Recently we made a blog about some of our top destinations for the holidays, in which we included all kinds of places: there was snow, beaches, history and lots of culture. We picked them out trying to find variety, since not everyone is a fan of winter, or there’s always someone looking for a unique experience. For today’s blog we’re going to stick to the basics and talk about a classic topic of conversation that comes up once winter arrives: where to enjoy winter, with all the snow, white scenery, Christmas lights and hot beverages… As we’ve said before, winter happens at the end of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, so if you want to go to a snowy destination, you should think about Europe, North America and certain parts of Asia.
Don’t worry, if you have no idea where to go, we got you covered. Keep reading to find out which places take the crown as some of the most beautiful, fun and interesting winter destinations, and start planning your next trip! We’ll mention something for everyone; those who love to ski, the ones interested in wandering precious Christmas markets or simply relax. Sounds good, don’t you think?
Hokkaido, Japan:
We wanted to begin with the island of Hokkaido, which is Japan’s northernmost prefecture. From December to February, it turns into a winter wonderland, and all of its natural beauties and spectacular cities create a charming place where you’ll have magical holidays. Hokkaido’s capital, Sapporo, is one of the snowiest cities in Japan, so you’ll surely have to be well-equipped to be able to enjoy it properly. Now, as to what you can do there, the most popular winter activity in the capital is the Sapporo Snow Festival, which started in 1950 when several high school students built snow statues in Odori Park. Nowadays, it is one of the most popular festivals of the country, attracting visitors from all over Japan and the world. This Snow Festival happens during one week in February, when incredible snow and ice sculptures appear in three sites across Sapporo: the Odori Site, Susukino Site and Tsu Dome Site. Aside from the festival, nature won’t disappoint you while you’re in Hokkaido. From volcanoes to national parks and lakes, the natural landscapes of the island make it a magical place, especially during the winter. When the water freezes and becomes a mirror of the trees, mountains and sky, it creates an image that will take your breath away.
Hokkaido in Japan, is a winter wonderland thanks to its natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes.
Québec City, Canada:
We’ll move on to another continent to continue our adventure. This time, we’re heading to Québec City, a place that always becomes a living holiday card when winter arrives. Just picture its cobblestone streets, its castle and traditional architecture, and add a little bit of snow and Christmas lights on top of it all…isn’t it a winter beauty? To get to know the city better and admire it in all of its snowy glory, your first stop should be the Historic District of old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Right there is where you’ll understand why the city is one of the most special places in North America, as it has been the only one to preserve the constructions from its origins in the early 17th century. Thus, you have to pay careful attention to the bastions, gates, defensive works and ramparts that surround Old Québec and that remind you of a very ancient time. Obviously, there’ll always be a pretty café or cozy restaurant to pause, have a treat and warm a little before resuming your journey.
We could go on and on about what places to visit in Québec, but we’re going to keep it short so that there’s still a bit of surprise during your trip. The Château Frontenac is probably the most iconic building of the city, and rightfully so, since this hotel has an exquisite design and beautiful views. The funiculaire ride is a fun way to go from the charming Lower Town to the terrace of the Château and enjoy the magnificent views of Old Québec and the icy Saint Lawrence River. Additionally, you should not miss the Quartier Petit Champlain, which is the heart of Old Québec’s commercial district (the oldest of North America) and the Place Royale, unmistakable thanks to its vibrant Christmas tree and the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church.
Québec City is a living winter postcard, and you won’t want to miss the amazing view of and from The Château Frontenac.
Salzburg, Austria:
There are few things that scream holiday season like Christmas carols. And we couldn’t let it slip in our list. So, we decided to include Salzburg, Austria, because even though this is a city worth visiting any time of the year, it comes alive in a completely different way during the winter. The city was the home of priest Joseph Mohr, who over 200 years ago wrote a poem which would become Silent Night, one of the most beloved Christmas carols in the world. His words blended perfectly with the music created by his friend Franz Xaver Gruber and since Christmas Eve 1818, it has accompanied all holiday seasons. But that’s not the only musical connection of Salzburg, because the city is also home to one of the greatest composers of all time, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Of course, no matter where you look, this maestro is present throughout the whole city. Actually, there’s another reason why we think that Salzburg is a perfect winter destination: it follows the very European tradition of Christmas Markets, and with a historic city center (the Alstadt) that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can guess the mesmerizing and warm scenery that is created with countless Christmas lights, souvenirs, beautiful crafts and stalls selling hot beverages and food. Don’t hesitate to get lost in between the alleys, discovering something new to buy or an exquisite dish to try.
Silent Night, Mozart and Christmas markets… Salzburg has absolutely everything that you need for a magical winter vacation!
St. Moritz, Switzerland:
We cannot talk about winter destinations without mentioning a place to ski. And honestly, we all know Switzerland is perfect for this, so, let’s go over to St. Moritz, which is regarded as the birthplace of Alpine tourism, and where winter sports originated. Obviously, nowadays that’s still a huge part of its appeal, but if you want to relax or enjoy other pleasures, St. Moritz remains a great option. The town and its surrounding Engadin Valley create a precious view, and you’ll be happy simply exploring the little streets, cafés and restaurants scattered around. Well, remember that this is Switzerland, so everything is a bit more expensive… Anyways, aside from skiing, you can enjoy an afternoon at the spa, a relaxing evening at your hotel or a fun night out ice skating at Lake St. Moritz. Regardless of the activity you chose, it’ll be accompanied by fantastic views and a magical aura to it, making you feel like the protagonist of a wonderful Christmas movie.
It is said that Alpine tourism was born in St. Moritz, so this is the perfect place for lots of winter sports.
Thank you for staying with us on this journey through some of the world’s charming winter destinations. We made sure to include something for everyone and to go all over the world. For those who love Christmas and are eager to enjoy winter with all of its cold, snow and magic, we hope these cities really meet your expectations. And if you’re left wanting more, don’t worry, this is not our only blog for the holidays!
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