Pack Your Bags, Winter Travellers! Here Are the Top 10 Can't-Miss Hot Spots For December

Western Australia has a lot going on throughout December, specifically in Perth, Australia's sunniest destination year-round. This December, Perth hosts the most highly anticipated international tennis superstar match featuring Serena Williams and Roger Federer as they go head to head at Hopman Cup on New Year's Day 2019. Through the month leading up to Christmas, visitors will be treated to dazzling holiday displays that illuminate the city with more than half a million Christmas lights and festive projections.

The weather in Lisbon is mild in December, and thanks to TAP Air Portugal, affordable flight options make it easier than ever for travellers to visit and fly direct. If you're lucky enough to be in Lisbon in December, make sure to sample the city's selection of Portuguese traditional Christmas cakes. Travellers can check out Tivoli Avenida Liberdade's brand-new rooftop restaurant called SEEN Lisboa, which is hosting a special New Year's Eve celebration with live music and cocktails.

Every December, as the days get shorter, Danes fight the darkness and Winter blues with this strong weapon: hygge. During the holidays, Copenhagen turns into a Winter wonderland. Everywhere you go, the streets are lit with Christmas lights, the smell of sugar-roasted almonds fill the air, and mulled wine is sold on street corners. To top off your trip, make sure to visit the luxury Hotel d'Angleterre's fine-dining restaurant Marchal, followed by a visit to Balthazar, the hotel's Champagne bar.

Dubai is one of the world's most over-the-top cities, and it takes festive season very seriously. At the beginning of the month, guests can enjoy the Christmas tree lighting at the Irish Village, the Dubai Winter Festival, and other festive markets. Starting on Dec. 26, the Dubai Shopping Festival transforms the city with pop-up fashion shows, fireworks displays, and mega sales. Dubai has no shortage of hotels, but we've had our eye on Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, which is offering its "festive season sale" of up to 25 percent off accommodations throughout the month of December.

Escape the cold and head to the ultimate warm-weather Caribbean destination. Travellers should head to the Bahamas for Junkanoo, a festival that takes place from Dec. 26 through New Year's Day. A long-standing tradition, locals take to the streets for music and dancing in colourful costumes. Nassau is at the centre of celebrations, and CheapCaribbean offers several accommodations options in the area, including Melia Nassau Beach All Inclusive, Courtyard by Marriott Nassau Downtown / Junkanoo Beach, Graycliff Hotel, and more.

Boasting a long list of great things to do in New York in December, the Big Apple is a must-visit this month to get in the holiday spirit. The shopping possibilities are endless with everything from Bryant Park's Winter village to seasonal sample sales. Top it off with Radio City Music Hall and a Broadway show — launching in December are several long-awaited shows, including The Cher Show, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Choir Boy. Opening Dec. 1, Merrion Row Hotel + Public House will be situated right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the perfect location for visitors.

Guests who visit the Arashiyama district in Kyoto for the Hanatoro Lantern Festival from Dec. 8 through 17 will be stunned by the breathtaking beauty of thousands of lanterns that decorate shops, temples, and landmarks. The festival celebrates the end of Fall with elaborate temple illuminations, art installations, and flower arrangements. The lighting of the Togetsukyo Bridge is one of the main attractions as the entire bridge along with the foothills and waterfront are decorated with hundreds of lanterns. Visitors can also check out the many street vendors and enjoy the local street food while walking through the district.

December is a great time to visit Chicago, mostly for the holiday shopping and renowned restaurants. Travellers can check out a new pop-up store by cosmetics brand Winky Lux to get any last-minute gifts for their beauty-obsessed friend. Stop by Fisk & Co. for Instagram-worthy holiday cocktails such as spiked eggnog and Glühwein, a traditional warm German wine. Visitors who really want to get in the holiday spirit should book Swissôtel's Santa suite package, which is equipped with cookies and milk, Champagne, holiday treats, and more.

There are many benefits of visiting Marrakech in December. It's the off-season, so that means a drop in hotel and airfare prices, fewer crowds, and cooler weather. From Nov. 30 to Dec. 8, visitors can get a glimpse of the annual Marrakech International Film Festival that's held in the city every year. Stay at the luxury five-star La Sultana Marrakech and spend Christmas or New Year's Eve gathering for dinner in a traditional berber tent. La Sultana offers guests an exclusive package that takes them to the fairly new Yves Saint Laurent museum and Majorelle gardens, two sites not to be missed this December.