All-inclusive December

December is a month when a holiday feels different. At home, the days are short, the evenings dark and diaries are often full. St Nicholas, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, wrapping up work, school holidays and family plans make December a busy time. That’s precisely why an all-inclusive holiday in December can be so lovely. You step away from that hectic month for a while and opt for light, warmth, tranquillity or, conversely, winter cosiness.

An all-inclusive holiday in December isn’t all about the beach. It’s important to be honest about that straight away. Within Europe and Turkey, there are only a few destinations where you still have a real chance of enjoying some pleasant winter sunshine. Think of the Canary Islands, Madeira, Cyprus, Malta and, occasionally, the Turkish Riviera. December is also a great month for wellness, adults-only hotels, Christmas holidays with children and winter sports-style all-inclusive packages in the Alps.

At allinclusive.eu, we see December as a month in which the hotel becomes particularly important. In July and August, you spend a lot of time outdoors. In December, you also want to be comfortable indoors. A heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, hammam, indoor bar, good buffet, a lovely room and a cosy lounge make all the difference. When the sun is shining, you head for the terrace. When it’s windy or raining, you still want that holiday feeling.

Why December works differently to November

November is often a quiet month for those who travel flexibly. December is more variable. At the start of December, you can often still find good prices, especially outside public holidays. Around Christmas and New Year, that changes. That’s when many families, couples and winter holidaymakers want to get away. Popular hotels in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Madeira and some Turkish resorts can quickly become more expensive at that time.

December is also the month when expectations vary greatly. Some are looking for winter sun and want to have breakfast in shorts. Others, on the other hand, want to celebrate Christmas in a hotel, with convenience, buffets and no stress about shopping. Still others want wellness, walking or a peaceful adults-only holiday. And families often look for a practical Christmas holiday where children can enjoy themselves and parents don’t have to organise everything.

That’s why December isn’t a month to book blindly. You must first decide what you want: sun, wellness, a Christmas break, skiing, a city break or peace and quiet. Then choose your destination, and only afterwards the hotel. That order works better than simply searching for the lowest price.

What December is really like

In December, the days are shorter, even in southern destinations. You’ll have fewer long days on the beach than in September or October. The best times are often around late morning and mid-afternoon. Mornings can start off a bit nippy, evenings cool down more quickly, and a cardigan or light jacket almost always comes in handy.

In the Canary Islands, December feels most like winter sunshine. According to AEMET, Tenerife South has an average temperature of 19.7 degrees and around 30 mm of rainfall in December. The average maximum temperature there is around 22.8 degrees. This makes Tenerife South one of the most reliable choices for those seeking sunshine in December without having to fly too far.

Cyprus is milder than Northern Europe, but less certain for beach holidays than in October or November. Paphos has an average temperature of 15 degrees in December, with average maximum temperatures around 19 degrees and approximately 89.7 mm of rainfall. This means that whilst mild days are possible, it’s better to book a trip to Cyprus in December for peace and quiet, culture, walking and hotel comfort rather than for guaranteed pool weather.

Antalya and the Turkish Riviera are particularly appealing in December for their resort amenities. Antalya has an average temperature of 12 degrees in December, with average highs of around 17 degrees and approximately 250.8 mm of rainfall. It’s not a classic sun holiday, but large resorts with spa facilities, indoor swimming pools, hammams and good restaurants can still be appealing.

Madeira is mild and green. Funchal has an average temperature of 18 degrees in December, with average highs of around 20 degrees and approximately 62.2 mm of rainfall. This makes Madeira ideal for walking, wellness, scenic views and quiet hotels, but less so for a pure beach holiday.

Malta has a lovely atmosphere in December, but is distinctly more wintry than in summer. Valletta has an average temperature of 14 degrees in December, with average highs of around 17 degrees and approximately 86.8 mm of rainfall. Malta is particularly enjoyable at this time of year for its culture, harbours, towns and well-maintained hotels, rather than for guaranteed beach weather.

Why all-inclusive is particularly handy in December

In December, you want convenience. This is especially nice around Christmas and New Year. No shopping, no crowded supermarkets, no restaurant bookings for every evening and no arguments about where to eat. In an all-inclusive hotel, breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and often snacks are all taken care of. That takes a lot of the pressure off the holiday.

This is a major advantage for families. Children often have lots of energy during the Christmas holidays, but the weather isn’t always suitable for spending the whole day outdoors. So it’s great when the hotel has plenty to offer. Think of a heated swimming pool, a children’s buffet, a play area, entertainment, sports facilities or an indoor pool. Not every resort offers these in December, so check carefully.

For couples, an all-inclusive holiday in December is particularly convenient. You can opt for an adults-only hotel, a wellness resort or a hotel with good restaurants. You don’t have to organise much and can let the weather dictate your day. If it’s sunny, head outside. If the weather’s not so good, choose the spa, sauna, lounge or a short excursion.

December is also a month when extra costs can quickly mount up. Festive celebrations, drinks, dinners, spa treatments and day trips can be expensive. A good all-inclusive package gives you more control over your budget. Do check exactly what’s included, though. Christmas dinner, New Year’s Eve dinner, premium drinks, spa treatments or gala evenings can sometimes incur extra charges.

The best all-inclusive destinations in December

For winter sun, Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the top choices. The south of both islands is particularly attractive. Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, Maspalomas, Meloneras and Puerto Rico are popular spots because many hotels operate all year round. December doesn’t feel like the end of the season there. Restaurants, promenades, excursions and swimming pools remain open.

Tenerife is ideal for families, couples and those seeking peace and quiet. Families often opt for Costa Adeje or Playa de las Américas, where there are many hotels with swimming pools and family facilities. Couples are better off looking at adults-only hotels, sea-view rooms or quieter resorts. Gran Canaria is ideal for those looking for a bit more of a beach vibe, particularly around Maspalomas, Meloneras and Puerto Rico.

Madeira is the best choice if you’re not solely focused on the beach. The island is green, charming and gentle. You can walk along levadas, head to viewpoints, stroll through Funchal and enjoy hotels with sea views. December is also special thanks to the Christmas atmosphere in Funchal. Don’t expect a dry beach destination, but rather a lovely mix of mild weather, nature and comfort.

Cyprus is a good choice if you want to combine peace and culture. Paphos is a better option in December than Ayia Napa or Protaras if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere and amenities. The harbour, archaeological sites, coastal walks and seaside hotels make Paphos ideal for a peaceful winter break. You can go for a swim on fine days, but don’t count on it being the main reason for your visit.

Malta is ideal for travellers who value culture. Valletta, Mdina, Gozo and the Three Cities are much more pleasant to visit in December than in the hot summer months. Choose a hotel with good indoor facilities and a central location. All-inclusive packages can be handy, but half-board can also work well if you like to eat out.

Turkey in December is mainly about choosing the right hotel. Antalya, Lara, Belek and Side have large resorts that often offer excellent wellness and indoor facilities. You don’t book a trip to Turkey in December for guaranteed sunshine, but for peace and quiet, value for money, a spa, a hammam and perhaps mild afternoons by the sea. Large hotels tend to be better than small seasonal hotels, as they keep more facilities open.

Winter sports and all-inclusive holidays in December

December also marks the start of the winter sports season. In Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland, many ski resorts open for the winter season, depending on altitude and snow conditions. For all-inclusive holidays, this often means not a beach resort, but hotels with breakfast, dinner, drinks, wellness facilities and sometimes a ski pass or activities included.

An all-inclusive winter sports holiday works differently to a sun holiday. You’re outdoors during the day, often being active and in the cold. So it’s especially nice when the hotel is well organised. Breakfast before you hit the slopes, dinner after skiing, a sauna or swimming pool, and no hassle with restaurants in expensive ski resorts.

For families, an all-inclusive winter sports hotel can be very practical. Children get hungry after skiing, want drinks and snacks, and might want to go for a swim afterwards. If a lot is included, the holiday remains more straightforward. Do bear the location in mind, though. An all-inclusive hotel is lovely, but if you have to travel a long way to the lift every day, some of the convenience is lost.

In December, altitude is important. Especially around Christmas, you don’t just want to look at the price, but also at snow reliability, lift connections and the altitude of the resort. A lower-lying village may be cosy, but less practical if there’s little snow. So make a conscious choice to opt for higher-altitude areas or destinations with good artificial snow facilities.

December by destination, temperature and precipitation

Spain, South Tenerife. Average temperature around 19.7 degrees. Approximately 30 mm of precipitation. This is one of the best destinations for winter sun in Europe. Don’t expect tropical heat, but do expect plenty of mild, sunny days.

Spain, Gran Canaria South. Average temperature around 19 to 21 degrees. Approximately 25 to 40 mm of rainfall. Maspalomas, Meloneras and Puerto Rico are particularly popular for December sunshine and resorts that remain open all year round.

Madeira, Funchal. Average temperature around 18 degrees. Around 62.2 mm of rainfall. Mild, green and ideal for walking, wellness and sea views. Less suitable if you’re coming solely for the beach.

Cyprus, Paphos. Average temperature around 15 degrees, with maximum temperatures around 19 degrees. Approximately 89.7 mm of rainfall. Good for culture, tranquillity and mild days, less so for swimming pools and the beach.

Malta, Valletta. Average temperature around 14 degrees, with highs around 17 degrees. Approximately 86.8 mm of rainfall. Ideal for city breaks, harbours and culture, less so for a classic sun holiday.

Turkey, Antalya. Average temperature around 12 degrees, with highs around 17 degrees. Approximately 250.8 mm of rainfall. Particularly suitable for resort comfort, wellness and competitive prices outside of public holidays.

Portugal, Algarve. Average temperatures around 13 to 16 degrees. Changeable and mild. Good for walking, golf, wellness and tranquillity, but not for guaranteed beach weather.

Greece, Crete and Rhodes. Average temperatures of around 14 to 17 degrees. Higher chance of rain and wind. Ideal for relaxation, culture and local atmosphere, less so for all-inclusive beach holidays.

Italy, Sicily and Sardinia. Average temperatures around 12 to 16 degrees. Suitable for food, cities and culture. All-inclusive beach hotels are less of a good idea in December.

Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland. Not winter sun destinations, but ideal for winter sports, spa hotels and well-organised packages in the mountains. Bear in mind altitude, snow conditions and proximity to ski lifts.

For families in December

Travelling with children in December calls for a clear choice. If you want sun and a swimming pool, choose Tenerife or Gran Canaria. If you’re looking for a Christmas holiday with the convenience of a hotel and perhaps milder temperatures, then Cyprus, Madeira or Turkey are options, though sunshine isn’t guaranteed. If you want snow, look to Austria, France, Italy or Switzerland.

For young children, the Canary Islands are often the most practical choice. The flight is longer than to southern Spain, but you’re more likely to enjoy pleasant weather. Hotels are open all year round, there are plenty of swimming pools and the seaside resorts remain lively. It’s best to choose a hotel with a heated swimming pool, a children’s pool and family rooms.

Water parks and slides aren’t guaranteed in December. In the Canary Islands, some facilities are open, but always check with the hotel. In Turkey, outdoor water parks may be closed. A heated swimming pool is more important in December than a large water park in the photos.

For families on winter sports holidays, all-inclusive packages are actually very convenient. After a day out in the snow, you don’t want to be constantly searching for restaurants. A hotel offering breakfast, dinner, children’s options and a spa makes for a more relaxing holiday. Do bear in mind ski schools, childcare, distance to the ski lifts and the altitude of the resort.

For couples in December

For couples, December is a lovely month for peace and quiet, wellness and adults-only all-inclusive holidays. The weeks leading up to Christmas are often quiet and offer good value for money. You can book a better hotel without the hustle and bustle of the school holidays. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Madeira, Malta, Cyprus and Turkey are all good choices, depending on what you’re looking for.

If you’re after sunshine, choose Tenerife or Gran Canaria. If you’re after nature and walking, choose Madeira. If you’re after culture and atmosphere, choose Malta or Cyprus. If you’re after wellness and great value for money, look to Turkey. If you’re after winter romance, choose a well-run hotel in Austria, Switzerland, France or Italy.

Around Christmas and New Year, the atmosphere changes. Hotels often organise special dinners, music or festive evenings. This can be enjoyable, but it can also be busier and more expensive. Read carefully to see what’s included. Sometimes you’re required to pay for a Christmas dinner or New Year’s Eve gala.

All-inclusive Christmas and New Year

An all-inclusive holiday around Christmas or New Year is popular because it takes a lot of the hassle out of the arrangements. No shopping, no cooking, no setting the table and no planning for several days. You celebrate the festive season in a hotel where everything is taken care of.

For families, this can be very relaxing. The children are on holiday, the hotel often organises something extra, and you get to spend time together without any daily obligations. For couples, celebrating Christmas or New Year’s Eve somewhere else can be a special experience. Think of a dinner by the sea, fireworks in a seaside resort or a quiet spa evening.

Do bear in mind the terms and conditions, though. Public holidays may incur additional charges. Some hotels have compulsory gala dinners. Drinks may be included on a limited basis during special evenings. Check this in advance so you aren’t caught out.

Flights around Christmas and New Year are also often more expensive. Booking early is usually a better idea than waiting for last-minute deals. You’re actually more likely to find special offers for early or mid-December.

Wellness and heated swimming pools

In December, wellness facilities are perhaps the most important aspect of a hotel stay. A sauna, hammam, spa, indoor swimming pool or heated outdoor pool makes your holiday much less dependent on the weather. This applies to Turkey, Madeira, Malta, Cyprus, southern Spain and the Canary Islands.

A heated swimming pool is particularly important when travelling with children. It can be pleasant outside, but the pool water can feel a bit chilly. Check the reviews to see if the pool is actually comfortably warm. Hotels sometimes describe a pool as heated, but guests don’t always experience it that way.

For adults-only holidays, wellness is even more important. A peaceful spa, a good restaurant, a lounge bar and a room with a balcony can make or break the whole holiday. In December, you’ll spend more time in the hotel than in summer, so quality counts for even more.

All-inclusive offers in December

December has two sides to it. Early December can be good value. Many people are still at home due to work, school or festive preparations. As a result, you can sometimes find good deals to the Canary Islands, Turkey, Madeira, Malta or Cyprus. Prices often rise around Christmas and New Year, particularly at popular hotels.

If you’re flexible, it’s best to travel in the first half of December. You’ll often find it quieter, get better prices and still have some daylight before the busiest festive weeks begin. If you’re tied to the Christmas holidays, it’s best to book early. Family rooms, heated swimming pools, popular resorts and cheap flights, in particular, fill up faster.

When looking at special offers, pay close attention to what you’re getting. A low price is only worth it if the hotel is running smoothly in December. Are the restaurants open? Is there a heated swimming pool? Is the spa included? Is there entertainment over Christmas? Are transfers good value? Is the surrounding area still lively enough?

What should you look out for when booking in December?

The key question is: do you want winter sun, wellness, the Christmas spirit or snow? For winter sun, choose Tenerife or Gran Canaria. For wellness and nature, choose Madeira. For culture, choose Malta or Cyprus. For resort comfort and a hammam, choose Turkey. For snow, choose the Alpine countries.

Next, look at the hotel. In December, the hotel isn’t just an afterthought. You want good indoor spaces, a warm atmosphere, comfortable rooms, good restaurants and facilities that are actually open. Read recent winter reviews, not just summer ones.

Also pay attention to the location. In a quiet seaside resort, December can be very quiet. That’s lovely if you’re looking for peace and quiet, but less convenient if you like to go for walks outside the hotel or visit restaurants. In that case, it’s better to choose a hotel near a lively promenade, town or harbour.

Also check the dress code and public holidays. Some hotels expect smart attire for Christmas dinner or a gala. It’s useful to know this before you pack.

December in practice: how to make the most of it

An all-inclusive holiday in December calls for realistic expectations. You’re not travelling for a full-blown summer, unless you’re lucky enough to be in the warmest destinations. You’re travelling for light, tranquillity, comfort and convenience. If you choose wisely, December is a lovely month to get away.

The Canary Islands are the best for sunshine. Madeira is lovely for nature and wellness. Cyprus and Malta are great for culture and mild weather. Turkey is an interesting choice for large resorts and spas. The Alps are the obvious choice if you’re specifically looking for snow and winter sports.

All-inclusive holidays are a great fit for December because they take the pressure off a busy month. Food, drink, relaxation and, often, festive celebrations are all taken care of. You don’t have to plan as much and can enjoy your time together more – whether that’s in the sun, at a spa, at a Christmas buffet or after a day in the snow.

FAQ on all-inclusive holidays in December

Is December a good month for an all-inclusive holiday?

Yes, if you choose wisely. December is ideal for winter sun, wellness, Christmas holidays, adults-only trips and winter sports packages. For guaranteed beach weather, the choice is more limited.

Where is it warm in December?

Tenerife South and Gran Canaria are the best choices within Europe. Madeira, Cyprus and Malta are mild, but less guaranteed to have sunshine. Turkey is particularly suitable for resort comfort and wellness.

Can you still go for a swim in December?

This is sometimes possible in the Canary Islands, particularly in heated swimming pools. In Cyprus, Madeira, Malta and Turkey, swimming in the sea or an outdoor pool is less certain. A heated swimming pool is advisable.

Is December a good time to visit with children?

Yes, especially in Tenerife, Gran Canaria or at a winter sports hotel with all-inclusive packages. Check for heated swimming pools, family rooms, children’s facilities and what’s open during the Christmas holidays.

Are water parks open in December?

Not always. Outdoor water parks and slides may be closed or have limited opening hours. Always check this with the hotel.

Is all-inclusive expensive in December?

Early December can be good value. Around Christmas and New Year, prices are often higher. Popular hotels with heated swimming pools and family rooms fill up more quickly.

Which destination is best for December?

For winter sun, Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the top choices. Madeira is good for nature and wellness. Malta and Cyprus are lovely for culture. Turkey is an attractive option for wellness and resort comfort. For snow, choose Austria, France, Italy or Switzerland.

What should you look out for with all-inclusive holidays in December?

Look out for heated swimming pools, wellness facilities, open restaurants, indoor areas, public holiday surcharges, location, recent winter reviews and exactly what is included over Christmas or New Year.