The Most Unusual Winter Holidays

While most people are glad to be waving goodbye to winter, some will already be considering where to head for when the colder weather comes. To stay one step ahead, here’s a list of the top five places to visit this year that’ll really up the ante and have you embracing the ice in style.

The Harbin Ice Festival, China
Running every year since 1985, this is a truly spectacular sight to behold. Bringing together some of the most talented ice sculptors in the world, the Harbin Ice Festival showcases huge replicas of famous buildings all intricately crafted from ice. There are icy shops, hotels and restaurants all in perfect working order.

Lapland, Finland
Anyone who’s ever considered a winter holiday and not thought about Lapland has perhaps been living in a bubble. Holidays to Lapland can be tailor-made to your specifications, with three and four-day breaks on offer. There are some great deals available for kids and grandparents if you shop around. This is the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy some time in the comfort of Santa’s home town.

Jämtland, Sweden
You can take a week-long tour across the province of Jämtland, driving your own sled through the spectacular winter wonderland. This is a great opportunity to see artic wildlife in its natural habitat and one that you won’t forget in a hurry. It’s not for the faint-hearted though; you’ll be sleeping outdoors in winter tents and with temperatures constantly below zero, it’s definitely worth packing your thermals!

Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Anyone looking for a relaxing break this winter should head to Europe’s thermal hotspot, Iceland, and, more specifically, the Blue Lagoon. The thermal power of the earth heats a series of pools just outside Reykjavik and visitors are invited to indulge in the naturally-healing waters with delicious temperatures of around 37-39°C. There are a number of in-water pampering experiences as well as more traditional indoor delights like massages and facials.

Bethlehem in Brighton
For a slightly more traditional trip that’s a little closer to home, then look no further than Brighton! This is a modern day stable that’s been transformed into a real life nativity scene, complete with straw beds and access to five gorgeous acres of farmland that surround it. There’s heating and electricity and WiFi for a small additional cost. Guests can really get to grips with the traditional values of Christmas and enjoy getting back to basics.

Image of Harbin Ice Festival by Bert van Dijk used under creative commons licence