© Shutterstock

Vancouver, Canada - One of Canada's most densely-populated cities is also one of the most beautiful when the cold comes in.

© Shutterstock

Bled, Slovenia - Bled is considered one of the world's most beautiful and unique locations. You can visit various spas while enjoying the gorgeous views.

© iStock

Hallstatt, Austria - During winter, the oldest town in Austria—a UNESCO Word Heritage Site—almost doesn't look real, perched on the banks of a lake in the country's Salzkammergut region.

© Shutterstock

Ottawa, Canada - Canada's capital never escapes the snow and it's just as well! Ice skating is one of the most common outdoor activities here and the city even hosts ice sculpting contests.

© Shutterstock

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany - This German town looks like it's right out of a medieval fairy tale, even more so when covered in a blanket of snow.

© Shutterstock

Chicago, USA - Chicago's beauty is undeniable, but in winter, especially between January and February, the city looks even more imposing.

© Shutterstock

Tallinn, Estonia - The capital of Estonia is worth a visit at any time of year, but winter gives it a little something extra.

© iStock

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic - This charming Czech town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In winter mist rises off the river to veil the destination in an ethereal glow.

© iStock

Montreal, Canada - Montreal is especially appealing after a dusting of snow. Just wrap up warm. Really warm!

© Shutterstock

New York, USA - When snow is falling Central Park is one of the city's most popular recreation spots.

© iStock

Reykjavik, Iceland - The combination of great winter sports options, hot springs, and the glowing aurora borealis light show makes Reykjavik a winter paradise.

© iStock

Amsterdam, Netherlands - When it snows in Amsterdam, this already magical city is even more alluring. 

© iStock 

Quebec, Canada - Quebec's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which just lends the place an extra special vibe when cloaked in white.

© iStock

Salzburg, Austria - Salzburg is one of the northern Alps' best-preserved towns, and it looks like a place worthy of fairy tales.

© iStock

Gothenburg, Sweden - Throughout winter, Sweden's second city gets cold and windy and can experience snowfall as early as November. This just means festive cheer arrives early in this attractive port!

© iStock

Annaberg-Buchholz, Germany - This quaint town is especially popular for its town-center Christmas market.

© Shutterstock

Qaqortoq, Greenland - This place is celebrated for its colorful houses, which really do stand out against a white winter backdrop.

© Shutterstock

Boston, USA - Boston's winter air cuts right through you, but it's worth it to see the city covered in snow.

© iStock

Milan, Italy - Surrounded by mountains and boasting noble architecture, Milan is great to visit year round, but in winter it's particularly appealing.

© Shutterstock

Erfurt, Germany - Erfurt's Christmas market is dazzling, and after snowfall wins hands down as one of the best seasonal markets in Europe.

© iStock

Berlin, Germany - Fresh snowfall just adds more allure to Berlin's already famous monuments.

© iStock

Prague, Czech Republic - When it snows, the country's capital captures the imagination. The colorful rooftops poking through the white mantle are gorgeous to behold.

© iStock

London, England - It doesn't always snow in London. But when it does, the city takes on a wonderfully fresh complexion.

© iStock

Ljubljana, Slovenia - Slovenia's largest city usually sees snowfall from December through to February. It transforms the city known for its historic architecture.

© iStock

Shirakawago, Japan - You can experience an unforgettable  Japanese winter in Shirakawago. The village's traditional houses are unlike anything else in the Land of the Rising Sun.

© iStock

Queenstown, New Zealand - Queenstown has all you could want from a perfect winter town. This exciting New Zealand destination has lakes, snow-capped mountains, and scenery that will take your breath away.

© Shutterstock

Moscow, Russia - The Russian winter is notorious, so if you're visiting Moscow at this time of year, arrive well prepared. It will be freezing, but worth it!

© iStock

Chamonix, France - This picture-perfect town in the French Alps positively sparkles after snowfall.

© Shutterstock

Sinaia, Romania - Snow on Peles Castle near Sinaia in the Carpathian Mountains further enhances the fairy-tale looks of this landmark building.

© Shutterstock

Sofia, Bulgaria - Heavy snowfall on the grounds of Sofia's Seven Saints Church adds a chilly charm to this well-known place of worship.

© Shutterstock

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg - An attractive destination any time of year, Luxembourg City appears sugar-coated after overnight frost.

© Shutterstock

Beijing, China - The Chinese capital's Imperial Palace locked in ice during a cold snap. 

© Shutterstock

Seoul, South Korea - Gyeongbokgung Palace in winter, when the former royal residence looks especially appealing. 

© Shutterstock

Brussels, Belgium - The city's familiar-looking Atomium appears as a futuristic Christmas tree during the festive season.

© Shutterstock

Lausanne, Switzerland - Set on the shores of Lake Geneva, this Swiss city is always greeted with snow during the winter period.

© Shutterstock

Edinburgh, Scotland - The capital of Scotland doesn't always get snowed under during winter. But when it does, landmarks like the castle exude a wonderfully romantic aura.

© Shutterstock

Anchorage, USA - A rather nondescript city to look at in summer, the Alaskan state capital is transformed over the winter months into a sparkling jewel framed by the Chugach Mountain Range.

© Shutterstock

Strasbourg, France - Its chocolate box looks are heightened in winter to lend Strasbourg's Old Town district a truly magical veneer.

© Shutterstock

Oslo, Norway -

Oslo and snow have always worked well together, but of course the freezing weather serves as a harbinger of the long, dark Nordic winter ahead.

See also: National Geographic’s top 30 travel destinations in 2024

© Shutterstock