It may be low season in many parts of the world, but that doesn't mean that winter isn't a great time to travel. From snow-clad mountains to charming city escapes, these destinations embrace the cold and make the most of the often freezing conditions. Wrap up warm as we take a look at some of the best and most underrated places to visit in December, January and February.
Read on to discover the destinations we think you should head for this winter...
A small resort town 19 miles (30km) south of Aachen near the Belgian border, Monschau's beauty is undeniable. The rural town has a charming medieval centre with half-timbered houses and narrow cobblestone streets that have remained largely unchanged for over 300 years. Many snow-dusted trails traverse the surrounding area and the nearby Eifel National Park, as well as lead to the turreted Monschau Castle looming over the town.
Much better value for money and less busy than its counterparts Vail and Aspen, Breckenridge offers everything you'd want from a winter holiday and more. There's beautiful scenery, incredible slopes, a wonderful ski town atmosphere and its downtown is the largest historic district in Colorado. Winter in Breckenridge is also filled with fun events like the Race of the Santas and the unmissable International Snow Sculpture Championships.
Winding streets, narrow canals and quaint, pastel-coloured houses – Colmar has it all. Located in the Grand Est region in northeastern France, the town is a unique collection of medieval and early renaissance buildings, including a beautiful 13th-century church. Located on the Alsace Wine Route, there's obviously excellent wining and dining, however, its main draw is its looks, especially during winter. The town takes decorating very seriously – you'll see wreaths, ornaments and decorated Christmas trees absolutely everywhere, turning the already-charming town into a winter wonderland.
Known for its dramatic scenery, the Lofoten Archipelago in Norway is perfect for a wilder winter adventure. The short Arctic winter days make for a moody setting while at night the sky is illuminated by the Northern Lights dancing above. Lofoten also has a strong connection to the Viking Age and for those who'd like to learn more, the Lofotr Viking Museum is unmissable.
Skip the crowded French ski destinations of Val Thorens, Chamonix and Courchevel, and head straight for Megève, a medieval village nestled among three of the country's finest ski resorts. Not keen on the slopes? No problem, because Megève has plenty of attractions and things to do to keep the non-skiers busy. The cobbled historic centre is perfect for a stroll, complete with an open-air ice-skating rink and horse-drawn sleighs. The town is also notable for its food, with three Michelin-starred restaurants.
Mostly visited in summer, desert town Sedona and the adjacent Red Rock State Park are turned into a surreal-looking landscape in winter when the snow settles like powdered sugar on the red rock formations. It might be a bit too chilly to explore the outdoors during the colder months but there are plenty of resorts here with heated outdoor pools, oversized soaking tubs and gorgeous views – perfect for a more relaxed break.
Despite being located right in the centre of the Pacific Northwest, the town of Leavenworth will make you feel like you're in Germany. The Bavarian-themed architecture usually draws in visitors from Seattle and the surrounding areas but we think it deserves much more attention. The town's Christmas Lighting Festival, set to the backdrop of the snow-clad mountains, is an undeniably magical experience and there are plenty of places to sample local beer and bratwurst. It's also a great base for active outdoor breaks.
While it is true that this Midwestern city gets absolutely freezing cold in winter, the Minnesotans have embraced it (and you should too). The city's cold-weather outdoor events form a 10-day festival called the Great Northern – a tradition the locals are extremely proud of. Expect outdoor barbecues (yes, in the freezing cold), ice carvings, ski races and art installations. Sports fans shouldn't miss the US Pond Hockey Championships while the Saint Paul Winter Carnival host an annual Beer Dabbler, featuring more than 150 breweries and cideries.
Niagara Falls – the world-famous cascade of tumultuous water – doesn’t need any introduction. That said, the falls and the surrounding area take on a real air of magic when Jack Frost descends. The cascade often freezes mid-rush if the temperature is cold enough, turning the waterfall into an icy spectacle shrouded in great plumes of frosted mist. The surrounding city gets swept up in the atmosphere too as it is transformed by the Winter Festival of Lights.
Drawing in visitors thanks to the Roman baths and historic architecture, Bath is an excellent weekend break destination. Especially fantastic in winter when you can enjoy a soak in the steamy thermal waters while surrounded by frosty air, it's an ideal destination for those looking to wind down and relax. In addition to many excellent restaurants and pubs in the city, there's a top Christmas market. What's more, the Royal Victoria Park plays host to a festive ice rink every year.
See how we've ranked Britain's most charming historic towns and cities
Often cited as the first city to have a decorated Christmas tree, the Latvian capital is a charmer in winter. The city's historic centre is home to a sprawling German-style Christmas market, many excellent restaurants serve hearty winter dishes and the Old Town's medieval houses with their terracotta roof tiles look especially pretty when covered in snow. Embrace Riga's freezing cold temperatures and don't miss an opportunity to cross the river on foot when it freezes over.
Less than 10% of Yosemite National Park's 3.9 million visitors come here during the winter months, so you're pretty much guaranteed unobstructed views of its most famous attractions as well as a chance to properly take in the park's unspoiled serenity. The park remains open throughout the year (although some roads are closed during the winter season). The best way of visiting during the snowy months is by joining a guided tour as the roads can get very dangerous due to ice, rain and snow.
University town Heidelberg is enchanting in any season but come winter, its beautiful riverside setting, Baroque Old Town (Altstadt) and half-ruined hilltop castle are transformed into a fairytale destination. Inspiring many, from German writer and statesman Goethe to English painter William Turner, Heidelberg is perfect for romantic strolls through the cobbled streets before retreating indoors for a warming cup of glühwein (mulled wine).
A brilliant destination in summer, we'd argue that Bryce Canyon is even better in winter. The striking contrast of white snow, red rock and (hopefully) a blue sky is a sight to behold and the park offers plenty of activities to make the most of a snowy day. One of the most unusual experiences is a guided full moon snowshoe hike led by a professional park ranger. Running between November and March, it's an opportunity to experience the park at its most quiet and deserted.
Home to 16 stunning lakes interconnected by cascading waterfalls, Plitvice Lakes National Park is better known for brilliantly turquoise waters but during the colder months, they're transformed into thundering cascades freezing into spectacular curtains of ice. Look out for deer, wolves and wild boar who roam the park as you hike the lakes via a series of wooden walkways.
Not only a leaf-peeping paradise in fall, Stowe offers some first-class winter break opportunities. Surrounded by excellent ski resorts, it's also great for those who want to stay firmly on the ground. Nestled beneath Vermont's highest peak, Mount Mansfield, Stowe has several different trails for snowshoeing, free ice-skating at the Stowe Arena and ice fishing on one of Vermont's 40 lakes. You can also explore the area on a fat-tyre bike or see it from high up on a three-hour zipline adventure.
Looking to escape a traditional Christmas? Japan's most important holiday is oshogatsu (New Year) and the month leading up to it is packed with fun festivals, markets and events – and nowhere does it better than Kyoto. Throughout December, lanterns are placed around Arashiyama (the famous bamboo forest) and the brightly coloured temples pop even more when surrounded by a thick layer of snow. If you happen to stay for the actual New Year, don't miss the bell-ringing ceremonies – a Buddhist tradition going back centuries.
Granada gets relatively cold across December, January and February. Unlike the Spain of your imagination, with its scorching heatwaves and sun-baked beaches, winter temperatures here usually range between 6°C (43°F) and 11°C (52°F) and often hover around freezing. Despite the fact you'll need to pack a good coat, however, there's arguably no better time to visit this beautiful city in southern Spain's Andalusia region than the depths of the cold season. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the famous palace and fortress complex of Alhambra (pictured), for example, looks epic sat in front of snow-covered peaks.
Scotland might seem like a harsh place to be during the colder months but it's all worth it to experience Glencoe's incredible natural beauty. Even more rough and rugged when covered in frost or snow, the Scottish Highlands are perfect for a wild winter escape. Located 74 miles (119km) north of Glasgow along the West Highland Way, Glencoe offers everything from skiing and snowboarding to hill walking and sledging. The waterfalls at Buachaille Etive Mòr (pictured) are among the top spots to see.
Beautiful Budapest is spectacular any time of the year, but winter brings extra magic to the city and comes with the added bonus of less crowds. Beat the chill and soak up the romantic atmosphere at the ornate thermal Széchenyi Baths and when it gets too cold for that, you've got loads of amazing museums to explore including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Ludwig Museum. Marvel at the ice drifts on the Danube passing by the spectacular Hungarian Parliament Building and enjoy a stroll under the twinkling Christmas lights.
This sprawling national park in Devon is great in any season but a touch of frost and crisp wintery air adds something special to this beautiful landscape. Wild ponies roam on the much quieter grounds while invigorating weekend walks are rewarded with a roaring fire and a pie at one of the remote country pubs.
Toronto is a clean-cut giant of gleaming skyscrapers, sleek shopping centres, impressive museums and some of the finest restaurants in the world. And when winter hits and the mercury dips, Toronto keeps going with an exciting array of winter events and festivals. A highlight is the Christmas Market in the historic Distillery District, with beer gardens, European-style stalls and a life-sized gingerbread street.
This picture-perfect city is visually stunning, but it also has a fascinating history too. Most know it as the filming location for The Sound of Music and while it's enticing in summer, a blanket of snow gives Salzburg a completely different face. The city where Mozart was born resembles a fairytale village with a castle looming on a hill. There are cosy cafés aplenty and Salzburg's Christmas market is a treat.
If you're after an Arctic Circle experience without the crowds, head to this dreamy Swedish village. Just out of town you'll find the Abisko National Park teeming with Nordic wildlife (especially reindeer) as well as the Aurora Sky Station on Mount Nuolja – an observation centre for the Northern Lights. While here, you can enjoy dog sledding, ice fishing and traditional telemark skiing, which is essentially Alpine downhill skiing using Nordic cross-country skis.
With its snow-dusted red roofs, cobbled streets and hearty stews, the City of a Hundred Spires makes a magical winter destination. Explore Prague's picture-perfect Old Town, catch a classical concert and shop at the Christmas market – one of Europe's best. The sugary aroma of trdelníks (doughnut-like cinnamon rings) is sure to lure you to one of the street stalls where these delicious morsels are baked on an open fire as you wait.
Iceland's rugged terrain, stunning scenery and quaint cities are a big draw in both summer and winter. The country's capital Reykjavík though can get very busy during both seasons. Luckily the northern coast is hiding an underrated destination – Iceland's second city Akureyri. Set against a moody mountain backdrop, the city is the perfect gateway for discovering Iceland's mythical landscapes, visiting the turf houses in Laufás and going for a date with humpback whales in the Eyjafjörður fjord.
Braving the wilderness in winter might seem like a lot but hear us out. The year's coldest months turn Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies into an absolutely magical destination with sparkling white snow covering the ground, the mountains and sometimes even the treetops. During the day, enjoy your surroundings by hitting the trails with snowshoes or skis. Come evening, curl up with a mug of hot chocolate and admire the second-biggest dark sky preserve on Earth.
Think this is Europe or, perhaps, Canada? You'd be forgiven for thinking that but you'll actually find this marvellous snow-clad scenery in Bariloche in Argentina. Just over two hours southwest of Buenos Aires by plane, the Patagonian town is South America's biggest ski resort. You'll be surrounded by snow-capped peaks, timber lodges and the vast Patagonian wilderness – perfect for a totally one-of-a-kind experience.
With its winding cobbled streets, enchanting spires and ice cream-coloured buildings, Tallinn’s medieval Old Town is magical. Add a sprinkling of snow and you’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a fairytale. From mid-November until early January, explore the Christmas market set around the vast sparkling Christmas tree in the Town Hall Square. Warm up with a gingerbread biscuit and mulled wine or get stuck into a hot chocolate at the charming Kehrwieder Chocolaterie café.
Contrary to popular belief, spring isn't the only time to visit Paris. Winter is actually one of the most magical times of the year for a holiday in the City of Light as street life is as buzzing as ever. Outdoor terraces remain open, warming diners with blankets and mulled wine, and there are wintry walks aplenty, plus museums and galleries are a lot less crowded.
With light shows projected onto Parliament and firework displays galore, summer is a fine time to visit Ottawa. But in winter the Canadian capital puts on even more of a show. The best time to go? During the Winterlude festival, taking place during the first three weekends of February with ice carving contests, a giant winter playground in Jacques-Cartier Park and even a triathlon. Pull on your skates and you can even whizz along the frozen Rideau Canal – its 4.8 miles (7.7km) make it the largest outdoor rink on the planet.
Lake Bled in winter is great for both relaxing hotel stays where you can curl up by the fire and active breaks, exploring the surrounding forests. Commanding wondrous views over the water, the town of Bled is totally charming. Once the lake freezes over, you can skate on it or hike up the hill to the Bled Castle – the best spot for taking in the snowy scenery.
Snow isn't exactly common on the Costa del Sol. In fact, since the start of the 20th century, the only time the cold white stuff has fallen from the sky here was during the first week of February 1954. Don't let such weather patterns fool you into thinking Malaga isn't a winter wonderland in its own right though. Not only are its Christmas lights (pictured) genuinely stunning, you'll also be competing with less tourists as you wander around the city's incredible art and history offerings (the Picasso Museum is a must). With January highs of 20 °C (68 °F), you might even get to enjoy the beach.
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