Winter welcomes in frosty weather, snowy scenes, and opportunities to escape the frigid temps in sunnier parts of the world. The northern hemisphere settles into a slower-paced hibernation, whereas the southern half of the world awakens with sunny skies and hotter temperatures. Whether traveling for the holidays, looking to kick off 2025 in a new destination, or simply looking to escape the winter blues, these destinations offer something for everyone.
A Fjord Christmas
Norway
Norway arguably dazzles the most during the winter season. A blanket of snow typically covers the entire landscape, the northern lights color the night sky, and festive decorations and holiday markets illuminate local villages. Travelers can embrace the enchanting winter wonderland of Norway this holiday season with Up Norway's unique Christmas experiences amidst the Arctic landscapes. The sustainable luxury travel curator focuses on curating authentic Norwegian experiences off the beaten path, prioritizing 'Kos,' an intangible concept embodying peace, happiness, and gratitude. While each journey is customizable, Up Norway recommends these exceptional destinations for the holiday season. In the Lofoten Islands of Northern Norway, travelers can immerse themselves in Christmas charm with private villas nestled in secluded villages offering breathtaking views, traditional red-painted rorbu cabins transformed into artisan Christmas markets, and a host of outdoor activities, including Northern Lights viewing and crafting workshops. For a true “fjord” Christmas, Up Norway recommends a stay at family estate Åmot located in Norway’s UNESCO heritage fjord country, hosting up to 12 guests, paired with activities such as a winter cruise in the secluded Dalsfjord, winter hikes with outdoor lunch prepared in a cabin overlooking fjords and mountains, stargazing from the outdoor hot tub, on-site hot stone massages and more. For a seamless winter journey, spend a few days in Oslo, take a scenic train ride to Geilo for a range of activities, and then continue on the Flåm Railway to Voss for more winter adventures. Conclude a true holiday adventure in a treetop cabin in the frosty Finnskogen forest. No matter what style of journey is chosen, whether pre-selected by Up Norway or customized by guests, travelers are guaranteed a high quality experience with personalized, 24-7 service.
Holidays in Rome
Rome, Italy
The Eternal City transforms into a charming holiday haven during the winter months with Christmas markets, holiday lights, cathedrals prepped for Advent, designer holiday storefronts, and festive decor city-wide. Rome’s milder off-season weather poses December as the perfect time for a Roman holiday adventure with less crowds at famous landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, and Spanish Steps. Travelers looking for accommodations in the heart of the city’s iconic sights will find Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese as an ideal holiday oasis. Aptly named after the historic gardens located next door, this exquisite hotel offers an array of tailor-made services and amenities in a prime location. The hotel transforms into a sparkling wonderland during the holidays, where guests will be greeted by festive displays and decorations in the lobby, candle light lining the hallways, and elaborate light installations on the hotel’s facade. After busy days of sightseeing, gue sts can find refuge at rooftop restaurant Settimo, offering unparalleled views of the city and seasonal menus. For guests visiting Rome during New Year’s Eve, Settimo is situated perfectly to view the city’s fireworks show with a glass of prosecco and a gourmet meal.
Winter Wonderland in Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
The bustling summer streets in Dubrovnik are especially quiet during December, making this historic city a breeze to visit during the winter months. Fewer crowds, mild weather, and local holiday festivities beckon visitors to visit during the most festive time of the year. The annual Dubrovnik Winter Festival offers rich musical entertainment, cultural activities, culinary delights, and more. Travelers can revel in the Christmas spirit of the Old Town with Christmas markets, live music, ice skating, local artist demonstrations and handicrafts for sale. Hotel Excelsior, the iconic 5-star hotel overlooking both the Adriatic and Old Town, serves as a homebase for travelers seeking true luxury this holiday season. The 1913 royal villa was reimagined into a 158 room and suite hotel with three fine dining spots, an indoor pool, wellness spa, and tranquil gardens, all just a five minute walk away from the city’s medieval fortress walls.
Wine Journey in Argentina
Mendoza, Argentina
For a true escape to summer, travelers should flock to Mendoza, a vibrant city in Argentina’s wine region that flourishes during the southern hemisphere’s peak summer months. This vineyard-filled town is nestled at the foothills of the Andes Mountains and alongside the Mendoza River, offering an array of activities such as hiking, horseback riding, river rafting, and of course, wine tours. Susana Balbo, Argentina’s first female winemaker, offers a plethora of wine routes and tours for guests visiting her wellness and wine focused hotel, SB Winemaker's House & Spa Suites. As one of the pioneering winemaking families in Mendoza, the Balbo’s curation of these wine routes and the family’s personal connections to them allow guests to get up close with the history and philosophy of each winery. While not exploring the surrounding wine scene, guests will find an idyllic scene awaiting at the boutique hotel with its seven fully-equipped spa suites offering in-room relaxation and wine-infused spa treatments.
Sunny Escape in Cabo
Los Cabos, Mexico
December poses as a great time to catch the sun in Los Cabos without being overwhelmed by crowds and the heat, as the average temperature is slightly lower than in the hotter summer months, but still warm enough for a dip in the pool. Winter is also an ideal time to watch whales migrate for the season, viewable from all of the ocean view suites at . Located on Mexico's Baja Peninsula between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, this luxury all-inclusive beach-front resort boasts seven gourmet restaurants (one with a Michelin star), a world-class spa with a hydrotherapy facility, three pools, teen and kid clubs, 24-hour personalized butler concierge, and 24-hour in-suite service. Families looking for a holiday escape can enjoy an entire trip catered to their needs, including babysitters for hire, a plethora of childrens’ activities, and a baby concierge that can arrange in-room toys, baby products, and more for a seamless baby and toddler-friendly travel experience. Couples looking to escape the winter blues will enjoy suites featuring private plunge pools or jacuzzis, extensive wine lists and experiences, and innovative couples’ spa treatments. For travelers seeking an adults-only experience, Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos is available to book just next door, where all the amenities offered at Grand Velas Los Cabos are included in the nightly rate of Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos.
Embrace the Best of Winter or Chase the Sun
With HomeExchange Collection
HomeExchange Collection, the luxury division of global home swap leader HomeExchange, provides members the opportunity to book home swaps at more than 5,000 luxury homes across 85 countries. The platform’s streamlined search filter is designed to showcase the most opulent options worldwide, ranging from penthouses in bustling cities, charming villas in stunning vacation escapes, or historic estates in the countryside. Whether traveling to escape winter or opting to book a trip with a group of family and friends to experience the best of the winter season, each HomeExchange Collection member can truly customize their experience and find a “home away from home” to spend the holidays in.
