Are you planning your winter holidays? Do you want to know what are the best countries to visit in December or the best places to travel in January?
With so many great destinations to choose from, why not experience the vibrant cultures of Egypt, Turkey, Morocco and China?
Or see the modern wonderlands of Dubai, France, Japan and Italy?
Or experience the glamour of the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Spain and South Korea?
You're sure to find the best places to visit in December and January in our in-depth guide to the world's best places to visit in winter, right here.
Dubai, UAE
Dubai, home to the world's tallest building, the largest shopping mall, and the most luxurious hotels, is a city that has something to offer everyone. Here are our two lists of hotels to help you choose the perfect place to stay, whether you're looking for luxury or business-friendly accommodations:
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Dubai is the best tourist place to visit in December as it has many events and festivals to experience but here are our top picks:
Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF):
This is one of the world's largest shopping festivals, with discounts and promotions on everything from fashion and electronics to jewellery and cars.
Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF):
This annual film festival showcases a wide range of films from around the world, including feature films, documentaries, and short films.
Here are our picks for the best places to visit in January:
Dubai Marathon
The Dubai Marathon is an annual marathon held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is one of the most popular marathons in the world, attracting runners from all over the globe.
If you're looking for a fast, flat marathon, the Dubai Marathon is a great option. It's also a great way to experience the city of Dubai and its unique culture.
It will be held on January 7, 2024, and you can sign up online using the official Dubai Marathon 2024 Website.
Quoz Arts Fest
This annual arts festival showcases the work of emerging and established artists from the UAE and around the world. It is a great opportunity to see some of the best art that Dubai has to offer.
Egypt
In the bustling capital of Cairo, ancient history meets modern life. From the iconic Pyramids of Giza to the bustling Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, Cairo has something to offer everyone, so experience Cairo Adventure: Top 10 Things to Do in Egypt's Capital, so here are our top picks for the best places to visit in December and January for new and experienced travellers:
Cairo International Film Festival
The prestigious Cairo International Film Festival showcases the best of Egyptian and international cinema.
It showcases a wide range of films from around the world, including feature films, documentaries, short films, and experimental films.
It also features special screenings of classic films, retrospectives of important filmmakers, and tributes to notable individuals in the film industry.
The Grand Egyptian Museum
The Grand Egyptian Museum is the largest archaeological museum in the world, dedicated to the history and culture of ancient Egypt. The Grand Egyptian Museum is one of the top Places to travel in Winter with family and is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient Egypt and its rich history.
Here are some of the things you can expect to see at the Grand Egyptian Museum:
The complete Tutankhamun collection, including the golden mask and sarcophagus
A section on the excavation of the Pyramids of Giza
A section on the daily life of ancient Egyptians
A variety of other exhibits on ancient Egyptian history and culture
The Grand Egyptian Museum is due to open in early 2024, but the museum is now offering limited tours ahead of the official opening, you can book your ticket through the official Grand Egyptian Museum website.
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Turkey
Turkey is a vibrant metropolis spanning two continents, with a rich history of over 2,500 years. A visit to the capital Istanbul is a must for any traveller wanting to try its exquisite cuisine A Culinary Journey Through 6 Best Restaurants in Istanbul Or seeking the best places to visit in December in the world.
Izmir World Fair
This fair is one of the oldest and largest trade fairs in Turkey. It features a wide range of products and services from Turkish and international companies. The fair also hosts several cultural events, such as concerts, dance performances, and theatre shows.
Whirling Dervishes Ceremony
If you're looking for a spiritual and unforgettable experience in Istanbul during December, be sure to attend a Whirling Dervish show.
Dervishes are members of the Sufi order who perform a unique devotional dance called Sema. This dance is said to help the dervishes achieve spiritual ecstasy, and it's a sight you'll never forget.
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France
France is a winter wonderland with snow-capped mountains, picturesque villages, and world-class ski resorts. But for couples, there's no place quite like Paris. So why not check The Eiffel Tower of Love before going there?
But don't worry as France is the best place to visit in January for all comic nerds and people looking for a magical experience:
Festival International de la Bande Dessinée d'Angoulême
This international comic book festival, which takes place every year in late January, is one of the largest and most prestigious comic book festivals in the world.
Festival of Lights
This charming Christmas market in the Alsatian town of Colmar is known for its beautiful illuminated buildings and canals. It is a magical Christmas market that transforms the town into a winter wonderland. It is known for its magical atmosphere.
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Maldives
The Maldives, a tropical paradise known for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and lush vegetation, is one of the most popular tourist destinations year-round. This might be one of the best warm places to visit in winter.
Maldives Underwater Festival
The Maldives Underwater Festival is a celebration of the underwater beauty of the Maldives. It takes place every year in January, and it attracts divers and snorkelers from all over the world.
The festival features a variety of underwater activities such as diving, snorkelling, and other marine activities.
Don't forget to indulge in traditional Maldivian dishes, such as mas huni (tuna salad), riha mas (fish curry), and garudhiya (sweet rice)
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London, United Kingdom
London is a magical city to visit in winter, with its festive lights, Christmas markets, and winter wonderlands. Don't forget your 8 Essential Tips for Travelling to London - Full Guide
London has proven itself as the top one of the best places to travel in Winter with family.
Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park):
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is a magical winter festival that transforms the park into a winter wonderland. It features a variety of attractions like ice skating, rides, fairground stalls, and food and drink from around the world.
Hogwarts in the Snow (Warner Bros. Studio Tour London):
This special event transforms the studio tour into a winter wonderland, with snow-covered sets and characters from the Harry Potter films.
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Japan
Japan is a winter wonderland, with snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and hot springs to relax in. Whether you're looking for a thrilling adventure or a relaxing getaway, Japan has something to offer everyone in the winter.
Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri
This festival is held in Nara City and features a procession of thousands of lanterns. It takes place on 15-18 December
Hitachi Seaside Park Illumination
The Hitachi Seaside Park Illumination is a winter wonderland of lights that transforms the park into a magical oasis. It is one of the most popular winter attractions in Japan, and it attracts visitors from all over the world.
The illumination features millions of LED lights that are arranged in stunning displays throughout the park. The lights are set to music, creating a truly immersive experience.
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Germany
Germany is a winter wonderland with snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and charming Christmas markets. Germany might be the best place to visit in January for all toy lovers!
International Toy Fair in Nuremberg
This is one of the largest toy fairs in the world, and it is a great place to see the latest and greatest toys from all over the world. From 30 Jan 2024 till 3 Feb 2024.
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Spain
Spain is a great destination for winter tourism, there is something for everyone in Spain during the winter months.
Hogueras de San Antón (Bonfires of Saint Anthony)
The Bonfires of Saint Anthony is a festival celebrated in Spain, Madrid on January 16th. It is a bonfire festival that celebrates the feast day of Saint Anthony the Great.
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California, USA
With its diverse landscapes and climates, there is something for everyone to enjoy during the winter months. The USA might be the best place to visit in December for you.
Rose Parade
This New Year's Day parade taking place in Pasadena, CA features floats decorated with flowers, marching bands, and equestrians.
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South Korea
South Korea is a beautiful country to visit year-round, but it is especially stunning in the winter. With its snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and vibrant winter festivals, South Korea is one of the best vacation destinations in December for tourists of all ages
Seoul Lantern Festival
The Seoul Lantern Festival takes place in December and features hundreds of lanterns displayed throughout the city. It is a popular tourist attraction and a great way to experience the winter atmosphere in Seoul.
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China
China is a vast and diverse country, with a wide range of winter activities and tourist attractions to offer visitors. there is something for everyone to enjoy in China during the winter months.
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival (哈尔滨冰雪大世界)
This festival is held in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, and it is one of the largest ice and snow festivals in the world. The festival features a variety of ice and snow sculptures, as well as ice skating, snow sledging, and other winter activities. It takes place on the 5th of January.
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Italy
Italy is known for its iconic art, architecture, and cuisine see The Ultimate Guide to the 9 Best Restaurants in Italy. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the picturesque canals of Venice to the rolling hills of Tuscany, here are our top picks for the best place to visit in December.
Umbria Jazz
Umbria Jazz is an annual music festival held in Perugia, Italy, and its surrounding towns. It is one of the world's most prestigious jazz festivals, attracting musicians and fans from all over the globe.
It is held on December 28, 2023
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Indonesia
Indonesia, a tropical archipelago in Southeast Asia, is a popular tourist destination year-round, which in it of itself makes it one of the best places to visit during the winter
Penglipuran Village Festival
This festival is held in mid-December in the village of Penglipuran, Bali. It is a week-long festival that celebrates the village's culture and heritage.
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Malaysia
Malaysia is a tropical country, so it doesn't have a traditional winter season. Which makes it one of the best warm places to visit in winter, But fear not as there are still plenty of winter activities and tourist attractions to enjoy in Malaysia during the cooler months of December and January.
Pesta Pulau Pinang (Penang Island Festival):
Pesta Pulau Pinang (Penang Island Festival) is a month-long festival that features a variety of cultural events, including traditional dances, music, and food.
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Portugal
Portugal is a popular tourist destination year-round, but it is especially beautiful in the winter. With its mild climate, stunning scenery, and vibrant culture, for all pet lovers out there Portugal is the best place to visit in January for sure!
Pet Festival
The Pet Festival is held on January 26-28 in Lisbon and features a variety of activities for pets and their owners.
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Morocco
Morocco is a beautiful country to visit in the winter, with its mild climate, snow-capped mountains, and vibrant culture. For all young couples, morocco, Imilchil might be the perfect place to visit in January, for the most romantic getaway.
Festival of the Brides
The Festival of the Brides in Imilchil is in early January. It is a celebration of love and marriage, it brings together young couples from all over Morocco.
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Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a tropical island paradise that is known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and ancient ruins. It is also an excellent destination for winter activities, with its warm weather and diverse landscape.
Unduvap Poya
Unduvap Poya is a Buddhist festival that commemorates the arrival of the sacred Bo Tree sapling from India to Sri Lanka. It is celebrated on the full moon day of December.
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Tunisia
Tunisia is a beautiful country to visit in the winter, with its mild climate, stunning scenery, and rich culture, for all Camel Lovers out there Tunisia might be the best place to visit in December.
Douz Camel Festival
This festival is held in December in Douz in the Sahara Desert. It features camel racing, traditional music and dance, and other cultural activities.
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Denmark
Denmark is a beautiful country to visit in the winter, with stunning snow-capped landscapes, festive Christmas markets, and a variety of winter activities to enjoy.
New Year's Day swim
On New Year's Day, many Danes take a dip in the cold ocean to celebrate the new year. This tradition is known as "Nytårsbad."
Copenhagen Light Festival
The Copenhagen Light Festival is an annual event that takes place in January. The festival features light installations all over the city.
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We hope you enjoyed Almosafer’s list of top destinations for Saudis in the winter. Whether you're looking for an escape from the winter blues or an opportunity to experience new cultures and traditions, there's a perfect destination for you. Start planning your winter getaway today!
Interesting activities to try:
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