Take 5: Magical winter destinations for a year-end escapade

With summer all-year round in Singapore, it’s no wonder why winter holidays are one of our favourite getaways. Whether you’re looking to get those skis on and marvel in awe at snowy landscapes, or simply experience snow in the city and enjoy sweater weather, we have a list of destinations to invoke your wanderlust and kickstart your year-end holiday planning — all in a 5-minute read! Bonus: There are even places with extensive Christmas celebrations that you won’t want to miss especially during the festive season.

For a wintry city escapade far from home

There’s an adrenaline from running into cafes to warm yourself up with a cuppa that no other seasons can offer. Lively streets filled with people dressed in coats and boots (a fashion statement you don’t get to make in sunny Singapore), these cities give you the perfect reason to escape the island heat and immerse yourself in the chilly, winter air.

Seoul, Korea

Winters in Seoul are exactly like what you see in Korean dramas — people donned in thick chic coats, sipping on piping hot fishcake soup at the street-side stalls. In fact, the cold hardly stops the locals from going out and about their daily activities. In between city shopping to add to your collection of winter outfits, indulge in hot army stews and visit the famous Noryangjin Fish Market — the fat content of fish and other seafood increase during winter so these treats only get tastier in the cold!

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is the quintessential European town that will mesmerise you at every corner. In the day, the medieval-like majestic buildings, such as the iconic must-visit Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, reflect a vintage charm that will make you want to take plenty of photos. At night, classic street lamps and dazzling fairy lights light up the paths in a warm, cosy glow. If you’re looking for a romantic end-of-year escapade, this city is sure to make your heart flutter.

New York, USA

Winter in Manhattan? That’s what we call going over the top in style. Fashion never bows to the chilly winds and the city never slows down in the snow. Explore the city streets against its snow-topped towers, bare trees, and twinkling lights, and check out the elaborate window displays as you stroll down the streets of New York (especially along Fifth Avenue if you’re ready to brave the holiday crowd). When in New York, you also can’t miss basking in the festive atmosphere at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree!

For snow-capped landscapes that make for great winter adventures

Apart from the cold, one thing we most definitely don’t get in Singapore is snow. So, if you’re ready to build a snowman, trek up a hill or ski down snowy mountains, these destinations make for the perfect winter vacation.

Nepal

Nestled in the Himalayas and home to eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains — including Mount Everest (the highest point on Earth) — is Nepal. Here, even beginner-friendly trails like the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek promises just as beautiful a view as anywhere else – panoramic sights of snowy peaks that look like something straight out of a postcard.

If you’re planning for a longer holiday and feeling adventurous, you can also take a short trip out to Mustang. Known as the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal (also known as the ‘Mini Tibet of Nepal’), Lower Mustang is a mystique valley home to many cultural and religious festivities during the season.

Harbin, China

You can experience cool temperatures in Harbin all year round but to truly enjoy the city, you need to visit during winter as that is when the winter activities come alive! Here, you can step into a world of life-size castles made entirely of ice at the Ice and Snow World, and watch it light up in a spectrum of aurora colours at dusk. Or, you could wine and dine in a restaurant carved from ice at the Shangri-La Ice Palace, where water vapour freezes instantly into dainty snowflakes!

Better yet, marvel at the sight of pure, white snowy-goodness in China’s Snow Town (nestled in what was originally a junior ski field in Shuangfeng Forest Farm). The soft-looking snow that can build up to 2 meters thick will make you want to dive right in!

Zurich, Switzerland

Ice festivals and snow-capped mountains aside, what is a winter holiday without skiing? Close to many ski regions, Zurich gives you the best of both worlds — city comforts and the option of a day ski trip up in the hills. There are gentler slopes for beginners and those with children like the Flumserberg (which is only 1hr 15min away from the city by car), and the more challenging ones like Stoos — did we mention the picturesque views it offers? If you’re planning for a ski trip though, best get prepared with these tips!

For magical Christmas markets that will get you feelin’ festive

Old or young, there’s something about the magical charm of Christmas markets that leave us feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. These must-go markets on your festive holidays will leave even the biggest Scrooge infected with the Christmas spirit — and you don’t always have to travel halfway around the world to get there!

Osaka, Japan

You have all year to hustle in Tokyo (Japan’s capital city), but winter is a time to slow down and experience a different kind of frosty festivity in Osaka. Case in point: The annual German Christmas Market held at the Umeda Sky Building. Classic Christmas huts decked out in fairy lights and candy canes; nutmeg and beer served in adorable snowman mugs; and a vintage merry-go-round to boot — if that doesn’t get you into the festive mood, what will?

Copenhagen, Denmark

Chill air, snow-laden sidewalks and Christmas markets at every street — this is Copenhagen in winter. One of its largest Christmas markets, for instance, is nestled in the enchanted Tivoli Gardens. Whether you’re with little ones (who will love seeing big ol’ Santa Claus in person) or with a romantic partner, Christmas in Tivoli exudes a magical air that is hard to resist. Marching parades, Christmas carolling and the festive décor makes it all the more charming!

Montreal, Canada

Montreal Christmas Market, the city’s only outdoor festival, is situated in Place Jacques-Cartier in Old Montreal and is a real treat to festive seekers. Indulge in all-things-maple — maple taffy (a sweet similar to toffee that traditionally requires snow to make), maple fritters and of course, Canadian mulled wine.

And if the Christmas spirit’s gotten to you, then move on to The Nutcracker Market, an indoor Christmas Market where festivities ensue and a portion of all profits goes to help disadvantaged children through theatre therapy. After all, isn’t Christmas all about giving?

If you’re all pumped up for a winter vacation, you better get booking before air tickets run out! Otherwise, you’d have to make do with spending Christmas in good ‘ol Singapore (which really isn’t that bad either if you ask us). Nonetheless, happy planning for those holidays!

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