Planning a December getaway? Whether you're looking for snow, holiday scenery or a warm retreat, there are many destinations across the country to meet your holiday vacation needs.

The New York Times reports travelers this year have been heading to the beach for vacation as a form of escapism. Those destinations include Hawaii, the Caribbean and Mexico.

Read on for some other noteworthy destinations that are popular during the holidays.

*New York City

New York City is buzzing all year long, but the destination is especially captivating during December. There's so much to do in the Big Apple this time of year, including browsing the holiday window displays at department stores; catching a Broadway show (newly reopened after a long shutdown during the pandemic); snapping photos of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and then ice skating at the Rockefeller Center rink.

Stroll the city and check out the seasonal sites, like the open-air Winter Village in Bryant Park, which has ice-skating, holiday shops and winter-in-New York scenery.

Make plans to watch the iconic Times Square ball drop in person. It's free and open to the public.

*Tampa

While this Florida city has year-round warm weather, visitors can experience the Winter Village along the Hillsborough River, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the Tampa Riverwalk from November to January. The Holiday Spectacular features a 35-foot-tall lighted Christmas tree floating in the harbor.

Don't miss Tampa's holiday lighted boat parade on Dec. 19. The annual Outback Bowl New Year's Eve Parade in Ybor City includes a pep rally by 15 college marching bands and cheerleaders. The free event fills up fast, so arrive early.

The family will enjoy Busch Gardens' "Christmas Town," which boasts millions of twinkling lights, Christmas shows and holiday character meet-and-greets. The event is included with park admission. On New Year's Eve, they have a fireworks show for an extra fee.

*Denver

Denver's "mile high holidays" have something for everyone. The Christkindl Market in Civic Center Park features handcrafted gifts such as traditional hand-carved wooden figurines, handmade candles and ornaments from local and international artisans, as well as traditional German food, Christmas carols and live German music.

Ski and snowboard throughout your stay, and enjoy free ice skating at the Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park. Check out the "Mile High Tree" -- the tallest digital tree in North America -- which is 110 feet tall and 39 feet in diameter and features a pre-programmed light show every 30 minutes. Denver will have two New Year's Eve fireworks: one at 9 p.m. and another at midnight.

*Phoenix

This Arizona destination is a warm holiday getaway. Spend your days hiking, golfing, shopping and visiting local museums.

Don't miss Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden, one of the state's longest-running holiday traditions. The event features 8,000 flickering luminaria bags lining the garden's trails.

On New Year's Eve, head to the Homie Flannel Ball, an annual party featuring live local music, food trucks, lawn games, an art show and a pinata drop.

*Travel Tips

Travel site Priceline says last-minute bookings are up this year -- including bookings in the same week or even the same day of travel -- and that trend is likely here to stay. That's because travelers have been more cautious about booking travel too far out during the pandemic.

Travelers have also been staying closer to home, including more road trips and fewer flights. Priceline data shows 70% of people renting cars take road trips within their own state and drive an average of 184 miles.

"What we learned in the last year is that travel is such an important part of our lives that even during times of uncertainty, we will find ways to explore safely closer to home," says Brigit Zimmerman, Priceline's senior vice president of flight, hotel and packages.

Travel insurance is a good idea during the pandemic. Travelers may be asked to wear a mask and/or show proof of vaccination, too.

Still, that's not putting a damper on this travel season.

"Whether and how to travel is a very personal decision," says Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel. "By and large, people who were planning to travel are still taking their trips, while being mindful to take precautions to protect themselves and others."