Top December Destinations for Food and Drink Lovers

December is the perfect time to indulge in exceptional cuisine and beverages beyond traditional holiday fare. Explore fiery Southeast Asian flavors, world-class Basque dining, iconic Cuban cocktails, and festive English treats.

Discover our curated selection of gourmet destinations ideal for food enthusiasts this December.

Experience Cuba's Vibrant Rhythm with a Cocktail in Hand During the Coolest Month

Havana, Cuba's capital, blends faded colonial elegance with modern vitality. Stroll through the pastel-colored colonial wonders of Habana Vieja (Old Havana) and the seafront Malecón, where echoes of past grandeur mix with live son music. Following improved U.S. relations, tourism is thriving. Cool December offers ideal conditions to enjoy rum cocktails like mojitos and Cuba libres at historic spots such as La Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio—favorites of Hemingway—and attend the Havana International Jazz Festival (mid-December).

• Trip plan: Explore Habana Vieja, Centro, and Vedado districts, visit Spanish colonial forts and Hemingway's house, then relax at Playas del Este beaches.
• Need to know: December's jazz and film festivals draw crowds—book transport and accommodations well in advance.
• Other months: Nov-Apr: cool, dry; May-Oct: hot, rainy; Jul-Aug & Dec: busiest, priciest.

Savor World-Class Basque Cuisine in Coastal San Sebastián

Spain's regional cuisines shine brightly, from Valencia's paella to Galicia's octopus, but the Basque Country stands out with its pintxos (tapas), fresh seafood, and bold sauces. San Sebastián, in northern Spain, boasts numerous Michelin-starred restaurants led by chefs like Andoni Luis Aduriz, Pedro Subijana, Martín Berasategui, and the Arzak family. In mild December, with fewer tourists, accommodations are affordable, and top reservations are easier to secure. Build an appetite with a walk along Playa de la Concha or a funicular ride up Monte Igueldo for stunning bay views.

• Trip plan: Fly into Bilbao or Biarritz (45 minutes from the latter to San Sebastián).
• Need to know: Get a San Sebastián Card for discounts on transport, attractions, shops, restaurants, and tours (sansebastianturismo.com).
• Other months: Jun-Sep: hot, busy; Oct-Nov: cooler, rainy; Dec-Feb: mild, Pyrenees snow; Mar-May: spring.

Embrace the Festive Spirit in Picturesque Bath

Bath's honey-hued Georgian architecture and renowned Christmas market make it a premier holiday getaway. Stalls around the abbey and Roman baths offer mulled wine, sausages, artisan cheeses, chocolates, crafts, and premium spirits. Beyond shopping, enjoy museums, galleries, and Thermae Bath Spa's rooftop pool overlooking the twinkling market. Dine on gourmet dishes and stay in boutique B&Bs or luxury spots like the Royal Crescent Hotel.

• Trip plan: Hotels citywide; B&Bs near Newbridge Rd and Pulteney Gardens, including Jane Austen's former home by Holburne Museum. Take the Bath Skyline walk for panoramic views.
• Need to know: Christmas market: late November to mid-December. Abbey features carols, advent events, and Handel's Messiah recitals.
• Other months: Year-round.

Delight in Malaysia's Culinary Diversity and Pristine Beaches

Peninsular Malaysia fuses Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences into vibrant temples, tea plantations, historic mansions, and hawker stalls amid rainforests and stunning beaches. December brings dry, warm weather to the northwest coast. Langkawi's islands offer forested peaks and idyllic shores, while Penang's George Town dazzles with restored shophouses, temples, and diverse cuisines—try Nonya (Peranakan) spicy laksas. The Pesta Pulau Pinang festival adds parades, dragon-boat races, and music.

• Trip plan: Connect via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore; 35-min flights or 2¾-hour ferries between Penang and Langkawi.
• Need to know: Seek out George Town's creative street art.
• Other months: Dec-Mar: northwest dry; Apr-Nov: northwest wet (Nov-Jan: east coast wettest).

For more ideas, explore our book Where To Go When for 360 expert escapes, from family adventures to wildlife and retreats.