Where To Head In December
The nights may be getting darker and colder, but when Christmas cheer is in the air, it’s hard to be humbug about it all. It helps that the month is arguably the best time to jet away over winter: office workers usually take time off anyway, and the world offers a choice of snuggly winter breaks or glorious blue skies as far-flung destinations come into their own.
If you’re thinking about travelling in December, here are a few of our favourite places.
Cologne, Germany
There’s nothing like Christmas markets in Germany, the country most synonymous with the tradition. The Bavarian charm of Munich, the melting pot of Berlin and the urban energy of Hamburg all have their appeal, but we’d direct your attention towards the beautiful city of Cologne. Its location in the west of Germany means it’s a short flight or accessible train journey over. Once there, there’s a host of Christmas markets to tantalise you over a long weekend.
Make a beeline for the starry Markt der Engel, the main Christmas market located by the Unesco-listed Cologne Cathedral, which stands as the tallest twin spire church in the world. In this distinctive location, you can sup glühwein and munch on bratwursts while shopping for Christmas trinkets – to the sound of carol singers if you time it right. Elsewhere in the city, there’s an abundance of Christmas specialist markets, from one dedicated to gnomes, to Nikolausdorf for younger people at the entrance of the stunning Hahnen City Gate. The markets run between November 18 and January 5, but check specific dates for your favourite market if you’re making the trip.
Sri Lanka
December is the time that the south and west of Sri Lanka become popular, with better temperatures and less rainfall. The tranquil beaches of Tangalle, Rekawa and Matara Beach offer fine sandy beaches and a feeling of largely being untouched by mass tourism.
But if you want to stay active, head to the cultural capital of Galle, a beautiful town rising from its colonial past. It’s also a great time to see elephants – visit Udawalawe for a look at hundreds of elephants in their natural habitat, just before the peak season starts in January. And those wanting to see whales can take an excursion out to Mirissa or Dondra Head – it’s almost guaranteed you’ll see blue whales, sperm whales or dolphins, and you might also spot killer whales and whale sharks if you’re lucky.
Rovaniemi, Finland
It’s not one for the cost conscious, but a winter trip to Scandinavia is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. And there’s rarely a better time than now to see the Northern Lights. The strange phenomenon takes place in cycles of 11 years, and this year is the ‘solar maximum’: when they’ll be the strongest, so you’re more likely to see them. No Scandinavian country is cheap, but at least there are direct flights from London and Liverpool straight to the centre of Finnish Lapland in Rovaniemi. You’ll also be able to do the full range of Arctic activities, like play in waist-deep fresh snow, go ice fishing, or try a reindeer sleigh ride. Don’t forget to warm up again in a hot sauna – it’s the Finnish way!
Lisbon, Portugal
When it comes to celebrating new year, every capital has plenty going for it. But we reckon this year, Lisbon will stand out because festivities involve far more than just the clock turning midnight, which makes it ideal for a short break. At this hip destination, big events beforehand include the São Silvestre 10 km Road Race, and two nights of warm-up concerts at the city’s focal point, Praça do Comércio. That’s also the location of the celebrations on 31st. Get there before 10pm for a good spot and settle there for the night – the party continues well after the fireworks at midnight. If you’re not a fan of big crowds, you’ll also see some fireworks at Parque das Nacōes and outside Casino Lisboa. To add to the ease of it all, the blue, green and red lines on Lisbon metro serve their main stations all night.
Maldives
December is the dreamiest time to visit the dreamiest destination. It’s when the paradise island of the Maldives are at their best, with clear blue skies, warm temperatures and calm waters. It’s also when you can spot manta rays elegantly gliding around certain atolls, like the Lhaviyani Atoll. They feed on plankton at the Fushifaru Thila cleaning station, before moving elsewhere in March. So if you want a chance to see these beautiful sea creatures up close, it’s the right time and place.
Wherever you’re heading to this festive season make sure to have peace of mind by protecting your trip with a Switched On Travel Insurance policy. There’s a 24/7 emergency helpline so we’re always only a phone call away when you need us. Plus, gadget insurance is included automatically. Find out more by visiting the travel section of the Switched On website.