The best winter holidays to book early for a cold-weather break you can look forward to
If you're dreaming of a wintry getaway, take a look at our round-up of snow holidays in Europe
Although we love a good summer getaway, there's nothing quite like embracing the cold on a winter holiday. That's why we've rounded up the best winter holidays to book now, for snowy adventures and festive fun you can enjoy in a few months.
There are countless ways to explore and appreciate the landscapes of Europe while they're covered in a blanket of thick white snow. Whether you've always dreamed of gliding through the powdery snow on an iconic Swiss train, discovering the rugged landscapes of Transylvania, or hunting for the Aurora in Norway, these winter holidays offer the sub-zero temperatures and breathtaking scenery that make the season so special.
If a winter city break is more your style, you'll be spoilt for choice too. Some of Europe's most culture-packed cities are delightful in the weeks leading up to Christmas, with lovely festive markets along the Danube and the Rhine where you can shop for unique gifts as the sweet scents of gingerbread and roasted nuts fill the air.
If you're looking for Christmas holidays in the snow for the whole family, how about a trip to the idyllic Swedish Lapland? Younger members of the family will get the chance to meet Father Christmas himself in a magical winter wonderland, making for a truly unforgettable festive holiday.
And if you're itching to travel further afield, there are plenty of snowy wonderlands to explore outside of Europe. We've got a truly once-in-a-lifetime expedition cruise to Antarctica, where you'll see towering icebergs, vast glaciers and snow-covered mountains. Although you'll technically be travelling during the continent's summer, it'll still be pretty icy.
Here are the best winter holidays to book right now.
Experience the magic of the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express
A fabulous wintry getaway in the Swiss Alps comes with Good Housekeeping's five-day Swiss holiday which includes a day on board the Glacier Express. This historic train line has been running since 1930 and now boasts modern carriages with panoramic views of the snow-covered Alps.
On our trip you'll enjoy a three-course lunch on board as the train ascends into the mountains, travelling through the dramatic Oberalp Pass. This trip also gives you the chance to explore the Swiss capital, Bern, and cruise across the pretty lakes of Thun and Lucerne.
Visit the best Christmas markets along the Rhine
Nothing quite gets you in the yuletide spirit like a visit to a Christmas market. A pre-Christmas holiday in the snow to tour some of these markets is the perfect way to get your gift shopping off to a start, while soaking in the wonderfully festive atmosphere in some of Europe's prettiest cities.
Join Good Housekeeping's five-day cruise along the Rhine to see some of the best markets on its banks. You'll see the historic markets in Mainz, the towering Christmas tree in Frankfurt, and the colourfully-lit windows of the baroque town hall in Koblenz. Make sure to pick up some traditional treats like mulled wine, roast almonds and spiced cider as you browse.
Sleep in Transylvania’s Ice Hotel and explore medieval towns
The rugged landscapes of Romania's Fagaras Mountains make a wonderful destination for a winter holiday. These mountains in Transylvania are beautiful during winter, with landscapes blanketed in pristine snow, thick spruce forests and towering peaks dotted with neo-renaissance castles.
Good Housekeeping has a unique snowy adventure in Transylvania where you'll stay at the Hotel of Ice, which is freshly carved each winter from ice blocks taken from a glacial lake. While staying here, you can get your adrenaline pumping with snow sports like snow rafting or Tunnel Trekking, or simply relax with a hot drink and take in the scenery.
Attend a special New Year’s Concert and stay in Amsterdam
If you're planning a trip for the New Year, rather than around Christmas, we've got good news. There's another very special chance to enjoy a lively night of music with André Rieu in January, on our exclusive trip to Amsterdam. This festive New Year's concert will have you celebrating the start of 2025 in style, as the Waltz King performs in his home country.
You will also have free time to explore the museums, cafés and cultural attractions of vibrant Amsterdam. This welcoming city is especially pretty in winter, with icy canals and twinkling lights making it look like something straight out of a fairytale
Spot the Northern Lights on an expedition cruise of Norway
Seeing the otherworldly Northern Lights dance across the night sky is perhaps one of the most incredible experiences you can enjoy on a winter holiday. Join Good Housekeeping's winter voyage on an expedition ship through Norway’s majestic fjords and up past the Arctic Circle and you'll have a great chance of catching the Aurora, as well as seeing the highlights of Norway's spectacular coastline.
From exploring the Unesco-listed port of Bergen, the city of Tromsø and the ancient Viking trading post of Trondheim, there's so much on offer in Norway to make it a dream winter holiday destination.
Another way to explore Norway's fabulous fjords is on Good Housekeeping's 12-day Norway cruise with top astronomer Tom Kerrs, who will host a series of fascinating onboard talks about our galaxy's stars, planets and meteors.
You'll have plenty of chances to spot the twinkling Aurora, as well as visiting some of Norway's other incredible attractions, including Nidaros Cathedral and the incredible Tromsø Planetarium.
See Maastricht in winter and enjoy a festive concert
The best winter holidays often come with a dose of culture. Good Housekeeping is offering a very special Christmassy trip to Maastricht, where you'll enjoy an unforgettable night of music with the 'Waltz King' André Rieu and his orchestra.
You can choose to stay in either Amsterdam or Brussels, both of which are beautiful in winter, and will have free time to explore Maastricht before the concert. Wandering between the quaint rows of shops and cafés that line the snow-dusted cobbled streets is sure to put you in the festive spirit.
Visit Santa's village in Swedish Lapland
If you're planning a festive getaway for the whole family, it's hard to beat Swedish Lapland, where youngsters can visit Santa's Village and take part in a whole range of unforgettable Christmassy activities.
Good Housekeeping has a special day trip to Swedish Lapland which includes a visit to Santa's log cabin. Make sure the little ones have their Christmas list ready, as Santa will be waiting to greet them personally. There's also plenty for the whole family to look forward to, like a snowmobile ride through the frozen wilderness and a husky sled ride through the Lappish countryside.
Stay on Lake Como and ride the iconic Bernina Railway
When it comes to snow holidays in Europe, it doesn't get much more magical than a trip to the Swiss Alps. Spectacular at any time of year, in winter these landscapes will be covered in a thick blanket of snow, dotted with frozen lakes and frosty spruce forests twinkling in the winter sun.
You can take in the beauty of the Swiss Alps on a day trip to St. Moritz on the Bernina Express as part of Good Housekeeping's eight-day tour of Italy and Switzerland. This exceptional train ride traverses the highest railway line in the Alps, offering stunning views from its spacious, panoramic carriages.
Cruise the Danube and explore Europe's pretty Christmas markets
The Danube flows through many of Europe's most elegant cities, like Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava, which all have a whole host of museums and cultural attractions to explore. In winter, the cities along the Danube burst into festive colour, with traditional Christmas markets filled with local delicacies and artisan crafts. Perfect for a bit of early Christmas shopping!
Join Good Housekeeping's cruise along the Danube in December and you'll visit some delightful yuletide markets in Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava. You'll also meet one of the UK's best-loved chefs, Matt Tebbutt, who'll join you on board one night to prepare a mouthwatering gala dinner.
Set sail for northern Spain's elegant cities
Another wonderful destination for a pre-Christmas cruise is northern Spain. It might not be the first place you think of for a winter holiday, but the towns and cities along the coasts of Galicia, Asturias and the Basque Country celebrate the festive season in style. The yuletide displays are particularly impressive in Vigo, where the whole city turns into a winter wonderland with twinkling light displays.
Join Good Housekeeping on a cruise to northern Spain in December and see the dazzling displays in Vigo for yourself. You'll see more of the region's highlights with a trip to the famous pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela and Bilbao's renowned Guggenheim Museum.
Discover the icy landscapes of Antarctica
For a long-haul, cold-weather escape, it hardly gets more magical than Antarctica. Being in the southern hemisphere, October to February are technically summer here. But don't worry, it'll still be very chilly. Nicknamed the White Continent, this region is covered in snow year-round, and travelling in the summer means you'll have long hours of sunlight — all the better for taking in jaw-dropping views of these icy landscapes.
Good Housekeeping has a bucket list Antarctic adventure cruise, where you'll see the continent's unforgettable wildlife and dramatic landscapes with the company of an expert team. You'll sail on a custom-built ship with everything you need for a comfy and safe expedition.
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