Best Cities To Visit In December

December Diaries: The Jolliest Cities to Visit This Holiday Season

Alright, folks, gather 'round. I've got some spill about the best cities to visit in December. Now, I'm not one to blow my own trumpet, but I've been around the block a few times, and I've seen more Santas than a North Pole post office. So, buckle up, because we're going on a whirlwind tour of the most festive, fun, and downright wonderful cities to grace your December calendar.

1. New York, New York - The Big Apple's Big Holiday Bash

Let's kick things off in the city that never sleeps, because even in December, it's got more energy than a kid on Christmas Eve. First stop? The Rockefeller Center. It's like they took a regular old ice rink and said, "Nah, let's make it the most famous one in the world." And the tree? Oh, it's just a little thing. A mere 75-foot-tall, 50,000-light-bulb, "Oh, look at me, I'm the most fabulous Christmas tree ever" kind of thing.

Now, if you're feeling peckish, you can't miss the holiday markets. They're like the world's best garage sale, but with way better snacks. I'm talking hot chocolate that's so thick, it's basically a solid. And the pretzels? Don't even get me started. They're so big, they could double as life preservers.

2. Vienna, Austria - The City of Music's Festive Tune-Up

Next up, we've got Vienna, the city that gave us Mozart, Strauss, and enough Sachertorte to make your dentist weep. In December, it transforms into a real-life Nutcracker ballet. The Wiener Weihnachtstraum market is like stepping into a snow globe. Twinkly lights? Check. Mulled wine? Check. Enough Christmas decorations to make Clark Griswold proud? Double check.

But here's where Vienna really outdoes itself: the Christmas concerts at St. Stephen's Cathedral. Imagine being surrounded by 18,000 candles, listening to the Vienna Boys' Choir sing their little hearts out. It's like being inside a giant, musical Advent calendar. And who knows? You might even spot the Baby Jesus. (I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Sort of.)

3. Quebec City, Canada - The French-Canadian Christmas Party You Don't Want to Miss

Now, let's hop across the pond to Quebec City, where they take their Christmas so seriously, they've got a giant, festive cracker that's been lighting up the sky since 1974. It's like the world's most badass Christmas decoration.

But the real star of the show is the German-style Christmas market. It's like a little slice of Europe right in the heart of Canada. Think steaming mugs of glühwein, twinkly lights, and enough gingerbread to make Hansel and Gretel feel right at home. And if you're feeling brave, you can even try your hand at caroling in French. (Don't worry, I won't tell if you can't sing.)

4. Sydney, Australia - The Land Down Under's Festive Flipside

Alright, folks, buckle up, because we're about to take a little detour to the other side of the world. That's right, we're talking about Sydney, where Christmas is more like a summer BBQ than a snowed-in extravaganza. But don't worry, they still know how to party.

First stop? The Sydney Opera House. Yep, that one. They've got a whole Christmas concert series going on, and let me tell you, there's nothing quite like hearing "Silent Night" sung in a voice that could make angels weep. (Or maybe that's just the heat getting to me.)

But the real pièce de résistance is the Vivid Sydney festival. It's like Christmas, New Year's Eve, and a rave all rolled into one. Think light projections, music, and enough lasers to make you feel like you're in a sci-fi movie. It's Christmas for the Instagram age, folks. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, you can even take a dip in the Pool of Reflection. (Just don't blame me if you turn into a human Popsicle.)

5. Reykjavik, Iceland - The Land of Fire and Ice's Festive Frolics

Last but not least, we've got Reykjavik, the city that's got more hot springs than a Roman bathhouse and more elves than Santa's workshop. In December, it's like the whole city turns into a giant, cozy cabin. Think twinkly lights, steaming hot pools, and enough jólakakaó (that's Icelandic hot chocolate, folks) to make your eyes water.

But the real highlight is the Reykjavik Christmas Market. It's like a little slice of Christmas magic, with enough handmade crafts to make your inner elf swoon. And if you're feeling brave, you can even try your hand at some brennivín. (It's like Icelandic schnapps. Don't say I didn't warn you.)

So there you have it, folks. The best cities to visit in December, according to yours truly. Now, go forth, spread some Christmas cheer, and remember: no matter where you are, there's no place like home (except maybe when you're eating someone else's Christmas dinner). Happy holidays!