From winter sun and relaxation in Florida, to snow-filled wildlife safaris in Yellowstone National Park, North America provides travellers with so many contrasting climates, landscapes, wildlife and experiences. Read below for our 8 Must-Visit Winter Holiday Destinations in North America… 

---

Yellowstone National Park

One of the most enchanting national parks in North America takes on a magical aurora in winter.

The summer crowds fade away and the park is a lot quieter, leaving you to appreciate the incredible wildlife, including bison, moose and coyotes roaming through the awe-inspiring snowy landscapes and glistening woods.

Nestled amongst the mountain ranges, the town of Jackson provides opportunities for skiing and is a haven for adventurous travellers in the winter.

Tip: Swing open the saloon doors of the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson and hop on a saddle at the bar for a touch of real life authentic western history

Specially guided winter tours take you from the authentic western saloons of Jackson into the heart of this winter oasis, where the snow provides an impressive backdrop to the towering geysers.

Looking for an incredible Yellowstone winter tour? You can take a snow season safari which visits Jackson Hole, Yellowstone and more as you go on horse-drawn sleigh rides and a Snowcoach tour.

Vancouver & Whistler

Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and framed by the British Columbia Coast Mountains, it’s easy to fall in love with Vancouver.

Discover wintry historic neighbourhoods like Gastown and Chinatown, build snowmen on scenic English Bay and experience the picturesque Vancouver Harbour.

Visit the winter wonderland of Stanley Park and Lion’s Gate Bridge, while enjoying the spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains.

We would also recommend a visit to the charming farmer’s market at Granville Island and the 360-degree panoramic views from the Vancouver Lookout’s observation deck high atop Harbour Centre Tower!

Why not combine your wintry stay in Vancouver with a visit to Whistler, travelling along the famous Sea to Sky Highway? This route has been voted one of the best scenic drives in the world.

If you’re seeking the ultimate in incredible winter destinations, Whistler Village is a must-see Canadian gem.

With the sun rising upon breath-taking mountain views from all angles and sprawling forests with sparkling snowflakes aplenty, this quaint village offers everything from relaxing spas and scenic strolls to adrenaline filled winter sports such as skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking.

With peak skiing season from December to March, Whistler is a premier world ski destination and a great place to visit in winter. 

San Diego

Looking for a warmer climate? Smaller crowds, vivid winter sunsets and temperate weather from 17 to 21 degrees make San Diego one of the best winter holiday destinations.

Considered the birthplace of California, San Diego offers a diverse mix of culture and cuisine coupled with an array of options to fill your days under the winter California sunshine. The pristine beaches around beautiful Mission Bay, the Old Town, Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter at night, San Diego Zoo and the amazing coastal views are not to be missed!

Miami and South Florida

Greater Miami and The Beaches offer fantastic year-round weather and of course world class beaches, making it a great winter holiday destination for sun worshippers. Here you can kick back and enjoy a relaxing winter cruise at Biscayne Bay, where you’ll get to see the iconic downtown Miami skyline, Miami Beach, Fisher Island, and Millionaire’s Row.

We also recommend a visit to the Drinkhouse Fire & Ice bar for an unusual wintry experience. This bar is constructed from 100,000 pounds of pure glacial ice, and the venue offers an amazing chilled vodka bar (as well as a fire lounge to warm you up afterwards!).

For the adventurous amongst us, give Everglades National Park a visit! This unparalleled landscape is a habitat for numerous rare and endangered species such as the manatee, the American crocodile and the Florida panther.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale offers everything you’d expect from a premier winter holiday destination, including world class dining, shopping, and nightlife… plus something completely unexpected – the incredible beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

Even in winter, Scottsdale’s lush desert landscape offers nearly endless opportunities for outdoor adventure – watch the sunrise from the gondola of a hot air balloon, or explore rolling mountain foothills on a walk in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Maybe you’d even like to unleash your inner cowboy and saddle-up for a Western-style horseback ride! Just make sure your phone is fully charged so you can capture the desert’s breath-taking scenery and technicolour sunsets.

New York

Of course New York had to make the list! As if years of watching ‘Friends’ and ‘Sex and the City’ episodes hadn’t convinced us it was a place of adventure and possibility, winter turns New York into a truly magical place. During January to March you may have a great chance of having the streets of New York to yourself!

Enjoy a picture-perfect walk around Central Park, find the perfect Christmas gift in the winter markets or simply enjoy the amazing museums, art, culture and food.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is the place to come for seasonal shopping for loved ones, or a Christmas or New Year’s break!

In winter, Las Vegas becomes a welcome retreat from the heavy snow and freezing temperatures of the northern states and the days are sunny and clear, with temperatures at around 20 degrees.

Why not see the LINQ Promenade totally transformed for the holiday season, featuring larger than life Vegas-style Christmas, or enjoy a festive magic show and holiday carollers?

Outside of the Strip, experience the desert warmth or book an incredible helicopter ride over the snow blanketed Grand Canyon, providing the icing on the very large and loud Las Vegas cake!

Northern Lights in the Yukon

In Yukon, you can picture yourself in one of the best locations in the world to experience the Northern Lights this winter – either from an outdoor spa, sat around a bonfire or from your cosy lodge room balcony.

Our Yukon lodge experience takes you to the true wilderness and includes all meals and a wealth of exciting and unique outdoor experiences that you will probably never have had the opportunity to try before, like snow shoe or fat bike trailing, dog sledding or alpine hiking!

The Aurora Borealis season is from September to April, so do something different this winter and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Planning your next winter holiday adventure? Speak to our friendly and knowledgeable North America travel experts on 01159 610590 or drop us an email!