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Looking for a winter wonderland escape this winter? Grab your scarf, beanie and loved ones and get ready to cosy up in these magical December destinations. Best of all, you can reach all these cities with Jayride.com!
Budapest, Hungary
Mulled wine, Christmas markets, roasting chestnuts, ballet, concerts, ice skating, carols; December is one big month of Christmas cheer in Budapest. Add to that warm thermal baths that you can dip into and frequent December snowfall, and you’ve got yourself one magical destination that, if you’re lucky, could treat you to a white Christmas. I think we hear sleigh bells ringing already…
Airport: Budapest Ferihegy International Airport
Québec City, Canada
What could be more wonderful than visiting the Great White North in December? Cobblestone streets, bright and colourful buildings, European charm; you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’re wandering around Paris as you explore Québec City. French is the national language here, so brush up on your language skills (bonjour and merci will go a long way!), snuggle up to a roaring fire and enjoy this perfect winter destination.
You might also like: 10 Unmissable Ways To Experience Canada
Airport: Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport
Paris, France
Of course, if you’d rather visit the real France, Paris is just as magical in December. The city sparkles with trees adorned with fairy lights as Christmas markets take up shop across the city, filling it with festive spirit. And what could be more magical than climbing the iconic Eiffel Tower and looking out across the twinkling city in all its December glory from above… Oui oui, c’est magnifique!
Airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Glasgow, Scotland
While Scotland may be more revered for its Hogmanay New Year celebrations, Glasgow is a fantastic city to visit for the whole of December. Whisky bars, Christmas shopping, mulled wine at the Glasgow Christmas markets, festive candles at the oldest candle shop in Scotland (Shearer Candles), Christmas wreath workshops, Christmas-themed afternoon teas, festive cocktails… phew, there’s plenty to do for some Christmas cheer in this buzzing city!
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Airport: Glasgow International Airport
Duluth, Minnesota, USA
Love snow? Love skiing? Love celebrating Christmas? Then Duluth in Minnesota is the destination for you. This city kicks off the festive season with the Christmas City Of The North parade; be prepared for dozens of marching bands and dance performers, local businesses and of course, the man of the moment himself, Santa, parading through the city. If winter sports are more your thing, Duluth is one of the top destinations in the Midwest for skiing, snowboarding and snow play. Check out nearby Spirit Mountain for excellent skiing (and famous for its 700-foot vertical drop!) or Mont Du Lac Resort, just 15 minutes south of Duluth. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights!
You might also like:Best Places To View The Northern Lights
Closest airport:Minneapolis International Airport
Aspen, Colorado
Breathtaking snow-capped mountains, a delicious dining scene, relaxing spas, world-class skiing, out-of-this-world stargazing; it’s little wonder this famous mountain town is so popular in the winter months. For snow sports enthusiasts there’s a bounty of outdoor activities to entertain yourself with, including ice skating and snowboarding. But for those who prefer to rug up in front of a fireplace with a glass of wine and relax as the snow falls, you’re going to love Aspen too.
Closest airports:Denver International Airport
Rome, Italy
While Rome may not immediately spring to mind as a cosy winter destination, December is an ideal time to visit the Italian capital. The sweaty summer crowds have long dispersed, giving way to much shorter queues at Rome’s star attractions, so you can enjoy the monuments in (relative) peace. And even if you’re not religiously-inclined, there’s something quite special about being in such a religious city in the midst of a holy celebration. Christmas lights glitter through the city, Italian winter sweets and comfort food will tempt your tastebuds, and you can simply slow down and enjoy taking in this beautiful place.
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Airports:Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Rome Ciampino Airport
London, England
London is practically synonymous with Christmas markets come December, as shoppers are greeted with twinkling lights, mulled wine, carollers and festive food as they browse the wares. Spectacular decorations adorn the whole city as families enjoy ice skating at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, or watch Christmas pantomimes with mince pies and roasted chestnuts. Embrace the Christmas cheer with one of the many Christmas events held across the city, from the West End to Kew Gardens, and feel merry and bright as you soak up the atmosphere. One thing’s for sure, London is a magical destination in December!
You might also like: Best of British Christmas Markets
Airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, London Stansted, London Luton, and London City
Don’t get left out in the cold. Jayride.com works with thousands of local transfer companies all around the world, so if you’re planning a winter escape this December, make sure you pre-book your airport transfer on Jayride.com and avoid the holiday crowds.
