winter destinations

Let’s be honest—when you book a winter vacation, you’re probably imagining calm mornings, quiet walks, and that rare feeling of not being rushed anywhere. What you’re not imagining is standing in line behind 200 other people, dodging tour groups, or wondering how a place this small ended up feeling this busy.

For many travelers, winter is when certain destinations feel their most magical, offering everything from sleigh rides and ski slopes to cozy pubs, frozen lakes, and centuries-old seasonal traditions. Drawing from traveler reviews, global winter tourism rankings, and cities that consistently top cold-weather bucket lists, here’s our countdown of the 20 best winter holiday cities in the world.

When winter descends, the Japanese combat the cold with mindfulness and purpose. Unlike the hustle of American life, where rapid solutions like blasting central heating reign supreme, Japanese traditions embrace a slower, more thoughtful rhythm.

Discover the world's top winter destinations for families. Dive into snow-covered landscapes, festive activities, and enchanting sceneries from Lapland to Lake Bled. Perfect for those seeking a magical winter escape!

Whether you want to snuggle up by the fire or brave the cold, these winter resorts have everything you need for an unforgettable vacation.