Luxury December holidays

These are the very best trips to enjoy in December, whether you're seeking out some winter sun at a beachfront resort or want to explore Lapland from a luxury glass igloo.

The ultimate festive break

December is a time for festivities, whether that's reindeer sled rides in Swedish and Finnish Lapland or exploring Norway’s Tromso with its Northern Lights spectaculars. The world-famous winter ICEHOTEL also opens its doors for the season, and over in Iceland, December is an excellent time to combine Reykjavik’s buzzing nightlife with the country’s spectacular natural world.

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Suite, Arctic Treehouse Hotel, Finnish Lapland

Antarctic cruises

December is high summer in Antarctica, opening up possibilities for bucket-list, luxury expedition cruises that take in the mesmerising landscapes and wildlife of the world's final frontier. Expect to spot whales and vast seal and penguin colonies as you head out on Zodiac cruises with expert naturalists. Antarctica cruises are now available to book for this winter and even into 2024 and 2025.

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King penguins, Antarctica

Australia & New Zealand

December Down Under sees balmy weather around the states of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, ideal conditions for city sightseeing coupled with a coastal road trip. Don't miss out on the likes of Kangaroo Island and the Blue Mountains for spectacular flora and fauna, while oenophiles will find plenty to delight amid the vineyards of Hunter and Barossa Valley. Meanwhile, across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand's alpine landscapes and glorious coastlines are coming into their own.

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South America

Across in the Americas, December is high season in South America, meaning excellent temperatures for exploring, particularly in the south – think stargazing in Chile and eco-lodge stays in Patagonia. With December one of the most popular months, particularly for Patagonia, booking early is essential.

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Tierra Patagonia, Argentina

Our top December holiday ideas

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Classic Costa Rica in style

11-day tailor-made holiday from £8,265 pp incl. flights

This classic action-packed itinerary showcases the highlights of this stunning and diverse country on a series of private tours and excursions, while staying in a series of upscale lodges and hotels.

Suite, Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

Arctic TreeHouse Adventure

4-day tailor-made break from £2,535 pp incl. flights

Experience the magic of Finnish Lapland in winter as you enjoy a secluded stay in a sleek, timber-clad pod at the Arctic TreeHouse hotel, tucked away on a forested slope just outside of Rovaniemi – right on the edge of the Arctic Circle.

Sydney aerial view

Sydney, Rock & Reef

12-day tailor-made holiday from £4,235 pp incl. flights

Between luxury stays, catamaran cruises and flight hops, this is your chance to experience the best of Australia in style. You’ll stay right on Sydney’s harbour, learn about Uluru’s cultural riches with a sunset tour and snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef with a marine biologist.

Land iguana in the Galapagos
Special offer

Ecuador and the Western Galápagos on Silver Origin

13-day tailor-made journey from £12,085 pp incl. flights

Save up to £2,400 pp – ends 1 Sep

Explore Ecuador by land and sea, from the rich history of the capital Quito to a luxury rainforest lodge and on to the abundance of wildlife in the far-flung Galápagos.

St. Andrews Bay, South Georgia, King Penguins, Beach landing
Special offer

Antarctica Bridge with Silversea

11-day expedition cruise holiday from £12,700 pp incl. flights

Save up to £2,400 pp – ends 1 Sep

A fast-track to the White Continent, this luxury Silversea cruise skips the infamously choppy waters of the Drake Passage to deliver you in unmatched style, via a business class charter flight, to the wilds of the Antarctic Peninsula.

ICEHOTEL 29 | Art Suite Lollipop | Design Luc Voisin & Mathieu Brison | Photo Asaf Kliger | © ICEHOTEL

ICEHOTEL Break

4-day tailor-made break from £980 pp incl. flights

This is the ideal holiday for the adventurous at heart – a three-night break in the wilds of Swedish Lapland, staying at the world-famous ICEHOTEL. Add on everything from husky sledding to Northern Lights hunts.

White Uniworld river cruise ship, SS Sphinx on the River Nile
Special offer

Splendours of Egypt & the Nile with Uniworld

12-day luxury river cruise holiday from £4,945 pp incl. flights

Save up to £1,225 pp – ends 31 Aug

Discover the ancient treasures of Egypt as you combine a luxurious Cairo stay with an indulgent Uniworld River Cruise. Enjoy included excursions, gourmet meals and bespoke experiences throughout.

Amor Arenal, Costa Rica

Boutique Costa Rica Escape

13-day tailor-made holiday from £8,420 pp incl. flights

Journey through the heart of Costa Rica’s most awe-inspiring landscapes, where nature’s wonders are paired with handpicked boutique retreats, combining world-class comfort with the essence of Costa Rican hospitality.

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

Best of Cambodia

14-day tailor-made holiday from £4,660 pp incl. flights

Explore traditional floating villages and stay in everything from tented suites on rainforest rivers to luxury boutique boltholes overlooking the Gulf of Thailand on this ideal introduction to Cambodia.

Northern Lights above the glass domes of Levin Iglut

Levi Glass Igloo Winter Break

4-day tailor-made break from £1,655 pp incl. flights

On this classic Northern Lights short break, you'll experience Finnish Lapland’s Arctic wilderness in serious style with two nights at a Scandi-chic hideaway and one night in a cosy glass igloo.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Machu Picchu & the Galápagos

14-day tailor-made holiday from £11,495 pp incl. flights

In between exploring the mist-clad beauty of Machu Picchu and cruising the Galápagos Islands, discover the rhythms of Lima, Cusco and Quito, some of South America's most enticing cities.

Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia

Patagonia’s Glaciers & Fjords

14-day tailor-made holiday from £17,400 pp incl. flights

Compare Chilean and Argentinean Patagonia as you cruise the icy fjords from Ushuaia and explore Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Park – all while enjoying our collection of curated luxurious lodges and boutique hotels.

Wild Bengal tiger in Bandhavgarh National Park

India’s tigers, temples & the Taj Mahal

15-day tailor-made holiday from £5,245 pp incl. flights

Explore the temples of Jaipur and the white-marble icon of the Taj Mahal. Then, go in search of tigers in three of India's most beautiful national parks, staying in luxury jungle camps and lodges throughout.

Lake Tekapo, South Island, New Zealand

Highlights of New Zealand's South Island

13-day tailor-made self-drive from £4,470 pp incl. flights

The beauty of New Zealand's South Island is in its natural landscapes and outdoor activities – discover them all with a range of curated excursions, from whale-watching tours and overnight fjord cruises to glacial heli-hikes and mountain rail journeys.

Atlantic Ocean, National Park Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

Southern Africa in style with Regent Seven Seas Cruises

15-day luxury cruise holiday from £8,020 pp incl. flights

An African epic, this not-to-be-missed itinerary sees you sail in unmatched style among the famed cities, wilderness and wildlife of South Africa and Namibia.

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Christmas & New Year Down Under with Silversea

Set sail on an unforgettable voyage with Silversea this holiday season to explore the cities and natural wonders of Australia & New Zealand on an luxury all-inclusive cruise.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Splendours

11-day tailor-made holiday from £5,230 pp incl. flights

Experience the best of Sri Lanka, from its UNESCO-listed wonders to its wildlife-rich national parks and glorious, Indian Ocean coast.

Tierra Atacama, Excursions in Chile

Discover Chile and Argentina

13-day tailor-made holiday from £9,080 pp incl. flights

This itinerary combines some of the many highlights of Chile and Argentina in one unforgettable holiday, from the vast Atacama desert to Argentinian wine country and beyond.

Vineyards in Hunter Valley, New South Wales in Australia

Australia’s Winelands & Luxury Island Lodges

14-day tailor-made holiday from £12,265 pp incl. flights

Exclusive experiences, ranging from sightseeing flights in Sydney and private wine tours to island stays and oyster tasting, showcase the very best of Australia, all while staying at its finest accommodation.

Las Teresitas Beach, Tenerife

Tenerife: Beaches, vineyards & volcanoes

8-day tailor-made holiday from £3,405 pp incl. flights

See Tenerife's south at its best, staying in a luxury hotel, enjoying a private beach club and exploring with unique tours, from whale watching to wine tastings.

Buddhas, Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka

Highlights of Sri Lanka & The Maldives

14-day tailor-made holiday from £6,395 pp incl. flights

This exciting and diverse itinerary combines the rich culture and history of vibrant Sri Lanka with beachfront luxury and relaxation in the blissful Maldives, showcasing the best of the Indian Ocean.

Milaidhoo Island, Maldives

Milaidhoo, Maldives

Lie back, relax and truly unwind at this stunning tropical island resort – a tiny emerald drop of paradise, wrapped up in the soft white sands of the idyllic Maldives.

Ion Adventure Hotel

ION Hotel & Reykjavik

Experience Iceland’s wild side on an adrenaline-fuelled and adventure-packed luxury short break while staying in an amazing wilderness hotel and seriously stylish Art Deco gem.

Northern Lights, Lyngen Lodge, Norway

Arctic Norway: Tromso & Lyngen Lodge

5-day tailor-made holiday from £2,615 pp incl. flights

High up in the wilds of northern Norway, Lyngen Lodge is a wilderness hideaway on the shores of a spectacular fjord. Take it all in alongside the magic of Tromso's Northern Lights.

Exterior, Loggers Lodge

Loggers Lodge & Treehotel

Ah, Swedish Lapland. Snow-laden trees and frozen landscapes, Scandinavian design lodges, traditional saunas, winter sports and exceptional outdoor experiences.

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