Are you in the mood for something different this holiday season? Do you enjoy winter but want to avoid the holiday blues? Try getting away to one of these 15 perfect winter wonderlands.

Munich, Germany

Munich is the capital of Bavaria and the third-largest city in Germany. Wintertime there is highlighted by centuries-old traditions. One of the most popular places is the Christkindlmarket in the city’s world-famous Marienplatz. Here you can enjoy some hot mulled wine served in a handcrafted mug, take in the numerous elaborate gingerbread houses and pick up some exceptional artisanal toys hand carved from wood.

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Shirakawa, Japan

Shirakawa is a village located in Gifu prefecture in Japan. Due, in part, to the traditional architecture of the homes there, it has been officially deemed an official UNESCO World Heritage site. See the minka building style that includes the well-known vertiginous thatched roofs meant to keep heavy snowfalls from collapsing them. After all, Shirakawa is reported to have “some of the heaviest snowfall” on the planet.

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St. Petersburg, Russia

It doesn’t have to be winter to make St. Petersburg worth a visit. You can catch a concert by the Saint Petersburg Philharmonia or go to the Mariinsky Theatre at any time. Still, during the winter, this place features several seasonal events and has a snow-frosted beauty like no other time of the year. Be there on January 6 for Orthodox Christmas.

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Harbin, China

The city of Harbin is the coldest of all of the nation’s major metropolises. It’s also known as “Ice City.” In an effort to celebrate the season and to embrace its nickname, every year it hosts the popular Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. It’s the world’s largest snow festival and spans two different areas on both sides of the Songhua River.

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Kitzbühel, Austria

Kitzbühel is a world-famous medieval village. It is best known for the great skiing on the local slopes. It also has several miles of nice flat plains for visitors who prefer cross-country skiing. The surrounding area is reportedly an “Alpine paradise” in winter. Located a good hour from Innsbruck, Kitzbühel not only draws lovers of winter sports but also for its excellent Christmas market.

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Yosemite National Park, USA

When it comes to a change in season, there’s nothing better than seeing a national park covered with virgin snow. The Yosemite National Park in California is a great place for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. See the seasonal changes on the local fauna and flora. Stay in any huts not cut off by the snow or elsewhere in the beautiful Yosemite Valley.

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Alcázar de Segovia, Spain

Central Spain’s Alcázar de Segovia was once a prison, a fortress, and a royal palace. As noted elsewhere on this website, it also was the source of inspiration for Walt Disney’s iconic Cinderella Castle. Today this place is open to the public. Alcázar de Segovia is now a museum. It was designed to resemble the bows of the famous ship Alcázar.

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Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Situated in Southern Bohemia, Český Krumlov harkens back to the 1200s. Now an official UNESCO World Heritage site, the castle is one of the country’s largest. Be sure to visit the castle’s impressive baroque theatre and the noteworthy traditional brewery, too. If you enjoy nature then take a short drive to the popular Šumava National Park. It’s even more impressive in winter.

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Milan, Italy

Home to La Scala opera house, the impressive Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery, and famous eateries, Milan takes on a whole new air in the winter. Culture comes alive, complete with exceptional performances of Fidelio and The Nutcracker at the opera house. Once the snow begins to fall on the Milan Cathedral in the famous Plaza Duomo, this Instagramable winter wonderland is complete.

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Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is an old town admired for its baroque architecture. Once the birthplace of Mozart has been covered in a layer of Alpine snow, it becomes even more beautiful. This place is a traditional entry point into the Alps too for those into winter sports. After you get some exercise, dine on Kaiserschmarrn, Austrian pancakes, and a genuine Viennese hot chocolate.

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Bled, Slovenia

Visit the glacial lake on the edge of Bled. See the island in the middle of it known as Bled island. There you will find a church from the 1600s that contains numerous Gothic frescoes. On one side of the lake, towers Bled Castle. This is one of Slovenia’s oldest Medieval castles. Now imagine it all blanketed in beautiful white snow.

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Aachen, Germany

Famous for its thermal springs, Aachen is also known for its Christmas market. Experience the West German city’s snow-dusted cobbled streets and buildings that date back to medieval times. Need more to get into the festive spirit? Sample a special local version of a German Christmas treat called lebkuchen.

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Queenstown, New Zealand

The Remarkables, the impressive mountain range behind Queenstown, look so perfect you might think you’re on a movie set. The city of Queenstown is a lively place drenched in culture. If you travel there in late June, you will be able to attend their annual winter festival which is highlighted by live music, dances, and other assorted snow-centered activities.

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Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Amsterdam in the winter is highlighted by beautiful banks of snow lining the popular canals of the city’s major thoroughfares. The Dutch capital is big on winter events. There are numerous cultural and theatrical presentations, special ice-skating rinks, an annual parade, and every building is draped with colorful lights. Be sure to check out the famous 15-century weigh house known as the Waag too!

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Quebec, Canada

Quebec’s popular Quebec Winter Carnival has been a festive favorite for more than 50 years. It was originally founded to stave off the winter blues that often come with lengthy winters. Today there are now seasonal cultural events galore. They include such activities as canoe races, ice sculpting, and masked balls. More than 1 million travelers come here every year to see the concerts, ice caverns, and assorted art installations as well.

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