Best places to visit in December

Who’s gonna complain about spending Christmas on the ‘best beach in the world’? Dive (literally) into the Whitsundays near the Great Barrier Reef with your new Contiki BFFs. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters filled with colourful fish, and raise a Christmas toast aboard a sailing boat. It’ll be a very Merry Christmas indeed!

Channel those Crocodile Dundee vibes with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Northern Territory. December means rainfall, creating a lush green landscape and cascading waterfalls almost overnight. Learn about Aboriginal culture, hike to unforgettable sunsets and immerse yourself in nature and bush customs, all with awesome 18-35s from around the world.

Wanna ring in January 1st in true Aussie style? There’s no better place for it than Sydney. Hit the East Coast and enjoy everything the city has to offer – from the iconic Opera House to the Botanic Gardens – and soak up the electric atmosphere in the buildup to one of the world’s most epic firework displays.

Austria’s incredible ski culture is just kicking off in December. Off-piste paradise awaits for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, and if you’re looking for a more chilled vibe, there’s always a roaring fire to curl up by. Just don’t miss the Austrian après – it’s an event in and of itself.

Dreamy Insta snaps incoming. This enchanting city’s fairytale-esque architecture sits against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains – like the real life Arendelle from Frozen! For the musical aficionados, Salzburg is not only the birthplace of Mozart, but also one of the filming locations of the Sound of Music, so there’s plenty to explore.

Take in Austria’s mountains and forests from the skies in an exhilarating paragliding adventure. Launched from the mountainside, firs and pines become a carpet below you. But fear not – you won’t be flying alone. There’s an experienced pilot on hand to ensure you feel safe. Best ever pictures of the Austrian Alps = guaranteed.

Twinkling lights, traditional treats and Christmas gift shopping. Nothing gets those festive juices flowing like a Christmas market. Explore stalls showing local craftsmanship and indulge in traditional Svíčková (beef sirloin with dumplings) and Vánočka (sweet, knotted bread) as you peruse the snowy streets.

From Prague Castle to Charles Bridge, Prague’s Old Town sure is a delight. Cobbled streets weave around some of Europe’s most revered architecture. The Astronomical Clock is an iconic must-see, as is Prague Castle which covers palaces, chapels and gardens. Yup, there’s centuries of history and culture at your fingertips.

Got your dancing shoes at the ready? Good, because now it’s time to immerse yourself in some real Czech traditions. Try out hearty local dishes, sample local wine and beer, and learn traditional Czech dances to live music performances – all with your new Contiki pals.

What do Frankfurt, Cologne and Munich have in common? They all know how to deliver an epic Christmas market. From Frankfurt’s 200+ charming stalls to Nuremberg’s fragrant gingerbread and Munich’s tantalising scent of roasted almonds and doughnuts – soak up those festive feels with a steaming cup of glühwein in hand.

It really is like entering a fairytale. Nestled among the pine-covered Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle was built by King Ludwig II in the 19th Century and is now open to the public. The romantic turreted castle looks its best during the winter months – great for feeling festive (and for those Insta snaps).

This ain’t no ordinary supermarket gingerbread. Oh no – Nuremberg’s gingerbread, also known as Lebkuchen, contains a unique blend of spices, honey, fruit and sometimes nuts too. And with Contiki, you’ll learn how to make it yourself with an exclusive gingerbread-making class.