Dreaming of that year end winter escape? ❄️
Photo credit: @chanwon92
Photo credit: Maximalfocus
Christmas markets and winter sports, we're ready for you! The year end holidays are coming and you know what that means - it's officially the festive season and the perfect time to start planning your next winter escapade. If you haven't decided where to head yet, don't worry as we've got a list of the top winter destinations for you to pick from for the perfect year end holiday!
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10 of the best winter destinations in 2024
1. Switzerland
Photo credit: Johannes Hofmann
Photo credit: Neil Bates
Photo credit: Basel Tourism
The dramatic natural landscapes, picturesque villages and majestic snow-covered mountains of Switzerland make up the postcard perfect image of a winter destination, so it's no wonder that it makes it to the top of our list. Spring in Switzerland may be beautiful, but winter brings on its own sparkle - just think of the best skiing opportunities you'll find in Europe and charming Christmas markets!
Best things to do in Switzerland this winter:
- Take a dip in a thermal bath
2. Japan
Photo credit: Weiqi Xiong
Photo credit: takahiro taguchi
Photo credit: Sapporo Snow Festival
The borders of Japan have finally fully reopened, just in time for the winter season! Forget the cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, the winter experience in Japan is breathtaking and one of our personal favorites, especially since there are a little less tourists during this colder season. Don't miss out on visiting onsen towns for a relaxing dip in the hot springs or attending magical snow festivals with their majestic ice sculptures, snow sports and Japanese gourmet stalls.
Best things to do in Japan this winter:
3. South Korea
Photo credit: Ash Hayes
Photo credit: @eworld.official
For the winter holiday of your K-drama dreams, why not book a ticket to South Korea and spend your year end there? From exciting ski resorts and indoor winter theme parks, to enjoying a hot bowl of Korean stews and ramyeon, you'll surely keep warm and have lots of fun here during these colder months. The winter season here is also an enchanting sight to see as you explore the country's snow-capped national parks and beautiful islands.
Best things to do in South Korea this winter:
- Eat street food at Seoul's night markets
- View winter light shows - Garden of Morning Calm Light Festival, Daegu E-World Starlight Festival
- Go ice skating - Seoul Plaza Skating Rink, Seoul Arts Center
4. New York
Photo credit: Johnell Pannell
Photo credit: Josh Wilburne
Photo credit: Kayle Kaupanger
Just like what you see in the movies, the winter season in New York City is a sparkling experience of its own. NYC isn't just a shopping and food haven, there's just something magical in doing the simplest things here like ice skating with friends or sipping on hot chocolate as snow falls over the city. With the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree taking centre stage, the metropolis offers a dazzling amount of winter events and activities you can look forward to while you're here.
Best things to do in New York, USA this winter:
- Visit a Christmas market - Bryant Park Winter Village, Union Square Holiday Market
5. Taiwan
Photo credit: Han Hsing Tu
Photo credit: Angela Lo
Photo credit: Maggie Hung
The natural landscapes of Taiwan are a beauty, so you know you can expect no lesser than a fantastic winter season up in the highlands over here. Head out of Taipei for a day or two to experience the snow capped Central Mountain Range, where you can expect picture perfect sceneries of the mountains and national parks being covered in blankets of snow. Once you've got your fill of snow-filled adventures, return to the city to enjoy warmer weather, exciting winter festivities and some delicious hot pot!
Best things to do in Taiwan this winter:
- Hike up Hehuanshan, Jade Mountain or Xueshan
- Visit Christmasland in New Taipei City
- Enjoy street food at Taiwan's night markets
6. Germany
Photo credit: Nico Benedickt
Photo credit: Toby Christopher
Photo credit: Birk Enwald
The winter season in Germany is cold and snow-filled, making it the perfect place to visit if you're looking for the dreamy white Christmas experience. The majestic mountains and ancient castles here are an enchanting sight to see, but it gets a little more magical in the winter when the snow blankets over it all. Head to the cities for their iconic Christmas markets (a winter must-do!), then challenge yourself with winter sports on some of the best ski slopes Germany has to offer.
Best things to do in Germany this winter:
- Go skiing at German ski resorts - Zugspitze, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Arber
- Hike through the Black Forest
- Go on a sledding run - Wallberg Rodelbahn, Spitzingsee, Sauerland
7. London
Photo credit: Jamie Davies
Photo credit: Pablo Soriano
Photo credit: Jack B
Winter season in London? Sign us up! While you're not going to get a white Christmas experience here, the twinkling city lights, Christmas markets and jolly carollers definitely make up for it. It's literally a festive postcard come to life in the city! Be sure to grab a warm cup of Christmas drinks and cookies, then stroll around the city as you do your year-end shopping or simply just soak in all of the lights, decor, music and the buzzing festive vibe.
Best things to do in London, United Kingdom this winter:
8. Iceland
Photo credit: Ken Cheung
Photo credit: Jonathan Pie
Photo credit: Jeff Sheldon
Another must-visit winter destination is the mesmerizing Iceland, where you'll feel as if you're transported to a completely different world. It's the perfect place for snow-and-ice adventures that you'll remember for a lifetime - just imagine snow-covered landscapes, large geothermal pools, mystical glaciers and of course, the enchanting Northern Lights! The Icelanders Christmas and New Year's Eve are also a huge celebration here, so you're definitely in for a fun festive time in Reykjavik.
Best things to do in Iceland this winter:
- Explore ice caves and glaciers
9. Sapa
Photo credit: Tu Chu
Forget the festivities for a moment and experience a more laid back winter season at Sapa in Vietnam. Snowfall may seem nonexistent in Southeast Asia, but this sleepy little town located just north of Hanoi is an exception. Known for its beautiful rice fields and serene ambience, the town gets coated in velvet snow and shrouded in mist during the months of December all through February, creating the chilly winter wonderland of your dreams!
Best things to do in Sapa, Vietnam this winter:
10. Canada
Photo credit: Mike O Meara
Photo credit: Jules Marvin Eguilos
Photo credit: Elvir K
A winter season spent in Canada may get pretty chilly as the temperatures drop to freezing levels, but if you're willing to brave the cold, this is one of the best times to visit the beautiful country. The winter season brings on the magic of snow-covered peaks, lively festivals and the best winter sports opportunities. All of these exciting activities are outdoors though, so we highly recommend suiting up with appropriate winter gear!
Best things to do in Canada this winter:
- Go skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway
- Visit or stay overnight at the Quebec Ice Hotel
