You’re traveling for business in December, and the first thing you think is delays, crowds and hassle. But the truth is, for many, life goes on in December and business travel is a real possibility. December is actually a busy month for corporate travel despite holiday chaos as businesses seek to make the most of their end of the year budgets and holiday parties or corporate networking takes a festive twist.
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure (or a bit of both), we’ll look at the best cities to visit in December on business, as well as give you some practical tips and some of the most visited cities.
Why travel in December for business?
December is a good month for combining business and leisure (bleisure) because you will find lower rates in some cities, holiday events make for a great networking event. Plus, you may have lower competition for meeting spaces as many are not holding events other than holiday events during this season. It’s a great time for corporate retreats and incentive programs so that you can plan for the next year.
Practical tips for December business travel
- Avoid delays by booking the first flight of the day, avoiding the last flight of the day which often accumulates delays
- Use a travel and expense management platform like GetGoing so that you can have expert support in case you need it
- Be sure to pack thin extra layers if you’re traveling in the Northern hemisphere
- Take advantage of loyalty programs or corporate travel perks especially at the beginning of December before the holiday rush
- Add on some bleisure time, or have your family meet you, this way you can experience the joys of a winter market or holiday decorations in company after your meetings
What are the most visited cities for business travel
Business travel tends to navigate towards areas of the globe where there is industry, financial hubs or easy air connections (think London, Paris, Bangkok, Tokyo).The most visited European cities for business destinations last year were London, Munich, Frankfurt and Paris. Whereas the top intercontinental cities for European travelers were New York, Chicago, Dubai and Shanghai.
Amsterdam continues to top the rankings as the top short-haul destination for European business travelers and New York, the most visited long-haul city, according to BTN.
Best cities to visit in USA for business
- New York City
- Chicago
- Houston
- Boston
- Washington D.C.
- San Francisco
- Las Vegas
did you know?
According to a BTN study, New York City is the most expensive city for business travel in the United States. “Seasonal holiday hotel rates spiked by high-end business and leisure travelers perennially drive costs in the city during the final quarter of the year.” So while it’s a super popular destination year-round, if you can manage to avoid this city in December, your pocketbook will thank you.
Best US cities to visit in December
- New York City – the business capital of the world is also a popular destination for those looking for a Winter Wonderland. Think iconic holiday lights, the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and ice skating. With global warming, it doesn’t always snow, but add in the snow and you’ve really got a winter paradise.
- Chicago – Christkindlmarket, holiday lights along Michigan Avenue, and cozy winter vibes. This is also a central location and area of major convention facilities.
- Boston – Strong in finance, healthcare and education, Boston attracts a big business crowd. If you’re visiting in December you’ll likely catch snow, but you’ll also be able to check out the festive decorations.
- Washington D.C. – Head to the nation’s capital and check out the Christmas lights, the National Christmas Tree Lighting and Georgetown’s light installations, allowing business travelers to combine work with leisure and create memorable experiences for clients or employees.
READ more
What are the global gateways for business travel?
- Amsterdam
- Beijing
- Dubai
- Frankfurt
- Hong Kong
- London
- Mexico City
- Paris
- Rome
- Sao Paulo
- Seoul
- Shanghai
- Singapore
- Sydney
- Tokyo
- Toronto
Best cities to visit in December for business travelers
December doesn’t have to mean putting business travel on hold. In fact, it can be one of the most rewarding times to hit the road. From the festive streets of New York and Chicago to warm escapes like Singapore or Mexico City, the month offers unique opportunities to combine productivity with memorable experiences.
Whether you’re closing deals, attending year-end meetings, or exploring new markets, these destinations provide the perfect backdrop for both work and leisure. So pack smart, plan ahead, and make the most of your December business trip—it might just turn into your most productive (and enjoyable) travel of the year.