It's time to stock up on vacation leaves, as Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are nearly here, and so is the opportunity to celebrate the holidays at a great new destination. Grab your passport, your bags, and your family and take advantage of these destinations with their warm weather or amazing Christmas traditions.

1. New York City - A favorite city for many Christmas movies, spending time in America's "Christmas Capital", the Big Apple is famous with travelers during December, especially during Christmas when the Rockettes Christmas show performs at the Radio City Music Hall. New York City is also a great place to go Christmas shopping, with decorated store fronts and low prices. (READ: Why New York Is The Best Place To Go For Christmas Shopping) End the day ice skating at the famous Rockefeller Center.

2. Sydney, Australia - For travelers looking for a warm winter, Australia enjoys their summer in December, making the weather here sunny and bright. Besides the usual Harbor Bridge climb or hike to the Blue Mountains, Travel Channel says that Sydney is one of the first cities to greet the New Year, so they have a great fireworks display at The Opera Gala at the Sydney Opera House. (READ: The Cheapest Winter Vacation Destinations)

3. Dubai, UAE - This hot desert country enjoys relatively cool weather in December, making it a great time for sporting events, concerts, parties and festivities, according to Lonely Planet. Known events such as the Meydan Races and the Dubai Shopping Festival take place at this time and allow travelers a glimpse into the lives of the Middle East's wealthiest people. After shopping at the mall or cheering it out at the stadium, Dubai's beaches and artificial islands are a great place to end the day. (READ: The Most Expensive Luxury Hotels In The Middle East)

4. Mexico - Besides being a great time to go on a vacation while the kids are on school holiday, December cruise lines go around Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Peurto Valalrta, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Ensenada. For those wanting to get into the religious side of Christmas, Mexico City's Basilica de Guadalupe celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12, a pilgrimage followed my millions around the world. This momentous event is marked by prayer and songs, but also by a lot of fiestas featuring shared food, drinks and festivities. (READ: Mexico City's Best Museums, Streets and Restaurants)

5. Edinburgh, Scotland - Despite being the Scottish capital's off-peak season, the locals are very celebratory during December, especially during the Christmas season. Christmas markets and fairgrounds dot the city, and the Hogmanay street party on New Years Eve turns the whole Princes Street into a great big party. Winter snow also provides a stunning background for Scottish symbols such as the Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Yacht Britannia and the Princes Street Gardens open-air ice rink.