15 of the best last minute December holiday destinations

Before you know it, December will be knocking on the door and the holiday festivities will begin. If you've been delaying your holiday booking, for whatever reason, don't worry, we've got you covered! Take a look at our top 15 spots for your last-minute December holiday booking with these exciting destinations.

Durban

Everyone loves going to Durbs on holiday, and why wouldn't they? The weather is hot, the water is warm, and the vibe is lively. Take in the hot weather and spend your days on sun-kissed pristine beaches, ride a bike along Durbans promenade, swing off the arch at Moses Mabhida stadium, visit Ushaka marine world, and enjoy the vibey nightlife that Durban and the surrounding areas have to offer.

Cape Town

Cape Town is a special place, and the perfect destination whether you are in for a quiet, relaxing holiday or a busy and bustling family event. Catch the cable car up Table Mountain, visit the penguins at Boulder Bay, take a hike, or spend long days on the beautiful beaches which hug the peninsula. Visit the vineyards, and delight in the exceptional seafood and wonderful spirit that Cape Town is so well known for. The summers offer perfect beach weather and is also a popular spot to spend Christmas for the holidays.

White River

White River is a largely underrated holiday destination that offers easy access to the Kruger National park, has a number of adventures and activities available, and is filled with heritage and fascinating history.  Accommodations also cater for all palates with amazing food options. There are amazing landmarks and beautiful scenery in this part of our Country, so go explore! The weather in White River in December is very warm, humid but cool, with average highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C.

Drakensberg

The Drakensberg is a South African gem and a place to truly unwind and forget about your troubles. As you wallow in a cool mountain stream while the sun kisses your skin, the surrounding mountains leave you in awe of their magnificence and fill your heart with a tranquil feeling of peace. From mid-December to early January the Drakensberg is full of life and vibey energy.

Kruger Park

The world renowned Kruger National Park is one of the best getaways from the hustle and bustle of everyday life that you could hope to experience. The Big 5, gorgeous wide open spaces, beautiful summer sun, stunning sunsets and days of relaxation and game drives await in this one-of-a-kind national park and makes for the ultimate December holiday.

Rome

The city of collosseums, history, culture, fantastic food, and amazing sites is waiting for you to visit on your December holiday. Experience the heart of Italian city living and discover the traditions, history, culture and food that make Rome a place so many people fall in love with time and time again.

Venice

Venice is the capital city of the northern region of Venito and is made up of over 100 islands with extensive canal waterways. Ancient buildings line the canals with small docks scattered at their base. Patient Gondoliers wait for visitors to hop on their gondolas, as the locals bustle past on their boats, as they go about their daily business. This ancient city will capture the imagination of any visitor and is an exceptional place to visit, especially during the December period.

Bangkok

Shopping, nightlife, hustle and bustle, and an experience never to be forgotten is what awaits visitors to the vibrant city of Bangkok. The city is easy to navigate with its sky-train and offers an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional - with shopping centres, floating markets, theme parks, religious temples, and cultural centres.

Dublin

Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and is made up of 13th century buildings, contemporary office blocks, loads of Guinness, and if you're lucky, a four leaf clover or two. Make sure you visit the vibey Grafton Street, which is filled with buskers, pubs, restaurants and shops. December is a fantastic time to visit Dublin as the city comes alive in anticipation of Christmas.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an archipelago of the coast of Tanzania, and by all accounts is a beach lovers paradise. Visit Stone Town, which has a rich history as a Swahili and Islamic trade centre with its meandering lanes of stone roads and bustling markets, or spend the day admiring the fine white sandy beaches and crystal clear water from underneath swaying palm trees. For the more active traveller, there are also a range of water sports to keep you going, across the island during your December holiday.

Phuket

Phuket is Thailand's holiday hotspot and is a small island in the south of the country. It's a place filled with friendly locals, energetic, young tourists and superb beaches, fantastic activities and a diverse and wonderful nightlife. Rent a scooter and explore, or take a tour by boat to many of the surrounding islands, each with their own characteristic charms.

Orlando – Disney Area

Orlando is a city in the heart of Florida and is, pretty much, theme park heaven. It is most famous for Walt Disney World, but also includes Magic Kingdom, Epcot and 2 thrilling water parks. Universal Orlando is the Home of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. The kids are sure to have the time of their lives this December holiday in Orlando.

Mauritius

A quick hop, skip and a jump across a small stretch of Indian Ocean, and you could find yourself on the beautiful island of Mauritius. Home to luxurious resorts, exotic and unique plant and wildlife, as well as long stretches of beautiful beaches with turquoise warm water and loads of fun and exciting watersports. Mauritius has been the destination of choice for honeymoon couples and families alike for decades past. A December holiday in Mauritius is truly special with hot weather, amazing food and christmas cheer all around.

Italy – Livigno

Hit the ski slopes of Livigno in Italy for a wintery holiday of a lifetime. The region is on the border of Switzerland, and Livigno is a small town nestled amongst the mountains. Spend your days learning to ski or hit the black slopes and test your skill. Livigno is a breath taking destination perfectly suited for the whole family.

Austria – Saint Johan

Austria has long been the ski holiday destination of choice for travellers from around the world. What better time to hit the slopes of Saint Johan in Austria and enjoy the Christmas celebrations with brightly decorated snow-filled streets, than this December? Christmas markets are plentiful in Austria brining in that extra Christmas cheer.

Caribbean Coast
Escape to the Caribbean in December for a tropical paradise getaway, where you can soak up the sun on pristine beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, and savor delicious island cuisine. With its laid-back vibe and stunning natural beauty, the Caribbean offers the ultimate relaxation and adventure for a memorable holiday experience.

Transition from the charming Christmas markets of Europe to the tranquil bliss of a beach holiday on a tropical island in December for a diverse holiday experience. Wander through the festive stalls adorned with twinkling lights and enjoy mulled wine and local delicacies in enchanting cities, before jetting off to the sun-drenched shores of destinations like Zanzibar or the Mauritius. Trade in the winter chill for warm sandy beaches and turquoise waters, where you can relax under palm trees, snorkel amidst colorful coral reefs, and savor fresh seafood, all while basking in the rejuvenating embrace of island paradise. Whether you're seeking the magic of the holiday season or the serenity of a tropical escape, early December until early January offers the perfect opportunity to indulge in both worlds.

Choose from hot and sunny Durban, bustling and exciting Cape Town, a mountain retreat in the berg, a skiing holiday in Italy, or a beach retreat unlike any other in Zanzibar. With Flight Centre you can be sure of a dream holiday for you and your family. Speak to your Flight Centre consultant today to book your last-minute deal.