December is a great time of year to explore somewhere new – people are getting into the Christmas spirit and there’s a new year on the horizon. Explore new streets, try some delicious new food and make new memories.

Whether you prefer winter activities such as skiing and browsing your Christmas Markets or you prefer soaking up some winter sunshine, here are some of our top picks for a December getaway.

1. Budapest, Hungary

There’s no better time to visit Hungary than December – the Christmas markets are world-renowned, and Budapest is especially festive. Wrap up warm and head straight to Vörösmarty Square to explore the city’s oldest Christmas market. The Opera House is the perfect place to see a performance like the Nutcracker, or just stroll through the streets with a mug of mulled wine to keep you cosy.

Average temperature in December: High 4° / Low 0°

Find cheap flights to Budapest this winter here.

2. New York, USA

For a very Merry Christmas, you can’t do better than heading to the Big Apple. New York is extra exciting at this time of year, with gigantic Christmas trees illuminating the city’s streets and decorations making the shop windows of Fifth Avenue look even more impressive. Go ice skating in Central Park and do some shopping in the huge department stores or just window shop at Barneys and Bloomingdales. Still have some energy? Go sledding at Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Make your friends jealous by visiting some of New York’s most Instagrammable spots on your winter break.

Average temperature in December: High 7° / Low 0°

Get a great deal on your flight to New York here.

3. Geneva, Switzerland 

Not only is Geneva a gateway to many of the world’s top ski resorts such as Val D’isere and Avoriaz, the city itself resembles a winter wonderland in the month of December. The Christmas Markets, light displays and the Carouge Magique festival all take place in December. Geneva is an ideal location for some Christmas shopping with high street and luxury shopping options. When you fancy a break from it all, sip on a decedent Swiss hot chocolate.

Average temperature in December: High 5° / Low 0°

Head to the mountains this December with a cheap flight to Geneva.

4. Munich, Germany 

Munich is synonymous with winter getaways. The city welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each December attending the Munich Christmas Markets. Munich’s Christmas Markets date back to the 14th century and remain true to their traditional roots. The most popular markets include the Christkindlmarkt held in front of Munich Town Hall and the Middle Ages Market at Wittelsbacherplatz which aims to recreate the atmosphere of the first Christmas Markets with music, handmade stalls and costumes from the Middle Ages.

Average temperature in December: High 4° / Low -2°

Get into the Christmas spirit with a cheap flight to Munich here.

5. Vienna, Austria

December is an action-packed month in Vienna. The city is transformed with thousands of twinkling lights, Christmas Markets, ice rinks and a little dusting of snow thanks to the low average temperature. The highlight of the month is the massive New Years Eve concert that takes place on December 31st with performances by the city’s philharmonic orchestra and other visiting international musicians. The concert is watched by over 50 million people across the globe.

Average temperature in December: High 5° / Low 0°

Wrap up and get a cheap flight to Vienna this Winter.

6. Paris, France

If it’s a romantic getaway to an iconic location you fancy, Paris is well and truly the best holiday destination in December. The city sparkles with thousands of fairy lights and artfully decorated trees lining the boulevards. Twirl your way around the ice rink at the Champs-Elysées and eat delicious French pastries.

Average temperature in December: High 8° / Low 4°

Escape to France this December with a great value flight to Paris.

7. Milan, Italy

One of the fashion capitals of the world, Milan is a sophisticated city to visit any time of the year. Wander the streets and explore the stylish boutiques and designer shops. Of course you won’t want to miss a visit to Duomo Cathedral on the run-up to Christmas – the Gothic building is breathtakingly beautiful. You’ll have a ball eating your way around this magical city too, filling up on creamy panzerotti, crispy cotoletta alla Milanese and melt-in-the-mouth pizza. Make sure to leave some space for an Italian coffee or gelato to finish (it’s never too cold for ice cream!).

Average temperature in December: High 7° / Low 2°

Find great deals and cheap flights to Milan here.

8.Edinburgh, Scotland 

Edinburgh city lights up during the winter months. Here you’ll find Christmas Night Markets with mulled wine and hot chocolate stands, carnival rides, beautiful decorations and ice rinks. George’s Street is transformed by 60,000 lights and as you walk down the street you’ll hear the local choirs singing Christmas carols. Another winter highlight is to head to The Dome for cocktails or afternoon tea to see the magnificent decorations.

Average temperature in December: High 7° / Low 1°

Enjoy a winter city break with a cheap flight to Edinburgh.

For winter sun in December

9. Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Lanzarote is somewhere to consider if you’re looking for sunshine but don’t want a long-haul flight. Temperatures tend to sit around 21°C in December so it’s still shorts and t-shirt weather. Just a short 4-hour flight and you’ll be sunbathing on the beach, exploring volcanoes, sipping cocktails and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere… making it a perfect December destination!

Average temperature in December: High 21° / Low 14°

Soak up the sunshine with a cheap flight to Lanzarote this December.

10. Tenerife, Canary Islands

Tenerife is another great option for a December holiday. It might be its coolest month but temperatures still peak around 20°C. Throw down your towel on the golden sands of Playa de las Teresitas, and be sure to check out the black sand beach at Playa Jardín with Mount Teide towering in the background. La Laguna had its first Christmas market in 2016 – so you’ll find market stalls selling festive gifts against the backdrop of blue skies and sunshine!

Average temperature in December: High 21° / Low 16°

Ditch the cold for sun and sand with cheap flights to Tenerife.