1. Harbin, China
Harbin is nestled in the northeast region of China, about a two-hour flight from Beijing. Harbin defies the dark, chilly winters by lighting up their frosted city streets with enchanted winter wonders. We recommend this for 'Destinations That Go Beyond Just Christmas Markets' because: the city hosts the world's largest ice sculpture festival, it's packed with unique Chinese-Russian architecture, and offers soul-warming spicy regional food. The best time to visit is in January, because: it's when the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival begins and it’s the perfect time to savor their regional hot pot.
- Harbin Ice and Snow Festival — Showcases massive, breathtaking ice and snow sculptures
- Central Avenue (Zhongyang Street) — A fusion of Russian and Chinese styles to explore
- Dongfang Jiaozi Wang Restaurant — Sample local warming delicacies
Pro tip: Dress warm— think layers, thermal underwear, and insulated boots to combat the extreme cold.
2. Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City is located in the Quebec province of Canada, about a three-hour drive from Montreal. Famous for its Winter Carnival, Quebec City transforms into the perfect storybook winter town, complete with its very own towering Ice Palace. We recommend this for 'Destinations That Go Beyond Just Christmas Markets' because: the city holds one of the world's largest winter carnivals, its fairy-tale-like charm is highlighted in the wintertime, and it offers delicious French-Canadian comfort food. The best time to visit is in late January to early February, because: it's when the Quebec Winter Carnival takes place and you can enjoy the snow-laden Old Quebec as a true winter wonderland.
- Quebec Winter Carnival — Home to the delightful Ice Palace and entertaining parades
- Old Quebec — A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s dreamy under a layer of snow
- Aux Anciens Canadiens — For hearty, traditional Quebecois meals
Pro tip: Don't miss out on trying the local treat called "tire d'érable", a maple taffy made by pouring hot maple syrup on snow.
3. Jigokudani Monkey Park, Japan
Jigokudani Monkey Park is situated in the Nagano region of Japan, approximately a two-hour journey from Tokyo. Famed for its steamy hot springs inhabited by snow monkeys, it offers a unique wildlife and cultural experience. We recommend this for 'Destinations That Go Beyond Just Christmas Markets' because: it's the only place in the world to see snow monkeys bathing in hot springs, it's near the ski paradise of Shiga Kogen, and it offers an authentic Japanese ryokan experience. The best time to visit is in the winter months, because: it's when the park is blanketed in snow creating a magical setting for viewing the monkeys, and it’s the perfect time to hit the nearby ski slopes.
- Jigokudani Monkey Park — Experience wild snow monkeys up close in their hot spring haven
- Shiga Kogen — This ski resort area is just a stone’s throw away for winter sport enthusiasts
- Kanbayashi Onsen — Stay in a traditional ryokan and finish each day with a warm, relaxing soak in a hot spring
Pro tip: Stay quiet and avoid eye contact with the monkeys— they see it as a challenge to their dominance!
4. Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi is located in the Lapland region of Finland, about a one-hour flight from Helsinki. Known as the official home of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi offers more than just Yuletide stories. We recommend this for 'Destinations That Go Beyond Just Christmas Markets' because: you can watch the Northern Lights, take part in thrilling winter activities, and meet real-life reindeer. The best time to visit is between December and March, because: this period offers the best chances to view the Northern Lights and the snow-laden landscapes are perfect for winter activities.
- Santa Claus Village — Yes, it's Christmassy, but meeting Santa is just the tip of the iceberg
- Northern Lights tours — Experience the stunning aurora borealis up close
- Reindeer farm visit — Learn about Sami culture and enjoy a peaceful sleigh ride
Pro tip: Buy a postcard from Santa Claus's official post office and have it stamped with their unique Arctic Circle stamp.
5. Banff National Park, Canada
Banff National Park is located in Alberta, Canada, an hour and a half drive from Calgary. Known for its iconic turquoise lakes, this stunning locale offers winter explorations that leave you breathless. We recommend this for 'Destinations That Go Beyond Just Christmas Markets' because: it offers world-class skiing, has the most picturesque icy landscapes, and breathtaking stargazing opportunities. The best time to visit is from December to March, because: it's when the ski slopes are in their prime, and the clear cold nights perfect for stargazing.
- Sunshine Village — One of the three massive ski resorts in Banff, with a long ski season
- Lake Louise — The frozen lake becomes a stunning natural ice rink in winter
- Sulphur Mountain — A trip up offers unparalleled views and exceptional stargazing
Pro tip: Don't forget to buy a Parks Canada Pass—this is required for visiting the park and to park your vehicle there.
6. Chamonix, France
Chamonix is a resort area near the junction of France, Switzerland, and Italy, about an hour drive from Geneva. It's renowned as a winter sports haven against the backdrop of Mont Blanc. We recommend this for 'Destinations That Go Beyond Just Christmas Markets' because: it boasts one of the world’s best ski resorts, lets you scale the heights of Mont Blanc, and offers an enchanting Alpine village experience. The best time to visit is between December and April, because: it's when you can fully enjoy the winter sports, and the cozy, snowy charm of the village is at its peak.
- Les Grands Montets — A world-renowned ski resort for some serious snow fun
- Aiguille du Midi cable car — Get a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc and the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps
- Chamonix Village — A beautiful, snowy wonderland filled with Alpine charm
Pro tip: Visit the 'Cave de la Glace' (Ice Cave) while you're on the Aiguille du Midi tour, it's a surreal experience.
7. St. Petersburg, Russia
St. Petersburg is a glorious city located in the north-west of Russia, a 4-hour train journey from Moscow. The city's winter, often inspired famous Russian novelists and composers with its frosty charm and enigmatic whites. We recommend this for 'Destinations That Go Beyond Just Christmas Markets' because: it has some of the world's most beautifully decorated theaters and museums, winter-friendly Russian cuisine, and exciting winter festivals. The best time to visit is in January, because: the city transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland, and you can experience the festive Russian Orthodox Christmas which happens in early January.
- Hermitage Museum — One of the world’s largest and oldest museums is a must, whatever the season
- Russian Ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre — A traditional cultural experience that warms the coldest night
- Ice Sculpture Festival — An event that demonstrates the true artistic nature of the Russian people
Pro tip: Traditional Russian thermal baths (Banya) are a perfect way to wrap up a cold day of sightseeing.
8. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is tucked in the southwestern part of Iceland, about 45 minutes by plane from Akureyri. The city's winter charm lies in its geothermal spas and the mystical Northern Lights against the stark Icelandic landscapes. We recommend this for 'Destinations That Go Beyond Just Christmas Markets' because: you can bathe in naturally heated pools under winter skies, it offers unforgettable whale-watching tours, and because Iceland delivers a unique cultural dose with innovative cuisine. The best time to visit is between November and February, because: it’s the prime season to catch the Northern Lights, and you can enjoy Iceland's dramatic landscapes at their icy best.
- Northern Lights tours — To witness nature's most spectacular show
- Blue Lagoon — For a surreal, warming dip in geothermally heated waters
- Whale Watching Tour — See some of the world's largest creatures in their natural habitat
Pro tip: Reserve your Blue Lagoon tickets ahead of time, they sell out quickly!