Top 10 Travel Destinations In December for Redeeming Points & Miles

It can get pretty hectic during the holiday season but that’s just more reason to plan yourself a nice little vacation. Here, we curated the top travel destinations just for you. Be sure to check events you may have arranged or planned as they may be cancelled or postponed.

Keep reading for our top ten travel destinations in December. Take advantage of these amazing travel destinations we’ve written for you today! In addition, you can check out our best credit card bonuses here to maximize savings.

1. Tokyo (Japan)

Tokyo (Japan)

The holiday season in Tokyo is beautiful, lit with gorgeous winter illuminations to add to the festive feel. The city is decked in lights and full of holiday spirit. For souvenirs and gifts, shop at the European-style Christmas market in Hibuya Park.

Additionally, Tokyo has a plethora of non-holiday activities. Visit Harajuku district for boutiques, shops, cafes and restaurants that cater to the popular youth fashion culture. Check out Meiji Jingu featuring a museum, garden and shrine buildings. Explore the grounds of the Imperial Palace, home of the Emperor of Japan and an impressive art collection. For a family friendly fun day, check out Tokyo Disneyland.

2. Miami, Florida (USA)

Miami, Florida (USA)

Miami is full of fun during December. Families can enjoy Zoo Lights Miami every Friday and Saturday throughout the month with Santa photos, Snowman’s River Boat rides, fun events and performances.

Additionally, there is Santa’s Enchanted Forest at Tropical Park with rides, shows, games and eye-catching holiday decorations. The Miami City Ballet will present The Nutcracker from mid to late December. For art fans, check out the annual Art Basel Miami Beach, featuring large-scale works, performances and film screenings.

3. Tallinn (Estonia)

Tallinn (Estonia)

Check out the traditional Tallinn’s Christmas market. This market features typical holiday fare, mulled wine, a gigantic Christmas tree, an outdoor ice skating rink and a stage for live performances. If you’re looking for more festive activities, visit PiparkoogiMaania – Gingerbread Mania – which is an art exhibition showcasing all things gingerbread.

Head into the Old Town to admire the beautiful architecture and locals dressed in medieval clothing. Get unobstructed views of the harbor, bell towers, and the terracotta roof tiles from the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform. And indulge in food, from Estonian cuisine to Indian to medieval fare, and local craft beer.

4. Las Vegas, Nevada (USA)

Las Vegas, Nevada (USA)

December in Vegas offers a different experience than typical trips to the city that doesn’t sleep – the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. It’s got all the typical rodeo events as well as the Miss Rodeo America contest, Cowboy Christmas, charity events and after parties.

If you’re looking for a more festive feel, then check out the special holiday display at the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden and the ice rink on top of the Cosmopolitan Hotel with the occasional “snow shower.”

5. Chiang Rai (Thailand)

Chiang Rai (Thailand)

Dry season in the northern part of Thailand makes December the ideal time to visit Chiang Rai with cooler and less humid weather. Although Christmas and New Year’s aren’t traditional holidays in this area, many locals celebrate these occasions anyway.

The city hosts festivals this month, including the Chiang Rai Flower Festival with tulip, lilies and other cold-climate flowers in full bloom. You can also enjoy a photo contest, flower-painting competition, cultural shows, local product and food fairs, and musical performances.

The Color of Doi Tung Festival showcases six ethnic groups and their cultures. Indulge in both ethnic and royal cuisines, shop for hilltribe fashion and handicrafts, wander through flowery gardens and go on a tour led by local youth guides.

6. Winston-Salem, North Carolina (USA)

Winston-Salem, North Carolina (USA)

Winston-Salem was founded by Moravians from Eastern Europe in the mid-18th century, while the more industrial Winston offers resources and a streamlined bureaucracy.

In Old Salem, the festive season is celebrated as the Moravians did hundreds of years ago with candlelight tours, gingerbread and Lovefeast buns. Admire the holiday decorations on Main Street and shop for a gift or two.

Visit the Reynolda House, where the gardens, village and house are open for shopping, Christmas carols, arts and crafts, and tours led by costumed actors. And take a walk around the Downtown Arts District to enjoy galleries, murals and artistic displays.

7. Auckland (New Zealand)

Auckland (New Zealand)

As another year wraps up and the summer right around the corner, New Zealand in December is full of revelry and cheer. If you’re in Auckland, don’t miss out on Coca-Cola’s Christmas in the Park. It’s a free annual event featuring outdoor concerts that’s fun for the whole family.

While you’re there, take the SkyWalk at Sky Tower, tour the city on a private cruise, kayak to Rangitoto Island, go on a marine mammal eco-safari with Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari and taste some wines at Waiheke Island.

8. Paso Robles, California (USA)

Paso Robles, California (USA)

Paso Robles is on the central coast of California, almost exactly halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The town is warm and vibrant with vineyards, olive orchards, farms and ranches. Check out the wine trail, nosh on some seafood and visit an organic farm while you’re there.

The town celebrates the holidays with the Christmas Light Parade, featuring sparkling lights on spectacular floats, and the Vine Street Victorian Christmas Showcase, where 13 blocks are cordoned off as more than 15,000 people stroll up and down to admire the beautifully-restored Victorian houses lit up with Christmas lights and decorations.

9. Patagonia (Chile)

Patagonia (Chile)

December in Chile is magical, with beautiful weather. Note that Patagonia‘s infamous winds can tend to get a bit crazy, so it’s best to bring warm layers.

You can enjoy horseback riding and whitewater rafting, hang out with the Magellanic penguins at Isla Magdalena, explore Torres del Paine National Park and Tierra del Fuego National Park, stroll through the quaint fishing towns and sip on a glass of local wine.

The city of Aysen hosts the starting point of Patagonman, an extreme triathlon where competitors swim 3.8km, bike 180km and run 42.2km.

10. New York City, New York (USA)

New York City, New York (USA)

Holiday season in the Big Apple is full of spirit and fun. New York City offers the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza, meeting Santa at Macy’s Santaland, shopping at the winter and holiday markets, admire the holiday window decorations along 5th Avenue, and go ice skating at Bryant Park.

Check out th elight show at Randall’s Island Park for Luminosity Festival. Head to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the infamous Radio City Rockettes. Join thousands of wannabe Santas in Santacon, a fun and charitable pub crawl. And if you’re a fan of the arts, watch a free Broadway Under The Stars performance at the Shops at Columbus Circle.

Best Credit Card To Redeem For Flights

Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite MastercardDelta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express CardDelta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express CardDelta SkyMiles® Gold American Express CardJetBlue Plus Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit CardUnited Explorer Card

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® is the best American Airlines rewards card. It offers bonuses on dining and gas spending and a handful of travel perks. And the key reason American Airlines travelers use this card: complimentary Admirals Club lounge access and 10K EQMs!

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the best Delta Air Lines rewards card for elite flyers. You’ll get an annual companion certificate, access to Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs, fast-track to elite status and plenty of other travel benefits.

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion(R) Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you'll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together. Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card. Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a First Class, Delta Comfort+(R), or Main Cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. You'll earn: • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. • Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. • $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles(R) Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required. • $200 Delta Stays Statement Credit: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card Members can earn up to $200 back in the form of a statement credit annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com. • Receive four Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly together on Delta. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location. • Delta SkyMiles(R) Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees. Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com. Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. This card does come with a $650 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. (See Rates & Fees) Terms Apply. Click here to learn how to apply

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is the best Delta Air Lines card for regular flyers. You’ll get bonuses on hotel, restaurant and supermarket spending, an annual companion certificate and much more.

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees. You'll earn: • 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. • 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets. • 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. • $120 Rideshare Credit: You can earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card. Enrollment Required. Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost. $150 Delta Stays Credit: Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card Members can earn up to $150 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com. You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that's a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight. Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com. This card comes with a $350 annual fee and no foreign transaction fee. You'll also get fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre?®. (See Rates & Fees). Terms Apply. Click here to learn how to apply

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is the best Delta Air Lines card for occasional flyers. The card offers bonuses on restaurant and supermarket spending and comes with a handful of travel perks.

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees. You'll earn: • 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. • 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. • $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com. • $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel. Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card. Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com. You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that's a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight. There is a $150 annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150) and no foreign transaction fees. (See Rates & Fees). Now, you'll get get more savings with your first checked bag for free on Delta flights. Terms Apply. Click here to learn how to apply

The JetBlue Plus Card is the best rewards card for JetBlue frequent flyers. It offers bonuses on restaurant and grocery store spending, fast track to Mosaic elite status and a few other travel benefits.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is the best Southwest Airlines rewards card. It gives cardmembers bonus points on partner hotel and car rental spending, fast-track to elite status, Southwest travel credit every year and more.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers 30K bonus points + Companion Pass through 2/28/26 after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. In addition, you'll earn 7,500 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary each year. You'll earn: • Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases. • Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. • Earn 2X points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. Some perks include $75 Southwest travel credit each year., receiving 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available, savings of 25% back on in-flight drinks and WiFi, and more! This card carries a $149 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Click here to learn how to apply

The United? Explorer Card is the best United Airlines rewards card. It offers bonuses on hotel and restaurant spending and plenty of travel perks.

The United Explorer Card offers 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. You'll earn: • 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays. • 1x mile on all other purchases Perks of this card include: • Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary • Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply. • Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card There is a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95. Member FDIC Click here to learn how to apply

Top Destinations By Month

To start accumulating more miles & points, below is a list of the top destinations for each month during the calendar year:

• Top 10 Travel Destinations in January
• Top 10 Travel Destinations in February
• Top 10 Travel Destinations in March
• Top 10 Travel Destinations in April
• Top 10 Travel Destinations in May
• Top 10 Travel Destinations in June
• Top 10 Travel Destinations in July
• Top 10 Travel Destinations in August
• Top 10 Travel Destinations in September
• Top 10 Travel Destinations in October
• Top 10 Travel Destinations in November
• Top 10 Travel Destinations in December

Bottom Line

If you want to save even more money on your travels, then be sure to check out our Best Travel Credit Cards. Check our list on Discounted Gift Cards and get the best bang for your buck with the Best Cash Back Shopping Portals and our eBay Gift Cards list offered here at HMB!