Places by month

Where to go in December with friends

11 places at their best in December, picked from our guides for group trips.

In winter a group has two options: chase the sun where the cold never arrives, or embrace it with markets, thermal baths, snow and long dinners. Outside the holidays, these are also the months when flights and stays cost less.

Add the destinations you like to a Roamie trip: the group votes with 10 points each and, if needed, the wheel decides.

Livigno
Italy
Slopes for every level, snow parks and lively après-ski. It is a duty-free zone, so fuel and shopping cost less.
Best time
Dec–Mar
Budget
€€€budget.2
AdventureNatureNightlife
From the guide Winter trips: 6 group getaways for snow, northern lights and sun
Rovaniemi
Finland
On the Arctic Circle: husky safaris, snowmobiles and nights in glass cabins chasing the aurora. Booking excursions as a group cuts costs a lot.
Best time
Dec–Mar
Budget
€€€budget.3
NatureAdventureFamily
From the guide Winter trips: 6 group getaways for snow, northern lights and sun
Vienna
Austria
Christmas markets with mulled wine, historic coffee houses and concerts. January and February bring ball season, something different to do together.
Best time
Nov–Feb
Budget
€€€budget.2
CultureFood & WineRomantic
From the guide Winter trips: 6 group getaways for snow, northern lights and sun
Alsace (Colmar)
France
Half-timbered houses along canals, the Wine Route through flower-filled villages and hearty food. In December its Christmas markets are among the prettiest in Europe.
Best time
May–Jun, Sep–Oct, December
Budget
€€€budget.2
RomanticFood & WineCulture
From the guide Trips for couples travelling with friends: 6 destinations
Hanoi
Vietnam
The flight is the only big expense: after that, street food, hotels and transport cost very little. It is the starting point for Ha Long Bay cruises and trains to the north.
Best time
Mar–Apr, Oct–Dec
Budget
€€€budget.1
Food & WineCultureAdventure
From the guide Budget group trips: 6 destinations where your money goes further
Tenerife
Spain
Spring temperatures even in winter, the Teide volcano to climb and perfect skies for stargazing. Cheap flights from many European cities.
Best time
Nov–Mar
Budget
€€€budget.2
RelaxNatureAdventure
From the guide Winter trips: 6 group getaways for snow, northern lights and sun
Tromsø
Norway
One of the best cities for the northern lights, with fjords, whales in winter and surprisingly lively evenings for its latitude. From late November to mid-January the sun doesn't rise.
Best time
Nov–Mar
Budget
€€€budget.3
NatureAdventure
From the guide Winter trips: 6 group getaways for snow, northern lights and sun
Budapest
Hungary
Historic baths to share, the ruin bars of the Jewish Quarter and Parliament lit up on the Danube. Prices below most European capitals.
Best time
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct, December
Budget
€€€budget.1
CultureNightlifeRelax
From the guide Long weekends in Europe: 6 cities to visit with friends
Kraków
Poland
One of Europe's largest medieval squares, the Kazimierz district full of bars, and Polish food at honest prices. It is also the base for visiting the Wieliczka salt mine.
Best time
May–Sep, December
Budget
€€€budget.1
CultureFood & WineNightlife
From the guide Long weekends in Europe: 6 cities to visit with friends
Oaxaca
Mexico
Seven kinds of mole, mezcal tastings at the palenques and colourful markets. Around the turn of October and November, Día de Muertos makes the trip unforgettable.
Best time
Oct–Mar
Budget
€€€budget.1
Food & WineCulture
From the guide Food trips: 6 cities to eat your way through together
Prague
Czechia
Some of Europe's cheapest beer, multi-storey clubs and a fairytale old town to see by day. Perfect for stag and hen parties, but not only.
Best time
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct, December
Budget
€€€budget.1
NightlifeCulture
From the guide Nightlife: 6 European cities to party in with friends