Torres del Paine National Park
#5 in Best Places to Visit in December
Nestled in southern Chilean Patagonia, this national park offers travelers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Frequently touted as one of the most scenic hiking destinations in the world, the park is home to turquoise lakes and dense forests, plus massive Grey Glacier and the towering granite of Cuernos del Paine. Even though December is part of Patagonia’s peak summer season, temperatures drop dramatically after nightfall, so visitors will want to pack layers.
Quebec City
#6 in Best Places to Visit in December
It’s easy to fall in love with this Canadian destination, especially when it’s covered in fresh snow. You’ll be enchanted by Old Québec’s sights and sounds as it transforms into a Christmas village. Or, you can shop for gifts (or for yourself) in Quartier Petit-Champlain. Plus, with its 17th- and 18th-century architecture, Quebec City allows you to soak up European culture without dropping the cash for a flight across the pond. Just be sure to bundle up. Temperatures can drop to below freezing in December.