These 12 Winter Destinations in the World Will Make You Fall in Love with the Cold

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The world is full of winter destinations that feel like fiction. From gigantic ice sculptures to snow-covered castles, don’t miss the chance to experience the top winter destinations in the world.

If you’re traveling during the winter, why not postpone your tropical getaway for a place that makes winter special? No matter if you love skiing or staring up at the Aurora Borealis from an igloo, you’ll leave with memories of a lifetime.

So pack your snow jacket and bring your camera, because these destinations are nothing short of incredible. Below are the top 12 winter destinations in the world.

Copenhagen, Denmark

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Copenhagen in winter is like stepping into a Hans Christian Andersen novel. The city turns the cold weather into an excuse to eat, party, and decorate.

Besides the festive decor and vibes, you can visit Baken, the world’s oldest theme park, covered in holiday lights. You’ll channel the true meaning of hygge (Danish for cozy) when you sit in front of a fire in a Danish cafe or restaurant.

During the day, check out Christmas in Tivoli Gardens for the ultimate Christmas market and experience. Then, go museum hopping to experience the city’s rich history and art. When the night falls, you’ll have plenty of romantic inns and hotels to cuddle up in.

Sapporo, Japan

Sapporo is, without a doubt, one of the best cities in the world for winter. While many tourists head to Kyoto, there’s no chance of missing the snow in Japan’s northern-most big city.

The city is close to some of the country’s best ski resorts. It also has world-famous cuisine, including deep bowls of seafood, Hokkaido-style ramen, and its famous crab.

In February, don’t miss the Sapporo Snow Festival. This annual event features gigantic ice sculptures, live music and activities, and endless fun for the entire family.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi is a city made for anyone who wants to experience one of the planet’s most beautiful spectacles. If you’ve ever dreamed of staring up at the Northern Lights dancing in the sky, this town is for you.

To learn about this natural phenomenon and the environment of the Arctic, check out the Arktikum Museum. Then, head downtown to enjoy Christmas markets and beautiful cafes, and even meet Santa Claus. You can also use the official Santa Claus Post Office.

Outside of the city, you can hit the trails and enjoy some of the best cross-country skiing in Europe. You’ll enjoy the silence of the wilderness and maybe see wildlife, including the region’s famous reindeer. You can’t be any closer to the legendary home of the big guy in red.

Bariloche, Argentina

Bariloche experiences winter during the northern hemisphere’s summer, from June to September. If you’re traveling during the southern winter, why not go to a place with world-famous skiing, historic places, and a culture that revolves around the outdoors?

First, take a drive around Highway 77 for some of the most breathtaking mountain and lake views you can imagine. Then, stop in or stay at the five-star Llao Llao Hotel. Here, you’ll dine on Argentine steak and get warm by the fire.

For extra adventure, drive to Catedral Alta Patagonia, one of the most beloved ski resorts in South America. If you’re up for it, don’t miss driving along the scenic Highway 40 to the nearby town of San Martín de los Andes to try the local trout and hit the slopes at Chapelco ski resort.

Krakow, Poland

Krakow’s architecture, food, and warm charm will make you want to stay forever during the winter. Head into Old Town Krakow to see medieval architecture and city streets covered in decorations.

Stop into the holiday markets for shopping before grabbing a warm bite to eat at a historical cafe. Then, walk around the green spaces where the old city gates once stood to enjoy food stands and vendors selling artisanal products.

For a magical ferry-tale experience, check out the Krakow Zoo. This is one of the best holiday light shows in Europe and a must if you’re traveling with kids.

Montreal, Canada

Montreal has a festive charm that exists nowhere else. Head downtown to experience the city’s holiday lights. Then, check out the light installations at the Luminothérapie event.

If you love gourmet food and holiday decorations, plan your visit around the Montreal en Lumière Festival in late February. Here, you’ll experience live music, food experiences, and some of the best winter outdoor art imaginable.

For an unbeatable stay, try booking a room at one of Montreal’s timeless hotels and inns. When the temperature drops, these places take the winter holiday spirit up several notches. Just don’t forget to brush up on your French!

Ghent, Belgium

Ghent is a historic port city with a long tradition of celebrating winter in style. Start your winter getaway in Ghent at the famous Christmas market. Here, you’ll buy artisanal products and sample delicious food and hot drinks.

Visit the 10th-century Gravensteen Castle covered in snow. Then, walk through the Patershol neighborhood and admire its architecture and charm.

In the evening, go bar-hopping in Ghent’s pop-up bars and sample the region’s world-famous beer. For an exciting experience you can only find in Ghent, visit the City Pavilion for indoor rolling skating before hitting the town for more delectable winter cuisine, drinks, and non-stop fun.

The Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands stretch across northern Scottland. You’ll get to spend time in villages and towns with rich history and fascinating winter traditions.

Take a drive through the snowy landscape. Visit the famous Loch Ness before heading to Cairngorms National Park for incredible views and natural scenery.

Drive to historic castles covered in snow, and don’t forget to sample the region’s famous Scotch whiskey. Consider staying in one of the historic inns and hotels in Fort William or the strikingly beautiful and historic city of Aberdeen.

Seoul, South Korea

Seoul comes alive in winter with beautiful scenery, world-famous cuisine, festivals, and endless nightlife. Climb up to the top of Seoul Tower to get stunning winter views of the snowy mountains and cityscape.

Then, go temple hopping around the city. Don’t miss the National Museum of Korea before strolling through the history-rich gardens and buildings of the Gyeongbokgung Palace.

For an unforgettable food experience, head to Bukchon Hanok Village for warm meals served in classic homes and restaurants. Then, go out to Insadong to explore the tea-houses and the beautiful Cheonggyecheon urban park, where you’ll make all your K-pop dreams come to life.

Lake Tahoe, California

12 US Destinations for an Unforgettable Ski Trip — © Jeremy Francis / Adobe Stock

Lake Tahoe may be in California, but don’t be fooled. This destination is one of the best places to be in winter and has some of the world’s most coveted powder snow.

Consider staying at one of the region’s world-famous ski resorts. You’ll get to speed down the slopes along with some of the best extreme sports talent in the world.

Then, go for a drive around the lake. Don’t forget to stop and take pictures because this landscape will be unforgettable, especially covered in snow.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is a city made for winter. Its historic places, welcoming people, and cold-weather festivals and events will make you wish winter never ended.

First, head to the city’s historic center and walk along the cobblestone Katariina käik street. Then, duck into a tavern for traditional hearty cuisine before sampling the local mulled wine called glögg.

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If you visit in February, don’t miss the Tallinn Winter Festival. This event is where musicians, artists, and vendors come for a wild winter celebration. Besides the festival, you can catch winter activities and special events throughout the city in Tallinn’s historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site not to be missed.

Banff, Canada

Banff is a surreal landscape with renowned skiing, natural sights, and spectacular views that make you think you’re in a dream. The town is surrounded by world-famous ski resorts where you’ll blend luxury accommodation with endless powder.

After skiing, slip into the thermal waters of Banff Upper Hot Springs. Then, hop on the Banff gondola to Sulphur Mountain. Here, you can grab a delicious meal at the Sky Bistro and enjoy inspiring views of the surrounding mountains and wilderness.

In town, you can enjoy lively events and festivities. Stop into the boutique shops and enjoy museums such as the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies to learn about the region’s history. Afterward, don’t miss walking along the Bow River waterfront for natural views so beautiful that they will make you cry.