Best Winter Wonderlands Around The World

Best Winter Wonderlands Around The World


October 6, 2023 | Miles Brucker

Best Winter Wonderlands Around The World


The New Winter Vacation Trend  Winter selfie and iceland split gallery

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. 

There's now a fresh wind blowing in the world of family vacations. Instead of seeking sun-drenched tropical retreats during the winter months, a growing number of families are opting for chillier destinations to experience a genuine winter wonderland. 

This shift is driven by the allure of snowy landscapes, winter sports, festive holiday markets, and the magic of cozying up by a fireplace. From ice-skating on natural lakes to dog-sledding through silent forests and indulging in hot chocolate in mountain lodges, the charms of colder climates are offering a delightful and immersive alternative to the traditional beach escape. 

This new trend showcases a desire for diverse experiences, memorable adventures, and perhaps even the simple joys of a white winter, which many tropical vacationers miss out on.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!


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