Looking for cheap places to visit in december? Christmas squares, turquoise bays and city breaks give you plenty to consider.
These pictures have a little of everything, whether you’d rather see snowy rooftops or watch the sun go down by the beach.
Not every destination here is a guaranteed bargain, especially over Christmas. Use these ideas as a starting point, then compare flights, stays and transport for your dates.
A pretty view is worth saving. A trip that fits your budget is even better!
December getaways worth a closer look
Mexico City’s towering bookshelves
We’re starting off strong with this incredible Mexico City library view. I love the stacked shelves surrounding the open aisle, plus that suspended skeleton below.
If you prefer a city break, build your plans around a few cultural stops rather than back-to-back tours. Check the library’s current visitor hours before adding it to your itinerary.
Vietnam’s island-filled bays
How gorgeous is this green water? These steep, leafy islands resemble the scenery around Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.
The little boats give you a sense of just how big the landscape is.
For a trip like this, compare day cruises with overnight options. Include transfers and meals in the comparison rather than looking at the headline fare alone.
Puerto Rico at sunset
If you’re looking for a December trip with beach time, Puerto Rico is one to consider. The golden sunset and waves in this picture are so pretty without any extra fuss.
Keep some room in your itinerary for an evening by the water. Compare accommodation carefully before committing, since Christmas dates aren’t automatically budget-friendly.
New Orleans after dark
I love this view of St. Louis Cathedral with the glowing Christmas tree in front. The lit windows and broad steps make the scene feel especially festive.
For a New Orleans trip, you might plan an evening exploring this area rather than booking another paid activity. Choose your walking route and return transport ahead of time.
Lisbon’s golden Christmas tree
This Christmas tree may just be one of my favorites here. The golden lights look so pretty beside the yellow buildings of Lisbon’s Praça do Comércio.
If you want a festive city break, start with a few squares and waterfront walks. Check this year’s decoration dates rather than assuming the display will match the photo.
Turquoise waterfall terraces
Don’t want your whole trip to revolve around Christmas lights? This is a lovely change of scenery.
I am obsessed with those turquoise pools and the little cascades between them.
The picture doesn’t name the waterfall, so confirm its location before planning around it. For a similar outing, include entrance fees and the return journey in your budget.
Prague’s festive market square
How cute are these decorated market stalls? Prague’s tall church spires rise behind the Christmas tree, with lights tucked all around the square.
You can enjoy looking around without buying something at every stop. I’d choose one treat to try, then leave the rest of the evening open for wandering.
Medellín’s hillside views
If you love a wide city view, Medellín deserves a closer look. The buildings stretch across the valley and climb the green hills in this picture.
Rather than choosing a stay just for its nightly price, compare its location with the places you want to visit. Extra journeys can change what looks like a bargain.
Budapest with a dusting of snow
This is for you if you’re picturing a December trip with market stalls and beautiful old buildings. The Budapest collage mixes snowy rooftops, an outdoor ice rink and a tree-lined path.
Pick the paid activities you care about most before booking. Also, treat the snow as inspiration rather than a promise for your travel dates.
Costa Rica’s golden shoreline
Who needs a packed itinerary with a sunset like this? The orange sky, rolling waves and boats offshore make this Costa Rica scene so lovely.
For a budget-minded version, consider staying in one area instead of moving between several. Price the accommodation and airport transfer together before deciding where to base yourself.
Kraków’s sparkling square
I am obsessed with this Christmas tree beside St. Mary’s Basilica in Kraków. The bright star and white decorations look gorgeous against the brick towers.
This is a lovely starting point for a festive city itinerary. You could pair an evening in the square with one daytime attraction rather than filling every hour with ticketed stops.
San Antonio’s riverside lights
The reflections are my favorite part of this San Antonio picture. Strings of colorful lights hang above the water, with a little arched bridge farther along.
If the River Walk is on your list, you could enjoy the view on foot rather than automatically adding a boat ride. Check seasonal lighting dates before choosing your evening.
Read also: 20 Places to Visit in April for Flowers, City Walks and Beautiful Views
Las Vegas without the show tickets
Don’t want to go all out on paid entertainment? No problem!
This Las Vegas view has plenty to look at, from the illuminated Eiffel Tower replica to the blue balloon-shaped sign.
A sightseeing-focused visit is one option. Just compare the full hotel total, including mandatory fees, before calling the trip cheap.
A Caribbean waterside escape
That bright blue water is hard to ignore. I love the little palm-lined waterfront with boats pulled up beside it.
The image mentions Caribbean islands but doesn’t identify this exact spot. Use it as beach-trip inspiration for now, then compare specific islands with all flights and boat transfers included.
Gatlinburg’s snowy mountain views
If you’d choose mountains over a beach, this Gatlinburg scene is for you. Snow sits along the fence while wooded ridges stretch across the background.
Look beyond the nightly rate when comparing cabins and hotels. Cleaning charges, parking and the drive to your planned stops all deserve a place in the calculation. Snow isn’t guaranteed.
Marrakech’s lantern-lit courtyard
This courtyard may just be my favorite quiet corner on the list. I love the large hanging lantern, pale green doors and checkerboard floor.
For a Marrakech stay with a similar feel, look closely at the accommodation photos and shared spaces. A simple room with a courtyard you love might suit you better than lots of extras.
Carved gateways near Siem Reap
Look at those carved faces above the gateway! This scene resembles the gates of Angkor Thom near Siem Reap, with cyclists heading toward the tall opening.
If an Angkor visit is on your wish list, budget for the appropriate admission pass and transport. Choose how much you want to see before deciding how many days to allow.
Tulum’s cliffside ruins
The little ruin above the turquoise sea is so pretty in this Tulum picture. There’s a sandy cove below it, with green plants framing the view.
Don’t assume a beach address is the cheapest option. Compare town-based stays with coastal ones, then add transport and current access fees for the places you want to visit.
Phoenix’s colorful cactus lights
Here’s a different take on December decorations. Tall cacti, colorful lights and glowing lanterns along the path make this Phoenix scene stand out.
If a desert garden light display interests you, check the venue and ticket details first. Keep that as your chosen evening outing rather than assuming every seasonal display is free.
Leavenworth’s snowy rooftops
Last but definitely not least, we have this snowy Leavenworth scene. I love the lights tracing the rooftops with the mountains behind them.
This is a festive splurge candidate rather than a guaranteed cheap stay. Compare nearby accommodation or a day visit if overnight prices don’t fit your budget.
Check winter road conditions before settling on that plan.