Are you in the mood for something different this holiday season? Do you enjoy winter but want to avoid the holiday blues? Try getting away to one of these 15 perfect winter wonderlands.
1.Munich, Germany
Munich is the capital of Bavaria and the third-largest city in Germany. Wintertime there is highlighted by centuries-old traditions. One of the most popular places is the Christkindlmarket in the city’s world-famous Marienplatz. Here you can enjoy some hot mulled wine served in a handcrafted mug, take in the numerous elaborate gingerbread houses and pick up some exceptional artisanal toys hand carved from wood.
2.Shirakawa, Japan
Shirakawa is a village located in Gifu prefecture in Japan. Due, in part, to the traditional architecture of the homes there, it has been officially deemed an official UNESCO World Heritage site. See the minka building style that includes the well-known vertiginous thatched roofs meant to keep heavy snowfalls from collapsing them. After all, Shirakawa is reported to have “some of the heaviest snowfall” on the planet
3St. Petersburg, Russia
It doesn’t have to be winter to make St. Petersburg worth a visit. You can catch a concert by the Saint Petersburg Philharmonia or go to the Mariinsky Theatre at any time. Still, during the winter, this place features several seasonal events and has a snow-frosted beauty like no other time of the year. Be there on January 6 for Orthodox Christmas.
4.Harbin, China
The city of Harbin is the coldest of all of the nation’s major metropolises. It’s also known as “Ice City.” In an effort to celebrate the season and to embrace its nickname, every year it hosts the popular Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. It’s the world’s largest snow festival and spans two different areas on both sides of the Songhua River.
5.Kitzbühel, Austria
Kitzbühel is a world-famous medieval village. It is best known for the great skiing on the local slopes. It also has several miles of nice flat plains for visitors who prefer cross-country skiing. The surrounding area is reportedly an “Alpine paradise” in winter. Located a good hour from Innsbruck, Kitzbühel not only draws lovers of winter sports but also for its excellent Christmas market.