Published 24th Dec. 2025
Written by Holly Catton
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Love it or hate it, winter rolls around every year. So, why not spend this polarizing time on a polarized continent? From skating on the frozen lakes of the Canadian Rockies and crunching through the snow-blanketed plains of Alaska to sampling internationally renowned wines in the vineyards of Northern California and cruising between the laid-back microcosms of The Florida Keys, North America has something for everyone during winter. Whether you want to lean into the chill or escape it entirely, read on to discover where to go in North America in winter...
We’re kicking off our guide to where to go in North America in winter with a classic. New York is a winning choice for anyone seeking a wintry city break. In the run up to Christmas, the city overflows with festivities – with open-air markets in Bryant Park and Union Square, and ornate window displays adorning Fifth Avenue. For a brief (and incredibly well-lit) excursion out of the city, tour the extravagant decorations in Dyker Heights.
More inclined to visit in January? New York is still top notch. The city mellows out in the wake of New Year so you can explore with ease – free from the crowds and the queues as you peruse the sales and nab the best seats at any show.
Image by Dre Nieto / Unsplash.com
Alaska’s second-largest city, Fairbanks, is a quintessential winter wonderland. Blanketed in snow and offering plenty of festive fun, it’s well worth making the journey for. The Winter Solstice Celebration, Holiday Bazaar and Christmas in Ice Exhibit run annually – Santa's House is also just a sleigh ride away in a town called North Pole (no, really). While daylight is scarce at this time of year, the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights is a worthy payoff. And if you’re wondering what happens after the festive season passes, Denali Winterfest, a community-oriented festival revolving around winter sports, runs from the end of February until the beginning of March.
This vast expanse of terrain is full of postcard-perfect winter destinations, but the most popular town by an icy mile (and a personal favourite of ours) is Banff. A buzzing tourist destination with buckets of charm, the town offers winter fun aplenty, from ice skating at Two Jack Lake to tubing at Mount Norquay. It also has a gleaming gastronomic reputation, with two of its restaurants listed in the top 100 in Canada for 2025.
To the west of Banff, lies Canmore, a lesser-known town pressed right up against the mountains. If you’ve seen The Last of Us, you may experience a peculiar feeling of de ja vu here – the town was used as a set for the series. Aside from its claim to streaming fame, Canmore is a great base for visiting the Grotto Canyon and soaking away your troubles at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa.
Image by David Clapp
Winter is widely regarded as the best time to visit Yellowstone. Not only is it the park’s longest season, but also its quietest one. People are scarce, noises are cushioned by thick blankets of snow and roads are closed to cars – the perfect excuse to hop on a snowmobile. If that wasn’t convincing enough, winter is also prime time for spotting wolves, with the snow providing a convenient contrast to their grey fur. So, despite the daunting temperatures (averaging a cool -20°C), there’s plenty of reasons why Yellowstone National Park should be on your winter bucket list.
Awash with German Christmas markets and steeped in French culture, Quebec City is a curiously European city nestled in the heart of Canada. The regal facade of Fairmont le Chateau Frontenac is even more magical under a dusting of snow, and the Quartier de Petit Champlin transforms into something straight out of a Hallmark movie. For a bit of action, go ice skating at Place D'Youville or ice fishing at Village Nordik. Or, if it’s thrills you’re chasing, head to Montgomery Falls; it’s higher than Niagara Falls and can be experienced by foot, cable car, zipline or via ferrata.
While the city naturally caters to the festive season, it also has a lot to offer once the festivities have come to an end. Quebec Winter Carnival runs throughout the first two weeks of February, and Pentathlon des Neiges (Canada’s largest winter outdoor event) dominates the weeks following. There’s no such thing as January blues here.
Fancy a little surf, sip and ski? California’s got you covered. The southern stretch of the state is blessed with waves year-round, making it perfect for winter surfing. San Diego and South Bay in LA offer the best breaks, with La Jolla and Torrence Beach catering to beginners. After all that salt-water action, head north to the prestigious vineyards of Napa and Sonoma to quench your thirst. Insider tip: if you’re partial to a Cabernet Sauvignon, don’t miss the Robert Mondavi Winery. If you turn inland, things get even cooler (sorry). Mammoth Mountain, a rugged expanse of 3,500 acres of skiable terrain and 11,000ft of elevation, truly comes alive in winter. Festive events run throughout December, and their infamous Unbound Series – a winter sports competition – kicks off in January.
Image by Kate Berry
If the sunnier planes of California pique your fancy, maybe you’d prefer a total escape from the cold. Florida truly earns its Sunshine State moniker during winter, when average temperatures are a balmy 27°C, and the concept of snow is a distant memory. To really soak up the heat, head to the Florida Keys, an easygoing string of islands trailing down towards Cuba. Once frequented by Tennessee Williams and Ernest Hemingway, they’re brimming with artistic heritage. What’s great about these islands is that they’re easy to hop between. Head to Key Largo for scuba, Marathon for sunbathing, Sugarloaf Key for marine sightseeing, Big Pine Key to spot the endangered Key deer, and Key West for a truly buzzing atmosphere.
Last up on our list of where to go in North America in winter is Baja California. This sub-tropical peninsula extends from the base of California and juts out into the Pacific Ocean. While it may experience its coldest waters in winter, the whales don’t mind. Thanks to calving season, winter in the Sur is the perfect time to spot blue, grey and even humpback whales. Once you’ve satiated your marine curiosity, it’s time to check out the region’s wine tourism. La Ruta del Vino, or The Wine Route (a fantastically forthright name) flows right through the Valle de Guadalupe, containing over 100 wineries. What better way to get your kicks as you explore the scorched pastures of Mexico’s sovereign state.
Image by Cavan Images / Getty Images
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