December is finally here, a month made for cozy moments, festive excitement, and quality time with the people who matter most. But when it comes to planning a family getaway, the big question is: where should you go? Some families dream of snowy adventures and magical winter landscapes, while others prefer December under warm sunshine and blue skies.

To help you choose the perfect escape, we’ve put together a balanced mix of both winter wonderlands and sunny holiday destinations ideal for families looking to make unforgettable memories this season.

1) Rovaniemi, Lapland (Finland)

Santa’s Hometown & Arctic Wonderland

Rovaniemi is made for families all over the world with Santa Claus Village, reindeer rides, husky adventures, and magical winter scenery. It is ideal for children because of its festive sets, safe snowy regions, and short travel distances.

What It’s Known For:
Reindeer farms, winter woodlands, Santa Claus Village, Arctic Circle Line, and husky safaris.

Things to Do:

• Meeting Santa Claus in his official town
• Traveling around the Arctic Circle
• Riding reindeer and husky sleighs
• Taking family snowmobile trips
• Visiting Santa Park; an underground Christmas theme park.

Rates (USD):

Low-cost hostels in Lapland: about $52 per night per person

Holiday style cabin close to Santa’s Village: about $653 per night in December

Average daily cost in Lapland (meal + transport + mid-range stay): about $184 per person

2) New York City, USA

World-Famous Christmas Lights & Winter Fun
NYC becomes a giant holiday playground with markets, ice skating, decorated streets, and endless indoor activities for all ages. Easy transport and many free attractions.

What It’s Known For:
Rockefeller Christmas Tree, Fifth Avenue displays, Broadway, museums.

Things to Do:

• Ice skate at Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park
• Visit the world-class museums (Met, AMNH)
• Explore the holiday markets
• See festive window displays
• Watch a family-friendly Broadway show

Rates:

• Peak December hotels often range from $250 – $450 per night for mid-range stays
• Ice-skating typically costs around $20 – $50, depending on rink and time

3) Orlando (Walt Disney World), USA

The Best Vacation Spot for Children

There are four theme parks with rides, parades, character performances, and unique holiday activities. With kid zones, shuttles, stroller rentals, and safe enjoyment, designed specifically for family comfort.

What It’s Known For:
Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, seasonal shows.

Things to Do:

• Attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
• Ride holiday-themed attractions
• Watch fireworks every night
• Meet Disney characters
• Explore the enormous themed areas for people of all ages.

Ticket Rates (USD):
Prices differ by park and date:

Hollywood Studios: $139 – $194

Magic Kingdom: $144 – $199

EPCOT: $129 – $194

Animal Kingdom: $119 – $174

4) Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is peaceful, safe, and stunning in December. Lights, temples, gardens, and cultural workshops are engaging for children without being overwhelming.

What It’s Known For:
Historic temples, shrines, gardens, tea houses, December light-ups.

Things to Do:

• Attend the winter illuminations in temples
• Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Try a family tea ceremony
• Explore the bamboo groves
• Walk through the Gion’s traditional streets

Rates:

• Most temple entries cost about $3 – $10
• Public transport day passes: $5 – $10
• Many illuminations are free or low cost

5) Dubai, UAE

Dubai offers warm December weather, huge malls with indoor theme parks, child-friendly beaches, water parks, and desert experiences. Very clean, safe, and easy to navigate.

What It’s Known For:
Burj Khalifa, vast malls, desert safaris, Miracle Garden, water parks.

Things to Do:

• Visit the Burj Khalifa observation decks
• Explore Dubai Mall’s aquarium and kid zones
• Take a desert safari
• Enjoy the Miracle Garden flower displays
• Spend a day in water parks and resort pools

Rates (USD):

• Burj Khalifa 124 – 125 floors: $43 (off-peak) to $70 (sunset view/peak)
• SKY deck premium experience: about $106
• 3 – attraction city pass:
  • Adults: around$199
  • Children ages 3 – 12: around $194

6) Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Rainforests, monkeys, sloths, safe beaches, and easy hikes is a dream for families wanting adventure without difficulty or danger. Many tours include kid-friendly guides.

What It’s Known For:
National parks, wildlife spotting, eco-tourism.

Things to Do:

• Go on National Park hikes
• Monkey and sloth spotting
• Ziplining and Canopy Bridges
• Calm water snorkeling
• Boat tours for families

Rates:

• Park entry: around $18 – $25
• Family wildlife tours: $30 – $70 per person depending on the duration
• Ziplining: $50 – $90

7) Prague, Czech Republic

Prague feels like stepping inside a storybook, vibrant markets, sweets, lights, and safe pedestrian-friendly squares. Easy for children to enjoy without long travel times or crowds like big theme parks.

What It’s Known For:
Old Town Square, Christmas markets, beautiful architecture.

Things to Do:

• Explore Christmas markets
• Sample holiday sweets
• Participate in live performances and music.
• Take a ride on antique trams
• Visit Prague Castle

Rates:

• Christmas markets: Free entry
• Food and crafts vary $3 – $15
• Tram rides: about $1.50 – $2

8) Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is known for safety, natural beauty, and planned tours. Kids love the geothermal pools, the snow landscapes, and the chance to see northern lights.

What It’s Known For:
Northern lights, hot springs, geysers, waterfalls, glaciers.

Things to Do:

• Watch the Northern lights
• Take a dip in the geothermal pools
• Visit waterfalls and geysers
• Go on a snowy landscape tour

Rates (USD):

• Northern lights Super-Jeep tour:
  • Adults: about $231
  • Children aged 5 to 11: about $118
• Public hot pools: $10 – $20
• Blue Lagoon rates vary: $60 – $100+ depending on time and day

9) Sydney, Australia

Warm summer weather in December makes it perfect for beach time, easy coastal walks, zoos, aquariums, ferries, and wide open spaces, ideal for energetic kids.

What It’s Known For:
Sydney Harbor, beaches, zoos, coastal walks, New Year fireworks.

Things to Do:

• Visit the Taronga Zoo
• Bondi and Manly Beaches
• Darling Harbor attractions
• Harbor ferry rides
• Bondi to Coogee walk

Rates:

• Beaches are free
• Ferries are usually between $4 and $7
• The Taronga Zoo costs between $35 and $50, depending on the age.

10) Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain)

Calm beaches, friendly resorts, mild temperatures, and many attractions tailored for kids, making December feel like summer vacation.

What It’s Known For:
It is well-known for its beaches, wildlife parks, family water parks, and Mount Teide volcano.

Things to Do:

• The Mount Teide cable car
• Whale-watching boat trips
• Family friendly water parks
• Resort beaches and pools

Rates:

• Teide cable car: $42 – $48 (adult); lower for children
• Whale watching tours: $30 – $60
• All-inclusive family resorts: $150 – $300 per night, depending on the season

Final tips before going:

• Book early, especially during the Christmas – New Year week
• Mix free and paid activities to manage your budget
• Check seasonal hours, as some attractions run limited schedules
• Layer up for winter destinations and pack sunscreen for sunny ones
• Reserve timed tickets for Disney, Burj Khalifa, and similar events

By Fathima Rukaiya.