As the first day of winter approaches, our minds start to picture what a winter wonderland may look like. Picture snow gracefully falling on the ground, ice glistening & gleaming, and that charming pumpkin-spiced holiday feel all around! The idea of you cuddling up next to a fireplace, a hot cup of cocoa in hand, and watching the snow fall with a loved one becomes idyllic. Well that majestic wonderland location no longer has to be a fantasy but a reality! Here are 5 beautiful places around the world that look even better under a layer of winter snow.

 

  1. Munich, Germany A location filled with century old traditions! As the snow starts to fall, this place becomes an old time winter wonderland. From the Christkindl market in Munich’s famous Marienplatz to the elaborate gingerbread houses and wooden carved toys, they city is just bursting with holiday spirit!
  2. Shirakawa, Japan If snow is a must have for your winter wonderland fantasy, then look no further. The city of Shirakawa, Japan has some of the heaviest snowfall in the world, its annual average is over thirty feet!
  3. Harbin, China This city is home to the largest snow festival in the world! It is known as one of the coldest major cities in China and they host the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture festival. This festival allows locals to create magnificent ice sculptures, making the city into a icy-tastical masterpiece!
  4. Yosemite National Park, USA If you are looking for a completely majestic view visit Yosemite National Park during the winter time. The snowfall will glisten as it falls through the park’s greenery. It’s famous giant, ancient sequoia trees and iconic viewpoints never looked more breathtaking.
  5. Alcazar de Segovia, Spain Go back to the 17th Century and visit the Alcazar Castle in Spain this winter vacation. This is one of the most visited castles in the world and looks like the castle straight out of Beauty and the Beast under a blanket of snow!

Hope Out Loud encourages you to find the beauty all around the world this holiday season. Explore your surroundings and dive into cultures that are unknown. You might just find your own unique winter wonderland! Happy Holidays!