With our selection of the best locations to escape the UK in the coldest month of the year, you can trade chilly evenings for beachside mornings or festive markets - there is something to suit everyone.
Berlin
Berlin's Christmas markets may not have the same history as those in other German cities, but they more than make up for it in variety, with 60 or more held throughout the city, from the quaint streets of Spandau in the western suburbs to the glass façades of Potsdamer Platz (also a popular location for ice skating). While lebkuchen and glasses of glühwein are never far away, you may also find less conventional arts and crafts. Stay close to Kurfürstendamm to see the boulevard beautifully illuminated up and to plunder KaDeWe's enormous candy counter, the crown jewel of Berlin's department stores.
Temperature: 8°C high; 3°C low
Season: Winter
Travel time from UK: 1 hours 45 minutes +
Time difference: GMT +2
Dubai
Dubai provides an opportunity to escape the chilly winter weather. Although the seawater can occasionally still be a little too chilly for swimming, the sunshine and pleasant weather make it the perfect time to lay by hotel pools or sunbathe. There are usually fireworks displays and visual art performances on and around National Day, the annual celebration of the UAE's independence.
Temperature: 26 °C high; 16°C low
Season: Summer
Travel time from UK: 7 hours
Time difference: GMT +4
Cape Town
South Africa is regarded as a year-round travel destination due to its mild climate and
abundance of year-round activities. However, we highly advise visiting Cape Town for South African holidays in December. The summer season here starts in December; with highs reaching a very pleasant 25°C during the day, an average temperature of 20°C, and little precipitation, it makes a great choice for winter sun. As one might anticipate, Cape Town celebrates Christmas elegantly. With a variety of holiday activities taking place all around the city, it's impossible to escape getting into the holiday spirit, whether you choose to shop for presents at the well-known V&A Waterfront complex, visit festive markets, or take in the breathtaking Adderley Street illuminations.
Temperature: 17°C high; 17°C low
Season: Cool season
Travel time from UK: 11 hours 40 minutes
Time difference: GMT +2
The Philippines
A fantastic time to visit the Philippines is in December because of the significantly milder temperatures, which range from the mid-20s to the low-30s. Rainfall and humidity levels decrease when the dry season (between November and April) begins, allowing you to freely travel through even the most distant regions of this country and its gorgeous islands. With such favourable temperatures, a vacation in December allows you to take advantage of the lush greenery and sunny weather. You may go climbing in Bohol's Chocolate Hills or explore Palawan's pristine unspoiled beaches, bright coral reefs, and underground rivers.
Temperature: 29.5°C high; 24°C low
Season: Dry
Travel time from UK: 13 hours
Time difference: GMT +8
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