The magic of winter: Who has the best Advent, where is Santa Claus, and where is the hotel made of snow and ice?

Nature has put on its winter clothes, and the cities light up holiday lights and the most beautiful part of the year begins. For all those who are looking for the perfect winter destination, we bring suggestions for a magical winter trip to some of the most attractive winter destinations in the world.

Rovaniemi, Finland - Visit Santa's home

SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE PHOTO: Kimmo Syväri / Visit Finland

Located at the very edge of the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is an unmissable Christmas destination for families with children, as you can meet Santa here every day. In the village of Djeda Božićnjak, this winter they also organize numerous workshops that are adored by children from all over the world.

Although the darkness of polar nights envelops Rovaniemi, snow and Christmas lights will illuminate your path. Winter here is special and worth experiencing with your own eyes. With only a few hours of daylight, a mysterious atmosphere of silence and peace surrounds the natural beauty of this area. In the village of Santa Claus, December and Christmas are a particularly magical time.

The sun appears in February, marking the beginning of a snowy but light-filled spring. Here, March and April are still snowy months, but with a hint of spring. March and early April are great times to view the Aurora Borealis and enjoy sunny winter activities.

Kitzbühel, Austria - Paradise for skiers

If you are a fan of skiing, Kitzbühel is a great choice. Known as one of the most prestigious ski resorts in Europe, it offers excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding.

Kitzbühel is located between the Hahnenkamm ski slopes and the Kitzbüheler Horn and is the perfect blend of traditional Austrian charm and modern luxury. In addition to top hotels and restaurants that attract visitors from all over the world, this place offers numerous attractions such as the unmissable Iglu Dorf, a magical igloo village located in a picturesque valley above the city itself, where you can enjoy under the stars, surrounded by snowy landscapes.

Tyrol, Hahnenkamm pixabay
Image by Michael from Pixabay

Nearby is Kirchberg, a small town hidden in the Brixental valley. Although it is in the shadow of the more popular Kitzbühel, Kirchberg also offers a colorful range of accommodation and attractions throughout the year. Just a ten-minute drive from Kitzbühel, this small town is the perfect place for those looking for a quieter atmosphere, but who want to be close to all the pleasures and amenities that Kitzbühel has to offer.

At the end of January, don't miss the world-famous Hahnenkamm ski race. During December, Advent in Kitzbühel brings enjoyment of the Advent fairy tale with hot tea, mulled wine and numerous gastronomic winter treats.

Quebec City, Canada – A fairytale snow city

For a true winter idyll, it is worth going "across the pond". Quebec City, with its charming old town and romantic winter ambiance, is the perfect destination for those who want to experience winter the North American way.

With more than 300 cm of snow each year, this region offers numerous winter activities. Try cross-country skiing in the heart of the city in the most beautiful locations. You can find skating rinks all over the city, and be sure to take a walk through the snow-covered forests less than 30 minutes from the city center. Sleighing in sleighs through stunning winter landscapes is especially attractive. After an exciting ride on a snow scooter, warm up in good company in one of the mountain houses with famous gatsronomic specialties.

From the end of January to the beginning of February, take part in the Winter Carnival with ice sculptures and evening parades. Accompanied by tour guides, go on historical walks through the old town with stories about local legends. Glace Hotel the spectacular ice hotel provides an incredible experience of staying in a hotel completely built of ice and snow. Enjoy a delicious cocktail served in a glass made of ice. Relax under the stars in the outdoor spa, sleep in warm, ultra-comfortable arctic sleeping bags inside the sculptural masterpiece and indulge in this unique and unforgettable winter experience.

From the end of November to the end of March, this entire region becomes a real big playground, and Old Québec enchants with its magical winter idyll. So dress well, take a hat and gloves and experience the best of winter.

Prague, Czech Republic – Romantic winter metropolis

Prague in winter pixabay
Image by Julius Silver from Pixabay

Prague is a city that radiates romance, and this is especially felt in winter when it is covered in snow. The Christmas fair on Starogradk Square, open from the end of November to the beginning of January, will delight you with its offer, especially traditional Czech gastronomy. In the winter evenings, you will be warmed by mulled wine, sausages, but also numerous meat specialties and traditional sweets, along with the indispensable Czech beer and mead.

Prague is one of the most beautiful European cities, also known as the city of bridges, the city of beer, the city of hundreds of towers, and the golden city, which is especially magical in winter.

Enjoy guided tours around the illuminated city by car for a special atmosphere. Numerous Advent concerts will complete the Christmas atmosphere in the Czech capital.

Zagreb - the best European Advent

great big christmas
Photo: Tomislav Zeljko, source: Zagreb Tourist Board

Our metropolis is known for its Advent in Zagreb. Many European guests put Croatia on their list of favorite winter destinations.

The multiple award-winning Advent Zagreb will begin on November 30, 2024 and will last, together with New Year's events, until January 7, 2025. Opening is provided on Saturday, November 30, when the first Advent candle will be traditionally lit on Ban Jelačić Square, followed by the opening of other Advent locations.

This year, in cooperation with the Zagreb electric tram, two Merry Christmas trams are being introduced. These attractive trams will wholeheartedly contribute to the magic of Advent, providing unforgettable experiences of driving through the city in holiday attire.

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