Best places to travel in December

Kochi is experiencing new energy this season as it hosts the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, an influential exhibition of contemporary art by emerging Indian and established international talents.

December sees the lowest hotel rates all year. Downtown’s food scene is explosive right now. You’ll find delicious street food and “more tequilas than seats” at La Comida, while sommeliers help pair sakes with ramen you construct yourself at Itsy Bitsy Ramen & Whisky.

Within the walled city, horse-drawn carriages rumble down Old Town’s streets, low-lit wine bars fill with hand-holding pairs in deep conversation, the Place D’Youville opens its rink for ice-skating.

Old and new swirl together in Scotland’s cultural capital, Edinburgh, which is home to narrow medieval alleys, Georgian architecture and historic Edinburgh Castle, along with the futuristic Scottish Parliament and forward-thinking restaurants putting new twists on old classics. Some 150,000 people flood the city come December for Hogmanay, an end-of-the-year celebration marked by three days of concerts, fireworks and various processions.

If you’re looking to swap chilly weather with chilling on the beach, we can think of no better place to soak in the rays than the Bahamas. In December, the Junkanoo Festival takes over Nassau, where stirring street parades combining dance, music and colorful costumes entrance onlookers from Boxing Day to New Year’s.

With its historic streets, Baroque and Gothic architecture, looming cathedrals, and storied holiday markets, it’s no wonder Prague is considered one of the best places to spend Christmas. Among the many things to do in Prague, you might consider a walking tour of Prague Castle, strolling over the famous Charles Bridge, or pairing dinner with a Mozart performance at Lobkowicz Palace.

December is one of the best times to visit south Florida’s Everglades, when humidity is at an all-time low and less rain means wildlife congregate at predictable spots, which is ideal conditions for spotting elusive species like the Florida panther or the area’s iconic American alligator. The Flamingo Marina, open year-round, has canoes and kayaks for rent, along with binoculars for those looking to strike out on their own. Alternatively, captains from Everglades National Park Boat tours can lead the way, pointing out wading birds and other points of interest while navigating mangroves and swamplands.

The Big Island sees lower rates than the others, not to mention far less rain, which makes it a fantastic place to catch some surf or a glimpse at humpback whales breaching offshore. For an even hotter experience, head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where visitors can spot molten lava from the continuously erupting Kilauea Volcano.