Traveling to a Winter Wonderland: Colder Weather Destinations Beyond Ski Resorts
Do the current “dog days of summer” have you daydreaming of cooler temperatures, cozy nights by the fire, and snow as far as the eye can see? Many people naturally think of ski resorts as the ideal winter retreat for activities, but what about if you are looking for a magical winter getaway without the snowboard?
Luckily, the magic of a winter wonderland extends beyond the slopes. Whether you are looking for a unique ice hotel experience, the best place to experience nature’s light show, or the perfect winter market or festival, there is a getaway for you. Here is our guide to the best winter escapes, no matter your preference or travel style.
1. Chill in a Unique Ice Hotel
Channel your inner Elsa and stay inside a unique ice hotel. From the walls to the furniture, ice hotels are an unforgettable way to fully immerse yourself in a true winter getaway.
If you are concerned that you may turn into a popsicle at night, do not worry! Many hotels heat their rooms to the mid-teens to mid-20’s and provide heavy duty sleeping bags and warm clothing to keep the chill away. Some of the most popular ice hotels include:
Sweden’s Icehotel (Jukkasjärvi, Sweden): Arguably the most well-known ice hotel, Sweden’s Icehotel has been welcoming visitors since 1989 and is unique in that it is part hotel and part ice and snow art installation. They constantly rotate their exhibits so you will never have the same experience twice. There are ice-room options where you sleep on ice beds covered with cozy blankets, or if you prefer to sleep in a more traditional and warmer room, you can book a stay in their traditional hotel suites. During the day and evening, there are a host of activities you can sign up for so you can truly enjoy the experience all day long.
Hôtel de Glace (Quebec, Canada): As North America’s only ice hotel, the Hôtel de Glace offers ice sculptures, restaurants, and uniquely designed suites each with its own theme. There is even an ice chapel where couples from around the world can get married.
Lapland Hotels SnowVillage (Kittila, Finland): The Nordics are a winter lovers dream and the SnowVillage promises a one-of-a-kind experience with ice rooms, world-class restaurants, and bars. For those guests looking for a unique experience, private cottages with hot tubs are also available for a perfect mix of winter adventure and relaxation.
2. Follow The Lights and Take in the Aurora Borealis
For many, seeing the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, is a bucket list item. It is truly one of the most spectacular experiences Mother Earth offers and can be seen with the naked eye in the right conditions. The dancing hues of green, pink, and purple lights are a true wonder for anyone who sees them. To increase your odds of seeing the lights, travel between late autumn and early spring to areas located in high-latitude regions (such as around the Arctic and Antarctic). Here are some options to consider:
Reykjavik, Iceland: Quickly becoming a popular winter destination, the capital of Iceland is easily accessible from the United States with daily flights offered from major East Coast cities. You can take advantage of options such as Icelandair’s Stopover program. If you are planning to visit another European city, you can add a Stopover in Iceland for up to a week at no additional airfare cost. From Reykjavik, you can take a guided tour to hunt for the Northern Lights.
Tromsø, Norway: Located in the Arctic region, Tromsø is an ideal place to see the Northern Lights as well as experiencing many Arctic-related activities including seeing reindeer and going on a dog sledding adventure. The city is modern and has no shortage of museums, art galleries, and a vibrant nightlife, making it the perfect place for relaxation, adventure, and culture.
Yellowknife, Canada: For those who do not want to hop on an airplane across the Atlantic Ocean, Canada’s Northwest Territories feature some of the best views of the dancing lights. The area sees up to 240 nights a year of light activity, making it one of the best locations to see the lights in the entire world.
For more locations, check out our blog post, The Top 7 Places To See The Northern Lights in 2025.
3. ‘Tis the Season for Christmas Markets and Festivals
The summer and warmer months are not the only time for celebration! The winter season holds significance around the globe and is a time of fun, laughter, and joy. These festivals, markets, and events feature artistry, tradition, and mouthwatering treats. Some of the most popular festivals and markets include:
Sapporo Snow Festival (Japan): Held every February in Sapporo, this festival is one of Japan’s most popular winter festivals. The festival is held on three sites: the Odori Site, the Susukino Site, and the Tsu Dome Site. Visitors are treated to large snow sculptures and statues, fun winter activities such as snow slides and rafting, and live performances.
Rovaniemi’s Christmas and Santa Claus Festivals (Lapland, Finland): Considered to be the official hometown of Santa Claus, Lapland is a dreamy winter wonderland with reindeers, Christmas markets, and even a chance to meet the big guy himself. At Rovaniemi you can take in ice sculptures, go husky sledding, take part in a sauna experience, and try some of the local dishes.
Christmas Markets in Vienna, Austria: For some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, head to Vienna where you can choose from over 20 markets and events to stroll and capture the holiday spirit. With festive lights, ice skating, traditional Christmas treats, rides for the entire family, and classic nativity scenes, there is no shortage of winter cheer.
Bryant Park Winter Village (New York, NY): There is something special about NYC during the wintertime. From catching your favorite show on Broadway, watching the ball drop on New Years Eve, or ice skating at one of the dozens of rinks in the city, there is a reason so many love visiting The Big Apple in the winter. Bryant Park is home to a European-style Christmas market during the holiday season featuring over 100 kiosks of handmade crafts, treats, and other pieces, perfect to bring home to family and loved ones.
4. Stay Warm Against Winter’s Chill
A hot springs or spa luxury retreat against a snowy landscape is a perfect blend of warmth and nature’s wonder. Imagine relaxing in a naturally heated hot springs while looking at the snowy landscape around you. A few popular options include:
Blue Lagoon (Reykjavik, Iceland): Located 30 miles from Reykjavik, this geothermal seawater lagoon is one of the most iconic hot springs in the world. Named one of the 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic in 2012, the Blue Lagoon offers spa and relaxation experiences for guests to enjoy year-round. You can visit for a day or book a night at The Retreat or Silica Hotels for a truly immersive experience.
Chena Hot Springs (Fairbanks, Alaska): This hot springs retreat located 60 miles from Fairbanks is not only a fantastic location to see the Northern Lights, but also a perfect place for a digital detox. Book a stay in one of the resort’s rooms, suites, or cabins to be within walking distance of the hot springs lake. You can also take advantage of the many activities including dog sledding, ice fishing, or an electric snowmobile tour.
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest (Hungary): Budapest is known for their thermal pools and spa baths all around the city. With dozens of different options to experience, Budapest is not only a city of culture but also a city of relaxation. Book a stay at the five-star Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace in Budapest with views of the Danube and the famous Buda skyline. Spend your days exploring the city sights, experiencing the spa baths, and recharge in the Four Seasons spa with a variety of treatments available. This is a luxury experience in one of Europe’s most stunning cities.
Winter travel is not only ski resorts and mountain chalets but rather, a way to explore places in different ways. Whether you spend a few nights at a one-of-a-kind ice hotel, watch the Northern Lights in the Arctic, wander around Christmas Markets, or warm up in a natural hot spring or spa, these wonderland escapes will make you rethink what winter travel can be.
If you are ready to trade in your skis for a unique snowy adventure, contract our travel advisors at Avondale Travel today!