Our Favourite Non-Traditional Festive Destinations Around the World

With Botswana’s green season lasting from November to March, the country’s savannahs have transformed into lush, emerald carpets by the time the festive season rolls around. The long rains allow the bush to burst with new life: baby animals take their first steps, migratory birds return and predators roam in abundance. This is when safaris come alive with thrilling action, especially in the legendary Mombo Concession – Africa’s predator capital.

Stay at Wilderness Mombo Camp, where suites offer sweeping views out over the floodplain. Wake up to elephants lumbering along beside your deck, before heading out into the 40,000 private hectares of wilderness on a game drive or a walking safari. Guided by expert naturalists who know the region best, you’ll spot an incredible array of wildlife: leopards, lions, vultures, lechwe and more.

In Tanzania the green season is in full bloom in December as the rains breathe life back into the plains. The waters of Lake Manyara teem with flocks of vividly-hued flamingos and thousands of wildebeest and zebras return to the Serengeti to feast on fresh pastures before the calving season begins. And the best way to see this incredible spectacle? With a stay at the mobile Wilderness Usawa Camp.

In December Wilderness Usawa Camp is based in the south of the Serengeti, near Ndutu. This is the place wildebeest and zebra have come every December for decades to give birth to their young. Wilderness Usawa is a luxury tented camp, so you can expect to enjoy the spirit of the festivities cocooned in exceptional comfort, while utterly immersed in stunning nature.

Whilst seeing gorillas in the wild isn’t usually at the top of people’s lists for the festive season, it certainly should be. The fleeting dry season from mid-December to February marks the perfect time to hike through the mist-strewn forests of the Volcanoes National Park with an expert guide, in search of the gorilla families that call this park home.

Base yourself at Wilderness Bisate Reserve or Wilderness Bisate Lodge, two of our favourite stays here. Both properties are positioned near the park’s headquarters, offering the incredible opportunity to head out with park rangers and participate in impactful reforestation programmes. After a day of exploring the wilderness, you can retreat to the saltwater pool or mediation pods of The Sanctuary, a wellness centre for guests of both Bisate Reserve and Bisate Lodge that opens in December 2025.

In Argentina, December ushers in that sweet shift from spring to summer. It’s a wonderful time to saddle up and horseride through the foothills of the Andes in Mendoza. Then slow it all down at Cavas Wine Lodge, where chef Hernan Zavleta serves up seasonal farm-to-table perfection, paired with bold Malbecs.

The ancient city of Salta is the gateway to exploring northwestern Argentina’s cactus-strewn deserts on guided hikes and scenic 4×4 tours. Here, you can spend your festive season embracing the thrill of adventure on an exhilarating white water rafting experience down the Juramento River. The rivers are typically swollen in December after the snow on the mountains melts in the summer heat. We recommend staying at Finca Valentina, a boutique hotel on the outskirts of Salta. Watch the sun sink below the foothills as you sip a glass of velvety Argentinian wine.

Colombia is a wonderful destination to enjoy holiday festivities. In December the landscapes are lush and green and the temperatures are warm. The small, picturesque towns of Barichara and Villa de Leyva are relaxed and beautiful places to be immersed in the everyday life of rural Colombia. Adventure calls in the rolling green hills of Santander where you can hike the Camino Real from Barichara to Guane to see pristine landscapes and wander the cobblestoned lanes of tiny villages.

In Bogota, Colombia’s capital, a stunning array of creative performances beckon. In the lead up to Christmas Day, over 1,000 local artists take part in shows along the route of Caminar la Navidad (meaning ‘walking Christmas’) which winds its way from the National Park to the Plaza de Bolívar. The procession is a wonderful and captivating experience to share with your family, along with other experiences that appeal to younger children such as interactive tours of the Gold Museum or learning to play the traditional Colombian game of Tejo.

For those wanting an immersion in nature, Thailand’s national parks stir with life as the holidays get underway. In Khao Sok, the world’s oldest evergreen rainforest, towering trees and giant ferns cascade towards the Khao Sok River. Step onto a guided bamboo raft and marvel as limestone karsts rise out of the mist, remnants of ancient coral reels from over 250 million years ago, and keep your eyes peeled for rare wildlife. If you’re lucky, you may spot a flash of brown as sambar deer dart through the trees.

It is worth mentioning that the clear, dry and sunny weather does make Thailand particularly popular during the festive season, so we do recommend booking well in advance if you wish to travel at this time. Smaller islands such as Koh Yao Noi and sailing on the private Princess Phetmanee yacht offer an exclusive and luxurious experience during the holidays.

The festive season coincides with the lead-up to the Lunar New Year in January, making Vietnam a great destination to experience the holidays. In Ho Chi Minh, the Notre Dam Cathedral invites you to enjoy Midnight Mass inside its grand halls. Or head to the winding Mekong Delta for a breath of tranquility, as rice paddies and fruit orchards slowly drift by.

Begin your water-based voyage in Ho Chi Minh and then follow the Mekong river north, across the border and into Cambodia where you can stop at Phnom Penh or continue on to Siem Reap. Along the journey, step offboard to explore the local markets and beautiful temples, immersing yourself in the rich cultures both of these countries hold. 

Whilst Christmas falls on January 7th in the country of Georgia, the holiday season officially begins when the lights of the Christmas tree in Tbilisi are lit in the middle of December. Then a whole month of joyful experiences follow in the capital. Christmas markets pop up, serving mulled Saperavi wine. Make sure to visit the Presidential Palace in the evening, as guards open the gates for the public to admire the twinkling lights and chichilaki trees (traditional christmas trees carved from dried hazelnut wood and adorned with candles and fruit) in the front garden.

We recommend combining Tbilisi with other areas in Georgia, such as the Kakaheti Wine Region. Although December is considered the low season it is still possible to visit peaceful vineyards to learn about the fascinating tradition of qvevri winemaking. Remember to pack warm clothes as the higher passes in rural areas are often carpeted in snow in December.

There’s so much to love about Norway during the festive season. Particularly around culinary tradition as you enjoy crispy ribbe (pork belly) and pinekjøtt (salt-cured lamb ribs) for the customary meal on Christmas Eve. Bakeries brim with Christmas cookies, such as spiced pepperkake gingerbread and steaming mugs of Gløgg keep you warm as you explore the Christmas markets.

To enjoy a snowy Christmas in Norway, we recommend retreating to the islands of the Svalbard archipelago, where guided snowmobiling and dog-sledding adventures glide you through blankets of snow and over frozen lakes. It is also one of the best places to see the northern lights, as the polar winter nights showcase this otherworldly spectacle in all its glory from October to March.

As the holidays draw near, the Land Down Under comes alive. In Sydney, festive cheer spills into bustling laneways and lamington cake sweetens every menu. Further south, the heat of summer ripens the vines, and cellar doors open to offer unforgettable wine tastings in Australia’s best vineyards. 

In the north, December is a great time to visit the Great Barrier Reef. The water is particularly clear at this time of year so it’s one of the best times to snorkel and sail in glass-bottom boats. Check into Lizard Island and enjoy a front-row seat to it all. While in this part of Australia we also highly recommend a stay at Silky Oaks to explore the Daintree Forest, one of the world’s oldest rainforests.

Chase the sun this festive season with an indulgent stay in French Polynesia. For the ultimate retreat our experts recommend staying at The Brando, one of our favourite private island escapes, in the Tetiaroa atoll off of Tahiti. 

Embrace the festivities with traditional Polynesian experiences and take part in a ukulele or traditional drum workshop. There’s also the opportunity to try your hand at ni’au weaving or take a ‘behind the scenes’ walking tour to learn about the fascinating sustainability practices that take place on this remote and secluded island. Finally, savour the flavours of Tetiaroa with a holiday banquet served by the hotel’s renowned chef, Jean Imbert.