Unique Winter Destinations
In this informative article, Hailie gives light to several unique destinations around the world that are perfect for visiting during the winter season.
Unique Winter Destinations
By Hailie Zintzun
Winter is a beautiful season. Snow covers the ground, transforming towns into winter wonderlands, lights fill all the yards with a blaze of colors, and frost transforms every window and blade of grass. These winter accessories have a way of taking a place that was already desirable to the next level. There are many lovely places to travel that are especially enjoyable in the winter season. Destinations such as Christmas towns, ice hotels, and places whose names are associated with the holiday season (such as North Pole, Alaska) all gain a special magic during the colder months.
In case you are unaware, a Christmas town is a place that is especially keen to preserve and celebrate the holiday spirit. Often described as Christmas movie-worthy, they are both picturesque and charming. Country Living sings their praises, stating that “With some of the best Christmas light displays, holiday decorating, holiday crafts fairs, and other festive family activities on their calendars, these towns should definitely make this year’s Christmas bucket list.”
While Orlando is certainly a sight to behold in the winter season, St. Augustine, Florida has some interesting activities as well, such as the historic city’s light display one can view via golf cart during the city’s “Nights of Lights” tours. However, if it’s a white Christmas you desire, then Leavenworth, Washington is the place to visit. In Leavenworth’s Bavarian mountain village, one can enjoy the gorgeous sight of the majestic snow capped mountains, enjoy a sleigh ride through the decorated town, or even take a trip to its famous reindeer farm.
An individual who wishes to have a longer trip should consider traveling to Kennebunkport, Maine. Their annual Christmas Prelude is a holiday festival that, according to The Pioneer Woman, lasts for eleven days and includes several activities for the community, including cookie crawls and candlelight tours. And in a unique twist, Santa Claus does not arrive in his classic red sleigh, but a lobster boat! This seaside town is sure to bring a special element to the holiday season for any who decide to visit this destination.
If a fan of Star Wars is looking for the perfect getaway, then New Hope, Pennsylvania may be the perfect place. While they share a connection through the city’s name, New Hope is better known for being the home to the North Pole Express, which is a diesel engine powered train that serves warm cookies and cocoa while the guests sit back and enjoy a relaxing ride. No matter what Christmas town a person chooses to visit, they all provide an extra magical experience for the winter season.
Ice hotels are a unique experience for the winter traveler. The main draw being that the structure is made of ice and snow, one might wonder what makes ice hotels stand apart from other destinations. However, do not be mistaken; ice hotels are no standard igloo. Someone is not a fan of holiday festivities? Ice hotels can capture the beauty of the winter season without them. A person needs a break from their hometown? Unless they live in Alaska, ice hotels are definitely the way to go. A friend said that they never get cold? Ice hotel. The first and largest ice hotel is located in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden. Wanderlust states that “For a more traditional experience, stay in the original hotel, which melts and is rebuilt by ice sculptors from all over the world every year.” At this hotel, sleeping bags are provided for warmth, art exhibits and outdoor activities are available for entertainment, and the northern lights are not too far from sight in the nearby village of Abisko.
While ICEHOTEL may have been the first of its kind, there are now many more of these winter escapes for one to enjoy. The Hotel of Ice is an ice hotel in the Fargaras Mountains in Romania. It is built entirely of ice blocks and snow extracted from the largest glacier lake in the mountains. They spare no attention to detail, as even the plates in their restaurant are made of ice. Additionally, an ice church is built for winter wonderland weddings. The Hoshino Resort TOMAMU Ice Village in Hokkaido, Japan includes several amenities for those staying in their frozen hotel rooms. According to Wanderlust, guests can enjoy “cheese fondue in the frozen cafe, whizz down the ice-carved slide, skate on the ice rink and curl up by the fire in the library.” Ice hotels can be said to be a once in a lifetime destination. As the unofficial slogan for ice hotels goes, “There is no business like snow business.”
Some individuals may be surprised by the amount of places that hold a name fit for the holiday season. North Pole, Alaska is as festive of a place that one may assume. According to USA Today, “Each year, the town constructs a winter wonderland village using more than two million pounds of ice.” Similar to ice hotels, this destination can be a great place to visit if a person is up for the cold weather. Santa Claus, Indiana is a small town with a population of just under 2,500 people. “America’s Christmas Hometown'' received its name from settlers in the mid-1800’s. After the name Santa Fe was already spoken for by another Indiana town, they decided on the name Santa Claus during a gathering on Christmas Eve. In current day, the town has many establishments honoring the holiday such as “Santa Claus Museum and Village,” “Santa Claus Christmas Store,” and the first themed attraction in the U.S. “Holiday World,” which was formerly known as “Santa Claus Land.”
While not having its own holiday theme park, Christmas Valley, Oregon still incorporates plenty of holiday cheer into its town. USA Today states that, every winter, the town hosts a parade and caroling event where they serve “more cookies than their entire population.” Natal, Brazil which is “Christmas” in Portuguese, was founded on December 25, 1599 and is located just outside the Fortress of the Three Wise Men. It is a popular tourist destination for travelers who prefer a warm winter on the beach rather than a white winter in the snow. Sharing the name of the holiday, the small town of Christmas, Michigan was named after a holiday gift factory that once resided there. It has since been a recreational area for snowmobile users and Christmas fans due to the many Christmas- themed stores and roadside statues of Santa Claus. These are just a few of the several places in the world that are named after elements from the winter holiday.
The season of winter is an excellent time to travel to somewhere new. The themes of kindness, generosity, and compassion that are often associated with the holidays can be found in many places across the globe. Christmas towns, ice hotels, and holiday-named destinations, all have their own way of making the holiday season seem that much more magical.
