If you’re looking for breathtaking destinations to experience the magic of winter for the very first time, here are five must-visit places to add to your holiday itinerary.
Winter is a beautiful season, even if the intense cold isn’t for everybody. Given that the Philippines experiences only a handful of seasons—rotating between sweltering summers or rainy monsoons—many Filipinos wonder what it might be like to live in a colder country that experiences winter. From sprawling white landscapes to towering, icy mountain peaks, this chilly year-end season is worth experiencing at least once.
Looking for picturesque destinations to witness winter magic during the holidays? These places come highly recommended by travelers and guides from Condé Nast and Elle alike. After all, if you’re going to bask in the season for the very first time, it should be a trip to remember.
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Shirakawa-go, Japan
Nestled in the mountains of Japan’s Gifu and Toyama Prefectures is the cozy village of Shirakawa-go. UNESCO has recognized the spot as a World Heritage Site for good reason. It perfectly captures the country’s old traditions, with small and virtually untouched farmhouses in the style of “gassho-zukuri” [which translates to “constructed like hands in prayer”].
The homes possess thatched roofs and look beautiful in the lush mountainside—though they completely transform during the winter, turning Shirakawa-go into a charming snowy wonderland.
Visit the village’s natural hot spring or one of its mini museums contained within the traditional houses, including the Nagase House and Kanda House. Shirakawa-go also hosts an annual Winter Illumination event during the season, with houses lit up from within to cast a warm glow around the snowy landscape.
Harbin, China
Those looking for another snowy destination within Asia may want to consider booking a trip to Harbin, China. The winter destination is truly a marvel, as it contains a temporary city of ice annually. Each year, the Harbin International Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival attracts millions of tourists, who visit the place to see its towering sculptural palaces, monuments, buildings, and the like.
The people didn’t nickname Harbin “Ice City” for nothing, as its winters are particularly long, with a snow season that can last for almost half a year. This means visitors will have plenty of time to go ice skating, skiing, and even dog sledding, among other fun winter activities.
Lapland, Finland
Scenes of reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh across the Northern Lights seem like things only found on Christmas cards—but they’re a lot closer to reality, especially in Lapland, Finland. This destination offers expansive Arctic countryside and some of the most unforgettable winter scenes you’ll ever witness.
Here, visitors can visit Santa Claus Village and meet jolly old Saint Nicholas himself, or take a sleigh ride pulled by reindeer.
Experience the beauty of the Northern Lights as well, with a number of accommodations, including resorts with 360-degree glass roofs or hotels made of snow and ice. There’s something for everyone in Lapland, which truly shines during the winter season.
Banff, Canada
If you want to visit a scenic resort town for the holidays, Banff, Canada is the place to go. This pocket of winter paradise is situated in Alberta’s Banff National Park, right between the snowy slopes of Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade. Here, thrill-seekers can participate in activities like snowboarding, skiing, or nature treks.
A gorgeous must-see is certainly the town’s many lakes, whose clear blue waters seem mystical and otherworldly. Though they’re usually too cold for a nice swim, visitors can still partake in lake fishing and ice skating when it freezes over during the winter.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Switzerland is a quintessential snow country, and a definite must-see for anyone looking to experience winter at its finest. It’s tricky to know exactly where to start, and while you can’t go wrong visiting almost any part of the country, those who want to see its lovely alps up close will certainly enjoy a stay at St. Moritz. Many know the Swiss town as a glamorous and luxurious destination for the elite, with its natural beauty and five-star accommodations.
Beyond the usual fare of skiing, ice skating, and snowboarding, one can also indulge in some of Europe’s best spas and saunas—which is no doubt a treat in cold weather. After taking in the marvelous alpine views, one can go shopping in the stores of luxury brands like Dior and Gucci, or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride across the snowscape. Each year, some of the continent’s greatest thoroughbred horses and their jockeys gather at the white-clad terrain of Lake St. Moritz to engage in the exciting White Turf race.
Banner photo from the Santa Claus Village website.
