5 Best Places to Visit in Winter: Experience Season's Magic

With the onset of winter, the holiday season has officially arrived. All across the globe, people travel to celebrate the ongoing year and cherish the forthcoming one. But has Instagram overwhelmed you with endless winter holiday destinations?

Well, don’t worry because we’ve narrowed down the best places to visit in winter that promise unforgettable experiences.

Snowy landscapes, hot chocolates, cozy accommodations, aesthetic picnic locations, and more! Many winter vacation destinations are a complete package of everything fun.

Let’s get to know them.

1. Lapland

Nestled in the arms of Finland, Lapland is a magical escape covered in snow. From being around snowscapes and frozen forests, the scenic beauty of Northern lights, Santa Claus village, encounter with reindeer, witnessing polar nights and darkness at all times of the day.

Lapland feels like a world out of this world. Straight out of the Ice Age, it’s an unforgettable escape to the Arctic. What’s the catch? It’s so underrated and unpopulated that you’re more likely to come across a reindeer than a human. Lapland is hands down one of the best places to visit in winter of all time!

Here’s why.

Things to do in Lapland

Meet Santa year-round at Santa Claus Village.
Witness polar nights, Northern Lights, or the midnight sun (mid-May).
Go on a husky sleigh ride, reindeer ride, or snowmobile tour.
Live differently in a snow hotel or Aurora Igloo.
Attend the coolest festival: the Skábmagovat Film Festival.
Skip skiing! Try unique activities like ice fishing or ice swimming.
Saunas in Lapland are a must: From hot and steamy to ice saunas.

Best Time to Visit: September to May (six months of snowfall)

2. Switzerland

A winter wonderland in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is one of the best places to travel in winter. From snowcapped Swiss Alps and fairytale villages to cool winter sports galore, this country has everything in store for a perfect winter holiday.

Winter Holiday Destinations in Switzerland:

Try to include all of these in your itineraries:

Interlaken: Set against the backdrop of the Bernese Alps, between Lakes Thun and Brienz, Interlaken is a city offering Swiss charm and thrilling adventures. From sky ventures and winter sports to water activities, you can find it all here.
Jungfraujoch: Escape to Europe’s highest-altitude railway station to visit ‘Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch,’ a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step into a world of snow, ice, and high-Alpine wonders.
Zermatt: It is a picturesque mountain village that will captivate you with its beauty and Swiss charm. Hike around the Gornergrat with scenic views of Matterhorn Mountain. For the best skiing experience in Switzerland, head to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Sunnegga-Rothorn, or other world-class ski resorts.
Montreux: Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, this town is pure bliss. With sights like Chillon Castle, the Freddie Mercury Statue, Old Town, and the Montreux Jazz Festival, making it a popular destination for excursions in Switzerland.
St. Moritz: Best known for Alpine tourism, this resort town in Switzerland is a sports wonderland. From skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoe trekking to luxury shopping experiences and happening nightlife, St. Moritz offers unforgettable adventures.

Things to do in Switzerland

Indulge in winter adventures like skiing, snowboarding, and curling.
Go on a snowshoe tour or winter hiking trails.
Try nighttime tobogganing.
Ride ‘The Glacier Express’ to witness breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.
Celebrate the festive season with Christmas markets.
Build an Igloo.
Visit a zoo or wildlife park.

3. Alaska, USA

See an alternative side of the USA, away from the hustle of cities, soaked in snowy landscapes, wellness activities, winter sports, and, of course, the ‘Northern Lights.’ From downhill skiing, snowboarding, fat-tire biking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and dog sledding, Alaska is a sports wonderland in winter. Not to forget about the iconic seasonal festivals, including the World Ice Art Championship, Fur Rendezvous, Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, and more. These endless activities make Alaska on the list of best places to visit in winter.

What Makes Alaska Special in Winters?

Mesmerizing views of the Northern Lights.
Abundant seasonal winter sports and competitions.
Stay at a hot spring resort.
Visit Glacier Bay National Park.
Take a helicopter ride to view nearly 100,000 glaciers.
Enjoy a dog sledding ride across a tree-lined trail in Fairbanks.
See icebergs at Kenai Fjords National Park.
Meet brown bears at Katmai National Park.

4. Kashmir, India

If heaven on earth could be described in one word, it would be called Kashmir.’ Straight out of the scenery with pine trees, authentic mountain villages, and snow everywhere, Kashmir is one of the most admired winter holiday destinations. To top it all off, explore the cultural side of Kashmir. Talk to its locals, drink Kahwa, wear original Kashmiri outfits, and experience the Kashmiri way of life.

Top Things to Do in Kashmir

Ski your hearts out in Gulmarg.
Go on a Shikara ride in Dal Lake.
Trek in Sonmarg.
Soak in the beauty of Pahalgam. Spend some leisure time and go on a picnic here.
Explore the village of Poonch. Go on a trek, watch frozen lakes, see snow-capped mountains, or simply brew a Kahwa.
Head to Aru Valley for the best trekking experience in Kashmir.

5. Japan

Are you dreaming of a perfect year-end holiday or wishing to kickstart your new year differently? Then, head to Japan, one of the best places to visit in winter for its exclusivity. What else do you need for a winter vacation, from iconic snow festivals to exceptional winter sports to relaxing onsen dips?

Best Things to Do in Japan

Attend the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Watch the Zao snow monsters at the Zao Mountain.
Go skiing or snowboarding in Hokkaido.
Take a relaxing dip in an onsen (natural hot spring).
Hike up Mt. Fuji and soak in the mountain’s beauty.

With this, we wrap up the best places to visit in winter. From the dreamy scenery of Lapland, snow festivals of Japan, snowscapes of Switzerland to winter adventures in Alaska, and the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir, no matter what you choose, you’re guaranteed to experience the magic of the season. So, make sure to take advantage of this! Book your winter wonderland today.

Before you leave, remember to share your best winter holiday destinations in the comments below.

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Best Places to Visit in Winter FAQs

What is the best time to visit winter holiday destinations?

The best time to visit winter holiday destinations is between late December and February, depending on the required experience. December is great for festive celebrations, January is for skiing and winter sports, and the Northern lights are best witnessed in February.

What are the best places for budget travelers to visit in winter?

Here are the top places to visit in winter for budget travelers:

• Kashmir, India
• Budapest, Hungary
• Nepal
• Czech Republic
• Canada

Which country is considered to be the best place for winter?

Switzerland, Japan, and Canada are generally considered the best places to travel in winter. While Switzerland is popular for its breathtaking scenery, Japan and Canada are famous for their incredible skiing opportunities.

Where can one go on a winter holiday to avoid the cold?

For those who wish to avoid the cold this winter holiday, head to tropical destinations like Maldives, Thailand, Seychelles, Hawaii, or the Canary Islands.

What are the must-try activities for a winter holiday?

Here’s what you should try while on a winter holiday:

• Skiing or Snowboarding
• Take a train journey to view breathtaking landscapes
• Northern Lights viewing (in case your winter holiday destination has one in store for you!)
• Hiking or snowshoeing
• Sledding or Tobogganing
• Cozy hot spring spa or steam massage
• Attending winter festivals
• Visiting Christmas markets

Tboacademy Team

5 Best Places to Visit in Winter: Experience Season’s Magic