There are many things to do over the winter holidays, from merry Christmas markets to indoor entertainment. In response to the rising popularity of winter travel, several cities plan events and activities throughout December. Nowadays, traveling to a city in the winter allows you to observe residents and visitors enjoying the country’s best activities. So wrap warmly because we’ll be going through some of the better ones soon.
Top 5 Winter Travel Holiday Ideas
- Tromso, Norway
Troms, located above the Arctic Circle, is one of the best places to adore the Northern Lights. While it is well known worldwide as a place to see the lights, sightings are only sometimes guaranteed. Therefore, it’s a good thing the city provides a variety of other outdoor activities that are all done in the soothing light of never-ending dusk. A wonderful way to observe the surrounding area and see wildlife like reindeer and elk is to go dog sledding.
Be sure to take advantage of the chance to go on a whale safari, which leaves from Sommary Island, two hours from Troms. Look for humpback, killer, and whales. Polaria, the northernmost aquarium, is one of the most northern breweries are indoor attractions.
- Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius 13th century Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, becomes magical in the final months of the year when a dusting of snow transforms the cobblestone streets into something out of a fairy tale, even though temperatures rarely rise above freezing in the bitterly cold winter of Lithuania. Discover the city’s top sights and learn about its history and culture by taking a free walking tour.
Visit the brand-new MO Modern Art Museum afterward, then cozy up at a pub or restaurant. Lithuanian cuisine is hearty, and the city has lively nightlife all year. The Christmas Market, which has merchants arranged around a massive Christmas tree covered in millions of lights, is a spectacular sight if you go late between November and the end of December.
- London, United Kingdom
Beautiful winter nights are the highlight of winter in London. The abundance of colored lights and lasers is made possible by shorter days and magnificent buildings; some light exhibitions even include audience involvement. The largest light display in the city, Lumiere London, takes place in January and includes the imaginative illumination of the night sky by about 40 artists.
Many ice skating rinks in London open during the winter, so there are many to pick from. You won’t be short of breathtaking spots, whether you want to race around the largest open-air ice rink in the city in Hyde Park or glide past ravens in the Tower of London. Of course, you may always warm up with a steaming mug of hot chocolate from almost any cafe in the city if the cold gets to you.
- Montreal, Canada
Montreal may be covered in heavy snow during the winter, but the city doesn’t hibernate. Instead, it transforms into a true winter wonderland, even after Christmas when a little happiness is needed.
Montreal en Lumiere, which runs from February 21 to March 3, is a noteworthy occasion. One of the widest winter festivals in the world, Nuit Blanche is an all-night celebration with more than 200 events. It features food, music, and art. The majority of it is free, and transportation around is provided by a free shuttle.
- Cork, Ireland
Ireland’s second city is sometimes disregarded in favor of Dublin. Still, it has the qualities to compete with the best: world-class museums, galleries, and churches are tucked away among stunning neoclassical buildings and a thriving local cuisine and craft brewery industry. It also has a warm winter, with lows of only 5°C (40 °F), so you won’t have to worry about packing too many layers.
Despite being a showcase for Irish films, the Cork Film Festival is worth a trip in November because it has historically accepted foreign features, documentaries, and shorts. In addition, the city has several festive activities in December, including a Christmas concert at the Cork Opera House and a Ferris wheel and food market on the Grand Parade. Fab Food Trails, which guides visitors through visits and tastings at the top locations in the city, offers tours of the best places to dine for foodies. There is also a whiskey and food trail.
