December brings a wonderful mix of festive charm, winter beauty and warm weather escapes, creating a month rich in luxury travel possibilities. Bruges offers fairytale appeal with cobbled streets, boutique hotels and Christmas markets that feel straight from a storybook, while Bath pairs Georgian elegance with thermal spa experiences and festive celebrations. For sunshine, Oman provides pristine beaches, dramatic desert scenery and exceptional five-star resorts, and South Africa shines with warm summer days, world-class wine regions and superb wildlife. Those seeking something more wintry can travel to Abisko in Sweden, where stylish lodges, Arctic landscapes and the chance to see the Northern Lights create a truly memorable seasonal getaway. With so many contrasting experiences at their finest, December is an inspiring time to plan a luxurious end-of-year escape.
Bruges, Belgium
Best for: Feeling festive
Although it’s a popular destination all year round, Bruges is a wonderful place to visit in December, when the city’s medieval architecture, cobbled streets and canal-side views take on a warm festive glow. Soft winter light reflects off the waterways, Christmas decorations fill the historic squares and the atmosphere becomes both peaceful and enchanting. The cooler temperatures suit slow wanders through the old town, where Gothic buildings, independent shops and cosy cafés create an inviting backdrop for a winter break.
The city’s Christmas markets are a highlight, bringing seasonal food, artisan gifts and an unmistakably festive spirit. Horse-drawn carriages, ice skating and illuminated streets add to the sense of occasion, while chic boutique hotels and historic townhouses offer refined places to stay. Many properties feature fireplaces, candlelit lounges and intimate dining rooms, making December a particularly charming time to experience Bruges’ hospitality.
Gastronomy is another reason to visit at this time of year, with Belgian chocolate shops, atmospheric restaurants and Michelin starred dining providing plenty of opportunities for indulgence. Canal cruises continue to run, offering a unique perspective on the winter scenery, and day trips to nearby coastal towns or Belgian food regions are easily arranged. With its fairytale aesthetic, welcoming mood and balance of culture and comfort, Bruges in December feels like a perfect festive getaway.
Read our guide to the best luxury hotels in Bruges
Some of our favourite hotels:
Hotel Van Cleef
Hotel de Orangerie
Hotel Prisenhof
Bath, United Kingdom
Best for: Georgian charm and the ultimate chill-out
Bath is a delightful place to visit in December, when its Georgian crescents, golden stone streets and historic landmarks take on a warm festive atmosphere. The city feels especially beautiful under winter lights, with the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey and the surrounding squares creating a picture perfect backdrop for seasonal strolls. Crisp days and clear evenings make it easy to enjoy the city’s elegant architecture, boutique shops and inviting cafés, all framed by the rolling Somerset countryside. And sporting fans should head to the Recreation Ground in the heart of city, where you can watch one of Europe’s top rugby teams, Bath Rugby, in action.
December is also the month when Bath’s renowned Christmas celebrations are in full swing. The city hosts one of the UK’s most charming festive markets, with wooden chalets offering artisan crafts, gourmet treats and gifts from local producers. Carol concerts, festive performances and atmospheric events add to the mood, while luxury hotels raise the sense of occasion with decorated lounges, afternoon teas and indulgent winter menus. It is a time when Bath feels both lively and intimate.
Bath’s spa heritage is another highlight during the colder months. A winter visit to the Thermae Bath Spa provides a memorable experience, with the rooftop pool offering warm, mineral rich waters overlooking the city’s skyline. For those seeking a countryside element, nearby villages, stately homes and scenic walking routes are easily reached. Blending culture, wellness, history and festive cheer, Bath in December delivers a refined and atmospheric winter escape.
Read our guide to the Best Luxury Hotels in Bath
Some of our favourite hotels:
Gainsborough Bath Spa
Francis Hotel Bath – MGallery by Sofitel
The Bath Priory
Oman, UAE
Best for: Souks, seafood and natural beauty
If you want to soak up some culture with your winter sunshine, the Middle Eastern country of Oman is the place for you. Situated at the foot of the Arabian Peninsula, this traditional trading nation has resisted the lavish modernisation carried out by many of its neighbours, allowing visitors to enjoy an authentic Arabian experience. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the country’s internationally acclaimed souks. The best example is the Mutrah Souk in the nation’s capital, Muscat, where you can weave your way through a maze of stalls and find beautiful handcrafted jewellery, as well as the world’s highest quality frankincense. Muscat, a harbour city, is the ideal place from which to explore the country’s unspoiled coastline – exclusive dhow trips allow tourists to admire its innate beauty, whilst wildlife enthusiasts can expect to see dolphins and a variety of whales. Inland, Oman is renowned for its mesmeric mountainous terrain, but the highlight is the abandoned village of Wadi Ghul, found within the Hajar mountain range. Its spectacular rocky cliffs and remarkable depth have rightly earned it the nickname of ‘Arabia’s Grand Canyon’ and it is a must-visit.
Read our guide to the best luxury hotels in Oman
Some of our favourite hotels:
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
The Chedi Muscat
Six Senses Zighy Bay
South Africa, Explore it All!
Best for: wildlife adventures and wine lovers
Though it may not be an obvious destination for a December getaway, South Africa is the ideal location to bring the year to a close in style. As home to all of the ‘Big Five’ game animals (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffaloes), South Africa has long enjoyed the reputation of being one of Africa’s leading safari destinations. Although there is a plethora of reserves to choose from, we recommend visiting the iconic Kruger National Park, in the north east of the country. One of the continent’s most extensive game reserves, its luxury accommodation, combined with first-class dining and hospitality, guarantee a truly unique wildlife-viewing experience. Since being introduced for the first time by the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century, South Africa has also blossomed into one of the world’s leading wine exporters. A dynamic producer of wines, the country cultivates an impressive variety of high quality bottles, ranging from Pinotage to Sauvignon Blanc. Any oenophiles amongst you should head to Stellenbosch, which is undoubtedly the heart of the South African wine industry, and follow the impressive Wine Route.
Read our guide to the best luxury hotels in Cape Town
Some of our favourite hotels:
One and Only Cape Town
Belmond Mount Nelson
Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg
Abisko, Sweden
Best for: Magical experiences
Given the mystical beauty of the aurora borealis, it is not surprising that witnessing it up close features on many people’s bucket list – you can tick it off yours this December by heading to the remote Swedish village of Abisko. Located within the Arctic Circle, the village’s STF Aurora Sky Station is considered one of the best places on earth to view this natural phenomenon and December is the perfect time to go due to the dark skies that envelop the region then. Enjoy an exclusive four-course dinner under the stars, featuring the best of Swedish cuisine, before settling into the station’s lookout tower, which provides the best vantage point to marvel at the Northern Lights. However, this is by no means Abisko’s only attraction – its national park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including moose and arctic foxes. If you’re lucky, you can also spot reindeer, ensuring a magical Christmas experience for all the family.
