Where to go on holiday in December

Dreaming of a December getaway? Look no further! The travel experts at Sunvil have meticulously handpicked their favourite holiday ideas, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience, even in the colder months. Whether you crave winter sun, festive charm, or adventurous escapes, our selection has something for everyone. Do not hesitate to give us a call for further inspiration and to learn more from our first-hand experiences - Tel: 020 8568 4499.

Snow is falling all around, well at least in the Arctic. Dog-sled, snowmobile, horse-riding and reindeer-sled excursions are on offer in Swedish Lapland and Northern Norway. You can spend the night on ice at the ICEHOTEL and the Snowhotel Kirkenes 365, stay at the locally-owned Camp Ripan or book the romantic Lyngen Lodge. We have offered winter holidays to these regions for almost twenty years and our destination experts have visited, stayed at and experienced all the offerings of the region. On 13 December the Saint of Light (Lucia) is celebrated. Where possible we always recommend that visitors to Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo travel over this period in order to join a Lucia concert - a touching and heartwarming experience.

If you're looking for something further afield why not escape the cold and venture to Costa Rica. It may be small, but there are so many great reasons to visit that it should not be underestimated. This small Central American paradise has a lot packed into a small area. There is plenty to do here to keep you occupied, fascinated and entertained. Not only that, but Costa Rica caters for all types of traveller – adrenalin junkies, beach enthusiasts, families, active travellers and those with a fascination for flora and fauna.

If you are looking for traditional Christmas decorations and gifts and love the sights, sounds and aromas that herald the start of the festive season, treat yourself to a city break to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

Sweden has a long tradition of having the most magical of Christmas markets. In Stockholm, Kungsträdgården is right in the heart of the city with a wonderful outdoor skating rink. Gothenburg’s Liseberg is Sweden’s biggest amusement park and the market is massive and one of the most popular in the country. Malmö’s legendary museum complex is a wonderful place to visit and at Christmas, it really pulls out all the stops and offers plenty of stalls selling food, ornaments and plenty of traditional handicrafts.

Combining Mediterranean flavours and German traditions, Italy lights up the Christmas season with some of the most interesting Christmas markets on offer in Europe. Verona hosts a Nuremberg market in the central Piazza dei Signori. Christmas fairs take place in various piazzas in Venice and on the island of Murano you will find the 'Christmas of Glass' with hand-crafted baubles and a spectacular glasswork regatta. The Christmas market in Florence is inspired by the tradition of the German city of Heidelberg with wooden huts and stalls selling Italian and German delicacies, handicrafts and decorations and in Milan the market and other seasonal activities takes place in the Giardini Indro Montanelli, along with a popular skating rink.

Head to Zagreb where you’ll be able to shop your way into the festive spirit in a very Croatian way. Lights illuminate the plane trees, fountains and pathways while the central music pavilion sparkles as the stage for live music every evening and during the day at weekends. Traditional wooden huts sell seasonal food and hot drinks including mulled wine along with traditional wooden Christmas decorations and gifts. King Tomislav Square lights up too, featuring the very special and very large Ice Park ice rink (skate hire available) during the Advent period. The medieval Upper Town glitters too with festive decorations, music and the old cobbled streets positively twinkle. Our 3 night Advent Fair holiday is the ideal short break to fill you with festive cheer in this enchanting capital.

December is an excellent time for a Costa Rica holiday as it marks the start of the dry season, offering consistently sunny weather, particularly in the Pacific coastal areas. This is perfect for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities like zip-lining and wildlife viewing. Although it's peak season, the festive atmosphere leading up to Christmas and New Year's adds an extra layer of enjoyment.

If you’re searching for the ideal introduction to the variety and abundance of Costa Rica, look no further! Our 12 night 'Classic Costa Rica' holiday is a winning combination of locations, wildlife, habitats, activity & downtime, suitable for all ages.