airboat tours and wildlife reserves. 

Tips:

• Book book flights from Atlanta to Orlando early for better pricing. 
• Evenings can be cooler; a light jacket is handy. 
• Plan theme park visits early in the day for shorter lines. 

Conclusion

December travel offers both winter wonderlands and sunny escapes. Whether you’re seeking warmth in Miami or Orlando, festive cities like New York and Boston, or snowy adventures in Denver and Salt Lake City, planning ahead is key.

Make the most of your December trip by booking cheap round-trip flights from Los Angeles to Denver or airlines flying from Chicago to Orlando. The right destination ensures a magical holiday season, whether you enjoy snow or sunshine.

Start planning today and make your December getaway unforgettable!