2025 Long Weekend: Best Places to Visit in December

The Dec 25–28 weekend is Singapore’s final long break of 2025, and it falls perfectly over Christmas. With four consecutive days off, it’s the best window to squeeze in one more trip before the year ends.

December is always busy. In 2024, Changi Airport saw 6.41 million passengers pass through. Searches for “where to travel in December” also spike across Singapore, proving how much locals love their year-end getaways.

This guide will help you plan early. Whether you’re after a quick beach escape, a foodie weekend, or a festive city break, we’ve rounded up the best options, travel durations, and planning tips, including how Circles.Life eSIM travel data plans can keep you connected wherever you go.

Key Takeaways

• Make the most of the 25–28 Dec long weekend for a final year-end break.

• Choose destinations based on your travel style and needs—beach, city, festive, or food trips.

• Explore top December destinations from quick getaways to winter city escapes.

• Plan and book early as Christmas week is a high-demand travel period.

• Stay connected abroad with Circles.Life easy data/roaming options for hassle-free travel.

Singapore’s Last Public Holiday of 2025 (Long Weekend)

Pro Tip: Book flights or stays early. By November, prices rise quickly for popular routes like Bali, Bangkok, and Tokyo.

Not Sure Where to Travel in December from Singapore?

Before choosing your December getaway, consider these quick tips:

• Decide your travel vibe: warm beaches, winter snow, city breaks, or nature retreats.

• Check flight duration: December is busy - short trips from singapore (<3 hrs) are great for long weekends.

• Think about budget: Some destinations offer great festive-season value, others are premium.

• Pick based on who you're travelling with: family, couple, friends, or solo - destinations vary by experience.

Top December Weekend Getaways from Singapore

Popular Destinations To Travel in the December Long Weekend

If you’ve got four full days, there’s time for a proper getaway. The top picks below balance flight time, experiences, and value for money.

Bali, Indonesia

• Best for: Beach lovers, nightlife seekers, and culture fans.

• Duration: 4 days.

• Activities:

  • Surfing at Kuta Beach or Canggu.

  • Exploring Ubud’s Monkey Forest and rice terraces.

  • Visiting Tanah Lot Temple at sunset.

  • Enjoying spas and wellness retreats.

Why go now: December’s festive vibe pairs perfectly with Bali’s luxury resorts and sunset bars.

Bangkok, Thailand

• Best for: Food, shopping, and nightlife.

• Duration: 3–4 days.

• Activities:

  • Street food trails in Chinatown or Yaowarat.

  • Temple hopping (Grand Palace, Wat Pho).

  • Shopping at Chatuchak Market and ICONSIAM.

  • Rooftop dining with skyline views.

Travel tip: Budget carriers add extra flights from Singapore in December, so you can still score good deals if you book early.

Top Day Trips From Singapore in December Holidays

Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Johor Bahru is a popular day trip for shopping, food, and family attractions like LEGOLAND Malaysia. December is ideal as malls, cafes, and theme parks are fully air-conditioned, offering relief from the heat.

How to get there: Travel by bus or car via the Causeway or Second Link. The journey typically takes 1–2 hours depending on traffic.

Batam, Indonesia

Batam is perfect for a quick escape with affordable spas, seafood, and resorts. The island is known for its relaxing vibe and short travel time, making it ideal for a same-day return.

How to get there: Take a ferry from HarbourFront Ferry Terminal. The journey takes about 45–60 minutes.

Best Short Getaways from Singapore in December Holidays

Bintan, Indonesia

Bintan offers quiet beaches, golf resorts, and nature spots—great for a slower-paced day trip. December seas are generally calm, making ferry rides comfortable.

How to get there: Ferry services from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal take approximately 1 hour.

Desaru, Malaysia

Desaru is known for its beaches, waterparks, and family-friendly resorts. It’s less crowded than other destinations and suitable for a relaxing coastal day trip.

How to get there: Travel by car via the Causeway and drive to Desaru, or take a ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Desaru Coast (about 90 minutes).

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is ideal in December with dry weather and calm seas. Visitors can enjoy beaches, island-hopping, and vibrant night markets.

How to get there: Direct flights from Singapore take around 1 hour 50 minutes.

Penang, Malaysia

Penang is well-known for its street food, heritage architecture, and cafes. December weather is generally pleasant for walking around George Town.

How to get there: Fly from Singapore (about 1 hour 30 minutes) or travel by bus/train (8–9 hours).

Best Countries to Visit in December Holidays

Japan

December marks the start of winter in Japan, with snow in regions like Hokkaido and festive illuminations across major cities. It’s ideal for winter scenery, shopping, and seasonal food.

How to get there: Direct flights from Singapore to Tokyo or Osaka take about 6–7 hours.

South Korea

South Korea offers winter festivals, ski resorts, and vibrant city life in December. Seoul is especially popular for shopping and Christmas decorations.

How to get there: Direct flights from Singapore to Seoul take approximately 6 hours.

Australia

Australia’s December summer is perfect for beach holidays and outdoor activities. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne also host festive events and Christmas markets.

How to get there: Direct flights from Singapore take 7–8 hours depending on the city.

Affordable Destinations to Travel in December

If you’d rather skip the airports and stick to short, wallet-friendly trips, these quick escapes are perfect. Both destinations are easy to reach and ideal for two-day getaways.

Johor Bahru, Malaysia

• Best for: Budget-friendly family trips and local attractions.

• Duration: 2 days.

• Activities:

  • Visit Legoland Malaysia or Desaru Coast Adventure Park.

  • Hunt for deals at Johor Premium Outlets.

  • Try local favourites like lok lok and handmade noodles.

  • Stop by the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque for a cultural fix.

Why go now: December brings cooler evenings and plenty of Christmas shopping deals, especially near City Square and R&F Mall.

Batam, Indonesia

• Best for: Quick spa breaks and easy beach getaways.

• Duration: 2 days.

• Activities:

  • Relax at Waterfront resorts or Montigo.

  • Try water sports like jet skiing and banana boating.

  • Enjoy massages and seafood feasts by the coast.

  • Pick up souvenirs at Nagoya Hill Mall.

Travel tip: Ferries to Batam fill up quickly around Christmas, so secure your slots at least two weeks in advance.

Festive City Experiences for This Long Weekend

Want something more vibrant? December’s last weekend is perfect for a city buzzing with Christmas lights, events, and shopping.

Tokyo, Japan

• Best for: Festive lights, shopping, and family fun.

• Duration: 4 days.

• Activities:

  • Watch the Shibuya Christmas illuminations.

  • Visit Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea.

  • Stroll along Omotesando for luxury shopping.

  • Try winter-only dishes like nabe hotpot and seasonal sweets.

Why go now: Tokyo’s winter scenery and festive energy make it one of Asia’s most magical destinations during Christmas week.

Melbourne, Australia

• Best for: Summer celebrations and coastal adventures.

• Duration: 4 days.

• Activities:

  • Explore Christmas markets at Federation Square.

  • Take a Yarra River cruise or visit Great Ocean Road.

  • Check out local art at Hosier Lane and ACMI.

  • Enjoy Aussie summer picnics and outdoor festivals.

Travel tip: December is peak season in Melbourne, so book accommodations early and prepare for higher prices in the city centre.

Other Destinations to Consider for the Long Weekend

If you prefer short regional hops with plenty of charm, these nearby cities offer great food, culture, and slower-paced weekends.

Penang, Malaysia

• Best for: Foodies and heritage lovers.

• Duration: 2–3 days.

• Activities:

  • Discover George Town’s street art and UNESCO heritage zones.

  • Go on a local food crawl for char kway teow and nasi kandar.

  • Take the funicular up Penang Hill for scenic views.

  • End the day at Batu Ferringhi beach.

Malacca, Malaysia

• Best for: Short heritage trips and weekend getaways.

• Duration: 2 days.

• Activities:

  • Explore Jonker Street for food and night markets.

  • Visit Dutch Square and St. Paul’s Hill.

  • Take a river cruise through the heart of the city.

  • Relax in one of Malacca’s many boutique cafes.

Why go now: Both Penang and Malacca are at their liveliest during Christmas week, with festive lights, special menus, and extended shopping hours.

Travel Tips for the Long Weekend

With everyone trying to squeeze in one last trip before the year ends, planning early is key. Use these quick tips to avoid the common holiday rush and make the most of your 4-day break.

Plan Ahead

• Book early. Flights and hotels fill up quickly by November.

• Check visa requirements for destinations like Japan or Australia.

• Look for packages or travel apps that bundle stays and transfers to save time.

Health and Safety

• Carry basic medication and travel insurance, especially if you are heading overseas.

• Keep digital copies of passports, tickets, and bookings.

• Always have a backup charger or power bank in your carry-on.

Smart Packing

• Bring light layers for destinations like Bali or Bangkok, and warm jackets for Japan or Australia.

• Use travel-size toiletries to save space.

• Pack reusable water bottles and small gifts if you are visiting during Christmas.

Budgeting

• Allocate spending for meals, activities, and souvenirs before you go.

• Keep a little extra cash for local markets and small eateries that may not accept cards.

• Track expenses using your phone’s notes app or AI tools like CirclesAI.

Circles.Life Travel and Data Plans

Staying connected while you travel makes everything easier. From navigating new cities to streaming your favourite shows, Circles.Life offers flexible travel data plans for every type of trip.

Choose a Plan Based on Your Trip

How each plan helps:

• Travel eSIM: Great for frequent travellers who need seamless connectivity across destinations.

• Roaming Plan: Offers enough data for maps, bookings, and social media while abroad.

Local Data Plan: Perfect for staycations or weekends spent exploring Singapore.

Last updated: December 2025

If you want smarter travel management, try CirclesAI. It can help plan your itineraries, track expenses, and optimise your data use across destinations.

End 2025 Right with a Trip That Matches Your Style

The last long weekend of 2025 is your perfect chance to close the year on a high note. Whether you prefer lounging on a beach in Bali, café hopping in Penang, or enjoying city lights in Tokyo, there is a destination for every kind of traveller.

The key is to plan early, stay connected, and travel smart. With Circles.Life travel plans, you can enjoy reliable data, hassle-free roaming, and the freedom to explore without losing touch.

Use these ideas as inspiration to make your December 25–28 weekend count. You deserve a final getaway before stepping into 2026.