Best winter vacations: 14 places to visit that embrace the cold

Vacationers often envision their next trip as a tropical getaway on beautiful beaches in places like Central America or the Caribbean. But some of the most memorable experiences come from the best winter vacations.

The cold allows for icy grandeur, from the enchanting ice sculptures in China to the magical reindeer-led sleighs in snow-covered Scandinavia. The winter season weaves a beautiful blend of adventure, comfort, and tranquility, inviting you to immerse yourself in the beauty of frosty air and sparkling landscapes.

As such, we’ve made a list of our 14 best places to visit in winter for your next frosty escape.

14 picture-perfect winter vacation ideas topped with snow

For most people, winter means grey, drizzly, and windy weather. To you? Winter escapes could mean fewer crowds, great skiing, slow mornings, and storybook adventures topped with snow-capped architecture. These are our top places to go in the winter.

The best Asia winter getaways

Asian countries are typically at the top of many people’s lists for a tropical getaway thanks to their warm weather, bright azure waters, and white sand beaches. But the continent hides equally alluring gems during winter.

The Harbin Ice Festival, China

With temperatures down to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (-30 degrees Celsius), winter in Harbin is harsh. Luckily, the two-month Harbin Ice Festival in China is an absolute winter wonderland that will soon make you forget about the biting cold.

The one million square meter exhibition features hundreds of huge, complex, colorfully lit statues, all sculpted out of ice and snow. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, the exhibition is illuminated by thousands of LED lights that bring to life impressive recreations of the Taj Mahal, Temple of Heaven, and Burj Khalifa.

The family-friendly exhibition also offers myriad snow-themed activities, such as dog sledding, ice fishing, skiing, and ice skating. Simply put, a vacation in China during this time is a magical affair.

The Great Wall in Beijing, China

During winter, the Great Wall of China snakes across a snowbound landscape into a view you will remember forever— and one you’ll likely have to yourself, too. Temperatures drop to a low of -31 degrees Fahrenheit (-35 Celsius), meaning you’re most likely to have this historical attraction essentially to yourself.

The snow-dusted Mutianyu will offer a quieter, less crowded experience, while Badaling is more lively with chairlifts and alpine slides. The icy trails offer serene and breathtaking scenery, with the watchtowers and mountain ridges topped with sparkling snow.

Remember to wear wind-resistant outerwear and a pair of good-quality shoes, as it gets quite slippery with some icy sections. This will also keep you dry as you visit Beijing’s nearby winter markets and restaurants for hearty meals like mutton hotpot to warm you back up.

Mongolia

You need to be tough to visit Mongolia in winter as daytime temperatures are consistently down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 Celsius). If you are, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful snowy landscapes, ice, eagle, and camel festivals, and a warm welcome from the locals who hardly see any visitors at this time of year.

Mongolia is an outdoor lover’s playground — even in winter. The East Asian country is encircled by great mountains that catch frost, creating breathtaking backdrops for activities like ice skating on a frozen Lake Khovsgol river or dog sledding. The former is also the gathering spot for the annual Khovsgol Lake Ice Festival, which showcases ice sculptures, traditional games, and horse-drawn sleighs.

The Kumaon Himalayas, India

If you’re going to visit India and the Himalayas mountains, crisp winter days offer superb views and lower temperatures compared to summer, which makes walking more comfortable. Bring a camera and gear as you hike the Dhakuri Pass, which offers panoramic views of the mountains and the Panchchuli Glacier peaks.

Regions like Chopta and Munsyari (or “Little Kashmir”) are for thrill-seekers who seek activities like ice climbing and snowshoeing. However, if you aim to ski, you cannot go wrong with visiting Auli, an upscale, world-famous ski resort in the region. Here, you can speed down peaks ranging up to 9,842ft (3,000m).

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s main city of Almaty is one of those underrated winter destinations. It can seem a little drab and uneventful, but it comes alive in winter. The nearby ski resort of Shymbulak has great views and 20 km of slopes, perfect for star-lit skiing.

Hoping to dust off your ice skates? Medeu Ice Rink is the highest-altitude ice rink at 5,547ft  (1,691m) above sea level, set against beautiful mountain backdrops. The Olympic-sized ice rink is a must-see for sports enthusiasts. It hosts regular ice hockey matches and curling clinics. It’s open year-round, meaning you can also visit it in summer.

Visit cultural gems like the Museum of Folk Music Instruments and the Central State Museum for quieter travel plans. The cold also brings several winter festivals like the Almaty Christmas Fair, where you can partake in the joyous celebrations among locals.

North American winter vacation destinations

North America’s parks are excellent places for crisp hikes and fresh winter air, but they’re not the only places to go for winter vacations.

Quebec City, Canada

Canada‘s Quebec City transforms into a cozy haven between January and February, filled with scents of cinnamon, gingerbread, and the crisp scent of freshly fallen snow. The best thing to do in Quebec in winter is to make the most of the snow, which averages 124 inches (315cm) each year.

In Quebec City, the possibilities for snowy escapades are endless, enticing you to discover the magic of winter in every exhilarating moment. This means dogsledding in snow-blanketed forest trails, staying in a one-of-a-kind ice hotel, and snow tube runs at speeds of up to 43.5m/h (70km/h).

Banff National Park, Canada

Banff National Park is a must-see for anyone seeking a frost-kissed playground with spectacular views. With temperatures dropping down to -7.6 degrees Fahrenheit (-22 Celsius) and annual snowfall of 178 inches (452cm), this is the best place for relaxing winter vacations.

This park is filled with activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating on frozen lakes, and fat biking. One of the most breathtaking hikes is the Johnston Canyon Ice Walk, which takes you to a frozen waterfall.

As evening falls and the clock turns to midnight, look up, and you might be fortunate to catch the ethereal dance of the aurora borealis.

Vancouver, Canada

Taking a Western Canada trip means exploring the area’s largest city, Vancouver. This charming metropolis is an excellent place to be if you’re longing for something a bit more adventurous. In winter, it reaches temperatures of 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 Celsius) and is known for its rainy weather.

Naturally, this gives ample opportunity for frosty activities. Ski on Grouse Mountain, see the light show at Capilano Suspension Bridge, or marvel at the beauty of VanDusen Botanical Garden without the large crowds.

The city also has a host of celebrations to enjoy in these three months. Warm up from the cold weather with the annual Hot Chocolate Festival in January and February, pick up German treats at the Christmas Market, or watch a light show at Stanley Park.

Newfoundland, Canada

With an annual snowfall of 126 inches (322cm), it’s no surprise that Newfoundland is a favorite winter vacation spot. Terra Nova and Gros Morne National Park are a must for anyone who is a fan of winter sports and the outdoors.

The park boasts acres of powdery snow terrains, which are a paradise for cross-country snow hikers and skiers. The park’s mountains also offer unique experiences like ziplining in the snow and snowmobile tours.

Newfoundland is known for its enchanting Christmas celebrations, like the Festival of Lights and the beautiful Port De Grave Boat Lighting, where boats are adorned with twinkling lights. However, one celebration stands out from the rest and is worth experiencing at least once: the Mummers Festival, which is filled with wacky disguises, joyful music, and lively parades. Participating is a must for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the heart and spirit of Newfoundland’s rich holiday heritage.

European winter holiday destinations

Forget vacationing in southern Spain for your next break. Book these winter vacations across Europe to embrace the cold.

Lapland, Finland

If you love Christmas and all that is festive, visit Finland‘s winter wonderland of Lapland. Rovaniemi is the capital of this northernmost region and the official home of Santa Claus. The city boasts Santa’s Village with real reindeer-led sleighs, working elves, and Mr and Mrs Clause themselves.

Lapland is also one of the places fortunate to have regular aurora borealis sightings. Sleep under the stars in a dome in the forest, tucked away from light pollution, or see the sky through an exciting snowmobile safari through the night.

Temperatures can drop to a frigid -31 degrees Fahrenheit (-35 Celsius), accompanied by heavy snowfall during the cold winter months. To stay warm, gather around campfires or learn how the indigenous people deal with it during Sámi cultural encounters.

Reykjavik, Iceland

When you explore Iceland, you can expect a mismatch of metropolitan charm and breathtaking natural landmarks that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Get the most out of your trip by taking the Golden Circle route. On it, you’ll explore natural geysers, waterfalls, and geothermal landscapes. Winter is also the prime time to witness the mesmerizing northern lights, a breathtaking spectacle that lights up the dark skies with vibrant colors.

Lastly, finish off your trip with a dip in one of Iceland’s many thermal pools. The most popular is the mineral-rich Blue Lagoon just outside the capital.

Tromsø, Norway

Take a trip to Norway if you love icy landscapes, the aurora borealis, and cozy houses. At temperatures plummeting to -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 Celsius), the picturesque fjords are typically covered in thick snow, lakes freeze up, and the arctic forests are populated by sleds once again.

While Oslo is the capital city, it is Tromsø that gets the most attention simply because it is the gateway to the Arctic. Here, you have a clear view of the aurora borealis from ice domes you can sleep in after skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding in the snowy forests.

Swiss Alps, Switzerland

The Swiss Alps are a popular destination for anyone seeking the best of a frigid landscape. You may recognize the Matterhorn peaks because they are among the most photographed mountains in the world. And with good reason! These peaks are even more majestic, covered in a blanket of snow.

It’s also typically a dream come true for anyone who loves to ski, thanks to resorts like Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Verbier, where you can enjoy cross-country skiing, ice hockey, and snowboarding. These slopes are some of the world’s best and attract millions of visitors who want to let down their hair on a Swiss vacation.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Germany‘s magical Rothenburg ob der Tauber feels like it was cut out from a children’s Christmas book and brought to life. Each building is built in a medieval architectural style and lined with cobblestone roads. So, imagine the joy you’d feel walking these snow-dusted streets during the cold winter months.

While Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Christmas Village is open annually to spread Christmas joy, nothing is quite as magical as this town in December. This is when the main market square hosts its annual festive markets with handmade ornaments, traditional treats, and a large lit-up Christmas tree in the middle, illuminating everything.

Make it happen

As temperatures drop and snow blankets cover the landscape, winter vacations offer an often overlooked peek into magical frosty havens. Yes, cozy log cabins and dips into hot springs might be a fun way to warm up, but don’t be shy to step out into the frosty air, too. Nestled among snow-capped trees is a world of outdoor activities like skiing, ice skating, and even sleigh rides akin to Saint Nick’s. Have a look at our favorite winter travel destinations and start planning your custom trip with us.