These gorgeous destinations make stunning real-life snow globes.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the Macy’s holiday windows, Manhattan’s famed Central Park becomes a winter wonderland under a thick coat of powdery snow.
Mitchell Funk/Getty
Known as the capital of the Arctic, this lively city is filled with vivid wooden houses that are hundreds of years old. At night, the Aurora Borealis adds even more color to this snowy locale.
Cultura/Getty
King Ludwig’s Castle may be a nineteenth century architectural marvel, but in the wintertime it could just as easily pass as Elsa’s ice castle from Frozen.
Hans Wolf
Yep, even this southwest natural wonder gets blanketed in white — and visitors can experience the striking scenes with far fewer crowds than in the warmer months.
Robert Glusic/Getty
Situated along the Danube River, this town in the Austrian wine country is a charming market village that looks like something out of a picture book.
Martin Siepmann/Getty
Iceland’s incredible waterfall isn’t surrounded by snow year-round, but winter snow drifts make its blue waters look otherworldly.
Cultura Travel/Oscar Bjarnason/Getty
This French mountain village resort is the perfect place for skiing, eating fancy French cheeses, and cuddling in a cottage during the wintertime.
Jacques Pierre/Hemis.Fr/Getty
A white coat of snow on the ground is the perfect canvas from which to admire the dazzling Northern Lights in this Norwegian town.
Robert Harding World Imagery/Getty
10. Swedish Coast
Nestled in the Shogawa River Valley, this remote Japanese village was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which are over 250 years old. Bonus: You can even stay in one overnight — just make sure to book early.
Wan Ru Chen/Getty
13. Ingleborough, United Kingdom
This English mountain seems like something out of a science fiction film when its rocky exterior is covered with pure white snow.
Mike Green/Flickr
14. Park City, Utah
Ever dream of staying in an igloo? At this Finnish resort, glass igloos make it possible to stay cozy while also marveling at the breathtaking natural surroundings.
Gallo Images/Getty
17. Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City is no stranger to snow, and a frosty coat of ice and snow makes Millennium Park (known for its modern art installations) seem completely unreal.
Brian Kersey/Gett
18. Yosemite, California
This Canadian province may be beloved for its beaches in the summertime, but once winter hits, its colorful fishing towns settle down for a calm winter season.
Barrett & Mackay/Getty
Like what you’re reading? Subscribe to our top stories.
Discussion about this post