The Best Honeymoon Destinations
in December

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If you want a wedding day that will be unforgettable, December is one of the best times of the year to get married. After this, you and your new spouse can jet off to a beautiful destination for your honeymoon, either enjoying your first Christmas as a married couple somewhere snowy and romantic or escaping to a tropical country and avoiding the wet and cold weather in the northern hemisphere at this time of year.

December is a very popular time of the year to go on holiday, and many destinations tend to get quite busy in the run-up to Christmas. There are still plenty of brilliant places to visit on a honeymoon in December however, whether you’re looking for winter wonderlands or exotic paradises.

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Best for Romance

Swiss Alps

For the ultimate snowy getaway, there’s no better place to stay than the Swiss Alps in December. Whether you and your new spouse are out on the ski slopes or enjoying the luxury of a mountain cabin, you’ll enjoy beautiful scenery that makes for the perfect setting for a romantic honeymoon.

You’ll have to pack plenty of warm weather clothing if you’re visiting Switzerland at the end of the year, as all the beautiful snow comes with almost permanently freezing temperatures, particularly when you’re very high up in the mountains. But if you’re looking for an excuse to enjoy and indulge in endless mugs of delicious hot chocolate, you’ve certainly got one!

Skiing is one of the most popular things to do on a honeymoon in the Alps in December, but there are lots of other ways to pass the time if you’d prefer more classic romantic pursuits. Spa visits, trips to quaint little villages and cruises around lakes are all also wonderful ways to spend your trip and really appreciate the quality time with the person you love.

New York

When many people think of the ultimate romantic holiday, they think of Christmas in New York. Despite the freezing temperatures, it’s a wonderful time of the year to see the city and enjoy an incredibly romantic atmosphere with your new spouse, whether you’re there for a weekend or an extended trip.

Couples who are keen on culture will absolutely love New York and the massive selection of galleries and museums on offer that will suit a wide range of interests. You’ve also got Broadway in the city for fans of theatre, as well as plenty of music venues offering performances of everything from classical concerts to indie gigs.

There are also Christmas celebrations and attractions galore in New York in December, from ice skating to festive markets and special parades and performances. Whether you’re spending your honeymoon in a luxury hotel or staying in a self-catering apartment in the middle of the city, it’s the ideal place for a honeymoon geared up for romance.

Best for Adventure

New Zealand

New Zealand has long been one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in December for adventure-seeking couples, thanks to the summer weather that provides the perfect conditions for exploring the country. It’s right in the middle of one of the warmest times of the year in New Zealand, providing ideal conditions for getting out and about.

If you’re the kind of couple who enjoy thrill-seeking and adventures full of adrenaline, there’s no better part of the world to come on your honeymoon. Whether you choose white-water rafting, zip-lining and even bungee jumping, you’ll make unforgettable memories as well as cementing your new marriage by stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new and exciting.

There is a wide range of different accommodation options for honeymooners in New Zealand, whether you want to stay in a glamorous beach hotel, a modern self-catering apartment in the city, or even decide to explore the country from a campervan! The two islands provide a wide range of different locations to explore depending on the length of your stay, and you’ll get to learn more about the country’s unique culture as you visit different towns and cities and soak up the infectiously optimistic Kiwi attitude to life.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a southeast Asian island nation that has grown to be known as one of the best up-and-coming holiday destinations in recent years, making it a perfect spot for an adventurous honeymoon. Whilst it’s monsoon season in the northeast of the country, the weather is getting hotter and drier everywhere else, making Sri Lanka a great place to visit if you want warm weather on your December honeymoon.

Newlyweds who enjoy history and sightseeing should plan their honeymoon around Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle; an area containing some of the most fascinating spots in the whole country like the cave temples of Dambulla and the sacred Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura. The city of Kandy is known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, which is better for a more compact honeymoon full of opportunities for visiting historical locations and learning more about the country’s art scene.

There is a huge range of culture, scenery and holiday experiences on offer across Sri Lanka, offering a wide range of experiences to visitors at this time of the year. You can enjoy a little bit of everything that the country has to offer on a long honeymoon here, or just stay in one spot and enjoy the beach, the jungle, the mountains or the cities.

Thailand

When you first think of Thailand, the excellent range of beaches and resorts might be the only things that come to mind, But you could also venture off the beaten track and add a little bit of adventure to your honeymoon if you’re looking for a trip that is filled with excitement, new cultures and a range of scenery.

A popular activity for those coming to Thailand for a fun-filled trip is exploring the jungles and rural areas of the country. You’ve also got a variety of historic cultural highlights of the country like its ancient temples complexes, with The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya being top of most couple’s bucket lists.

Thailand is also a brilliant destination to come and try new food, whether that’s in the traditional markets you’ll visit or from street vendors and modern restaurants. You’ve got the option to visit the coast, the city or the countryside when you come to Thailand, and there are new experiences and adventures to be discovered on your December honeymoon no matter where you stay.

Best for Relaxation

The Maldives

If you’re getting married somewhere in the UK or North America, chances are that it’s going to be cold and wet where you are. In December, many couples who get married decide to go on their honeymoons somewhere tropical to enjoy unchanging hot weather and beautiful island scenery.

The Maldives are a top choice for those seeking a deserted tropical island experience on their honeymoon; a scattering of tiny islands in the Indian Ocean that are a very popular destination with newlyweds. Whether you want to spend your time strolling hand in hand along white-sand beaches or just fancy sipping cocktails by the ocean all day long, many of the resorts and hotels in The Maldives are well accustomed to providing the ultimate romantic, relaxing experience.

December is one of the best months of the year to come to the Maldives and enjoy the warm, dry and sunny weather. There’s no better way to relax than a trip to a beautiful part of the world, and these islands offer just that.

The British Virgin Islands

Visiting the Caribbean is a classic choice for couples honeymooning in the winter months, and the British Virgin Islands are an excellent choice if you’re looking to get away from the rest of the world and really relax. These small, stunning islands are scattered across the ocean like perfect jewels, each one offering a range of gorgeous scenery and brilliant weather.

The main reason that many couples come to this part of the world on a honeymoon in December is because it’s right in the middle of the dry season, meaning that you’ll enjoy perfect hot and sunny weather the entire time you’re there. If you fancy doing a bit more than just sunbathing and sipping cocktails, it’s an ideal month to snorkel and explore the waters around the islands as well.

There are plenty of different hotels and holiday resorts across the British Virgin Islands many of which offer all-inclusive experiences so that all you need to worry about is where to relax during your stay. You also don’t need to worry too much about crowds of tourists interrupting your honeymoon, as these islands tend to feel quite secluded even in the middle of the high season, making them ideal for couples.

Best for Something Different

Canada

One of the most beautiful times of the year to visit Canada is December. The North American country becomes a frozen landscape right out of a story as soon as the snow starts to fall, making it the perfect palace for a unique honeymoon at the end of the year.

Skiing is top of the lists of many visitors to Canada in December, particularly around the busy city of Vancouver that has plenty of hotels and resorts geared up for honeymooners. Canada is also a brilliant place to visit if you’re after more of a romantic holiday, with numerous secluded holiday properties available to rent where you and your partner can curl up in front of the fire, enjoy views of the woods and spend quality time in each other’s company.

If you like to get out and about when visiting a new country on your holidays, Canada is a veritable playground filled with beaches, mountains, forests and lakes. If you’re less keen on exploring the great outdoors, there are lots of different brilliant cities like Vancouver and Toronto that are perfect for an urban trip spent enjoying restaurants and top-rated cultural attractions.

Dubai

For a glamorous and indulgent honeymoon experience that is perfect for couples who like to stand out, Dubai should be at the top of your list of destinations. This is a city that merges Middle Eastern culture with western development, offering a cosmopolitan experience that is ideal for those looking for a unique honeymoon experience.

As far as urban honeymoon destinations go, Dubai is the top choice if you want to spend your holiday staying in a range of luxurious hotels or resorts on offer across the city and beside the beach. There are award-winning restaurants, designer brands on every street and plenty of cultural attractions to keep you busy during the day, no matter what your interests are.

Dubai is known for its extreme heat and humidity most of the year, but December is one of the coolest months to visit if you’re not a big fan of very high temperatures. It’s perhaps not the destination to choose if you’re travelling on a budget, but you’re bound to have an unforgettable time if you do visit. Besides, you only get one honeymoon, so why not splash out?

Malaysia

Malaysia is a holiday destination that often gets overlooked in favour of nearby Indonesia, which makes it the perfect place to visit if you’re looking to travel somewhere relatively undiscovered. Without outstanding scenery, unique cultural attractions and brilliant food, it’s the perfect place for an exciting and unique trip after your wedding.

The range of things to do in Malaysia is massive, from island hopping tours to city breaks and treks through the jungle. There are monsoons still likely in some parts of the country, but the western Malaysian peninsula is dry and warm and ideal for active days out and sightseeing trips.

If you’re looking for a really special experience of Asia then Malasia is a fantastic choice for your honeymoon, particularly if you want to plan a long visit that lets you enjoy a bit of everything during your stay.

Summary

December is a very popular time of year to get away on holiday, whether you’re planning on visiting somewhere with extreme snowy weather or looking for the opposite in a country that is hot and sunny. Romantic holidays in the winter are particularly popular with honeymooners, but there are plenty of other options if you prefer things like outdoor activity or cultural sightseeing when you travel.

For more recommendations of where to go on a winter honeymoon, check out our guides to the best honeymoon destinations in January and February.

We also have a guide on Where to Go in December if you’re looking for more travel inspiration.