Winterdestinations Internal

Best Winter Wonderlands Around The World


September 14, 2023 | Allison Robertson

Best Winter Wonderlands Around The World


Ah, winter! 

For many, it's not just a season but an opportunity to dive into snow-covered landscapes, enjoy festive markets, and participate in thrilling activities only available when the world turns frosty. 

For families seeking adventure and beauty combined, winter travel offers some genuinely enchanting destinations. 

Here’s a roundup of the best places on Earth to experience winter at its finest.

Lapland, Finland

Santa's Village, Lapland, FinlandRoman Babakin, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

Winter Charm: Referred to as Santa Claus's hometown, Lapland is a true winter wonderland. The snow-covered forests and the Northern Lights make it a surreal place.

Must-Do Family Activity: Dog sledding through the snowy landscapes and visiting Santa Claus Village.

Bavaria, Germany

Castle In Bavaria, GermanyNeonyn, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

Winter Charm: Storybook castles covered with snow, especially the famous Neuschwanstein Castle.

Must-Do Family Activity: Explore the magical Christmas markets and try out traditional treats.

Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

Snowboarding at Whistler, Bc Canadaedb3_16, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

Winter Charm: Whistler's snow-capped peaks and alpine environment make it a skier's paradise.

Must-Do Family Activity: Skiing and snowboarding, along with a trip to the ice castles.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queentson, New ZealandDajahof, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

Winter Charm: Set against the backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown in winter is breathtaking.

Must-Do Family Activity: Skiing, snowboarding, and attending the town's annual Winter Festival.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Blue Lagoon Retreat, IcelandAdobe

Advertisement

Winter Charm: With geothermal hot springs, snowy landscapes, and the Northern Lights, Iceland is a winter dream.

Must-Do Family Activity: Visit the Blue Lagoon and take a Golden Circle tour to see geysers and waterfalls.

Vail, Colorado, USA

Winter in Vail, Colorado, UsaKevin Ruck, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

Winter Charm: One of America's premier ski destinations, with a charming village atmosphere.

Must-Do Family Activity: Skiing, followed by cozy fireside dinners.

St. Moritz, Switzerland

St. Moritz, SwitzerlandYü Lan, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

Winter Charm: Famous for its world-class resorts and snowy alpine beauty.

Must-Do Family Activity: Winter sports, horse-drawn carriage rides, and ice-skating on the lake.

Niseko, Japan

Niseko, Japankeattisak, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

Winter Charm: Known for its powder-like snow and serene winter landscapes.

Must-Do Family Activity: Skiing, snowboarding, and enjoying hot springs.

Oslo, Norway

NorwayIevgen Skrypko, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

Winter Charm: Snow-covered rooftops, the chance of Northern Lights, and beautiful fjords.

Must-Do Family Activity: Cross-country skiing and visiting the Christmas markets.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled, SloveniaKavita, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

Winter Charm: The iconic church on an islet, surrounded by snowy peaks and frosty trees.

Must-Do Family Activity: Ice-skating near the lake and exploring Bled Castle.

Traveling to these winter destinations will undoubtedly offer families unforgettable memories, from the magic of twinkling lights to the thrill of winter sports. 

Each location, with its unique charm, promises a winter experience like no other. 

So pack up your warmest clothes, gather your loved ones, and embark on a snowy adventure!


READ MORE

Pett1 1200X627

My Hotel Charged A Pet Fee After Listing Itself As Pet-Friendly. Should That Fee Have Been Disclosed Upfront?

Seeing "pet-friendly" beside a hotel can reasonably make travelers think their dog or cat is welcome. It does not necessarily mean bringing that animal costs nothing. Hotels may impose pet fees while still describing themselves as pet-friendly, but how and when those charges are disclosed matters. The important distinction is between permission to bring a pet and the price attached to doing so.
September 13, 2026 Jane O'Shea
AI-generated image of a man upset that his Airbnb reservation has been canceled by the host.

My Airbnb host canceled after I'd already booked because they wanted to raise the price. What protection do travelers have?

You booked months ahead, locked in a reasonable rate, and thought the accommodation was settled. Then prices in the area climbed and the host suddenly decided the reservation couldn’t go ahead.
September 15, 2026 Alex Summers
AI-generated image of a tourist couple upset about beach access.

My rental listing said “steps from the beach,” but the public access path was a mile away. Is that misleading enough for compensation?

The rental looked perfect because the listing made the beach sound practically outside the door. Then you arrived and discovered that actually reaching the sand meant walking or driving a mile to the nearest public access point.
September 15, 2026 Peter Kinney
Confused American tourist at a European train station

The train pass on my Europe trip worked between cities but never for the local trains I needed. Is their system too confusing for American tourists?

For North American tourists, having a rail pass in Europe feels a bit like having a magic carpet that can carry you anywhere. But even if train travel is lightyears ahead across the Atlantic, it can still fail you if you aren't prepared.
September 14, 2026 Carl Wyndham
flight attendant in 1953

The Shocking Rules Flight Attendants Once Had To Follow—Most Would Never Fly Today

Flight attendants once faced bizarre hiring rules, strict beauty standards and surprising onboard duties that passengers today wouldn't believe.
September 11, 2026 Allison Robertson