Winter Wonderlands

While the winter in our part of the world brings blissfully cooler temperatures, other regions revel in snowy landscapes, icy activities and festive markets galore. If you are planning an escape over the holidays, there are plenty of options to consider, from Germany and Prague, with their famed festive markets, to China and Japan where snowscapes and ice carving take centre stage.

Germany

Renowned worldwide, Germany’s festive market tradition began in the late Middle Ages. Bathed in history and charm, each town and city has its own unique take on holiday celebrations. The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, one of the country’s oldest and most famous markets, is a bucket-list destination. Found in Hauptmarkt Square, it features traditional wooden stalls with red-and-white striped awnings, handcrafted gifts, decorations and sweets. Visitors can sample authentic Nuremberg lebkuchen (gingerbread), Spekulatius almond cookies and mulled grape. Don’t forget to pick up a handmade Rauschgoldengel (gold-foil angel) as a keepsake. It runs until December 24 and opens daily from 10am to 9pm, closing at 8pm on the final day.

Frankfurt holiday market is another favourite, celebrated for its festive decorations and live musical performances. Set against the backdrop of Römerberg and St. Paul’s Square, it offers a variety of handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys and seasonal treats like Bethmännchen marzipan cookies. A towering decorative tree and performances by local choirs and orchestras add to the magical holiday atmosphere. The market runs until December 22, from 10am to 9pm on weekdays and 11am to 10pm on weekends.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague’s holiday markets are among the most picturesque in Europe, where Gothic architecture meets the sparkle of pretty lights. The market at Old Town Square transports you into a fairy-tale setting with the Church of Our Lady before Týn as its backdrop. At its centre stands a huge festive tree, adorned with thousands of lights, attracting crowds for a wonderful atmosphere of carols, music and dance. The stalls here are a treasure trove of Bohemian glass, ceramics, lace embroidery, wooden toys and hand-painted ornaments. Foodies can also savour traditional Czech treats, such as rybí polévka (fish soup), trdelník (sweet chimney cakes) and pernícky (spicy gingerbread). Wash these down with a cup of delicious horká cokoláda (hot chocolate) or svarák, the local mulled grape.

Another must-visit is the Wenceslas Square market, a short walk from Old Town Square. While smaller, it offers a cosier atmosphere and a wide array of locally crafted goods. Its proximity to luxury boutiques makes it a convenient stop for those looking to mix traditional holiday shopping with high-end finds.

For a quieter yet equally magical experience, head to Castle Hill near Prague Castle. This market not only offers stunning views over the city but also provides a peaceful retreat from the main tourist spots, with a selection of unique festive items and artisan crafts. Markets run until January 6, 2025.

Harbin, China

Harbin may not be as famous as other Asian cities but, come the frigid temperatures and it transforms into a dazzling icy wonderland that rivals the best of them. Known for its annual Ice and Snow Festival, this is where the cold season gets an artistic makeover.

You will find yourself walking amongst massive sculptures of dragons, palaces and mythical creatures, all carved out of ice and illuminated in neon colours. The festival is a celebration of both Chinese culture and the art of ice sculpting, with artists from around the globe contributing to the magical displays.

Besides the festival, the city’s Russian-influenced architecture and fabulous cuisine make it a fascinating place to explore. Warm up with bowls of hearty dongbei dishes, sip on hot drinks or try the famous ice pops, enjoyed even in sub-zero temperatures. There’s something about the city’s brisk cold air and shimmering ice sculptures that turn the season into a spellbinding frosty fantasy.

Head to China’s Snow Town – Zhong Guo Xue Xiang – where visitors can take a reindeer safari or book a dog sled ride through the snowy landscapes and forests and learn to drive a snowmobile while getting to know the local culture. You could even try fishing or ice sailing on Songhua River.

Hokkaido, Japan

For a winter experience rooted in both adventure and relaxation, the north island of Hokkaido is Japan’s snow-laden paradise. Known for its powdery pistes, it is a dream for skiers and snowboarders alike, but it has lots of other things one can do.

The town of Otaru, with its lantern-lit canals and charming old streets, becomes a beautiful winter wonderland, while the Sapporo Snow Festival, which takes place annually in February, astounds with intricate ice sculptures and lively events including snowboard and ski jumping competitions and live music. And you can even take part in an epic snowball fight in Tsudomi.

After a day on the slopes or exploring Hokkaido’s snowy landscapes, head to one of the island’s famous onsen or hot spring baths, to soak away the cold. Imagine the contrast of steaming water against the cool, snowy air – Hokkaido has truly mastered the art of relaxation.

Don’t miss a chance to try culinary delicacies, from fresh seafood to the local favourite, miso ramen. It’s an escape that balances the thrill of the outdoors with moments of pure, warm bliss.