The New Year's holidays and the festive season are upon us, which means it's time to start planning your next winter adventure. If you haven't decided where to go yet, don't worry, because we've prepared a list of the best winter destinations from which you can choose the perfect end-of-year and Christmas Eve getaway

The closer the end of the year is, the more travelers are thinking about planning their Christmas vacation. Winter sports, fairs, warm drinks and fabulous snowdrifts are the main components of a successful trip.

If you haven't decided where to go this year, then check out our list. We have prepared for you the 8 best winter destinations from which you can choose a place for the perfect vacation at the end of 2023.

Switzerland

Mysterious natural landscapes, picturesque villages and majestic snow-capped mountains of Switzerland create ideal conditions for a fabulous winter trip. Most tourists go to Zermatt, a small town located right on the border with Italy, surrounded by high mountains. There are more than 200 kilometers of ski slopes, which are designed for skiers of any experience - from beginners who are just discovering the slopes to experienced skiers who are ready to overcome the highest stations at an amazing height of 3883 meters. The fabulous Christmas markets of Switzerland also deserve the attention of tourists.

What to do?

- Go skiing or snowboarding - Zermatt, St. Moritz, Davos.

- Visit Christmas markets - Basel, Bern, Zurich.

- Drive through the Swiss Alps.

- Bathe in thermal baths.

- Go winter paragliding in Interlaken.

Japan

Winter in Japan is breathtaking, especially because there are far fewer tourists during this cold season. Do not miss the opportunity to visit onsen towns to relax in hot springs or take part in magical snow festivals where you can see majestic ice sculptures. Tourists can also engage in winter sports in the country. Local cuisine will give a special flavor to the vacation.

The main Japanese city for winter recreation is Nagano, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998. A must-see in Nagano is the world-famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, where travelers can see Japanese macaques leisurely relaxing in the snow in the warm water of man-made pools.

What to do?

- Visit a snow festival - Snow Festival in Sapporo, Asahikawa Winter Festival, Lake Shikotsu lce Festival.

- Go skiing or snowboarding.

- Private onsen.

- Visit the village of Shirakawago.

- Enjoy the views of the snow-capped Mount Fuji.

USA (New York)

The Christmas season in New York City is a magical combination of music, food, fun and laughter. Everything in and around the city is bathed in colorful lights. The metropolis offers an amazing number of winter events and activities, but the main gem is the Christmas tree near Rockefeller Center. Travelers are also impressed by the fabulous decor in Central Park. Christmas New York is not only a paradise for shopping and dining, but also a fabulous place for winter fun.

What to do?

- Go ice skating - Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Wolman Rink in Central Park.

- Visit the Christmas market - Bryant Park Winter Village, Union Square Holiday Market.

- See a Broadway show.

- Join the events in Times Square to start the countdown to the New Year.

- Visit the shops on Fifth Avenue.

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Germany

Winters in Germany are cold and snowy, so many travelers consider the country the best place for a winter vacation. The local majestic mountains and ancient castles become even more magical in winter when they are covered in snow. During your trip, be sure to visit the iconic German Christmas markets and enjoy winter sports on one of Germany's best slopes.

What to do?

- Visit Christmas markets - Essen, Berlin, Trier, Cologne.

- Ski in the ski resorts of Germany - Zugspitze, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Arber

- Go hiking through the Black Forest.

- Go tobogganing – Wallberg Rodelbahn, Spitzingsee, Sauerland.

- Visit Neuschwanstein Castle.

United Kingdom (London)

Christmas London is literally a holiday postcard come to life. Twinkling lights, numerous fairs and cheerful carolers create a special mood. In the center of South Bank, a winter festival is held every year, and in the nearby Hyde Park, the world-famous Winter Wonderland opens its doors to tourists.

Picturesque Christmas markets, fantastic shops and amazing lights will make you feel like you are in a holiday movie. It is also an ideal time for ice skating, because there are many open ice rinks in the capital. Do not forget to taste the local mulled wine.

A London Christmas is like no other, with many of the city's five-star hotels offering numerous Christmas-themed packages that include festive events, spa visits and more.

What to do?

- Visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

- Take a tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

- Take a ride on the "London Eye".

- Enjoy festive food at Borough Market.

- Do your Christmas shopping – Regent Street, Covent Garden, Carnaby.

Iceland

Another place worth visiting in winter is fascinating Iceland, where you will feel as if you have moved to a completely different world. It is the perfect place for a snow and ice adventure that you will remember for a lifetime - just imagine snowy landscapes, large geothermal pools, mystical glaciers and, of course, the magical northern lights. Icelanders also celebrate Christmas and New Year in Reykjavik, so you're sure to have a great time.

What to do?

- You can enjoy the northern lights during this period

- Join a Christmas walking tour of Reykjavík

- Visit the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Resort

- Go on a Golden Circle tour of Iceland

- Explore ice caves and glaciers

Canada

Winter in Canada can be quite cold with temperatures dipping into the sub-zeros, but travelers who are willing to brave the cold will be able to discover this wonderful country during one of its best times. The winter season in Canada offers tourists the magic of snow-capped peaks, lively festivals and the best opportunities for winter sports.

Cobbled streets are a good reason to book a ticket to Quebec. Also, take a stroll along the St. Lawrence River, where you'll find many shops decorated with holiday garlands and Christmas lights. In the heart of Quebec City is the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, a castle-like hotel. If you're looking for a thrill, go sledding in the Quebec forest at Chenil La Poursuite or skiing at Village Vacances Valcartier.

What to do?

- Visit the Winter Carnival in Quebec

- Go ice skating on the Rideau Canal

- Visit the frozen Niagara Falls

- Enjoy winter sports and active recreation on Grouse Mountain

- Visit or stay at the Quebec Ice Hotel

Czech Republic (Prague)

At any time of the year, Prague looks like a city created by the artists of the classical era, and in winter, this European tourist gem becomes even more incredible. The main festive events take place on Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square, where bright lights cover every square meter and markets sell traditional Czech goods.

For lovers of Czech cuisine, famous Prague cafes offer hot česnečka (garlic soup with croutons), goulash (thick stew with meat and onions) or zelniačka (cabbage soup) on cold winter evenings. You can also enjoy hot mulled wine or svarjakob (mulled wine) at Christmas markets and in city restaurants.

What to do?

- Visit the architectural wonders of Prague: Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral and Prague Castle.

- Go ice skating.

- Take a walk through the Christmas market.

There are many magical places in the world that will immerse the tourist in the fairy-tale atmosphere of winter and Christmas. Just choose the most interesting direction for you and go on a fabulous journey. 

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