It may seem hard to believe at first glance, but winter is actually an absolutely great time to travel. Because the world is rarely as diverse as it is now. Snow-covered ski slopes in your own country, mild temperatures on short-haul trips and sunshine galore in tropical climes : It is difficult to determine the best travel destinations in December 2025 with absolute certainty. However, we have picked out five favorites from the Chill Report editorial team:
Vienna, Austria
Why? People from all over the world come to the Danube metropolis in the run-up to Christmas. This is no coincidence. After all, Vienna presents itself from its most beautiful side during Advent. Illuminated shop windows, the iconic Christmas lights on the Ring, Graben and Rotenturmstraße and an incredibly high density of Christmas markets transform Vienna into one of the perfect travel destinations in December 2025. In addition to the traditional (and always very well attended) Christmas markets, there are also a number of activities during Advent that are not yet on the radar of visitors and are not yet so crowded.
Booking tip: There are many great, centrally located hotels in Vienna that not only offer a good base for visiting Christmas markets, especially in the run-up to Christmas, but also dress up in festive attire. For those who like it elegant and luxurious, the beautiful boutique hotel Das Tyrol is the place to be. With attention to detail, a private relaxation area (included in the price!), an excellent breakfast and a top location right on one of the city’s most popular shopping streets, it’s a hotel you simply have to take to your heart. Especially great: all the art and interior design! Click here for our Hotel Das Tyrol experience.
Venice, Italy
Why? The lagoon city is one of those destinations that can hardly save itself from tourists during the warmer months. Keyword: mass tourism. The tax on day visitors has not really brought any relief either. The situation is somewhat different during the cooler months. There are far fewer people in Venice, the hotels are cheaper and when the fog descends over the city in the evening, a particularly mystical atmosphere is created. New Year’s Eve in St. Mark’s Square is celebrated with a magnificent fireworks display!
Booking tip: How beautiful can it be? Yes! Guests at the Aman Venice experience the maximum Venice feeling, elegance and luxury. Housed in a palazzo directly on the Grand Canal, it leaves nothing to be desired. Spacious rooms, handcrafted furniture and a wealth of history in every corner: staying here is like being transported to a breathtaking parallel world.
Courchevel, France
Why? The winter sports area in the French Alps has over 150 kilometers of slopes. It is part of the renowned Les 3 Vallées ski area. Those who spend their vacations here have a further 450 kilometers of slopes at their disposal. In total, this makes it the largest interconnected ski area in the world. The village character of Courchevel is another reason to stay here. Covered in deep snow, the little town looks like something out of a Hallmark movie in winter.
Booking tip: The Six Senses Residences in Courchevel are celebrating their tenth anniversary this season. Situated right in the center of Courchevel 1850, it is not far from here until you can start your adventure on the slopes. Naturally, guests can look forward to the luxury typical of the brand. They can retreat to the crackling fireplace in the chalet, discover the delicacies from the wine cellar, relax in the whirlpool, use the cinema or the spa areas. Private shuttles and ski-in, ski-out lodges make your stay in France’s winter wonderland perfect.
Wisconsin, USA
Why? Real snow fans are in good hands in Wisconsin in winter. You can look forward to temperatures below freezing. Winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding and ice tubing can now be practiced unhindered. The ice caves and the often frozen Lake Superior are also a special feature. The weather conditions can be quite challenging, but when the snow dances from the sky, the soul rejoices. If you want to escape the cold, simply head to one of the many museums. Small, festively decorated towns such as Baraboo or Fish Creek look like something straight out of a Christmas movie.
Booking tip: The Edgewater in the heart of Madison is located directly on Lake Mendota and therefore offers unrivaled views from most places in the hotel. Guests of the 202 rooms enjoy attentive service and upscale amenities. Stores and boutiques, restaurants and bars are just a few steps away. The hotel has been welcoming guests since 1948 and is steeped in old-world charm.
Jamaica
Why? “It’s beyond your imagination, Jamaica has a bobsleigh team…” Children of the 90s can sing along to these lines and immediately have the bobsleigh team from “Cool Runnings” in mind. But Jamaica can do so much more. For example, it has the best coffee ever (Blue Mountain Coffee), white sandy beaches, palm trees and sunny days. The temperatures are perfect for a beach vacation. You should definitely try jerk chicken, the national dish. If you like, you can follow in the footsteps of James Bond or Bob Marley in Jamaica.
Booking tip: The Sandals brand is one of Jamaica’s best-known and largest hospitality brands. Sandals Dunn’s River has turned out to be particularly beautiful. From here, it is not far to the waterfalls of Ochos Rios, and its culinary concept is also impressive. We were just as impressed by the fine coffee delicacies at BLUM as we were by the sashimi, breakfast and dinner in a French-inspired ambience…You can read all the details in our hotel review.
