It’s a Beautiful Sight, We’re Happy Tonight
No matter where you are, wintertime means Christmas magic and excited people. Despite the energy in the air, not every city has snow or markets—but don’t worry! We’ve put together a list of the ultimate winter wonderlands around the world. 
Photo by Kei on Unsplash
1. Banff, Canada
Calgary has something to offer every traveler any time of year, but wintertime welcomes truly spectacular lakeview sights. Escape to one of their lodges for a night under the stars, catch the Rockies by Lake Minnewanka, or ski on fresh powder in one of Canada’s best resorts.
2. Zermatt, Switzerland
Calling all thrill-seekers! Adventurous travelers have no shortage of winter activities in Zermatt, a magical mountain village near the Swiss Alps. Treat yourself to world-renowned resorts or hike picturesque trails—and don’t forget the Zermatt Village viewpoint.
3. New York City, United States
NYC is home to a lot of things in the winter: ice skating in Central Park, skiing Upstate, or the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting. Hundreds of restaurants help you beat the cold and nearly every street is lined with fairy lights, making New York one of the most magical cities to see.
4. Gdańsk, Poland
Rainbows are alive and well during Polish winters! Row houses and Gothic architecture boast countless colors, giving you something to see outside the snow. Of course, when it does snow, travelers are treated to postcard-worthy views and several Christmas markets.
Tomasz Sienicki [user: tsca, mail: tomasz.sienicki at gmail.com] on Wikimedia
5. Old Quebec City, Canada
Quebec has an endless number of sights, but Old Quebec City is where the real Christmas magic happens. Visit one of the markets or walk down streets lined with pine trees and string lights for a true holiday feel. Outdoor lovers can also ski, ice skate, or snow tube.
6. Sun Valley, United States
Don’t let its name convince you otherwise—Sun Valley has plenty to offer in the wintertime! Skiers have mountaintop views and crisp slopes whereas low-key travelers can relax in a cozy resort or indulge in horsedrawn sleigh rides.
Steve Jurvetson from Menlo Park, USA on Wikimedia
7. The Dolomites, Italy
Who said you couldn’t visit Italy in the winter? In fact, this popular tourist destination has some of the best views. Hop in a helicopter tour, admire the views from the Grand Hotel, or get wild and try ice climbing!
8. Munich, Germany
Tourists already flock to this beloved German city, but it’s particularly beautiful in the wintertime. You’ll not only browse Christmas markets in the snow, you’ll also have access to the torchlit countryside and some of the tastiest treats around.
9. Reykjavík, Iceland
Of course Iceland’s an unbeatable winter wonderland—it’s right there in the name! It’s a place of mindblowing color and holiday whimsy, something you can find out for yourself on guided tours and top spots to see the Northern Lights.
10. Shirakawa-go, Japan
When you imagine a winter village, you likely picture a place exactly like Shirakawa-go. It’s a quaint town filled with farmhouses, fairy lights, and blankets of snow. Head there between December and February to step into your very own snow globe.
tsuda from Tsushima, Aichi, Japan on Wikimedia
11. Yosemite National Park, United States
Yosemite should already be on your bucket list, but you don’t need to wait until summer to go. This national park has all kinds of hiking trails and ski slopes, making it a picture-perfect wintertime escape. You can also bring your sled for family-friendly adventures!
Stanley Dai tiggerstan on Wikimedia
12. Tromsø, Norway
How do cable car rides and the Northern Lights sound? We love it too, which is exactly why Tromsø is one of our top winter wonderlands! Whether you’re trying to embrace the cold or beat it, any traveler can enjoy themselves with festivals, food, and outdoor activities.
13. Lapland, Finland
Get your ice fishing poles and winter coats because Lapland has all sorts of amazing Christmastime activities. Stand beneath the open sky to catch the Northern Lights, sled with reindeer, or walk through Santa Claus Village to ask the big man himself for presents!
14. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Not everyone wants to stroll frigid streets, no matter how beautiful the scenery. No problem! Might we direct your attention to Amsterdam, the Netherlands’ spectacular capital? Ideal temperatures ensure you won’t freeze in this fairytale land full of lights, parades, and snow-covered streets.
15. The Yukon, Canada
On the other hand, you’ll need to brave the cold for this winter wonderland—though we promise it’s worth it! Peep the Northern Lights or kicksled your way through the Yukon Wildlife Preserve to spot anything from Arctic foxes, moose, and bison.
16. Salzburg, Austria
Christmas and classical music lovers alike get their money’s worth in Salzburg, a stunning Austrian city that just so happens to be Mozart’s birthplace. Snow-covered streets and Christmas markets also make it a perfect romantic getaway.
17. Glacier Bay National Park, United States
It’s no surprise that Alaska has breathtaking winter views, but we’re mainly focused on Glacier Bay National Park. Travelers can soak in the views, go whale watching, or whip out their binoculars for a chance to spot wildlife.
18. Ottawa, Canada
Canada’s capital has it all—museums, Parliament Hill, and unbeatable winter wonderland views! Ice skate amid string lights, hit up ideal winter camping spots, or bring your sweetheart to Winterlude, the city’s annual winter festival.
Marc-Olivier Jodoin on Unsplash
19. Prague, Czech Republic
There must be something special about a place if Franz Kafka loved it. Town Square Christmas markets and dazzling light displays capture all the magic of the season, though you can also pop over between January and March for a much easier experience free of tourists.
20. Aspen, United States
There’s a reason people escape to Colorado in the winter. Aspen is one of the country’s top spots for fresh powder and cabin getaways, but it’s also decked out in Christmas lights at the peak of the season!
