10 Interesting Places To Visit In December, 2024
Interesting Places To Visit
As 2024 draws to a close, it's an ideal time to explore destinations that offer unique experiences in December. Here are some noteworthy places to consider:
1. Asia
a. Maldives
Why Visit? Perfect for a luxurious escape, with stunning atolls and overwater villas. December’s dry season makes it an ideal time for sunbathing and watersports.
Top Activities: Snorkeling with manta rays, diving in coral reefs, and sunset cruises on traditional dhoni boats.
b. Kyoto, Japan
Why Visit? Known for its iconic temples, bamboo forests, and seasonal festivals, Kyoto offers a blend of traditional and modern Japan.
Top Activities: Explore the Fushimi Inari Shrine, walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and savor Kaiseki cuisine.
c. Kerala, India
Why Visit? Known as "God's Own Country," Kerala offers serene backwaters, lush greenery, and cultural richness.
Top Activities: Stay in a houseboat, visit tea plantations in Munnar, and enjoy Kathakali performances.
2. Europe
a. South Tyrol, Italy
Why Visit? Nestled in the Alps, South Tyrol offers a unique mix of Italian and Austrian cultures. December is perfect for skiing and enjoying Christmas markets.
Top Activities: Explore the Dolomites, taste locally produced wines, and relax in thermal spas.
b. Berlin, Germany
Why Visit? December’s festive vibe is unmatched with over 80 Christmas markets. From history to nightlife, Berlin is vibrant year-round.
Top Activities: Visit Brandenburg Gate, explore Museum Island, and savor German delicacies like bratwurst and glühwein.
c. Prague, Czech Republic
Why Visit? A fairy-tale destination, Prague dazzles with its Christmas markets and Gothic architecture.
Top Activities: Wander through Old Town Square, enjoy views from Charles Bridge, and attend a classical concert at a historic church.
3. Africa
a. Cape Town, South Africa
Why Visit? December is summer in Cape Town, offering perfect weather for outdoor adventures and wine tours.
Top Activities: Take a cable car to Table Mountain, visit Robben Island, and explore Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
b. Marrakech, Morocco
Why Visit? A vibrant city filled with history, bustling souks, and exquisite architecture.
Top Activities: Discover the Majorelle Garden, shop for handmade goods in the medina, and relax in a traditional hammam.
4. Americas
a. Oaxaca, Mexico
Why Visit? December hosts cultural celebrations like La Noche de Rabanos (Night of the Radishes).
Top Activities: Visit Monte Albán, taste mole dishes, and enjoy vibrant local markets.
b. Patagonia, Chile/Argentina
Why Visit? December is peak summer in Patagonia, ideal for hiking and exploring its dramatic landscapes.
Top Activities: Trek the Torres del Paine, witness Perito Moreno Glacier, and visit Tierra del Fuego.
c. The Bahamas
Why Visit? December features Junkanoo festivals, offering a lively Caribbean cultural experience.
Top Activities: Swim with pigs in Exuma, dive in blue holes, and enjoy Bahamian seafood.
5. Polar Regions
a. Swedish Lapland
Why Visit? A winter wonderland for those seeking the Northern Lights and unique Arctic adventures.
Top Activities: Sleep in an ice hotel, go on a reindeer sled ride, and experience Sami traditions.
b. Antarctica
Why Visit? December is the austral summer, the best time for cruises to this pristine wilderness.
Top Activities: See penguin colonies, kayak amidst icebergs, and witness incredible glaciers.
6. Prague, Czech Republic
Why Visit? Known for its enchanting architecture and charming Christmas markets.
Highlights: Historic sites like Charles Bridge and Old Town Square, illuminated with festive lights.
7. Swedish Lapland
Why Visit? Ideal for witnessing the Northern Lights and engaging in winter activities.
Highlights: Stay in ice hotels, experience dog sledding, and explore Sami culture.
8. Ontario, Canada
Why Visit? December offers pleasant weather, perfect for exploring its backwaters and lush landscapes.
Highlights: Houseboat cruises, Ayurvedic treatments, and rich cultural heritage.
9. Edinburgh, Scotland
Why Visit? Famed for its Hogmanay celebrations, one of the world's largest New Year festivals.
Highlights: Torchlight processions, concerts, and fireworks over Edinburgh Castle.
10. Lagos, Nigeria
Why Visit? December is summer in Lagos, offering beaches, vineyards, and outdoor adventures.
Highlights: Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Winelands.
These destinations provide a mix of cultural festivities, natural beauty, and unique experiences to make the end of your 2024 memorable.
Top December Travel Destinations for 2024
Why Visit? December is the austral summer, the best time for cruises to this pristine wilderness.
Top Activities: See penguin colonies, kayak amidst icebergs, and witness incredible glaciers.
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from Oluwatosin Adesoba and writers in Earth and other communities.
Observe The World Closely
Observe the World Closely In the rush of daily life, it is easy to overlook the richness of the world around us. We often move through our days without noticing the intricate details that make up our environment. However, taking the time to observe the world closely can bring a deeper appreciation for life and enhance our understanding of ourselves and others. It allows us to break free from habitual thinking, opening our minds to new perspectives and insights that can transform our experiences.
By Oluwatosin Adesoba10 months ago in Earth
The Reality of the Illusion of Time
Recently, as I strolled along the short stretch to my strength training session, I aimlessly took in the row of tatty shops and shabby buildings along the route and passed an off-street, in which one of my sisters used to live, around thirteen years ago.
By Chantal Christie Weiss3 days ago in Earth
Why Putin Went Quiet When Challenged by Trump Over Venezuela
When U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in early January 2026, the world was stunned. Venezuela has long been a Russian ally, yet Russian President Vladimir Putin remained almost completely silent when challenged directly by U.S. President Donald Trump. Why would a leader so often outspoken on the world stage hold back in such a dramatic moment? Let’s unpack the story and explore what it means for global politics. A Bold Move That Shocked the World On January 3, U.S. forces executed a daring operation in Venezuela, taking Maduro into custody in New York to face charges including drug trafficking and narco‑terrorism. The operation was framed by the U.S. as a step to enforce justice, but critics saw it as an extraordinary overreach of power. Venezuela is no ordinary country for Russia. Since the days of Hugo Chávez, Moscow has cultivated close ties with Caracas, offering military support, energy deals, and diplomatic backing on the global stage. Past actions included Russian bombers visiting Venezuela and high-profile defense agreements. Given this history, many expected a fiery response from Putin. Yet, the Kremlin remained calm, issuing measured statements rather than sharp threats. Why Silence Was Strategic Experts suggest there are several reasons for Putin’s muted reaction, each revealing the careful calculation behind the Kremlin’s foreign policy. 1. Focus on the War in Ukraine Russia’s primary priority remains Ukraine. Engaged in a high-stakes military and diplomatic battle, Putin cannot afford distractions or new confrontations far from home. Escalating tensions with the United States over Venezuela could jeopardize Moscow’s position in Europe. A New York Times report highlighted that Russia is “subordinating all other interests to the war in Ukraine,” suggesting that even a high-profile ally like Venezuela takes a back seat to Moscow’s strategic goals. 2. Limited Military Options While Russia’s alliance with Venezuela is longstanding, much of the support has been symbolic rather than operational. Defense systems and military cooperation exist on paper, but Russia lacks the immediate ability to counter a U.S. operation thousands of miles away. Putin may have recognized that responding aggressively would be both ineffective and costly, potentially risking military and economic consequences that Moscow cannot afford. 3. Maintaining Diplomatic Channels with Washington With Donald Trump back in the White House since 2025, there has been cautious optimism in Moscow about recalibrating U.S.–Russia relations. Avoiding a dramatic confrontation over Venezuela keeps diplomatic channels open, allowing Russia to negotiate on other high-priority issues like Ukraine and sanctions relief. In other words, silence can be a calculated strategy, signaling restraint rather than weakness. 4. Russia’s Global Influence Is Waning The Maduro episode also highlights a broader geopolitical reality: Russia’s global reach has limits. Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Moscow’s influence in regions like the Middle East and parts of the former Soviet Union has weakened. Venezuela remains one of its few high-profile allies outside Europe, but even there, Russia’s power is largely symbolic. By not escalating, Putin is acknowledging a practical truth: Russia cannot be everywhere at once, and some battles are not worth fighting. 5. Choosing Battles Wisely Some analysts emphasize that Putin’s quiet response is more about strategic prioritization than capitulation. In a world dominated by nuclear powers and volatile global politics, direct confrontation with the United States over Venezuela could spiral into a far larger crisis. By staying silent, the Kremlin may be signaling that it picks its battles carefully, focusing resources on Ukraine, where the stakes are highest. What This Means for the World Putin’s silence sends several messages: Russia is currently stretched, economically and militarily. Moscow is prioritizing Ukraine over symbolic allies. Strategic restraint is sometimes more powerful than public confrontation. The limits of Russian influence are becoming more visible to the world. This episode reflects a new reality in geopolitics: power is as much about choosing when not to act as when to assert force. The Bigger Picture The capture of Maduro is a defining moment not just for Venezuela, but for global politics. It shows the United States asserting power in a way not seen for decades, while Russia’s quiet reaction underscores its current limits and priorities. For observers, Putin’s silence is a lesson in modern geopolitics: even the most assertive leaders exercise restraint when stakes are high and risks are global. In the end, the Maduro affair reminds us that in today’s world, the loudest response is not always the most effective one — sometimes, quiet calculation speaks volumes. Sources and Further Reading The US capture of Maduro reveals Russia’s weakness – Atlantic Council ‘It sends a horrible signal’: US politicians react to capture of Nicolás Maduro – The Guardian Russia slams 'neocolonial threats' against Venezuela – Reuters
By Muhammad Hassan6 days ago in Earth
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.