10 Best Places to Honeymoon in December
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Want inspiration for the best honeymoon destinations in December? If you’re planning a December honeymoon, you’re in the right place!
Whether you’re after a winter sun honeymoon or a cosy snow-filled escape, there are loads of amazing places to honeymoon in December.
December is a really great time to take a honeymoon. It’s peak season for many of the world’s best honeymoon destinations such as the Maldives and the Caribbean.
Plus, there are loads of options this month to suit every honeymoon style and budget – from luxury all-inclusives to adventurous honeymoons off the beaten track.
So, if you’re currently planning your honeymoon and want December honeymoon ideas, keep reading! Here’s my pick of the 10 best places to honeymoon in December…
10 best honeymoon destinations in December
1 Maldives
The Maldives had to be first on the list of best places to honeymoon in December. There’s a good reason why the Maldives is one of the world’s favourite honeymoon destinations – it’s the epitome of paradise and has everything you need for newlywed bliss!
December is one of the best times to visit the Maldives – it’s the country’s high season so you can expect great weather for all your activities. If you’re dreaming of luxury, the Maldives should also be top of your list for a honeymoon in December.
There are luxury resorts aplenty with options boasting everything from overwater villas and butler service to amazing spa experiences.
With most resorts in the Maldives set on their own private islands, your honeymoon here will be all about seclusion and soaking up the best of the winter sun.
Top hotels: Joali Maldives, Soneva Fushi, COMO Cocoa Island
2 South Africa
South Africa is one of my favourite destinations because it has so much to offer. In December, South Africa’s Western Cape has its dry summer season so it’s an amazing time for a honeymoon to Cape Town.
South Africa is a brilliant December honeymoon destination if you want something a little adventurous, too. If you have the time for a longer break, consider combining Cape Town with the Winelands and a road trip along the Garden Route.
If you’re dreaming of a safari, South Africa makes an exceptional safari honeymoon. December isn’t the best time for a safari in Kruger National Park, but the game reserves in the Eastern Cape are a great bet at this time of year.
You’ll also be able to stay in a luxury safari lodge for a really romantic experience.
Top hotels: Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel, Delaire Graff Estate, Amakhala Safari Lodge
3 Thailand
Another of the best places to honeymoon in December is Thailand. Thailand is one of my all-time favourite destinations and possibly one of the best honeymoon destinations in Southeast Asia!
Depending on what you’re after for your honeymoon, there are loads of options with a honeymoon to Thailand. If you’re dreaming of palm-fringed, shimmering-sand beaches, Thailand has you covered.
The western regions of Phuket and Krabi are best in December for catching those glorious sunny rays.
In Thailand, you’ll find everything from pristine scenery and cultural sites to dazzling city lights. If you want added adventure, consider spending a few days in Bangkok, visiting Khao Sok National Park or heading north to Chiang Mai.
Top hotels: Six Senses Yao Noi, Andara Resort Villas, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
4 Lapland, Finland
If you’re dreaming of a white winter getaway, look no further than Finnish Lapland for your honeymoon in December. This is an idyllic and truly magical destination for a honeymoon – think powdery snow, cosy hotels and evenings lit by the northern lights!
This is a December honeymoon destination that’s both adventurous and relaxing so you can take it as easy as you’d like. Outdoor activities include husky sledding, snowshoeing and skiing, but it’s also known for its saunas and spas.
Plus you can relax each evening with a warming glass of glögi before cosying up for some stargazing!
December in Finland is one of the best places for festive celebrations, too – it is, after all, the home of Santa Claus! If you love Christmas, this really is a fairytale setting and one of the very best places for an unforgettable honeymoon in December.
Top hotels: Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Wilderness Hotel Inari
5 Mexico
Soft sand beaches, swaying palms and the most delicious food – what’s not to love about Mexico? The country’s Caribbean Coast is a picture-perfect honeymoon destination in December and definitely deserves all the praise it receives.
If you want a relaxing, all-inclusive resort you’ll be spoilt for choice if you honeymoon in Mexico. There are brilliant options across Cancun and the Riviera Maya. You could also stay in Tulum if you’d prefer more of a bohemian or boutique option.
Mexico’s Caribbean Coast is a popular honeymoon destination in December if you want to mix excursions with lazy days in the sun.
There are so many things to do across Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula – from day trips to Isla Mujeres or Holbox to swimming in cenotes and visiting incredible cultural sites.
Top hotels: Royalton Riviera Cancun, SLS Cancun Hotel, La Valise Tulum
6 Switzerland
If you’re travelling from the UK and want to honeymoon closer to home, Switzerland is a wonderful European honeymoon destination in December. Switzerland is a country that sparkles with luxury so it’s a lovely choice for something extra special.
In December, there’s lots to experience too. If you head to the Swiss Alps, it’s a prime time for skiing so you’ll be treated to gorgeous snowy peaks. And even if you’re not into winter sports, the fairytale Swiss resorts are a picturesque setting for a magical winter honeymoon.
Christmas markets are also big in Switzerland in places like Zurich, Basel and Lucerne.
Plus Switzerland boasts some of the best spas and thermal baths, so if you want a honeymoon with a dose of wellness, this could be the perfect destination for you!
Top hotels: Grace La Margna St Moritz, Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa, Hotel Royal Savoy Lausanne
7 The Caribbean
The Caribbean is synonymous with newlywed bliss and December is one of the best times to visit. The hurricane season will have passed and you’ll be blessed with blue skies, warm seas and great conditions for enjoying the beach.
Across the region, there are so many options for a dreamy, paradise island honeymoon. Each island offers something a little different so there’s bound to be a perfect Caribbean destination for you.
Some islands are renowned for their luxury offering, others exude romance and many offer a relaxed, back-to-nature escape.
If you want help choosing the best Caribbean destination for you, I’ve put together a guide to the best Caribbean islands for couples here.
Wherever you pick, there’ll be no shortage of unforgettable experiences if you honeymoon in the Caribbean. From sunset dinners on the beach to catamaran cruises, horse riding and hiking.
Obviously, the beaches are pristine in the Caribbean so it’s an amazing choice for a postcard-perfect backdrop, too!
Top hotels: Sandals Grenada, Colony Club by Elegant Hotels Barbados, Jade Mountain St Lucia
8 New Zealand
Not everyone is able to take several weeks off for their honeymoon, but if you can – New Zealand needs to be on your list!
If you’re travelling from the UK, it’s best to have 3+ weeks to experience the best of New Zealand, but it can still be done in 2 if you’re limited on time. (I’ve put together a 2-week North Island itinerary that you can check out here)
December is an amazing time to visit New Zealand. Thanks to its location in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the start of summer so the weather is usually warm – making it perfect for outdoor pursuits.
You’ll be able to spend your honeymoon hiking, sailing, visiting Hobbiton and immersing yourself in Maori culture.
There’s so much to see and do in New Zealand that a December honeymoon here will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s one of the world’s best destinations for adventure seekers and is an incredible place for creating lasting memories.
Top hotels: Paihia Beach Resort & Spa Hotel, Split Apple Retreat Abel Tasman, Azur Lodge Queenstown
9 Australia
Australia is a bucket list destination, so if you’ve never been before – when could be better than on your honeymoon?!
Like New Zealand, this is a country that needs lots of annual leave (and a decent amount of planning) if you’re travelling from the UK or Europe. But, as there’s so much on offer in Australia, I promise you won’t be disappointed!
At the height of summer, Australia is one of the best places to honeymoon in December. It’s a great time of year to enjoy the famous beaches and experience the best of Australia’s scenery.
If you’re lucky to have several weeks off, you could road trip the coast – the east coast from Sydney to Cairns is the most popular route.
If you want to be wowed by beaches, head to the Whitsundays. Whitehaven Beach is one of the best beaches I’ve ever seen – it really lives up to its reputation!
For paradise bliss in Australia, consider a stay on Hamilton Island. You’ll be surrounded by tropical vibes and within reach of the Great Barrier Reef.
Top hotels: Park Hyatt Sydney, Qualia Hamilton Island, Daintree Ecolodge
10 New York, USA
There aren’t many places that do Christmas as well as New York City. So if you want a festive winter honeymoon in December, a city break to New York could be perfect for you!
There’s so much to see and do in New York that it’s a great option if you’re the kind of couple who gets bored with package or beach holidays.
Your honeymoon can be filled with all kinds of activities – from shopping and visiting museums to exploring different neighbourhoods. You’ll want to treat yourself to a Broadway show while you’re there – and definitely make the most of the city’s cool dining spots.
Christmas is the big draw of New York in December. You’ll be able to take in the twinkling lights, go ice skating and see the famous tree at the Rockefeller Center.
It’s a lovely destination for splashing out on some luxury too – there are loads of plush hotels in New York to treat yourself to the ultimate cosy honeymoon.
Top hotels: Pendry Manhattan West, Crosby Street Hotel, The Greenwich Hotel
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December is a brilliant time for a honeymoon and there are loads of options to suit your style. If these dream destinations aren’t on your list yet – get adding! I can’t wait to hear where you pick!
