December doesn’t have to mean shoveling snow or navigating crowded malls – it can be a month of togetherness in amazing places around the world.

This year, why not embrace a holiday that swaps the annual end-of-year stress for a different kind of winter wonderland – or maybe even a summer. Escaping the usual routine and surroundings enables your family to be fully present, discovering joy in new places.

No more frantic shopping trips or mile-long to-do lists. Instead of chasing the perfect gift, you’ll chase memory-making experiences. Prioritizing presence over presents gives your family something so much better – something that lasts far longer than the thrill of any new toy.

Here are five incredible December Break destination ideas, where this holiday period could become a time for Boundless Lite.

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1. Sintra, Portugal – Fairytale Holiday Magic

Nestled in the hills near Lisbon, Sintra feels like a page from a storybook – and in December it becomes even more magical.

Imagine your family wandering Sintra’s cobbled lanes under twinkling lights, exploring brightly lit palaces without the summer crowds, and sipping hot cocoa at local cafés famed for their travesseiros pastries.

The air is crisp but mild (around 11–16°C), creating a mystical fog over mossy forests and colorful castles that makes everything feel enchanted.

Benefit: Instead of a chilly, routine winter, Sintra offers your family a unique Portuguese getaway – the opportunity to bond while experiencing a European Christmas.

Sintra's Festive Vibe?

Sintra pulls out all the stops for the holidays. The town’s annual Christmas Kingdom transforms historic streets and parks into a magical festival ground. Parque da Liberdade becomes an imaginative wonderland of fairies, elves, and circus shows.

There’s an inviting Christmas market in the heart of town, where you’ll find unique gifts and seasonal treats, set against the impressive backdrop of Sintra’s decorated palaces.

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The Sintra Boundless Life Experience

With Boundless Life handling the logistics, your family can experience Christmas in Sintra like locals. Settle into a cozy furnished home and let the Boundless community welcome you.

While parents get a few hours of remote work done at the coworking hub, the children join a super fun festive program at the Education Center. In December, the curriculum is lighter and focused on seasonal crafts, play, and making friends. That means more free time to enjoy Portugal’s holiday traditions together.

Take a family hike through misty forest trails to panoramic viewpoints, or drive a short way to the Atlantic coast for a winter surf session. Then in the evenings, reconnect with your kids by the fireplace trading your favorite stories from the day's events.

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2. Bali, Indonesia – Intrepid Culture and Adventure

If your family dreams of a place extra unique, then Bali is calling. December in Bali means trading snowflakes for sandy beaches, pine trees for palm trees and celebrating New Year’s with sparklers on the sand.

The wet season rain usually comes in bursts adding a tropical adventurous feel. Despite the rain, there is still plenty of fun to be had on this little island with big personality.

Daytime temperatures hover around 27–30°C, so you’ll be in flip-flops and swimsuits instead of boots and mittens.

Benefit: In Bali, you escape the cold and post-holiday slump for tropical climates and cultural melting pot. Every day balances relaxation and adventure, work and family time.

Bali's Festive Vibe?

Bali’s predominantly Hindu culture means the Christmas vibe here is uniquely global. Tourist areas shine with lights and cheer – you might see tropical Christmas trees at beach resorts.

Many resorts and communities host holiday events for families, from kids’ Christmas parties with local dance performances to beachside New Year’s Eve fireworks.

The island’s spirit of hospitality and spirituality adds depth to the season – imagine attending a serene temple ceremony one day and a festive beach party the next.

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The Bali Boundless Life Experience

Boundless Life’s Bali base in Sanur ensures that you have everything you need. Book your stay in a comfortable home near the beach and have access to a 24/7 coworking hub.

Kids join the Boundless learning activities where they might spend mornings doing art, gardening, or even helping prepare for a temple visit.

Then it’s off to explore as a family – snorkel the coral reefs alongside turtles in Amed, trek through lush rice terraces in Jatiluwih, or take a day trip boat ride to Nusa Penida island to swim with the manta rays. One day you might volunteer together at a local sea turtle conservation center and another day join a local beach clean-up!

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3. Tuscany, Italy – Old-World Christmas Charm

For a classic holiday atmosphere with an Italian twist, Tuscany is an incredible choice. Boundless Life’s home in Tuscany is the charming town of Pistoia, which embodies la bella Italia and sits within easy reach of Florence and Pisa.

In December, Tuscany showcases its warm traditions – streets filled with lights, local piazzas hosting holiday markets and ice rinks, and the aroma of roasting chestnuts and spiced wine in the air.

The weather is cool, 5–12°C range in the lowlands, but the spirit is cosy and bright – think fewer tourists, more local festivities, and plenty of hearty winter cuisine to enjoy.

Benefit: A Tuscan December getaway gives your family the gift of slow, meaningful travel. You skip the tourist crush and instead live the Italian holiday life.

Tuscany's Festive Vibe?

Pistoia and other Tuscan towns transform for the holidays. The historical center of Pistoia is decorated with glowing lights and a giant Christmas tree in Piazza del Duomo. Also the city center becomes the backdrop for an event called M’illumino d’inverno that uses video mapping to project festive images onto centuries-old churches and palaces.

Every Sunday leading up to Christmas, local parks turn into family fairs and markets where you can buy artisan gifts, sample panettone and chocolate, and watch street performers. There are over 100 holiday events in Pistoia alone, from concerts and puppet shows to an open-air ice skating rink that stays open past New Year’s.

Your children can even meet the friendly “Christmas witch” of Italian folklore on January 6, when she traditionally brings candies – in Pistoia she dramatically descends from the bell tower to deliver treats!

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The Tuscany Boundless Life Experience

Living in Tuscany for the holidays is easy with Boundless Life. Your family will move into a fully equipped apartment in Pistoia’s historic center, so you’re part of the community from day one.

Start your day with an espresso and cornetto at the neighborhood café, then drop the kids at the Boundless Life education space where morning sessions might involve learning Italian songs, hands-on history projects, or field trips to a local museum.

Beyond Pistoia, visit Florence’s Christmas market at Piazza Santa Croce for goodies, take a drive through the Tuscan countryside to see olive groves and vineyards at rest, or even head up to Abetone in the Tuscan mountains for a day of snow play.

In the evenings, gather with newfound friends from the Boundless community for a potluck feast – sharing home-made pasta, local wine, and holiday cookies while the kids play.

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4. La Barra, Uruguay – Sun, Surf & Summertime Festivities

Ever thought of celebrating the holidays in the middle of summer? In the Southern Hemisphere, December is summer – and La Barra, Uruguay offers a laid-back beach holiday that turns the whole idea of winter on its head.

La Barra is a picturesque seaside town on Uruguay’s Atlantic coast, known for its beaches, friendly surf culture, and artsy bohemian vibe. La Barra is relaxed and family-oriented, making it an ideal spot to ring in the New Year with sand between your toes.

Expect warm sunny days around 25°C, perfect for swimming and surfing, and long daylight hours (sunset is close to 9 PM) – plenty of time for family fun outdoors.

Benefit: In La Barra, you escape winter entirely and embrace a healthier, active lifestyle. Your family bonds over new skills –  who knew you’d all be surfers by New Year’s?!

La Barra's Festive Vibe?

The holiday season in Uruguay is all about summer joy and family time. Rather than pine trees and snowmen, your kids will be decorating sandcastles! Uruguayans celebrate Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) with late-night dinners and fireworks at midnight.

In La Barra, you’ll find beach restaurants hosting special Navidad meals – a Christmas barbecue with ocean views – and local craft markets selling Uruguayan goodies such as dulce de leche.

As the New Year approaches, the whole coast buzzes with energy – beach parties, live music, and a sky full of fireworks as the clock strikes twelve. But La Barra’s true magic is its surf-town camaraderie. Even if you’ve never surfed before, the contagious enthusiasm here will have your family eager to try, making for holiday stories you’ll tell for years.

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The La Barra Boundless Life Experience

Boundless Life’s newest location in La Barra ensures your family is right at home. You’ll wake up in a breezy beachside house with the sound of the waves in the distance.

After breakfast, the kids can join Boundless staff and local instructors for a surf lesson tailored to all ages and skill levels. Parents are welcome to join in or cheer from the shore.

During the day, you might also take bike rides, visit the local arts galleries and colorful murals that dot La Barra’s streets, or simply relax under the South American sun while your kids play in the sand.

Nearby some of the best local wines are produced, combined with a delicious dinner. In short La Barra is a great destination for food and wine lovers.

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5. Andalusia, Spain – Sunny Spanish Navidad

For those seeking a mix of mild winter sun, rich culture, and festive fun, Andalusia in southern Spain is a dream come true. Boundless Life’s base is in Estepona, a gem on the Costa del Sol known for its whitewashed old town and Mediterranean beaches.

Andalusia enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, and in December you can expect pleasant temperatures around 15–18°C. It’s the perfect climate for outdoor exploration by day and cozy gatherings by night.

Benefit: An Andalusian December getaway means avoiding the winter blues and making the most of the tapas and tinto!

Andalusia's Festive Vibe?

Spain is famous for its Christmas traditions, and in Estepona you get a colorful mix of Spanish and international holiday flair.

In Estepona, the mild winters offer unique experiences – picture sipping hot mulled wine and nibbling gingerbread by the sea! The town’s streets are decorated in lights and nativity scenes pop up in plazas.

You’ll hear cheerful Spanish carols and maybe catch a spontaneous flamenco performance. As Christmas Day approaches, enjoy the Spanish custom of indulging in turrón (almond nougat candy) and churros con chocolate.

If you stay into the new year, children will love the Three Kings Parade where candies are thrown from floats. From Christmas trees to New Year’s Eve grapes – a Spanish tradition to eat 12 grapes at midnight for good luck – Andalusia offers a festive blend of fun.

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The Andalusia Boundless Life Experience

Your family’s Spanish adventure is smooth with Boundless Life. In Estepona, you’ll live steps away from the beach and a lovely promenade – some of our Boundless apartments even have sea views, so you can see the waves from your window.

The Boundless Education Center in Estepona will keep your kids engaged a few mornings a week, with an emphasis on festive celebrations and activities. While they learn and play, you can work remotely from the on-site coworking space or perhaps take a Spanish cooking class organized for parents.

Explore the cobbled lanes of Estepona’s old town decorated with hundreds of flowerpots and murals, take a day trip to Málaga to visit the Alcazaba fortress and its famous Christmas light show, or hike in the nearby Sierra Bermeja mountains on a cool sunny day.

On lazy afternoons, you might be strolling the beach collecting shells while the kids run ahead, or joining a Boundless family potluck to share tapas and holiday cookies.

Time to Book that December Getaway

This festive season, give your family the gift of experience. Whether it’s the fairy-tale palaces of Sintra, the tropical shores of Bali, the storybook streets of Tuscany, the surf and sun of La Barra, or the vibrant culture of Andalusia, a December getaway can be so much more than fun – it can change perspectives.

So pack your bags, grab that sense of adventure, and make this December one your family will never forget. The world is full of wonder – and it’s ready to welcome you for the holidays.

Book a Call for a December to Remember

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