Best Places To Travel In December: A Foodie’s Guide To Global Delights
December marks the festive season, and for many, it’s the perfect time to travel and indulge in unique culinary experiences. For foodies, exploring the world through local delicacies, festive feasts, and street food delights can elevate any trip. From Christmas markets in Europe to seafood feasts in tropical destinations, December offers a variety of global gastronomic experiences worth savoring. This guide will take you on a culinary journey through some of the best places to travel in December, offering food lovers the chance to experience flavors from around the world.
1. Tokyo, Japan – Sushi, Ramen, and Winter Comfort Food
Tokyo is a food lover’s paradise year-round, but December offers a particularly special experience. As winter sets in, the city’s culinary landscape shifts to heartier dishes and comforting flavors, while seasonal events add a festive touch to your culinary adventures.
1.1. The Magic of Winter Street Food
Tokyo’s winter street food scene comes alive in December, with warm, comforting dishes that keep the cold at bay. One must-try is Oden, a hotpot dish made with various ingredients like boiled eggs, daikon radish, and fish cakes stewed in a light broth. You’ll find street vendors selling steaming bowls of oden across the city, particularly in local markets and near train stations.
Another winter favorite is Yakiimo, roasted sweet potatoes sold by street vendors. These sweet, soft treats are the perfect snack while exploring the city’s many neighborhoods.
1.2. Sushi and Kaiseki Dining
December is also an excellent time for sushi lovers. The waters surrounding Japan are cold, meaning the seafood, particularly tuna, mackerel, and yellowtail, is at its peak flavor. Visit Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Outer Market or the new Toyosu Market for the freshest sushi experiences. Consider dining at one of Tokyo’s Michelin-starred sushi restaurants for a more elevated experience.
If you prefer a more traditional multi-course dining experience, December is perfect for Kaiseki, Japan’s intricate haute cuisine. Kaiseki meals are often seasonal, so you’ll experience ingredients like crab, chestnuts, and persimmons in many dishes.
1.3. Seasonal Ramen and Izakaya
Winter in Tokyo means it's time for rich, comforting bowls of ramen. Look for miso-based ramen or tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen to warm up after a chilly day exploring. Some ramen shops even serve seasonal variations, like adding yuzu or other winter ingredients to their broth.
Don’t forget to experience an izakaya, a Japanese gastropub, where you can enjoy a wide variety of small plates and sake. During December, izakayas often serve seasonal favorites such as hot sake and grilled fish.
2. Lyon, France – The Culinary Capital of France in Festive Glory
Lyon, often regarded as the food capital of France, is a must-visit destination for any foodie, especially in December when the city lights up for the Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights). The cooler weather invites locals and visitors alike to indulge in heartwarming dishes.
2.1. Traditional Lyonnaise Cuisine
Lyon is famous for its bouchons, traditional Lyonnaise restaurants offering hearty and rustic dishes. December is the perfect time to try local specialties like quenelles, light dumplings made from fish or meat served with a rich sauce, or gratin dauphinois, a creamy potato dish baked with garlic and cream.
The city's colder temperatures also make it the ideal season to savor cervelle de canut, a tangy cheese spread made with fresh herbs and served with crusty bread.
2.2. Fête des Lumières
In early December, Lyon hosts the Fête des Lumières, during which the city comes alive with light displays and cultural events. As you wander through the illuminated streets, you’ll find local vendors offering warm treats like vin chaud (mulled wine) and canelés, small caramelized pastries with a custard center.
2.3. Markets and Local Produce
Lyon boasts some of the finest food markets in France, and December is an excellent time to explore them. Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, an indoor food market named after the legendary chef Paul Bocuse, is a foodie's dream come true. From freshly baked bread and pastries to artisan cheeses and cured meats, you can taste and purchase high-quality local products.
The cold weather also ushers in seasonal ingredients like truffles and game, which can be found in the city's fine dining establishments and market stalls.
3. Mexico City, Mexico – A Feast of Flavors and Festive Traditions
Mexico City is a year-round foodie destination, but in December, the city becomes even more vibrant as it prepares for Christmas and New Year's celebrations. The holiday season in Mexico City is a culinary feast that blends traditional Mexican dishes with festive specialties.
3.1. Tamales and Ponche
In December, tamales are a must-try. These steamed parcels made of masa (corn dough) and filled with meats, cheese, or sweet fillings, are a staple of Mexican cuisine. During the holiday season, tamales are often made with special fillings like mole or rajas con queso (poblano peppers with cheese).
To warm up on a chilly December evening, enjoy a cup of ponche navideño, a traditional Christmas punch made with fruits like guava, tamarind, and tejocote (Mexican hawthorn). It’s often served hot and spiked with a bit of rum or brandy for an extra kick.
3.2. Street Food in December
Mexico City’s street food is legendary, and December is no exception. Sample festive tacos al pastor, quesadillas, and tostadas from street vendors who set up around the city. Some street food vendors also offer antojitos (little cravings), like gorditas, tlacoyos, and elote (grilled corn).
One particularly festive treat to try in December is buñuelos, deep-fried dough discs dusted with cinnamon and sugar. They’re a popular snack during the holidays and can be found at markets and street stalls.
3.3. Christmas Dinners and Traditional Dishes
If you’re in Mexico City during Christmas, you'll have the chance to enjoy traditional holiday dishes like bacalao a la vizcaína (salted cod in tomato sauce), romeritos (a wild green served with mole), and ensalada de Nochebuena (Christmas Eve salad made with beets, jicama, and pomegranate seeds). Many restaurants offer these specialties in December, so you can partake in this festive tradition.
4. Bangkok, Thailand – A Food Lover’s Paradise with Year-Round Delights
December is one of the best times to visit Bangkok, as the weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for food exploration. While Bangkok isn’t known for traditional Christmas celebrations, the city's incredible street food scene and diverse restaurants ensure you won’t miss out on a festive culinary experience.
4.1. Street Food Extravaganza
Bangkok is synonymous with street food, and December offers perfect conditions for enjoying it. Wander through bustling areas like Chinatown or the famed Sukhumvit Soi 38, where you can indulge in Thai street food staples like pad Thai, som tam (green papaya salad), and mango sticky rice.
In December, you’ll also find seasonal ingredients like durian and fresh seafood at the local markets, making for an extra special food adventure.
4.2. Floating Markets
A visit to one of Bangkok’s floating markets is a must for foodies. In December, when the weather is pleasant, head to markets like Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa for a unique experience. From boat-to-boat, vendors offer an array of traditional dishes, including grilled prawns, boat noodles, and khanom krok (coconut pancakes).
4.3. Festive Buffets at Luxury Hotels
For those looking for a more upscale dining experience, many of Bangkok’s luxury hotels offer festive buffets throughout December. These buffets feature a fusion of international and Thai cuisine, offering everything from sushi and seafood to traditional Thai curries and desserts.
5. Cape Town, South Africa – A Summer Holiday Filled with Seafood and Wine
While many destinations experience winter in December, Cape Town in the Southern Hemisphere is basking in summer sunshine, making it a fantastic destination for food and wine lovers.
5.1. Fresh Seafood by the Coast
Cape Town is known for its incredible seafood, and December is an excellent time to enjoy it. Head to Hout Bay or Kalk Bay for fresh-caught fish, calamari, and Cape rock lobster, which is in season during the summer months.
Restaurants along the V&A Waterfront serve up seafood platters featuring kingklip, snoek, and oysters, making this the perfect spot for a leisurely summer meal by the sea.
5.2. Wine Tasting in Stellenbosch
December is also a great time to visit the Cape Winelands, particularly Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, where you can enjoy wine tastings at some of South Africa’s most renowned vineyards. Pair your wine with local cheese, charcuterie, and fresh produce from the region, which flourishes in the summer sun.
