Some travelers escape the cold during the winter months, preferring to jet away to Caribbean beach destinations or palm-fringed desert oases. But for those who don’t mind a little chill, winter travel means something else entirely. It means leaning into the season, exposing its inherent charms, drinking in its spirit of merriment, and cozily bundling up to enjoy its picturesque beauty.
If you count yourself in the latter camp, then here’s a list for you. This article has scoured the globe for the top winter wonderland destinations this year – and arrived at a succinct shortlist of three cities (with honorable mentions included).
Before heading to these winter gems, consider investing in warm, insulating, comfortable travel clothes. Great travel clothes, like the shirts and pants from Unbound Merino, make a world of difference in cold climates.
Strasbourg, France
Europe is so chock-full of stunning winter destinations that narrowing things down was a task. Still, let’s give the edge to Strasbourg, a beautiful city straddling the border of Germany in France’s Alsace region.
Like other European winter hotspots, Strasbourg hosts a riveting Christmas market filled with food vendors, handcrafted wares, activities and – of course – steaming cups of mulled wine.
But Strasbourg does it with a particularly French flair. Don’t leave the city without trying some of its local food delicacies, like Tart Flambee (a kind of bacon, Gruyere and onion pizza) and Choucrout Garnie (various local sausages in sauerkraut). And wash it down with a world-class glass of Alsatian white wine.
Honorable Mentions for Europe include: Vienna, Prague and Munich, all gorgeous cities with magical Christmas markets. For an old-world luxury experience, head to the ski chalets in the Swiss Alps.
Quebec City, Canada
At first blush, Quebec City (the capital of Canada’s eponymous French-speaking province) looks like a quaint European city. Its winding cobblestone streets, lively cafes, chalkboard bistros and lantern-lit old quarters feel locked in time. Yet, here it is – and it’s so easy to get to from North America.
Of course, Quebec City isn’t just a European knock-off. It has a totally unique culture and landscape. Explore the old town before sledding down the city’s famous toboggan track, or venturing off to nearby ski resorts for an even steeper hill!
Honorable Mentions for North America include: Toronto, Chicago and New York, all big cities with lots of snow and excitement. For outdoor adventurists, head west across the continent to mountain destinations like Aspen, Banff and Lake Tahoe.
Shirakawago, Japan
Shirakawago is a UNESCO World Heritage town that looks like it’s from a completely different century. Nestled in the mountains of Gifu and Toyama, you’ll find perfectly preserved Meiji-era farmhouses and temples to explore. In the winter, these old buildings wear a think suit of snow, adding to the evocative landscape.
For a true Shirakawago experience, stay in one of the old farmhouses, many of which have been converted into minshuku – family-run, Japanese-style inns that serve delicious food in traditional lodgings.
Honorable Mentions in Asia include: Harbin, Sapporo and Jeju Island, each known for their winter festivals and snowy landscapes.
This winter, resist the urge to escape somewhere warm. Lean into the season at one of these must-see cold-weather gems.
