Winter is the season of romance: candlelit dinners, fireside cuddles, evening strolls beneath street lamps as snow dusts your sleeves. How better to entice your loved one than with a magical getaway to a winter wonderland? Our favorites span the planet from the Rockies to the Arctic Circle , each home to its own frosty form of allure. So grab your partner for a trip to one (or more) of the following nine destinations—because the Most Wonderful Time of the Year is even better there.

Finland

One of the world’s most romantic winter destinations lies in the European arctic. Finnish Lapland is perfect if you and your special someone want to see the northern lights. Snuggle in a glass igloo at

(pictured above) as colors dance across the sky overhead, making what is unequivocally one of the planet’s most enchanting stays. A cooler alternative is to check into an ice hotel, such as

The Snow Hotel

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at Snow Castle of Kemi. This combined resort and art exhibit is sculpted anew each year (this year, in the spirit of the 2018 theme, Animal Wonderland) and entails a snow chapel in addition to the world’s largest restaurant made of snow. While exploring this glistening region, popular activities include skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dogsledding, relaxing in saunas, hanging with reindeer, and visiting  Santa (you may have thought his home was in the North Pole, but it’s here.

Canada

One of the most romantic destinations on Earth is unquestionably Québec, Canada. Our vote for most charming place in this French-Canadian province goes to Québec City; its Historic District is so historic that it’s actually a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander cobblestone streets past centuries-old buildings, boutiques, and bistros all covered in snow. For a splurge, check into

The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

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(or simply enjoy its views of the St. Lawrence River over wine and cheese at 1608).

A second Québecois city that’s made for winter romance is Montreal. Relax with a spa day at Bota Bota, which floats atop the river in a converted ferryboat. If your idea of a winter wonderland is more outdoors than urban, you’ll want to head west to Banff National Park. Explore frozen waterfalls on Johnston Canyon ice walk; speed along behind a dog sled; try a triple Salchow atop Lake Louise; or strap in for unbeatable aerial views with a heli-snowshoe tour. After adventuring, unwind with a couples’ massage or a soak in Banff Hot Springs —an experience that’s undeniably romantic no matter where you are in the world.

Switzerland

Badrutt’s Palace Luxury Hotel opened in 1896 and is one of St. Moritz’s swankiest stays.

Switzerland is full of elegance, all the more prevalent when it’s also draped in snow. Fall in love with the Alps in the resort town of  St. Moritz,  where soaring down world-renowned slopes comes with views of the Engadin lake district. Stroll the town for art galleries, fine dining, luxury boutiques, chocolate shops, and five-star hotels, then cuddle up for a horse-drawn carriage ride atop frozen Lake St. Moritz.

Where to stay in St. Moritz ?

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel

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Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski

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However, this entire country was made for love—so if you’re having a difficult time choosing just one destination, a train ride is an ideal way to explore the best of everything. The Glacier Express winds over stone bridges and past waterfalls from St. Moritz to Zermatt; Jungraujoch climbs upward through mountain tunnels until it reaches the highest altitude railway station in Europe (read: views!); the Gotthard Panorama Express tours from Luzern to Locarno—German- and Italian-speaking, respectively—past castles galore; and the Bernina Express, which travels from Chur to Tirano, Italy ,  along the continent’s highest altitude train journey, is so marvelous it’s recognized by UNESCO. Whatever you do, don’t leave the country without indulging in cheese fondue ..! We highly recommend..!

Where to stay in Zermatt ?

Monte Rosa Boutique Hotel

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Colorado

While our 50 states include some seriously romantic winter contenders, our vote for the snow-sport variety goes to the Centennial State. Colorado’s Rocky Mountains are brimming with world-class skiing across the likes of Aspen, Vail, Telluride, and Breckenridge, to name a few places. Aspen is the go-to for winter glitz and glam; eco-friendly Vail touts European charm; modern luxury meets the Wild West in majestic Telluride; and Breckenridge is not only one of the best places to ski in the state, but also made our list of top six ski resorts in the country last year. Romantic activities abound in whichever wonderland you choose. Take your love to new heights with a gondola ride; cozy up by the fire for après-ski hot toddies; melt into a well-deserved couples massage; then settle in for the night at any number of five-star hotels.

London

 is great for: theater buffs, artisan admirers

December in London has a certain kind of magic—twinkle lights hang in the streets, a giant menorah and Christmas tree stand in Trafalgar Square, and carol singing wafts in the air. For music and theater lovers, a night out is a special way to spend a long winter evening. The West End is home to more than 40 theaters alone, and this season patrons can see the landmark A Christmas Carol, edgy comedy The Night Before Christmas, and Doctor Faustus onstage.

The English capital is a stellar place to finish holiday shopping, too. London has long been home to tailors, who began creating garments there in the 18th century, and a new class of artisans is bringing bespoke goods to the fore. For luxury, you can’t go wrong on posh Bond Street, renowned for exclusive brands and designer luxury labels, including the U.K.’s own Alexander McQueen. Meanwhile, Mayfair is chock-full of high-end shops: Vivienne Westwood’s Flagship Store is a top destination for her rebellious statement pieces.

For an extra wintery outing, head to some of the city’s Christmas markets or, better yet, go ice-skating at one of the many rinks throughout the city, in the shadow of places such as the Tower of London and the Museum of Natural History.

For night life there are plenty of fabulous places , but don’t skip to spend a night at Annabelle’s Mayfair.

Where to stay ?

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park,

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Corinthia Hotel London 

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The Ritz London 

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Japan

Fall head over heels with winter activities in Japan—all served with a side of some of the world’s best food. Chill out by soaking in a traditional onsen, where natural outdoor hot springs will send you to a steamy sense of zen. The country is also ideal for snow sport fanatics: hit the slopes with your loved one all over the country, from Hokkaido to Nagano and beyond (we recommend trying out a local method called snowsurfing; lessons always make for a cool date!). For an even more adorable date idea, check out one of the country’s many winter and snow festivals, such as the Sapporo Snow Festivaland Asahikawa Winter Festival. Admire dramatic ice sculptures while embracing your inner child with snow slides, snowmobile rides, and stalls selling traditional treats. Most romantic of all is the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, when the city and its river glimmer and glow for 10 days in February.

Where to stay ?

The Ritz Carlton Tokyo 

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New Mexico

Winter in New Mexico means snow and, in Santa Fe, lots of lights.

This state may not be the first place that comes to mind when you hear “winter wonderland,” but that’s about to change. Winter in Santa Fe is paradise: where frosted adobe walls house art galleries galore (the city is America’s third-largest art market), and world-class restaurants make the chill air smell like chilies and other savory southwestern flavors. After sharing your fill of fajitas, dive into history at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museumor Bandeleir National Monument , just outside the city. New Mexico is also ideal for athletic couples, thanks to its nine downhill ski areas (Taos and Angel Fire are two of the most popular) and some of America’s best cross-country skiing and snowshoeing—specifically Valles Caldera, a collapsed volcanic crater that’s teeming with wildlife, as well as the dog-friendly Enchanted Forest. Get toasty in another epic hot-spring destination at Ojo Caliente spa, which is the only one in the world with four different types of healing mineral waters.

Milan

Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle

Milan is a paradise for Christmas time ! Apart from being the fashion kingdom ,  the things to do, to see and to experience surely never disappoint. In December the city is particularly rich with recreational opportunities, with its usual offer, of course, but also with something more special, unique opportunities, that you can only come across this time of year.

Milan is fortunate to be a city in which the public decorations for Christmas are always grandiose and spectacular. Starting from the swarm of lights shining on the waters of the Naviglio Grande, walk towards the Duomo: this year’s tree, with its thirty meters, is the tallest ever in Milan. A green colossus covered with one hundred thousand lights that dominates the entire square. Moving to the Gallery, then, the lights and garlands multiply. There is still another tree, “only” twelve meters tall, but loaded with over ten thousand ornaments, including one thousand Swarovski stars. Finally, complete the walk in the Quadrilatero della Moda, but do not stop there: this year there are 180 streets decorated for a total of 35 kilometers.

Where to stay ?

Armani Hotel Milano,

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Bulgari Hotel Milano  , 

Four Seasons Hotel Milano ,

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Style will out and at the Four Season they know it very well. Their Christmas installation this year is called Urban Chalet and is curated by artistic director Vincenzo Dascanio, who for the occasion has transformed the Camino Room of the Four Seasons, a former 15th century church, in a magnificent, luxurious mountain chalet . A true triumph of warm colors, candles and cozy seats. Every day from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, a “Christmas Afternoon Tea” will be held with a selection of tea blends from the Dammann house, hot chocolates, pastries and a selection of specially created winter cocktails. At the Urban Chalet the magic of Christmas has already begun. Book your visit in advance to get the most out of the experience.

In the Winter season, Milan becomes the stage to beautiful Christmas markets selling decorations, traditional food and hot drinks, as well as small hand-made objects.

Vienna

 is great for: art lovers, market mavens

Vienna is a city for time travelers—marvel at a palace from the Hapsburg Empire, explore Roman ruins, or walk out of a medieval church tucked in a back alley, and throughout December, Vienna’s famous Christmas markets populate the city’s streets.

Spittelberg has a Christmas market, but there are numerous other holiday markets in Vienna, including the Christmas Village on the grounds of the old hospital; Christkindlmarkt Rathausplatz, Vienna’s most popular holiday market; and the Christmas market at Schloss Schönbrunn, with the palace as its backdrop. All have decorations, caroling, roasted chestnuts, and stands selling warm mugs of mulled wine.

A fun shopping quest is to pick up a snow globe, which was invented in Austria. You can purchase one of more than 350 designs at the Snow Globe Museum (and learn about their history at the same time).

Where to stay in Vienna ?

The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna

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Hotel Imperial – A Luxury Collection Hotel

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We wish you to have fun,

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Merry, merry Christmas…!

So, Before you plan the next snowy adventure, just take a tip from our best choices here:

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt, surrounded by the Alps’ tallest peaks, has 223 miles of runs in four huge ski areas—some lying at an altitude of over 10,000 feet, so snow here is good for a very long season. This enchanting Alpine village lies at the foot of the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most famous mountain, and has plenty of modern touches, like its state-of-the-art lift system and swanky après-ski diversions.

Where to bunk: The centrally located, modern Hotel Firefly is a more-than-comfortable pick, with its luxury spa, spacious accommodations, and stunning views. NB: There are no cars here. Horse-drawn sleighs are the preferred choice of transportation.

Kitzbühel, Austria

Just two hours from Munich, Austria’s most popular holiday resort has it all: posh hotels; a lively après-ski scene scattered among its quaint, cobblestone streets; and unsurpassed skiing that includes eight renowned ski schools and some of the most demanding courses on the World Cup circuit.

Where to bunk: Stay at Hotel Schloss Lebenberg, a Medieval hillside castle overlooking the sparkling village that earns high marks for its top-notch service, superb dining room, and ornate, Gothic-style décor.

Val d’Isère, France

Though some bemoan this mega resort for being crowded, pricey, and even a bit gauche, Val d’Isère remains an experienced skiier’s paradise. The area is home to exciting, high-quality, snow-sure slopes that are easily linked and plenty varied. An excellent dining scene and hard-partying nightlife makes a stay here a true holiday in every sense of the word.

Where to bunk: First-timers should stick to the central resort area, close to the action. We like the chic atmosphere at Le Savioe or the more family-oriented Hôtel Le Brussel’s, which has a pool, spa, and sun terrace beside the nursery slopes.

St. Moritz, Switzerland

The oldest winter holiday resort in the world is as elegant and exclusive as it gets. The sparkling sun shines on average 322 days a year, pairing with the dry air for what’s known as a “champagne climate.” But it’s the world-class hotels and restaurants, chic shopping, and plethora of leisure and sport goings-on for which this renowned destination gets its deservedly elite reputation.

Where to bunk: A stay at the legendary Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, with its second-to-none service, ambiance, and amenities indulging A-listers since 1896, is a must.

Zell am See-Kaprun, Austria

This lakeside resort with a charming, pedestrianized Medieval core is the place to head to for varied, wooded slopes and terrific glacier skiing on nearby Kaprun’s Kitzsteinhorn (included on Zell’s lift pass). Note that a new gondola link with Saalbach has just opened for the 2016/17 season.

Where to bunk: Occupying a private, waterside peninsula, the Grand Hotel Zell am See celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2016. The white confection of a building includes a swanky new casino and complimentary shuttle bus service to the slopes of Schmittenhöhe.

Gstaad, Switzerland

Twelve separate ski areas and 250 kilometres of piste are all accessible with just one lift pass here, and all are connected by a train running through the five villages that make up this storied resort. A traffic-free town center, including a promenade lined with luxury boutiques, and fairy tale Swiss-German architecture make this one of Europe’s most traditional winter destinations.

Where to bunk: While the legendary Gstaad Palace is always on top, I love the Alpina Gstaad, constructed of wood salvaged from old farmhouses and locally-quarried limestone. With two pools, a Six Senses Spa, and movie theater, it’s a skiing-celebrity (and regular celebrity) favorite.

Chamonix–Mont Blanc, France

Chamonix was the site of the very first Winter Olympic Games in 1924, and its rugged terrain—at the intersection of France, Italy, and Switzerland—has provided world-class skiing ever since.

Where to bunk: The surrounding villages of Les Praz, Les Bossons, Les Moussoux, Argentière, and Les Pélérins offer a full gamut of hotels to chose from, but to stay closer to the action, the stylishly revamped Hôtel Mont Blanc is our top pick.

Aspen Colorado

Ski resort to the stars but the sky is definitely not the limit for us mere mortals. Aspen came into existence as a mining town, silver this time not gold as is the case for so many resorts. But that was 130 years ago; today it is home to dozens of restaurants, bars and hotels of all standards all of which have access to its 5,500 ski acres spread across four mountains. One of Aspen’s many joys is that it is only 10 minutes from the airport – a sheer delight after a long flight. To add to the pleasures of skiing are night time dinners such as the Cloud Nine Alpine bistro with access only by snowcat or perhaps leaning about the mountain ecology, flora and fauna by snowshoe.

Where to bunk: I definitely recommend the legendary Little Nell and the St Regis in Aspen village.

Whistler – Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada

Ski Magazine voted Whistler #1 in North America again for 2017, adding to the multitude of awards the resort has won since its inception. And no wonder; over 200 beautifully groomed runs, powder-filled back bowls and the longest and highest gondola in the world are just the tip of the iceberg (metaphorically speaking!) There is heli- and cat-skiing, the chance to the see the bobsleigh and skeleton courses from the 2010 Olympics, ziplining, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and dozens of other activities for the skier and non-skier.

Whistler Creekside is the quietest part of the resort with some of the best restaurants. If you want to be part of the action, then Whistler Village is the place to be with myriad bars, restaurants, shops and night clubs. Blackcomb has most of the self-catering accommodation as well as the best of the hotels.

Where to bunk: Both the Four Seasons Reorts and Residences Whistler and the Fairmont Chateau Whistler are in the Upper Village are the best choices..

Jackson Hole, Teton Village

One of the most iconic of all US ski resorts. Set in the middle of the beautiful Teton Mountains, Jackson Hole has stunning and challenging skiing which can be combined with time in Yellowstone National Park watching wolves, a trip to Hawaii or even Los Angeles. Jackson Hole is two villages. Teton Mountain Village is at the base of the skiing and where you will find the Four Seasons Hotel and the Snake River Lodge plus a good selection of restaurants and bars.

Jackson Hole village is the historic centre, very busy during the summer months with visitors enjoying the mountains and scenery but rather more peaceful in the winter months. The historic hotel here is the Wort built in 1941 and famous for its Silver Dollar Bar.

source: Personal experience

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