December heralds the start of the ski season in Europe, Canada and the USA, providing winter wonderlands in which to enjoy a luxury Christmas ski holiday or simply take to the slopes before returning to enjoy festive family celebrations at home. In France there’s a wealth of glamorous ski resorts to choose from, including Val Thorens, one of Europe’s most high-altitude ski resorts, which virtually guarantees a huge dump of snow in time for your arrival. Megeve has an annual fairytale Christmas Lights event that is sure to mesmerise visitors, while Cervinia provides the glamour in northern Italy. In North America, Canada and Colorado offer great value for a pre-Christmas luxury ski escape.
For an entirely different Christmas experience, why not take to one of Europe’s grand rivers, such as the Rhine or Danube, to enjoy a luxury river cruise in five star surroundings, meandering past pretty scenery and stopping to soak up the atmosphere in picturesque fairytale villages dressed in their best festive finery.
New York will forever be perfect for Christmas shopping or a New Year escape, while Rio de Janeiro in Brazil experiences hot, dry weather in December, so is ideal for a post-Christmas beach break.
One of the most iconic destinations in which to enjoy a Christmastime beach holiday is the Caribbean, the perfect tropical backdrop for celebrating with family and friends, while Hawaii, South Africa and Dubai are appealing alternatives, as is the Maldives, which is super-popular in December due to its incredible weather.
For a little Asian culture, world-famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia is best seen in December when the weather offers a clearer view of the magnificent monument, while northern Thailand and Phuket are two more recommendations for a luxury holiday in Asia, due to the super December weather.