Fun Winter Destinations

Lhasa, Tibet
One wouldn’t normally consider visiting Tibet during the winter months, as temperatures can go as low as -40°C. But a train journey from Beijing will present you with an incredibly gorgeous view of the snowfields of the Tibetan Plateau, where wild horses and antelope can be seen roaming. It’s also the best time to walk or cycle around the city, as the cool air tempers out the sun—which, because of the high altitude, can be skin-burning during the summer months.

Winter also means fewer tourists, so you can explore Potala Palace, the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama; or the many monasteries, such as Drepung and Sera, with ease. Need to fuel up? Get cozy in any of the cafes and restaurants that feature built-in fireplaces. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can always keep warm by drinking yak butter tea, boiled over a yak-dung fire. (Photo by Thinkstock)

Harbin, China
The capital of China’s Heilongjiang province has been called “Ice City,” thanks to its unforgiving cold winter season. But the city uses this to its advantage, via the annual “Harbin Ice Festival,” by far the largest snow and ice festival in the world. Head to Harbin anywhere from January 5 (when it starts) to the end of February to experience a winter wonderland like no other! Visit the “Ice and Snow World,” a sprawling 500,000 square meter park that houses breathtaking snow sculptures, as well as winter activities and sports. Head to the frozen Songhua River to watch fishing, diving, and swimming (!) contests, and drop by the Snow Sculpture Art Expo on Sun Island and see sculptures done by artists from around the world. Then cap off the day by watching the Ice Lantern Show at night. (Photo by Thinkstock)

Lake Placid, New York
Want to feel like a Winter Olympics athlete? Head on over to Whiteface, Lake Placid, where once can experience extreme winter sports, under the guidance of professionals. Go bobsledding with a pro driver and brakeman, before enrolling in the “Be a Biathlete” course, which includes an hour of cross-country skiing and shooting at the range. Speed skate around the Olympic oval, or partake in a skiing and snowboarding race at Whiteface Mountain. Not into extreme sports? Strap on snowshoes and explore the beauty that Adirondack offers via a leisurely walk on snowshoe-only trails. (Photo by Thinkstock)

Rovaniemi, Finland
Want to see and meet the real Santa Claus? Apparently, he lives in Rovaniemi, Finland! Tourists can visit Father Christmas any time of the year at the Santa Claus Office, but it’s during Christmas time when the city really comes alive. The Arctic Circle puts up “Santa Claus Village”, a tourist trap that features kitschy Christmas shops, including a Santa Claus post office with special stamps. Kids can even go sledding on small-scale sledding hills, before heading to underground amusement park, SantaPark. Be sure to pack for super icy weather: Finland’s thermometers have more numbers below 0. (Photo by Thinkstock)

Niseko, Japan
The word “Niseko” means “cliff jutting over a riverbank deep in the mountains,” in Ainu, the native language of Japanese aborigines. But to locals, Niseko is simply a majestic mountain range, which attracts thousands of tourists looking to hit the slopes.

Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik, Iceland
This 10,000 square foot outdoor geothermal bath is one of Iceland’s biggest tourist attractions. Because really, where else can one steep in warm seawater (temperatures average around 100°F) while surrounded by snow-capped lava rocks? The Blue Lagoon’s waters are rich in minerals like silica and sulfur, giving the water certain healing properties. Sitting in the Blue Lagoon has become a popular treatment for people with skin conditions such as psoriasis. (Photo by Thinkstock)

Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Jukkasjärvi may have a population of less than a thousand. But come December, tourists from all over flock to this icy destination to check into the renowned Ice Hotel. While other countries have adapted the ice hotel concept, it was in this little town in Sweden where people the idea of sleeping in sleeping bags over reindeer skin originated. Everything in the Ice Hotel is made of ice—from the doors to the hotel bar, to the beds, and even the chandeliers! Drop by between December to April, when the Ice Hotel is up and open. It’s the darkest time of the year, and the sun can barely be seen above the horizon; the payoff, though, is that you get a better view of the majestic Northern Lights. (Photo by Thinkstock)