why winter getaways feel so special
Winter has a way of changing how places feel. Cities slow down (or light up), mountains become playgrounds, and some beaches turn wonderfully quiet and peaceful. A winter holiday doesn’t have to mean skiing or sitting in the snow all day. It can be about twinkling lights, cosy cafés, bright blue skies, or even escaping to somewhere much warmer.
The best part is that winter travel can be flexible. Some people want classic Christmas trips for families, with markets, decorations, and traditions. Others just want somewhere calm with good food and a beautiful view. There’s a winter spot for both types of traveller, and plenty in between.
Below is a look at a mix of destinations: snowy classics, city breaks, warm escapes, and family favourites. Think of it as a shortlist of ideas for where to travel in winter if you want your time away to feel memorable and seasonal rather than just “time off”.
snowy classics for a storybook winter
the Alps and European mountain villages
If the phrase “winter wonderland” had a real-life home, it would probably be the Alps. France, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy all share this huge mountain range, and each side has its own style and traditions.
You don’t need to ski to enjoy these places. Many resorts have winter walking trails, cable cars with panoramic views, toboggan runs, and outdoor hot tubs facing the peaks. Even just wandering through a village with wooden chalets, Christmas lights, and the smell of melted cheese drifting from restaurants can feel like stepping into a snow globe.
For a more relaxed feel, smaller villages in Austria or Switzerland often work better than mega-resorts. Think quiet streets, local bakeries, and one or two friendly bars rather than big nightlife scenes. These towns tend to feel more personal, especially if you like chatting with locals and returning to the same café each day.
In many Alpine villages, locals decorate windows with candles and lanterns through December, turning even ordinary streets into soft, glowing photo spots at night.
christmas in canada holidays and northern lights
Canada does winter with enthusiasm. Cities like Quebec City and Montreal look especially charming with snow on old stone streets, and Christmas markets add a warm, festive layer on top of the cold. Outdoor rinks in city squares, steaming cups of hot chocolate, and streets lined with wreaths and lights make city walks feel like scenes from a film.
If the goal is more “wild winter”, head further north. Areas in Yukon, Northwest Territories, or northern Manitoba offer a real chance to see the northern lights. Days are short, but many lodges make the most of it with dog-sledding, snowshoeing, and hot drinks by the fire. Some even offer wake-up calls when the aurora appears, so you don’t have to stand outside in the cold for hours.
For families, places like Banff and Lake Louise in Alberta are easier to reach and offer a classic white Christmas feel. Ice skating on a frozen lake surrounded by mountains, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and simple things like building snowmen in deep, powdery snow are the kind of memories that tend to stick for years.
festive cities that glow in the cold
nyc in the winter time
New York City doesn’t slow down for winter; it just switches outfits. Streets around Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and Fifth Avenue turn into one big holiday display. Skating under the Rockefeller Christmas tree, wandering past shop window displays, and warming up with hot chocolate at a café can easily fill a weekend.
NYC in the winter time often means crisp, cold days and early sunsets, which actually make all the lights more dramatic. January and February bring fewer tourists and better deals, especially after New Year’s. Broadway tickets, hotel rooms, and even top restaurants can be easier to book. Just pack layers, a good coat, and waterproof shoes for slushy sidewalks so you can stay outside comfortably for longer.
charming small-town lights: from Greensburg to Europe
Not every magical winter city has to be huge. Smaller towns can feel more personal, especially for christmas trips for families who want less rushing and more time together. The Greensburg Christmas season in places like Greensburg, Pennsylvania, is a good example: local parades, light displays, and community events create a homely holiday mood without big-city crowds. Children can actually see the parade, talk to Santa without long queues, and enjoy simple traditions like tree-lighting ceremonies.
Across the Atlantic, many European towns turn their main squares into Christmas markets filled with music, mulled wine, and craft stalls. Nuremberg, Strasbourg, and Bruges are long-time favourites, but lesser-known towns can be just as lovely, with a slower pace and shorter lines. You might chat with a local craftsperson, find handmade ornaments, or sit under a heater with a warm drink while a choir sings nearby.
christmas trips for families in themed attractions
Cities with large museums and attractions often create special winter events designed with families in mind. One interesting example is winter wonderland at Fernbank in Atlanta. Fernbank Museum decorates trees with international themes and puts on seasonal activities. It’s indoors, which is helpful if the weather turns cold or rainy, and it offers something different from the usual mall Santa visit by adding a bit of culture and learning to the day.
Many zoos, botanical gardens, and science centres across the US and Canada run similar light shows, evening walks, and themed events in December. These can be great add-ons to a city trip, especially with kids who get excited by lights and interactive exhibits. A simple evening stroll through a garden full of illuminated paths, music, and hot cider can turn an ordinary city break into a festive adventure.
warm getaways: trading snow for sunshine
places to visit in us in winter for sun
For those who love winter but not the cold, parts of the US stay pleasantly warm. Southern California, Arizona, Texas’s Gulf Coast, and especially Florida offer sunshine while other regions freeze. Palm trees wrapped in fairy lights and outdoor concerts in December create a very different—but still seasonal—kind of holiday feel.
Popular places in US to visit in December for warmth include Miami, San Diego, and Scottsdale. Temperatures are comfortable for walking, biking, and exploring without summer’s intense heat. Outdoor dining is still very much an option, and beaches are quieter than at peak season, so sunrise walks and sunset picnics feel more peaceful.
Hawaii is another classic choice. Winter there means whale-watching, lush greenery, and temperatures that make swims and hikes enjoyable rather than exhausting. Surf competitions, waterfalls in full flow, and evenings spent on the beach instead of indoors all make it a strong option for people who want a total break from winter while still enjoying seasonal celebrations and lights.
warm weather in january in europe
Europe is not all frost and snow in winter. There are pockets of warm weather in January in Europe, especially around the Mediterranean. The Canary Islands (part of Spain but off the coast of Africa) are one of the most reliable spots, with mild days that feel like a gentle spring and plenty of sunshine.
Other options include southern Spain (Andalusia), southern Portugal (the Algarve), Cyprus, and parts of Greece’s southern islands. While it might not be full-on “swim all day” beach weather, it’s often warm enough for light jackets, seaside walks, and sunny café terraces. Long lunches outdoors, exploring old towns without crowds, and coastal hikes are all easier when the temperatures are calm and comfortable.
These places also tend to be less crowded. Famous spots like Seville or Lisbon feel more relaxed, and prices often drop outside the peak summer season. You can wander through historic streets, visit popular viewpoints, and sit in well-known cafés with far fewer queues, which makes the whole trip feel more spacious and unhurried.
smart timing, deals and planning tips
using christmas airline deals and shoulder season
Flights and hotels can swing wildly in price during winter. The busiest times are usually the days just before and after Christmas and New Year. If there’s flexibility, travelling a bit earlier in December or just after the first week of January often means better value and more choice.
Airlines sometimes run specific christmas airline deals, especially for midweek flights or routes that are less popular at that time. Signing up for fare alerts on a couple of major routes can help catch sudden drops. Booking very last minute around the holidays is risky, as seats tend to fill up quickly and prices usually rise rather than fall.
In ski areas and big winter cities, the same idea applies: weekends around Christmas and school holidays are peak. Visiting slightly earlier or later can still feel festive but with more space and lower costs. Shoulder-season dates often bring shorter queues for lifts, easier restaurant reservations, and a calmer atmosphere overall.
packing and comfort in cold or warm winter spots
For cold destinations, layering is the key. A simple setup usually works: base layer (something close to the skin that keeps heat in), a warm middle layer like a sweater, and a windproof or waterproof jacket on top. Hat, gloves, and warm socks often make more difference than an extra sweater. Packing hand warmers and a small thermos for hot drinks can also make long outdoor days far more comfortable.
For warm winter escapes, pack for mixed conditions. Even in the Canary Islands or Florida, evenings can be cooler, and light rain is possible. A thin jacket, a mix of short and long sleeves, and comfortable walking shoes cover most situations. If you plan to split time between city sightseeing and the beach, bringing one smarter outfit and one set of beachwear is usually enough.
Snowy cities also call for practical footwear. Streets can be slushy or icy, and shoes with a bit of grip help avoid slips so energy can go toward sightseeing instead of careful shuffling. Waterproof boots or trainers and a spare pair of socks in your day bag can turn a damp, cold afternoon into a manageable one.
choosing the right winter trip for you
With so many places to visit in US in winter and beyond, picking one can feel overwhelming. A few simple questions help narrow it down:
- Prefer cold and snow, or sunshine and warmth?
- Want a busy city break or a quiet town/village?
- Travelling with kids, with friends, or solo?
- Looking for activity (skiing, hiking, skating) or mostly rest and good food?
Once you know your priorities, it becomes easier to match them to a destination. For a classic winter postcard feel, Canada, the Alps, or small Christmas towns are strong choices. For a mix of culture, shopping, and lights, New York, Montreal, or European cities with Christmas markets work well. For gentle sunshine and slower days, consider southern US states or warmer corners of Europe along the Mediterranean.
Whatever the choice, winter has its own magic. Shorter days mean longer evenings with lights, warm drinks, and lingering dinners. Crowds are often smaller, people lean into cosy traditions, and even familiar places look different under snow or winter sun. With a bit of planning and the right match between destination and travel style, a winter holiday getaway can feel less like “just another trip” and more like a season all of its own that you’ll want to repeat year after year.