Chase the Sun or Chase the Snow: Nine Festive Trips Worth Packing For
Think about last December. Where were you?
That's the thing about the festive season. It's not just time off, it's one of the only stretches of the year built for slowing down and being somewhere new. Maybe that means a beach with your toes in warm sand while everyone back home bundles up. Maybe it's a city glowing with lights, mulled wine in hand, breath fogging in the cold. Either way, this is the time of year the world seems to try a little harder.
So, where do you land? If you're chasing sun, the southern hemisphere is at its absolute best right now, long days, warm water, that particular kind of lazy afternoon you can't recreate at home. If you're after atmosphere, the northern hemisphere's cities are doing their best work, all fairy lights, markets, and crisp winter air.
We've picked nine places that nail this season better than almost anywhere else. Some are for lying on a beach and doing nothing. Some are for now, eating and soaking up somewhere completely different.
Thailand
Best for: Beaches, island hopping, food, and luxury resorts
Recommended stay: 10-14 days. December–January weather: 28-32°C, with warm, sunny days, low humidity, and very little rainfall. Considered one of the best times of year to visit.
Thailand pairs vibrant cities with tropical paradise. Start in Bangkok, where magnificent temples, rooftop dining, world-class shopping, and some of the best street food on earth await, before escaping to the turquoise waters of Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Samui.
Whether you're relaxing in a beachfront villa, island hopping past dramatic limestone cliffs, or watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand, Thailand delivers an unforgettable festive escape.
Don't miss: Bangkok, Phuket or Krabi, the Phi Phi Islands, Koh Samui, and a long-tail boat tour.
Brazil
Best for: Beaches, nightlife, culture, and unforgettable celebrations
Recommended stay: 10-14 days. December-January weather: 26-34°C, peak summer, hot and sunny, with a lively festive atmosphere.
Few countries celebrate summer quite like Brazil. From the iconic beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the colourful streets of Salvador and the tropical beauty of Ilha Grande, Brazil blends culture, music, cuisine, and natural beauty like nowhere else.
Spend your mornings on Copacabana Beach, take in panoramic views from Christ the Redeemer, and soak up the infectious energy that makes Brazil one of South America's most exciting destinations.
Don't miss: Rio de Janeiro, Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana and Ipanema, and Ilha Grande.
Sri Lanka
Best for: Beaches, wildlife, scenic train journeys, and culture
Recommended stay: 8-12 days. December–January weather: 28-31°C, warm and sunny across the south and west coasts, making it one of the best times to visit.
Sri Lanka packs remarkable diversity into a small island. Spot elephants on safari one day, wind through misty tea plantations the next, then end your evening watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean.
Welcoming locals, outstanding cuisine, and boutique accommodation make it one of Asia's most rewarding festive destinations.
Don't miss: Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the Ella Scenic Railway, Yala National Park, Galle Fort, and the southern beaches.
Cape Town
Best for: Beaches, wine, food, and outdoor adventure
Recommended stay: 7-10 days. December–January weather: 24-30°C, peak summer, with long sunny days ideal for exploring outdoors.
Cape Town comes alive during the festive season. Hike Table Mountain in the morning, relax on Camps Bay Beach in the afternoon, and enjoy world-class dining overlooking the Atlantic Ocean by evening.
Pair the city with a trip to the Cape Winelands or a drive along Chapman's Peak, one of the world's most spectacular coastal roads.
Don't miss: Table Mountain, Cape Point, Boulders Beach, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and Chapman's Peak Drive.
Germany
Best for: Christmas markets, history, architecture, and festive charm
Recommended stay: 6- 10 days. December–January weather: -2 to 5°C, cold and crisp, with frequent snowfall in the south and a truly festive atmosphere throughout.
Few countries capture the spirit of the season quite like Germany. Its Christmas markets are the stuff of legend, with wooden stalls selling mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and handmade gifts set against a backdrop of illuminated old towns and grand cathedrals.
Wander the historic streets of Nuremberg, one of the country's oldest and most famous markets, explore Munich's Marienplatz, or take in the fairy tale charm of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Berlin and Cologne offer a livelier, more cosmopolitan take on the season, blending centuries of history with world-class culture and cuisine.
Don't miss: Nuremberg Christmas Market, Munich's Marienplatz, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Cologne Cathedral, and Berlin's historic centre.
South Korea
Best for: Shopping, cafés, culture, and winter experiences.
Recommended stay: 7–10 days. December–January weather: -5 to 8°C, crisp winter weather with festive lights, occasional snowfall, and excellent skiing.
South Korea blends centuries-old tradition with modern innovation. Wander royal palaces, shop in Seoul's famous districts, soak up its renowned café culture, and browse festive winter markets.
For travellers wanting snow, nearby ski resorts offer a completely different festive experience.
Don't miss: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Myeongdong, Bukchon Hanok Village, Gangnam, and Nami Island.
Türkiye
Best for: History, cuisine, shopping, and iconic landscapes
Recommended stay: 8–12 days. December–January weather: 8–15°C in Istanbul, cool and comfortable for sightseeing, while Cappadocia often turns magical under snow.
Türkiye sits where Europe meets Asia, creating one of the richest cultural experiences anywhere. Explore Istanbul's historic mosques, bustling bazaars, and vibrant food scene, then head to Cappadocia to watch sunrise hot air balloons drift above snow-dusted fairy chimneys.
Winter also means smaller crowds at many of the country's most famous sites.
Don't miss: Istanbul, Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, a Bosphorus cruise, and Cappadocia.
Vietnam
Best for: Food, scenery, culture, and incredible value
Recommended stay: 10–14 days. December–January weather: 15–22°C in the north, 25–32°C in the south. Comfortable temperatures make this one of the best seasons to explore.
Vietnam rewards travellers with remarkable diversity. Cruise Ha Long Bay, stroll the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, unwind on the beaches of Da Nang, and take in the energy of Ho Chi Minh City.
Whether you're after luxury, culture, or adventure, Vietnam consistently delivers exceptional value.
Don't miss: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Colombia
Best for: Culture, Caribbean beaches, and colourful cities.
Recommended stay: 10-12 days. December-January weather: 24-31°C, warm and sunny, particularly along the Caribbean coast, with December and January among the driest months.
Colombia has quickly become one of South America's must-visit destinations. Explore Cartagena's colourful colonial streets, discover Medellín's vibrant culture, and enjoy some of the warmest hospitality anywhere in the world.
With beautiful beaches, coffee plantations, and lively cities, Colombia offers an unforgettable mix of relaxation and adventure.
Don't miss: Cartagena, Medellín, Guatapé, the Rosario Islands, and the Coffee Region.
Start Planning Your Festive Escape
Start Planning Your Festive Escape
December and January are among the busiest travel months of the year, with flights, hotels, and bucket-list experiences often selling out well in advance. Planning early gives you access to better availability, better flight options, and a wider choice of exceptional accommodation. It also means less stress and more time to actually look forward to the trip, rather than scrambling to piece it together at the last minute.
Whether you're dreaming of tropical beaches, vibrant cities, unforgettable food, or once-in-a-lifetime adventures, these nine destinations showcase some of the best experiences the festive season has to offer. Each one has its own rhythm and character, so the right choice really comes down to the kind of break you're after this year. Perhaps it's the promise of sunshine and slower days, or the buzz of a new city dressed up for the season. Either way, there's never been a better excuse to start planning.
If you'd like help narrowing down your options, working out timings, or putting together a tailored itinerary for any of these destinations, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch at hello@tricitieedition.co and let's start planning your festive escape together.
Where will your next adventure take you?