21 Best Year-End Trip Ideas: Where to Travel in December from Singapore

The December Travel Destination Guide You Actually Need

So, you've finally gathered enough leave. The manager has hit the approval button. And your out-of-office reply is all ready to be sent to inboxes far and wide. Yes, it's December, one of the best times to travel.

But the question is - what to do and where to go? Well, not to worry. Whether you’re dreaming of theme parks, beach bumming, or snow-dusted Christmas markets, here's our list of the best December getaways from Singapore. Short, long, and everything in between.

Quick Answers: Where to Travel in December from Singapore

• Warm beach getaways: Bali, Krabi, and Melbourne. Perfect for sunshine, sea breezes, and easy flights.

• Winter wonderlands: Tokyo, Seoul, Vienna, and Zurich. Think snow-dusted streets, twinkling lights, and Christmas magic.

• Short weekend escapes: Desaru, Kuala Lumpur, and Krabi - all under three hours away.

• Budget-friendly trips: Kuala Lumpur, Da Nang, Krabi, and Siem Reap - great value for a quick getaway.

• Family holidays: Tokyo Disneyland, Sunway Lagoon, and Desaru Fruit Farm. Guaranteed fun for all ages.

• Romantic getaways: Bali sunsets, Prague’s old-town charm, and snowy Seoul streets.

• Best in Asia: Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. Close, diverse, and always full of surprises.

• Best in Europe: Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. For fairy lights, festive markets, and mulled wine nights.

Tip: December’s the perfect month to explore destinations that either celebrate winter or stay warm. Pick based on your travel mood.

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Here’s a quick cheat sheet to make planning easy - from weather to cost, we’ve got your bases covered.

Editor’s note:

Budgets below are average round-trip and hotel costs per person for 3-6 day trips. Prices vary depending on travel style, season, and when you book. Use these as general ballpark figures.

Short December Getaways Under 3 Hours

1. Desaru, Malaysia

Want a beach holiday near Singapore all without boarding a plane? Desaru’s your answer. You’ll get a healthy dose of vitamin D, calm waves, and soft golden sand. Plus, it’s got that easy, laid-back charm. A welcome break from jostling in the MRT during peak hour, eh?

Photo: @somethingboutrenes on Instagram

It’s one of the best holiday destinations for families too. Parents and their kiddos can spend a day at Desaru Fruit Farm - part orchard, part outdoor classroom. Or there's option of splashing around at Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast with its slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.

How to get there: By car (about 2.5 hours via Johor Bahru) or ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.

2. Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia

There’s nothing like a short trip to Malaysia from Singapore to hit reset. And where better to go than Kuala Lumpur? It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and close enough that “Are we there yet?” barely gets asked. Plus, you won’t even have to burn through your leave balance.

From marine life at Aquaria KLCC to the splash zones of Sunway Lagoon and SplashMania, family fun’s practically guaranteed. Need something indoors? Let the kids run wild at Berjaya Times Square Theme Park - one of the best theme parks in Malaysia and perfect for a budget-friendly December school holiday trip.

How to get there: By flight (1 hour), by car (about 3.5 hours), or by bus (5-6 hours).

3. Krabi, Thailand

One of the shortest flights from Singapore you can take for an excellent family-friendly holiday destination would be to fly to Krabi. There lies a pocket of paradise that will seriously give you value for money.

Railay Beach at sunset? Honestly, chef’s kiss. Those limestone cliffs will rewire your brain in the best way possible too. And whether you're going kayaking in mangroves or snorkelling on an island-hopping tour, a little bit of sunny beach weather and scrumptious Thai food can only be good for the soul.

Best time to visit Krabi: November to March, during the dry season with sunny skies and cool breezes. Expect heavy rain from May to October.

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4. Penang, Malaysia

If you're wondering where you can go for a short holiday in December without breaking the bank, then Penang is a shoo-in. After wolfing down your fill of char koay teow, perhaps a cooking class to teach you how to cook this iconic fried noodle dish is in order.

Oh, and there's the UNESCO World Heritage Site city of George Town, too. And one of the best places to visit in this city lies, ironically, slightly outside of it. We're talking about The Habitat at Penang Hill, where you can check out the world’s longest double-span stressed ribbon bridge for a breath of much-needed air.

How to get there: By flight (1.5 hours), by car (about 8 hours), or by bus (10-11 hours).

5. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

When it comes to short getaways from Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City is always a safe bet. The city formerly known as Saigon is brimming with choices, with street food and scooters at every turn. One must-do? Savouring a spectacular bird's-eye view of the city from the 262-metre-high, 68-floor Bitexco Tower's Saigon Skydeck.

To really make things special, though, go for a Saigon River Dinner Cruise. Hop on either a sleek modern vessel or a traditional wooden boutique junk. Either way, the bright lights of city life at night are sure to impress.

Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh: That’d be during the dry season of December to April, when sunny and dry days are most likely.

6. Cebu, Philippines

Cebu has every beach paradise ingredient in its locker. We’re talking sandy white beaches, pristine coral reefs, and high-end resorts that’ll have you living like a Crazy Rich Asian. It’s also one of the best diving spots in the world, sitting right in the heart of the Coral Triangle.

One of the top things to do? The famed Moalboal sardine run. Just picture yourself swimming through a silver cloud of sardines, thousands moving in perfect rhythm like something out of a Disney movie. And if you’re chasing thrills on land, go canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, a three-stage cascade of turquoise water made for adventure seekers.

Best time to visit Cebu: December to May, when the dry season brings calm seas and plenty of sunshine for island-hopping and dives.

7. Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Indonesia is way, way more than just Bali. Case in point: there's Yogyakarta (also called “Jogja”). This charming Javanese city is where you can find some of the most stunning Hindu and Buddhist temples in the world.

For example, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the Borobudur Temple is a must-visit. It's the largest Buddhist temple on Earth and definitely worth getting tickets for. Not forgetting the stunning 9th-century Prambanan Temple. Which, good news, you can combine on a day tour with Borobudur.

Best time to visit Yogyakarta: Go during April to October for warm, sunny days with minimal rainfall expected.

8. Siem Reap, Cambodia

If you're looking for a place to temple-hop till you drop, all while planning one of the best weekend trips from Singapore you can take, Siem Reap will be right up your alley.

No surprises here. Angkor Wat steals the spotlight (and fills up your camera roll fast). But there’s more beyond the temples, too. Head out to Kulen Mountain for countryside views or take a boat through Kompong Phluk, where wooden homes perch on stilts above the water. It’s local life at its most photogenic.

Best time to visit Siem Reap: Head there during November to February, when temperatures are milder and humidity less thick.

9. Taipei, Taiwan

Okay, we know. Taiwan isn't exactly super near Singapore. But it's still one of the best places to go for a good, well-deserved city break in December. Taipei is especially nice and chilly, a fabulous tonic for Singaporeans looking to escape from the Lion City's sweltering heat and humidity.

Photo: @molly888666 on Instagram

Spend your days hopping between Jiufen’s misty lanes, Shifen’s sky lanterns, and Yehliu’s coastal rock formations. And if you can't make up your mind, you can visit all three on a tour! Come evening, dive into night markets. The sizzling oyster omelettes and pepper buns are enough to make anyone drool.

Best time to visit Taipei: Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are ideal, but the shoulder season of December is fabulous for hot springs.

Best Warm Places to Visit in December from Singapore

10. Phuket, Thailand

Don't care too much about soaking up the winter chill? Then a quick beach holiday to Phuket is in order. Honestly, though, it’s pretty hard to find spots in the city that aren’t overrun with tourists.

But a true hidden gem would be lesser-known beaches like Ao Sane and Nai Thon. Although if that’s a little too off-the-beaten-track for you, there’s always the option of hopping on a speedboat and visiting the stunning James Bond Island (or Ko Khao Phing Kan). Yep, that’s the island where The Man With the Golden Gun was filmed!

Best time to visit Phuket: November to April during the dry season is your best bet, with December having the best weather for beach activities and water sports.

11. Sri Lanka

One of the most underrated spots in Asia has to be Sri Lanka. With its misty mountains, lush tea plantations, and yes, eye-poppingly beautiful beaches, there’s plenty to see and do here for your December break.

Adrenaline-seekers should head to Arugam Bay on the southeast coast, the “Surf Capital of Asia.” If you’re after something a little calmer, Mirissa on the southwest coast is the crown jewel of beach escapes. Think turquoise waters, golden sand, and sunsets that belong on a Pinterest board. And while you’re there, make time for a whale-watching trip. You won’t regret it.

Best time to visit Sri Lanka: It depends on where you’re headed. But generally, December to March is best for the southwest coast.

12. Bali, Indonesia

Ready to swap Orchard Road for ocean views? Then old favourite Bali’s waiting. Golden beaches, surf-perfect waves, and temple silhouettes glowing under fiery sunsets. What’s not to love?

The hypnotic Uluwatu kecak dance (Balinese fire dance) is a must-see, especially if it’s your first time on the island. And yes, you can absolutely go chasing waterfalls. Bali’s home to more than a hundred of them. Join a tour to Tukad Cepung or Tibumana for that perfect jungle-meets-water moment.

Best time to visit Bali: April to October brings sunshine and low humidity, while December offers cheaper stays and a calmer vibe during the low season.

13. Da Nang, Vietnam

Da Nang might just be Vietnam’s best-kept secret for Singaporeans on a budget. Climb the Marble Mountains for sweeping views, stroll across the Insta-famous Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills (y'know, the one with the giant hands). Or just take it slow by the sea. My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach are two of our favourites.

If you want to stretch your calves, the December weather’s cool enough for hiking yet warm enough for lazy afternoons. Perfect for travellers who like their adventures balanced with a bit of zen.

Best time to visit Da Nang: March to May is excellent, and while December might be rainy, prices will be lower too.

14. Boracay, Philippines

Sure, you can go to Bintan or Batam for your December vacay. But what about an island near Singapore that has won “Best Beach in the World” multiple times? You know where we’re going. Enter Boracay.

Powdery white sand, crystal-clear water, and resorts for every budget type. This isn't just a beach bum's paradise. It’s probably paradise itself. Plus, there are so many cool things to do here. Joining an island-hopping tour is a must, while there are party yachts that show why Filipinos loving fun isn’t just a stereotype.

Best time to visit Boracay: Go during the dry season from December to May for minimal rainfall and low humidity.

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15. Tokyo, Japan

Whether you've been bingeing Tokyo Ghoul or Demon Slayer to death, or your Instagram feed replays reels of Japan's capital on repeat, nothing'll get you pumped up like a holiday to Tokyo.

Photo: @_marianadelarosa on Instagram

And with some pretty epic Christmas winter illuminations right around the corner, that winter magic is going to get even better. From Michelin-starred restaurants to must-visit attractions like Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea - there's something for people of all ages.

Best time to visit Tokyo: March to May for spring and September to November for autumn are fab times to visit, but December sees cooler, drier weather. Perfect for Singaporeans!

16. Seoul, South Korea

There’s winter, and then there’s Seoul in December. Think snow-dusted palaces, steaming street food, and a nightlife scene that never quits. Head up N Seoul Tower for city views, or wander Gyeongbokgung Palace for those fairytale winter vibes.

Photo: @jenbarangan on Instagram

If you’re craving the slopes, the ski season in Seoul runs from late November to early March. Resorts open in December, serving up epic alpine views and backcountry runs. Fun fact: the Goblin snow scene was filmed at Yongpyong Resort in Pyeongchang. Maybe that’s your cue to make it happen.

Best time to visit Seoul: March to May for spring, September to November for autumn. But December is pure winter magic.

17. Vienna, Austria

Vienna turns into a snow globe in December - classical music in the air, twinkling lights on cobblestones, and the scent of mulled wine everywhere. It’s where grown-ups can instantly feel like kids again.

Head to the Schönbrunn Orangery Christmas Market, one of Europe’s best Christmas markets, for handcrafted gifts, steaming punch, and live Mozart and Strauss performances by the Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra.

Best time to visit Vienna: April to May and September to October are mild and pleasant, but December is when Vienna truly shines. Festive, musical, and dusted with snow, like a true fairy tale.

18. Prague, Czech Republic

Need a dose of Europe this December? Prague could be right up your alley. The city is an architecture lover's dream come true. Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau styles - the city nicknamed "the City of a Hundred Spires" has it all.

Prague’s Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are huge during Christmas and New Year’s Eve. And if you want some Assassin's Creed vibes, Prague Castle is definitely worth your time. But it’s almost always crowded during peak season and on weekends, so snag skip-the-line tickets if you can.

Best time to visit Prague: Weather is pleasant from April to May and September to October, while you can expect seriously magical Christmas vibes in December.

19. Zurich, Switzerland

Winter wonderland? Switzerland is the dictionary definition. Zurich’s Christmas markets sparkle with fairy lights and glühwein, while day trips to Mount Titlis or Lucerne will take your breath away with stunning vistas.

Speaking of epic views, make some time to hop aboard the Glacier Express. It's the world’s slowest express train and one of the top train rides in Switzerland. You'll sit in luxury throughout, with views straight out of a 4K YouTube video through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Best of all? The train ticket is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass (although you do have to pay a mandatory seat reservation fee, which we talk more about in our Swiss Travel Pass guide).

Best time to visit Zurich: June to September is great for festivals and swimming, but December’s Christmas vibes are truly special.

20. Tromsø, Norway

Ah, the auroral colours of the Northern Lights. It's high up the bucket list for plenty of Singaporeans looking for a unique Christmas escape. And Tromsø? It's one of the best places in the world to see this visual phenomenon, with its locale right smack within the aurora borealis oval, a doughnut-shaped belt centred on the Earth’s geomagnetic poles.

Finding these auroras can be tricky, though. But not if you join the right tour. For example, the Northern Lights Big Bus Chase adapts your route based on weather conditions. These folks also prioritise clear skies over pretty landscapes, for obvious reasons. And hey, don’t underestimate the warm bus you can escape to when the temperatures get freezing.

Best time to visit Tromsø: November to February for the best chance to catch the Northern Lights.

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21. Queenstown, New Zealand

If winter chills aren’t your thing, head south where December means blue skies, long days, and pure outdoor bliss. And hey, Queenstown isn’t just scenic. It’s cinematic in every nook and corner. After all, The Lord of the Rings was filmed here. Those glassy lakes and snow-dusted peaks aren’t an exaggeration.

Plus, if you're an adventure junkie, this is your playground. Go hiking, jet boating, or skydiving. You can head four to five hours away to the cliffs and waterfalls of Milford Sound. Or join a Lord of the Rings filming tour and live out your inner hobbit fantasy if that's more your jam.

Best time to visit Queenstown: December to February (summer) is ideal for warm weather and activities like water sports and hiking.

Wrap Up the Year with an Epic Getaway

Still doomscrolling holiday ideas on TikTok and Googling “Where can I travel in December”? Yeah, it’s time to stop - and start packing.

Whether it’s island-hopping in Southeast Asia, chasing snowflakes in Europe, or road-tripping through New Zealand, there’s a destination out there calling your name (and your annual leave).

Book that flight. Grab your travel crew. Make those out-of-office dreams real.

Because December isn’t just another month. It’s your ticket to new memories, better stories, and maybe even your next favourite place.

And don’t forget: the best deals, tours, and local experiences are only a click away on Pelago by Singapore Airlines.