Early December brings a window known across the hospitality industry as the “December Dip,” the two-week stretch between December 1 and December 15, when hotel rates drop to their lowest levels of the winter season.
The window sits between the post-Thanksgiving lull and the pre-Christmas surge, creating a stretch when hotels have higher room availability and lower nightly rates. Historical CoStar data¹ shows December occupancy at 53%, down from 59.4% in November, reflecting that broader seasonal lull.
The secret to the December Dip is that all holiday experiences are already running at 100% capacity. Booking a hotel within this window allows travelers to enjoy the same festive programming, warm tropical waters, and seasonal markets but with fewer crowds, easier restaurant reservations, and lower lodging rates compared to late December.
Sonesta travel advisors picked six December destinations around this window, three warm-weather escapes and three festive city breaks, each paired with a nearby Sonesta property.
At a Glance
- December 1 through 15, known as the “December Dip,” offers full seasonal programming and lighter crowds at lower rates, before peak holiday pricing takes effect after December 18.
- The best early December destinations are warm–weather escapes for sun seekers and festive city breaks for a holiday atmosphere.
- Top warm–weather picks for early December are Redondo Beach, Miami, and San Juan, each with its own seasonal draw: illuminated maritime boat parades in Redondo Beach, oceanfront art events like Art Basel in Miami, and Caribbean parrandas and historic illuminated streets in San Juan.
- Top festive city breaks for early December are Minneapolis, Chicago, and White Plains, each running its own seasonal tradition: the Holidazzle festival and skyway–connected winter markets in Minneapolis, the 30th anniversary Christkindlmarket in Chicago, and Court Street Holiday Market with quick 35–minute train access to Manhattan in White Plains.
- Direct bookings at sonesta.com give Sonesta Travel Pass members access to member–only rates on peak December dates.
Redondo Beach view from the pier at sunset time, Redondo Beach,California
1. Redondo Beach, California: Historic Ocean Piers, Maritime Boat Parades, and a Relaxed Pacific Coast Retreat
Southern California is often associated with theme parks and busy city centers, but Redondo Beach offers a more laid-back coastal alternative for early December.
During the first two weeks of December, this South Bay surf town sees mild winter weather, with afternoon temperatures averaging 68°F to 70°F under mostly clear skies.
The city leans into an intimate, maritime holiday aesthetic during the dip. Early December visitors can catch the annual King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade, where local yachts and paddleboards cruise the marina decked out in thousands of twinkling holiday lights.
The historic downtown blocks are dressed in classic green garlands, and the pier hosts open-air festive concerts right over the crashing waves.
Additionally, visitors can drive inland to experience the Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza in neighboring Torrance, a famous local tradition where entire neighborhood blocks transform into a winter wonderland of over-the-top light displays.
Presidential suite at Sonesta Redondo Beach and Marina
Hotel occupancy in the area tends to drop during this window, since the region’s tourism peaks in summer. Harbor-front hotels often lower rates to attract off-season travelers before local holiday gatherings, and New Year’s pick back up demand.
Perched directly over the marina, Sonesta Redondo Beach and Marina is an ideal upscale waterfront base. The property features private balconies with panoramic Pacific Ocean views, and walking-distance access to seaside dining and charter boats.
The official Sonesta website shows the seasonal pricing shift of the “December Dip.” For a standard King room during the low-demand window of December 10–15, rates drop to an average of $254 per night. In contrast, just two weeks later during Christmas week from December 27–31, that exact same room type spikes to an average of $309 per night.
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Ocean Drive, Miami, Florida
2. Miami, Florida: Art Basel, South Beach Ocean Breezes, and a Sun-Drenched Winter Haven
Miami in December is a different city from the one during summer months. The humidity drops, the Atlantic stays warm enough to swim, and the peak season crowds have not yet arrived. Daily highs average 75°F, warm enough for the beach and for the full day of walking and exploring.
Early December brings Art Basel Miami Beach and Miami Art Week, one of the largest contemporary art events in the world. Gallery openings, temporary pop-up exhibits, and large-scale outdoor art installations spread through South Beach and Wynwood during the event, turning public streets and spaces into part of the exhibition itself.
Early December also hosts a slate of unique seasonal events before mid-month rate hikes set in.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden hosts NightGarden starting in early December, an immersive outdoor walk featuring 360-degree light illusions and rainbow-lit palm canopies across its 83 acres.
Nearby, at the Deering Estate and Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, historic estate rooms and waterfront grounds are dressed in 1920s-style holiday glamor and candlelit evening decor.
Families and evening strollers can also explore Zoo Lights Miami for illuminated riverboat rides or catch projection mapping displays along Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road as the city lights up for the season.
Guest room at Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach
Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach places guests right on Collins Avenue in South Beach. Originally designed in the 1950s by legendary architect Morris Lapidus, this historic Miami Modern landmark offers a heated saltwater pool with an underwater sound system, private cabanas, and direct beach access within easy walking distance of the Miami Beach Convention Center.
The property is currently wrapping up a sophisticated, multimillion-dollar transformation into The James Nautilus Miami Beach, launching as a premier luxury lifestyle flagship boasting reimagined residential rooms, elevated dining, and curated social spaces.
Direct bookings during the December Dip show a real price difference on the official site. For a standard King room during December 10–15, direct rates on sonesta.com drop to an average of $340 per night. During the peak Christmas week window, December 20–25, that exact same room goes up to $383 per night.
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Christmas decorations on the Alcaldia and City Hall, Plaza de Armas, San Juan, Puerto Rico
3. San Juan, Puerto Rico: Historic Bluestone Streets, Holiday Parrandas, and the Ultimate Tropical Escape
San Juan offers a warm winter escape where freezing temperatures give way to balmy Caribbean breezes without losing any of the festive magic of December.
The island comes alive with Navidad, celebrated as one of the longest and most passionate holiday seasons in the world. Hovering at an ideal 83°F with low humidity and gentle trade winds, the city balances sun-drenched beach days with rich cultural celebrations.
Decembers in San Juan are defined by a sensory atmosphere found nowhere else in the United States. Old San Juan transforms into an open-air wonderland, its 500-year-old bluestone streets and Spanish fortresses draped in glowing light displays, grand nativity scenes, and vibrant red Flor de Pascua.
As evening falls, the historic plazas echo with the sounds of parrandas, Puerto Rico’s lively, drum-driven version of caroling, where spontaneous musical processions wake up neighbors with cuatros, güiros, and maracas into the night.
It is also the season of distinct holiday gastronomy, from slow-roasted lechón and plantain pasteles to freshly poured glasses of homemade coquito, the island’s cherished coconut-rum holiday drink.
Beyond the historic district, December invites visitors into endless outdoor adventures beneath clear winter skies. Travelers can venture out to El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, to hike beneath lush fern canopies and cool off in refreshing waterfall pools.
Along the coast, calm ocean waters give visitors ideal conditions to paddleboard across Condado Lagoon or catch a sunset sail right past the stone walls of El Morro. As night falls, travelers can kayak through bioluminescent bays that glow with plankton beneath the stars or immerse in the local energy as street parties fill bustling plazas like La Placita de Santurce.
The beach at The Royal Sonesta San Juan
For an oceanfront retreat directly in the heart of the action, The Royal Sonesta San Juan puts guests right along the golden sands of Isla Verde Beach. The resort combines effortless relaxation with complete convenience, offering full-service spa amenities just minutes from the airport and the vibrant energy of Old San Juan.
For a standard King room during the quiet window of December 10–15, direct rates on sonesta.com drop to $398 per night. During the peak Christmas week window December 20–25, that exact same room goes up to $441 per night.
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Minneapolis, Minnesota
4. Minneapolis, Minnesota: European Outdoor Winter Markets, Illuminated Skyways, and Snowy Midwestern Charm
Minneapolis in December offers a classic Midwest festive city break. The city embraces the season with a deep sense of old-world Christmas spirit, evoking memories of classic winter wonderland movies as afternoon temperatures hover around a brisk 32°F.
The crown jewel of this nostalgic winter landscape is the annual Holidazzle festival, a grand Minneapolis tradition that transforms downtown into an illuminated winter wonderland complete with local food trucks, interactive art installations, and cozy warming tents.
The Minneapolis Winter Market sits a short walk away, a European-style outdoor village with independent craft stalls, hot cocoa stations, and seasonal choral performances.
The best part of exploring the city during the early-month lull is navigating the Minneapolis Skyway System, an extensive, climate-controlled indoor walking network that connects miles of downtown shopping, dining, and historic theaters, completely protecting visitors from the outdoor winter chill.
Holiday Suite at The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown
The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown sits in the heart of the city’s winter programming, offering a central base for exploring the season’s events. Connected directly to the climate-controlled skyway system, this upscale hotel features modern guest rooms, lavish on-site dining at the Wood + Paddle Eatery, and quick walking-distance access to major holiday theaters.
For a standard King room at The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown during the quiet frame of December 10–15, direct rates on sonesta.com drop to average $162 per night. In sharp contrast, during the week from December 27–31, that exact same room type spikes to around $183 per night on the official site.
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Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
5. Chicago, Illinois: Old-World German Markets, Maggie Daley Ice Ribbons, and Festive Holiday Nostalgia
For travelers chasing a quintessential winter city break, Chicago in December delivers the ultimate festive experience. The city embraces the season with a deep sense of holiday nostalgia, evoking memories of classic winter wonderland movies through a combination of crisp snow, historic architecture, and timeless traditions.
The crown jewel of this nostalgic atmosphere is the world-famous Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza. The traditional German outdoor market draws more than one million visitors annually and marks its 30th anniversary season this year, running from November 20 through December 24, 2026.
Timber stalls dressed in evergreen garlands sell handmade glass ornaments, nutcrackers, and classic Bavarian food, while the scent of spiced Glühwein served in collectible boots fills the crisp air beneath the city’s famous Picasso sculpture.
From Daley Plaza, a short walk east leads to Maggie Daley Park‘s iconic ice-skating ribbon, where an urban trail winds through a snow-dusted park landscape instead of a standard oval rink.
Heading back toward the water, Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile stretches north from the Chicago River to Oak Street, illuminated by more than one million festive lights that glow through the evening chill, creating a brilliant backdrop for holiday window shopping.
Lobby at The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
Sonesta travel advisors recommend staying at The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown, a central location for exploring the city’s winter programming. This removes the need for expensive parking or long commutes in cold weather, while keeping guests close to the city’s dining and theater districts.
For a standard room at The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown during the quiet window of December 10–15, direct rates on sonesta.com drop to $119 per night. In contrast, once peak holiday travel and winter vacationers surge into the city two weeks later during Christmas week from December 26–30, that exact same room spikes to $130 per night.
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White Plains Holiday Market, White Plains, New York
6. White Plains, New York: Illuminated Downtown Walkscapes, Winter Shopping Hubs, and Hudson Valley Comfort
White Plains offers a classic Northeast winter nostalgia-filled getaway, without the heavy congestion of a larger city.
Located in the heart of Westchester County, the city embraces the season with a deep sense of old-world Christmas spirit, evoking memories of classic winter wonderland settings as afternoon temperatures hover around a crisp 41°F.
White Plains also works well as a base for New York City day trips. The city is located 25 miles north of Manhattan, and a Metro–North Railroad express train from the downtown station reaches Grand Central Terminal in about 35 minutes. That connection lets travelers spend a day at the Rockefeller Center tree or a Broadway matinee, then return to a quieter base away from Midtown’s crowds.
The city is a magical winter destination, blanketing the suburban landscape in classic Christmas traditions. The heart of the community’s festive energy centers around the annual White Plains Holiday Market on Court Street, an old-world outdoor village where dozens of rustic wooden artisan booths are illuminated by thousands of twinkling white lights.
Visitors can sip rich hot cocoa while browsing handmade winter wreaths, local blown glass, and seasonal gourmet treats. The Renaissance Plaza Tree Lighting sits a few minutes’ walk away, with a tall lit tree, synchronized musical fountain displays, live caroling, and ice-carving demonstrations.
The absolute crown jewel of this nostalgic winter environment is the downtown festive walkscape. The city blocks come alive with holiday light displays, green garlands wrapped around historic brick storefronts, and tree lighting celebrations.
Visitors can enjoy open-air festive musical performances at the White Plains Performing Arts Center or complete all their holiday gift hunting crowd-free at The Westchester, a premier, glass-enclosed luxury shopping destination right in the city center.
After dark, the region offers easy access to nearby historic Hudson Valley estates, which drape their sweeping winter grounds and historic stone mansions in spectacular seasonal light trails.
Guest room at Sonesta White Plains Downtown
Sonesta White Plains Downtown sits in the heart of the downtown holiday district. The property recently completed a renovation by Bill Rooney Studios, with updated rooms, a heated indoor pool, and the on-site Mix Cocktail Bar + Kitchen.
For a standard renovated room at Sonesta White Plains Downtown during the quiet period of December 10–15, direct rates on sonesta.com drop to $243 per night. In contrast, when peak winter vacationers and holiday travelers flood the area from December 27–31, that exact same room spikes to $266 per night.
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Save on Your December Stay with Sonesta Travel Pass
Sonesta Travel Pass is a free loyalty program that earns and redeems points across all Sonesta brands through one account. Enrollment takes two minutes at sonesta.com, and new members receive 1,000 points on joining with member-only rates applying from the first direct booking.
Members earn 10 points per dollar on qualifying room revenue at Royal Sonesta and Sonesta Hotels, Resorts and Cruises properties.
For a five-night December stay at the properties in this piece, those points add up to a meaningful balance redeemable for future stays across all Sonesta brands.
Book direct at sonesta.com to capture both the member-only rate and the points earned in the same transaction. Third-party bookings at the same property forfeit both.
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Disclaimer: The suggested itinerary and points of interest are provided for informational and planning purposes only. Guests are encouraged to independently verify opening hours, availability, travel times, and any potential changes prior to visiting. The inclusion of any businesses, attractions, or destinations does not imply affiliation with or endorsement by Sonesta or its affiliates. Sonesta makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided and assumes no responsibility for any inconvenience or loss arising from the use of this information.
