Parka Ready: 6 Winter Destinations That Sparkle

Many view winter vacations as an opportunity to escape to warmer climates, especially sunseekers in the Northern Hemisphere who flock south as temperatures drop. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying Christmas on Australia’s Gold Coast or ringing in the New Year in Rio de Janeiro, these warm-weather getaways are just one side of the story. Numerous spring and summer hotspots reveal a different charm during the off-peak season, as tourist crowds thin out and the heat gives way to a refreshing chill.

Whether you’re eager to experience a snowy music festival or the tranquility of a national park, consider mingling with locals and embracing the winter season. You might even find yourself warming up to new traditions and be ready to embark on your next adventure with a parka in tow.

1. Japan

Winter in Japan is a dream for skiers, particularly in the Hokkaido region, which draws winter sports enthusiasts to Niseko and Furano. While skiing is enticing, take the chance to explore Osaka, Kyoto, and other beloved cities without the usual tourist rush. Popular shrines become serene during this time, aside from the spike in visitors during Japanese New Year from January 1 to 3. There are many cold-weather traditions to enjoy without the crowds, like savoring KFC on Christmas or indulging in a warm yaki imo. Plus, Japan’s onsens are even more blissful when enjoyed in peace, before the springtime influx returns.

As cherry blossom season approaches, why not visit Japan a little earlier to enjoy the enchanting plum blossoms that bloom from mid-February to March? While the trees won’t yield fruit until summer, the delightful fragrance they emit is just one of the many reasons to experience Japan in the winter.

2. Montreal, Canada

Montreal winters are serious business, with average temperatures dipping below freezing from December to February. However, this vibrant city knows how to keep the party going through the long, dark nights. Don your warmest—or most outrageous—attire and head to Jacques-Cartier Pier for Igloofest, an electrifying music festival where you can dance the cold away. The next edition runs from January 19 to February 11, 2023, featuring artists like Eli & Fur, Yotto, and many more.

The creative flair doesn’t end there. During the winter season, Quebec’s premier competition for temporary public art, Luminothérapie, transforms Quartier des Spectacles with stunning installations and video displays. The latest edition showcased illuminated seesaws and iceberg-shaped walkways that shift colors, ensuring the city remains vibrant even as winter sets in. A highlight of the season is Nuit blanche (French for all-nighter) on February 25, which invites Montrealers to embark on urban adventures, with entertainment venues and art galleries, including the Musée d’Art Contemporain, staying open from dusk till dawn.

Looking for accommodation in Montreal? Discover more: The 10 Best Hotels in Montreal

3. Denmark

To combat winter blues, Danes have long embraced a concept that has inspired many mindful living books in recent years. The Scandinavian idea of hygge—loosely translating to coziness—illustrates how people in Denmark and other Nordic countries cultivate warmth, regardless of the chill. A winter visit reveals delightful examples of hygge, from their love of candles to cozy gatherings with friends and family.

Denmark also embodies a spirit of joy and cheer, ranking as one of the happiest countries in the world. In December, this cheerful vibe fills the Christmas markets in cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus. The amusement park Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen transforms into a magical wonderland, featuring 1,000 Christmas trees and 60 festive stalls.

4. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park attracts nearly five million visitors each year, so avoiding the crowds takes a bit of ingenuity. Instead of simply skipping the popular trails, consider visiting during a less crowded season. In winter, the untouched blanket of snow brings a sense of solitude to the park. While Mammoth campground is the only front-country campground open year-round, you can enjoy off-season rates at cozy stays like 320 Ranch (near Cinnamon Mountain) or Montage Big Sky (near Lone Mountain).

With park access more limited in winter, think about joining a guided tour. It’s a great chance to try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing without the crowds. Wildlife watching also changes in winter—while squirrels and grizzlies are hibernating, you can still spot bald eagles, wolves, and bison. Their visibility against the snowy landscape makes them easier to see.

5. Iceland

Iceland might not seem like a winter-friendly destination, but temperatures here can be milder than expected. Most averages on the island hover between 14–32°F, comparable to winter conditions in the U.S. Midwest. While you'll want to pack your warmest coat, you can still easily access stunning sights along well-maintained routes like the Golden Circle. In fact, the 190-mile loop becomes even more breathtaking in winter, with the partially frozen Gullfoss waterfall creating a striking contrast against the flowing waters below.

Unpredictable snow can quickly close less traveled roads, such as Iceland’s Highway 1. Embrace the need for travel flexibility; it could lead to spotting the elusive Northern Lights, which are more visible in winter but never guaranteed.

Looking for accommodation in Iceland? Discover more: Choose Your Own Adventure at One of These 7 Iceland Hotels

6. Istanbul, Türkiye

With 15 million residents, Istanbul pulses with vibrant energy even in the off-season, a welcome surprise when the weather can shift unexpectedly. Winter in this Bosphorus city typically brings bouts of rain rather than heavy snowfall. Being prepared is essential—pack a light coat and an umbrella, and you can still enjoy a scenic stroll along the Bosphorus and the Galata Tower area.

There are countless other attractions to explore, from the Grand Bazaar and Blue Mosque to the Kılıç Ali Paşa hammam, making indoor experiences just as enriching. And when a sudden chill catches you off guard, it won’t be long before you find a café to retreat to for some Turkish tea. It’s the perfect moment to indulge in keyif, the Turkish art of enjoying life's simple pleasures.