10 best winter vacations in the U.S.

The best places to sip cocoa, hit the slopes, and celebrate the season.

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Best winter vacations in the U.S.

Looking for the perfect winter getaway? From snowy slopes to festive lights and cozy retreats, winter travel offers experiences that go beyond the cold. Whether you’re seeking family adventures, romantic escapes, or outdoor thrills, these destinations provide unforgettable activities, local culture, and festive charm. Here are 10 destinations to inspire your winter travels in 2025.

Band performing at a public outdoor gazebo to a crowd with Christmas decorations in Leavenworth, WA

1. Leavenworth, WA

A Bavarian village in the Cascades.

Festive Highlights:

Village of Lights Festival: Leavenworth illuminates with over half a million lights daily. Enjoy gazebo entertainment, Santa visits, and photos with Santa.

Family activities:

Sleigh rides & ice skating: Experience horse-drawn sleigh rides and glide across the outdoor ice skating rink in the heart of the village.
Reindeer farm visits: Interact with reindeer at the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm.

Outdoor adventures:

Snowshoeing & winter hiking: Explore the Icicle River Road Snowshoe Trail, a 5 km route meandering through forests, meadows, and dense thickets, taking you up close to Icicle Creek.

Food & drink:

Andreas Keller Restaurant and München Haus: Authentic German fare in cozy, alpine settings.
Blewett Brewing Co.: Local craft beers in a relaxed atmosphere.

Browse Leavenworth Rentals

a horse-drawn carriage rides through the bavarian streets of helen, ga

2. Helen, GA

A gingerbread-town getaway.

Festive highlights:

Victorian Christmas at Hardman Farm: Experience a Victorian-style Christmas with horse-drawn wagon rides, traditional decorations, and homemade sorghum cookies.

Family activities:

Candy kitchen visits: Delight in sweets at the Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen.
Mountain coaster rides: Experience thrilling rides through the snowy landscape.

Outdoor adventures:

Anna Ruby Falls hike: Embark on a scenic hike to the twin waterfalls, especially stunning when surrounded by snow.

Food & drink:

Hofer’s Bakery & Café: German pastries and hearty breakfasts.
Bodensee Restaurant: Traditional German dishes in a charming setting.

Browse Helen Rentals

Best winter getaways in the U.S. - Park City, Utah

3. Park City, UT

Snow, slopes, and festive fun for all.

Festive family activities:

North Pole Express train ride: Experience a magical train journey to the North Pole.

Outdoor adventures:

Skiing & snowboarding: Hit the slopes at one of the country's premier ski resorts.
Dog-sledding: Experience the thrill of dog sledding with huskies and other arctic breeds on guided tours.
Sleigh rides: Enjoy classic horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy landscapes, some even offer dinner.
Cross-country skiing: Explore over 70 kilometers of groomed trails in Park City and the surrounding mountains.
Fat biking: Ride fat-tire bikes on groomed winter trails in Park City, with options for rentals and guided tours available.
Snow tubing: Enjoy tubing at Woodward Park City, featuring Utah's longest tubing lanes at 1,200 feet.

Food & drink:

Riverhorse On Main: Award-winning, seasonal cuisine, impeccable service, and a stunning atmosphere.
Sticky Wicket: A vintage 21+ bar offering a nostalgic atmosphere and a variety of drinks.

Browse Park City Rentals

indoor winter garden at the biltmore estate in asheville

4. Asheville, NC

Holiday charm in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Festive highlights:

Christmas at Biltmore: Immerse yourself in the yuletide oasis with fragrant wreaths, glittering garland, and thousands of sparkling ornaments.

Family & cultural activities:

Holiday performances: Enjoy seasonal shows at the Asheville Community Theatre.
Craft workshops: Participate in festive workshops for all ages.

Outdoor adventures:

Blue Ridge Parkway drives: Take scenic drives along the parkway to witness winter landscapes.
Snowtubing, skiing, and snowboarding: Explore nearby Cataloochee Ski Area or Hatley Pointe.
Ice climbing: Don't worry, no experience (or equipment) is required with Fox Mountain Guides.

Food & drink:

Jargon: Contemporary American cuisine with a creative twist.
The Dining Room: – Elegant dining experience with seasonal menus.

Browse Asheville Rentals

Best winter getaways in the U.S. - Durango, Colorado

5. Durango, CO

Train rides, snowy peaks, and Old West charm.

Festive highlights:

The Polar Express train ride: Embark on a 65-minute steam train trip to the North Pole, featuring cozy refreshments and a visit from Santa.

Family activities:

Discovery Museum exhibits: Engage with interactive winter-themed exhibits at The Powerhouse.
Ice skating: Enjoy skating sessions in the town square.

Outdoor adventures:

Hot springs soaks: Relax in nearby hot springs.
Winter hiking: Explore snow-covered trails with guided hikes.

Food & drink:

Two Chicks and a Hippie: Breakfast and brunch favorites in a quirky setting.
Cork and Larder: An artisan cheese and sandwich shop.

Browse Durango Rentals

Best winter getaways in the U.S. - Fredericksburg, Texas

6. Fredericksburg, TX

Twinkling lights, festive markets, and warm Texas charm.

Festive highlights:

German Christmas pyramid: Marvel at the 26-foot-tall wooden pyramid, handcrafted in Germany, standing tall in Marktplatz.

Family activities:

Ice skating: Enjoy seasonal ice skating in the town square.
Carriage rides: Take a scenic ride through the decorated streets.

Outdoor adventures:

Enchanted Rock hikes: Embark on winter hikes to the iconic pink granite dome.
Wildlife watching: Observe local wildlife in nearby preserves.

Food & drink:

Cabernet Grill: Award-winning Texas Hill Country cuisine.
Old German Bakery & Restaurant: Authentic German fare in a historic setting.

Browse Fredericksburg Rentals

7. Aspen, CO

Luxury slopes and festive mountain vibes.

Festive highlights:

12 Days of Aspen: Participate in various winter-themed events and activities throughout the season.
Ullr Nights: Celebrate Ullr, the Norse god of snow, at Elk Camp on Snowmass—a sparkling nighttime winter wonderland party.

Family activities:

Sledding hills: Enjoy fun-filled sledding sessions in designated areas.
Ice skating: Skate at the Silver Circle Ice Rink.

Outdoor adventures:

Skiing & snowboarding: Experience world-class skiing at Aspen Mountain.
Snowshoeing: Explore winter trails with guided snowshoe tours.

Food & drink:

Ellina: A locally-owned and women-led restaurant with a Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Rock Island Oyster Bar & Grill: Coastal cuisine in the Colorado mountains.

Browse Aspen Rentals

horse-drawn carriage ride through the snowy trails in stowe, vermont

8. Stowe, VT

Classic New England winter charm.

Festive highlights:

Traditional Christmas in Stowe: Features tree lightings, lantern parades, Santa visits, and wagon rides.

Family activities:

Skiing & snowboarding: Stowe Mountain Resort offers runs for all skill levels.
Ice skating: Skate at the village’s outdoor rink.

Outdoor adventures:

Snowshoeing & winter hiking: Explore snowy trails with guided tours or on your own.

Food & drink:

Idletyme Brewing Co.: American cuisine with house-brewed beers.
Doc Ponds: Gastro-pub fare with a wide selection of beers.

Browse Stowe Rentals

9. Big Bear, CA

Snowy fun in California.

Festive highlights:

Holiday tree lighting: Annual ceremony kicks off the season with music and lights.

Family activities:

Snow play parks: Sledding and snow tubing for kids and adults.
Ice skating: Skate at Big Bear Ice Rink, surrounded by snow-covered mountains.

Outdoor adventures:

Skiing & snowboarding: Bear Mountain and Snow Summit offer diverse slopes.
Snowshoeing & winter hiking: Explore trails around the lake and forested areas.

Food & drink:

Tropicali: A Big Bear classic and ranked the #1 poke restaurant in America.
Big Bear Mountain Brewery: Local craft beers and pub fare.

Browse Big Bear Rentals

snowcapped mountains of sun valley, idaho

10. Sun Valley, ID

A classic ski town with a modern twist.

Festive highlights:

Winter Wonderland Festival: One of the oldest winter festivals in the U.S., featuring ice sculptures, parades, and live music.
Tree Lighting Ceremony: The town's central square is adorned with festive lights, creating a magical atmosphere.

Family activities:

Ice skating: Enjoy skating at the outdoor rink in the heart of town.
Sleigh rides: Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through snow-covered landscapes.

Outdoor adventures:

Skiing & snowboarding: Sun Valley Resort offers world-class slopes suitable for all skill levels.
Snowshoeing & cross-country skiing: Explore miles of groomed trails in the surrounding mountains.

Food & drink:

The Pioneer Saloon: Historic bar with hearty American fare.
Konditorei: Austrian-inspired café with pastries and light meals.

Explore Sun Valley Rentals

Winter vacations are about more than snow—they’re about experiences, lights, local culture, and making lasting memories with loved ones. From Bavarian towns to mountain resorts, these destinations offer a mix of festive cheer, outdoor adventures, and cozy indulgences. Pack your warmest gear, plan your itinerary, and get ready to embrace a winter season filled with magic and adventure.