Winter is getting in the swing in the northern parts of the world, and in between party planning and holiday shopping, some of us enjoy dreaming of our next great vacation.
Yet while we might dream of warmer weather or a tropical climate, some of us just want to visit a place without being one of the thousands in a crowd—and this is where the destinations below come in!
While many people enjoy visiting the destinations listed below during the summer, we recommend checking them out in the winter, when many tourists are gone and you can have them almost all to yourself—minus the locals, of course, who might just welcome you with unique Christmas traditions, exciting cultural opportunities and fun winter adventure activities.
For the Snow Lovers:
Norway
Northern lights in Tromso, Norway (Photo Credit: The Nordics/IsmaeleT)
Norway is visited typically in the summer, but it’s got a lot going for it in the winter—especially for snow lovers and those wanting a taste of Norwegian Christmas magic. Christmas markets, delicious holiday treats and religious festivals are only just the beginning for those heading to Norway before and during Christmas.
Those heading there after can enjoy all manner of fun winter activities, from skiing and snowshoeing to curling up in front of a warm fire after a long day exploring your chosen destination.
If you’re more into cruising, don’t feel too left out: cruise lines like Havila Voyages are still sailing even around Christmas time, offering unique opportunities to experience Norway and celebrate the holidays at the same time.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
A Christmas tree in the middle of historic Mackinac Island, Michigan in winter. (Photo Credit: Sara Wright)
So many travelers love taking the ferry to visit scenic, Victorian Mackinac Island, Michigan during the spring and summer—especially for its Lilac Festival, hosted each year in June, and to enjoy the motor-less island that truly takes travelers back in time.
Yet when the snow comes, the small island, most of which is a designated state park, becomes a winter wonderland!
Loving the snow and wintry fun is a requirement for visiting Mackinac Island in the winter, with opportunities to snowshoe, shop, or participate in one of the island’s many holiday experiences, like a Twilight Turtle Trek. Plus, those looking to save on their travel experience can enjoy getting steep discounts at local bed and breakfasts, inns and hotels across the island during its quiet season.
For the Culture Lovers:
Edinburgh, Scotland
PHOTO: The Edinburgh Christmas Market (Photo by Scott Hartbeck)
Edinburgh is another summer favorite, but have you considered visiting it in the winter? The historic Scottish capital turns into a magical winter wonderland, with charming holiday storefronts, Christmas markets and snow-dusted roofs and cobblestone streets.
Culture lovers will enjoy visiting churches and museums like the National Museum of Scotland and The Writers’ Museum, learning about Mary Queen of Scots with a trip to the Edinburgh Castle, sipping a brew or two at one of its lively cafes, warming up with a whiskey tasting, or simply getting lost in the snow in the atmosphere of Edinburgh’s most charming streets.
New York City, New York
People ice skating in Central Park, New York City. (Photo Credit: travnikovstudio/Adobe)
So many travelers adore visiting New York City in the summer, but with the heat comes the city stink, so why not skip that mess and visit during winter, instead? From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to the famous New Year’s Eve celebrations, and the amazing holiday performances on Broadway and beyond, culture lovers will delight in everything that chilly winter New York City has to offer.
Don’t be frightened of the snow and the cold, though: there’s plenty to do indoors, from visiting world-class museums like the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim to sipping a warm drink in a cafe near snowy Central Park.
You might just feel like the main character of your very own New York City holiday movie!
For the Wine Lovers:
Northern California
A kid in Sequoia National Park in northern California, during the winter. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock / Aleksei Potov)
While places like wine-centric Sonoma, scenic Mendocino or sunny Sacramento might be more popular in the warmer times of year, northern California still has a lot of love to give to winter travelers.
First off: there’s less crowds, giving you all the access to the amazing places, wineries, farm-to-table restaurants and attractions you love, just without the crush. And because it’s a slower season, you might just meet the vintner who crafted your wine!
Second, travelers can find plenty of Hallmark Christmas movie-inspired holiday offerings to enjoy, from themed holiday dinners at local restaurants to festivals, parties, hotel packages and more.
Those who love getting active in the winter can also pack their parkas and winter boots to take advantage of quiet, lovely winter scenery at one of northern California’s many parks, from Sequoia National Park to Klamath National Forest & Butte Valley National Grassland.
Italy
The view of Florence in winter, with the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock / Dan74)
While travelers flock to Rome and wider Italy during the summer and during big holidays in the Catholic church year, consider visiting Italy in the winter, especially the regions outside of Rome after the popular Christmas holiday has ended.
While the weather might be a bit iffy, at least it won’t be over a hundred degrees Fahrenheit and crowded with tourists. And depending on where you visit, like Tuscany or the more northern regions, you might actually see a sight most people don’t see when they visit Italy in the summer: the chance to see it covered in snow.
Culture, food and wine lovers can still enjoy many of the same experiences they would in summer—though those traveling during a winter holiday, like Christmas or New Year’s, might get to the opportunity to learn about traditions like visiting a Christmas market or catching a glimpse of a highly decorative nativity scene called a presepe.
What’s not to like about that?
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