Although the holidays may be the ultimate time of the year to enjoy the company of family and friends, it can also be a stressful period. In the run-up til Christmas, people tend to hurry around, trying to find the perfect gifts while also planning a festive dinner and wrapping up their work for the year.

Vilnius’s Slowest Christmas Marathon offers a great way to calm down and escape the rush. The city’s tourism board is inviting everyone to take part in the unique event and to discover the Lithuanian capital in a unique way. 

“Christmas has become a season of rushing from one thing to the next. We wanted to turn that idea on its head. In Vilnius, you can take your time – the city is compact, the distances are short, and there is no need to hurry. It offers sparkling lights of its UNESCO-listed Old Town, warm cafés tucked into historic courtyards, and the magical glow of the tree in Cathedral Square. So why not make the slowest marathon possible?” said Eglė Girdzijauskaitė, Head of Communication at Go Vilnius.

The main event of the Slowest Christmas Marathon will take place during the weekend of 12 and 13 December. Those who wish to take part can do so for free and without registering – the only thing they need to decide is whether they opt for the 3, 10, 21, or 42.195-kilometre option. During the main weekend, selected stops will offer small surprises and perks, with prizes waiting for those who complete their route along the required stops.

Those who are not available on 12 or 13 December, or those who want a second chance to try the routes, however, will be able to find the dedicated route maps online until 3 January 2027. 

“The Slowest Marathon ties into our Christmas campaign, which borrows the style of a nature documentary to introduce a newly discovered human species: the Christmas Walkerus. They look like everyone else, but their behaviour is distinctive. They walk slower, notice more, and choose the interesting route over the shortest one. And the best part? You’re not born a Christmas Walkerus. You become one simply by coming to Vilnius and allowing yourself to slow down,” commented Eglė Girdzijauskaitė. 

The Slowest Christmas Marathon is part of Vilnius’s wider Christmas campaign, ‘Christmas in Vilnius’, which will be kicked off on 28 November with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. The Christmas Market, located on the city’s Cathedral Square, will run from 28 November to 27 December. 

Alongside Vilnius’ main Christmas attractions, the routes will lead visitors to lesser-known corners of the city. Stops include Senatorių Pasažas (Senators’ Passage), a historic courtyard with a popular cinnamon bun, and the Užupis Cat, a small sculpture in the city’s bohemian district. Even the streets have surprises, with routes passing through Žiemos (Winter), Šerkšno (Frost), Sniego (Snow), and Elnių (Deer) streets.

The launch of the Slowest Christmas Marathon comes at a moment when an increasing number of travellers are showing interest in experience-based tourism. This Autumn, so-called race-cations in particular are proving very popular, with people looking to combine sports and fitness with their travel goals.

L’article Forget your personal best: Vilnius launches the Slowest Christmas Marathon est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Post Office priced the same eight purchases in every destination. They include a coffee, local beer, soft drink, glass of wine, bottled water, suncream and insect repellent. The eighth purchase is a three-course dinner for two with a bottle of wine. Prices came from tourist offices where possible, with online research used elsewhere. The totals were converted into pounds for the original ranking. The euro figures below are approximate conversions using the European Central Bank’s reference rate for 28 September 2026.

Cape Town takes first place, with the eight purchases costing around €67.89 in total. Mombasa, Kenya, follows at €74.21, putting two African destinations at the top of the ranking. Tokyo is third at €77.82, although it offers a different kind of winter break from a warm beach destination. The top ten also includes places in Asia, Europe and the Caribbean.

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The ten cheapest destinations in the Post Office’s published table are:

1. Cape Town, South Africa: €67.89
2. Mombasa, Kenya: €74.21
3. Tokyo, Japan: €77.82
4. Colombo, Sri Lanka: €87.18
5. Phuket, Thailand: €89.05
6. Algarve, Portugal: €96.00
7. Costa del Sol, Spain: €97.43
8. Tenerife, Canary Islands: €101.95
9. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: €104.59
10. Penang, Malaysia: €104.67

The gap between the two ends of the ranking is substantial. In Scarborough, Tobago, the same basket costs approximately €168.04. That is €100.15 more than in Cape Town for the eight purchases combined. It does not mean every meal or drink in Tobago costs more than twice as much. Visitors may spend differently depending on where they eat and shop, but the basket shows how much these selected costs can vary.

Asian destinations fill three of the top five places. Tokyo is the cheapest Asian destination in the survey, ahead of Colombo and Phuket. Its high position may surprise travellers looking specifically for warmth. Tokyo is a city break with a distinct winter season, rather than a tropical beach destination. Its place in the ranking reflects the cost of the purchases surveyed, not how suitable the weather is for sunbathing.

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The Algarve is the cheapest European destination surveyed and ranks sixth overall. Spain’s Costa del Sol follows in seventh place, with Tenerife in eighth. These places offer European travellers alternatives to the longer journeys needed to reach the top five. Their winter weather varies, however. The Algarve and Costa del Sol generally offer mild conditions, while Tenerife is known for warmer winter weather.

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Punta Cana is the only Caribbean destination in the top ten. The Post Office places it just ahead of Penang, with around eight euro cents separating their converted basket totals. At the expensive end of the survey, Scarborough is followed by St George’s, Grenada, at approximately €155.83. Funchal, Madeira, is next at approximately €151.11. Those figures cover the same eight purchases as the top-ten list.

For someone booking from Belgium, the basket is only one part of the budget. The euro amounts are conversions of prices collected for a UK survey, rather than prices collected separately for Belgian travellers. Flights, hotels, local transport and activities are not included. A long-haul destination with cheaper meals and drinks could still cost more for the whole trip than a European destination lower down the ranking. Travel dates and the length of the stay will also affect that comparison.

L’article Planning a winter escape? These are the best-value destinations in 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The resorts offer very different experiences. Some are known for their large ski areas and high-altitude slopes, while others combine winter sports with luxury, restaurants and activities away from the pistes. The ranking therefore includes options for different types of travellers. Here are the 10 resorts that made the cut.

1. Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt takes first place in the ranking. The Swiss resort has 360 kilometres of ski trails extending across the border into Italy. The Klein Matterhorn reaches 3,883 metres and skiing is possible throughout the year. Its combination of extensive slopes, high-altitude skiing and mountain views makes it Trip.com’s top European ski resort for 2026.

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2. Val Thorens, France

Val Thorens is located more than 2,000 metres above sea level and comes second. The resort is part of Les 3 Vallées and offers several activities away from the slopes. The five-kilometre Cosmojet Luge is France’s longest toboggan run. Visitors can also try snowmobiling, mountain karting, paragliding and ice climbing.

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3. Courchevel, France

Courchevel takes third place and combines skiing with a luxury holiday experience. The resort has 150 kilometres of marked slopes and provides access to the wider Les 3 Vallées area, with another 600 kilometres of slopes. Away from skiing, visitors can find luxury shops and Michelin-starred restaurants. Even the ski lift cars have a luxury touch, as they were designed by Chanel.

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4. St Moritz, Switzerland

St Moritz ranks fourth with its Corviglia ski area. The resort has 88 pistes and 56 lifts, with slopes reaching Piz Nair at 3,057 metres. One of the ski routes stretches for nine kilometres. Visitors can also choose easier intermediate pistes and stop at restaurants overlooking the surrounding mountains.

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5. Les Menuires, France

Les Menuires is located in the heart of Les 3 Vallées and takes fifth place. Around 85% of its ski area is above 1,800 metres, while 81 slopes are shared with neighbouring Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. The resort offers terrain for different levels. Experienced skiers can take on steep black runs, narrow sections and off-piste routes.

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6. KitzSki, Austria

KitzSki is the only Austrian resort in the top 10. Located around Kitzbühel, the resort combines a large ski area with the traditional Alpine setting of the region. Visitors can spend time on the slopes before heading to mountain restaurants or exploring the surrounding villages. The destination has also appeared in Trip.com’s annual rankings for three consecutive years.

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7. Verbier, Switzerland

Verbier is the third Swiss resort in the top 10. The destination is known for its extensive ski terrain and its location in the Swiss Alps. It also hosts Freestyle Ski World Cup events. Trip.com has included Verbier in its annual rankings for three consecutive years, highlighting its continued popularity among winter sports enthusiasts.

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8. Les Deux Alpes, France

Les Deux Alpes takes eighth place and is another French resort known for its high-altitude skiing. Its glacier allows skiing outside the traditional winter period. The resort also has slopes for different levels of experience. Les Deux Alpes has previously appeared in rankings of more affordable French ski destinations, although price is not a factor in Trip.com’s ranking.

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9. Méribel, France

Méribel is ninth and is another resort located in Les 3 Vallées. The destination combines access to the large ski area with traditional Alpine architecture and wooden chalets. It also offers ski lessons for children, making it suitable for families. Visitors can use Méribel as a base while exploring the wider network of slopes.

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10. Les Arcs, France

Les Arcs completes the top 10. Located in Bourg-Saint-Maurice in the French Alps, the resort offers a range of skiing opportunities and mountain views. Its position means that France accounts for six of the 10 resorts on the list. Les Arcs is also part of a wider trend in which Alpine destinations are looking for ways to attract visitors beyond skiing.

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Ski resorts are looking beyond winter

Skiing remains the main reason many travellers visit the resorts on Trip.com’s list, but Alpine destinations are increasingly offering other activities. The Balanc’Air giant swing at Villars in Switzerland is one example. Opened at 2,110 metres above sea level, the attraction gives visitors a new way to experience the mountains outside traditional winter sports.

This shift is becoming more important as resorts look to attract visitors throughout the year. Hiking, mountain biking and adventure attractions can provide alternatives when there is no snow. At the same time, travellers looking for cheaper ski holidays can consider destinations outside the traditional Alpine hotspots. Trip.com’s ranking focuses on the overall resort experience, rather than simply finding the cheapest place to ski.

L’article Europe’s top 10 ski resorts in 2026, from Zermatt to Les Arcs est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

So where should you go? It’s time… to choose!

From grand historic squares to cosy, storybook settings, these 10 Christmas markets offer the ultimate fairytale escape, attracting those eager to wander beneath twinkling lights, savour festive treats and immerse themselves in the magic of the season. 

1. Winter Wonders — Brussels, Belgium

Belgium’s capital transforms into a winter spectacle with Winter Wonders, a festival-style Christmas market that sprawls across multiple squares in the city centre. More than 200 chalets offer traditional treats, from Belgian waffles and local beers to mulled wine and sweet and hearty pretzels. Visitors can glide across ice rinks at Place de Brouckère or enjoy panoramic views from the Ferris wheel at Vismet or Place Poelaert. The Grand-Place hosts its annual sound and light show, filling the historic square with festive magic, while Place Saint Catherine, Place de la Monnaie and Place de la Bourse invite guests to savour seasonal food and browse artisanal stalls. The city has launched an official online map to guide visitors through Winter Wonders, ensuring they can easily navigate the festive sites and experience all the festive highlights. 

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2. Cologne, Germany

Cologne comes alive during the holiday season, with 12 festive markets scattered across the city, all set against the stunning silhouette of the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral. In the heart of the city, wooden chalets circle a towering Christmas tree, offering seasonal treats and local crafts, while live performances fill the air with festive cheer. Heinzels Winter Fairytale adds a playful twist, with its ice rink and enchanting references to local folklore, making it a perfect stop for those seeking holiday magic.

@dwanders Add this Christmas market to your bucket list! Cologne has a long tradition of holiday markets, with some dating back to the early 1800s. The setting below the Cologne Cathedral makes it special, and there are many markets close together so you can experience different themes in one walk. Here are 4 you should visit: Kölner Dom Weihnachtsmarkt
 Set right under the cathedral, with a big Christmas tree, local stalls, food and live performances and food. Weihnachtsmarkt am Alter Markt
 A small but cozy square with a lively atmosphere, you should try Feuerzangenbowle (fire mulled wine) and they even had a DJ Santa and fake snow Heinzels Wintermärchen – Weihnachtsmarkt Heumarkt
 A gnome themed market with detailed stalls with a ferris wheel and a skating area Markt der Engel
 Beautiful decorations and angels walking around . . . #germany #cologne #christmasmarketgermany #christmasmarkets #christmasingermany ♬ original sound – dwanderess

3. Vienna, Austria

Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is one of Europe’s oldest and most celebrated Christmas markets, with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. Nearly 100 stalls offer seasonal treats, local glühwein, and traditional crafts such as Tyrolean carvings, all set against the striking backdrop of City Hall. Filled with festive charm and twinkling decorations, the market invites families to enjoy a 12-metre carousel, a reindeer train, and a children’s ice rink, turning every visit into a truly magical holiday experience.

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4. Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg’s Christmas markets are among the oldest in Europe, with origins dating back to 1570. Today, they stretch across 10 locations, featuring around 300 stalls throughout the city. Festive chalets lined along picturesque, timber-framed streets around Place de la Cathédrale and Place Broglie create a storybook setting, offering traditional treats like German gingerbread and French crêpes. Before heading into Strasbourg’s narrow alleyways and historic squares, visitors should stop at Place Kléber, where the iconic Great Christmas Tree stands as a main seasonal landmark. Nearby, the OFF Market at Place Grimmeissen offers a modern touch on festive celebrations, highlighting sustainability and local produce.

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5. Prague, Czech Republic

The Christmas markets in Prague are set against the city’s medieval architecture, with the largest in Old Town Square near the Astronomical Clock. Wooden stalls offer Czech pastries, roast pork, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, while musical and theatrical performances bring the cobbled plazas to life. The city’s historic architecture, lightly dusted with winter snow, completes the enchanting fairytale scene.

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6. Gendarmenmarkt — Berlin, Germany

In Berlin, the Weihnachtszauber at Gendarmenmarkt is nestled between the German Cathedral, French Cathedral, and Konzerthaus. Open from late November through December, the market features high-quality arts and crafts, traditional German foods, and a heated restaurant area for a cosy meal. Artisans demonstrate woodcarving, candle-making, and other crafts, while visitors can browse a wide selection of gifts and enjoy roasted chestnuts and glühwein.

@valeriia.berlin WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt is officially open! One of Berlin's most beautiful Christmas markets – with shows, ballet and choirs Kunsthandwerk Gendarmenmarkt Gendarmenmarkt, 10117 Berlin 24 November 2025 – 31 January 2026 Daily from 12:00 AM – 22:00 PM Entry 2€ / online 2,19€ #christmastimeberlin #berlinguide #christmasmarket #weinachtsmarkt #berlin ♬ оригинальный звук – valeriia.berlin

7. Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival — Hungary 

Budapest’s Christmas Fair and Winter Festival brings seasonal cheer to Vörösmarty Square, where visitors can stroll between beautifully decorated stalls offering Hungarian crafts, festive foods and warming winter drinks. Taking place from mid-November through December, the fair features cultural programs and a variety of family-friendly activities. Just a short walk away, the Advent fair at St. Stephen’s Basilica adds an ice-skating rink and more festive market attractions to the city’s holiday landscape.

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8. Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market — Black Forest, Germany

For something truly distinctive, the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market in the Black Forest offers a truly fairytale setting beneath a dramatic 40-metre stone railway viaduct. Dozens of wooden stalls light up the winter valley, offering handcrafted goods and regional Black Forest specialties. The market’s distinctive natural setting and warm festive glow create an intimate alternative to traditional city markets.

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9. Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, Denmark

Tivoli Gardens blends seasonal festivities with amusement park cheer. Its Christmas market is renowned for three distinct light shows, artisanal gift stalls and traditional Danish food offerings, all within an enchanting park setting. The annual Lucia procession with candle-carrying singers adds cultural depth to the magical winter experience. 

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10. Basel Christmas Market, Switzerland

Switzerland’s largest Christmas market in Basel stretches across Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, with roughly 150 decorated stalls selling spices, candles and seasonal treats. Family-friendly attractions include a “Christmas fairytale forest” offering gingerbread and candle-making, while visitors can climb St. Martin’s Tower for panoramic views of the illuminated city. 

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Blending tradition, delicious gastronomy, and local culture, these Christmas markets are perfect for travellers looking to soak up the holiday spirit and indulge in a festive fairytale atmosphere. 

L’article 10 best Christmas markets in Europe for a magical winter getaway est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Uber Ski offers two ride types: Uber XL, suited for two riders with their gear, and Uber XXL, which accommodates up to four people. The company has also partnered with Vail Resorts to integrate Epic Pass products directly into the Uber app, enabling users to purchase an Epic Pass or Epic Day Pass at the same time they reserve their ride. 

Uber Ski is back and we’re leveling up Grab your ride and your Epic Pass right in the app. Winter = handled. pic.twitter.com/UfY0XBv9W8

— Uber (@Uber) November 14, 2025

“We are thrilled to offer skiers and snowboarders alike a convenient and reliable way to get to the mountain this season,” said Adib Roumani, Director of Engineering at Uber. “And, thanks to our new partnership with Epic Pass, everything you need for a great time on the slopes can be reserved with just a few taps in the Uber app. With Uber Ski, you can spend more time enjoying the fresh mountain air and less time worrying about how to get there.”

The service will run through the end of March, aligning with peak ski season. Uber says the addition expands its premium travel options, targeting riders who need larger vehicles and advanced scheduling, particularly in regions where public transportation may be limited. The company is positioning Uber Ski as a way to reduce common logistical challenges, from hauling heavy gear to navigating remote mountain roads.

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Alongside the winter launch, Uber is introducing Send a Ride, a new in-app feature that allows users to prepay for someone else’s trip. Customers can set the number of rides and spending limits, after which Uber generates a shareable link that stores the credit in the recipient’s Uber Wallet. The company says the tool is designed to simplify coordinating transportation for family, friends, or clients, eliminating the need for promo codes or manual reimbursements.

Uber is also expanding Uber Share at major airports ahead of the holiday travel rush. The shared-ride option is now available at New York’s JFK and LaGuardia airports, along with Orlando International Airport, joining recent rollouts at Boston Logan, Chicago Midway, and Dallas Love Field. With availability at more than 50 airports globally, Uber Share offers travellers the chance to be matched with one other rider heading in a similar direction, with savings of up to 25% compared with an UberX fare—even when no match is found.

The company is further enhancing its holiday offerings with Uber Eats’ new gifting services. Through the Send as a Gift feature, customers will soon be able to include video messages from celebrities such as Megan Thee Stallion, the Jonas Brothers, Jake Shane, and Tracee Ellis Ross at no extra cost. Recipients can also schedule deliveries at their preferred time, giving senders a convenient last-minute option for adding a personalized touch to holiday surprises.

L’article Uber launches ski-resort rides across more than 40 destinations in Europe and the U.S. est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The irresistible magic of Christmas, a time of fairy tales, kindness, gifts, and unabashed joy, has clearly arrived in the Far East, particularly in Hong Kong. From 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, the city will be awash with festive colours, delighting locals and visitors alike with the “Winter Wonderland in Central” event.

HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam announced the details of this year’s festivities, noting that “this year’s Hong Kong WinterFest is being presented in a new format and features the most extensive lineup and richest event elements to date.”

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He added that the aim is “to create a strong festive atmosphere citywide and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s top winter travel destination. We are delighted to collaborate with Hongkong Land to turn Central into a Winter Wonderland.”

The city will be decorated in classic Christmas colours and adorned with toy-themed wonders and carol performances, not to mention surprise appearances by the master of ceremonies himself: dear old Santa, instantly recognisable in his red costume, red hat, red cheeks, and long white beard.

A proper Christmas market with twelve chalets will welcome visitors around the 20-metre Christmas tree, which is roughly the height of a six-storey building and is wrapped in ribbons, lights, and oversized ornaments. The market will offer seasonal delicacies, gifts, and workshops. This magical programme will accompany the city’s landmarks, which will be illuminated for the first time as part of an ‘Immersive Light Show in Central.

@discoverhongkong [ Hong Kong WinterFest Sparkles in Central] Hong Kong WinterFest has officially kicked off and the Statue Square Gardens in Central has transformed into a magical Christmas Town! This year’s centrepiece is a stunning 20-metre outdoor Christmas tree, surrounded by festive photo spots, including: Starlight Train Station—complete with a charming mini train that whistles and puffs smoke Giant toy-themed installations featuring spaceships, jeeps, planes and more Surprise visits from Santa Claus Let’s fly into this enchanting Winter Wonderland in Central and see the magic unfold! From 28 November, Central will sparkle even brighter with an Immersive Light Show across eight iconic buildings in the area and a festive Christmas Market . Chater Road will also transform into a charming Starlight Boulevard, leading you to “Noëlia at LANDMARK” in the LANDMARK ATRIUM! Christmas Town 14 November 2025 – 4 January 2026 Statue Square Gardens (North & South), Central 15 November – 21 December 2025 Mon–Fri: 4–11:30pm Sat & Sun: 11am–11:30pm 22 December 2025 – 4 January 2026 Daily: 11am–11:30pm Extended hours on 24 & 25 December until 1am (Crowd control measures may affect entry on the night) Immersive Light Show in Central 28 November 2025 – 4 January 2026 Viewing area: Statue Square Gardens (South), Central 7:30–10:30pm Performances are held every 30 minutes on a recurring basis Starlight Boulevard End of November 2025 to January 2026 LANDMARK Atrium and Chater Road area, Central Event details: discoverhongkong.com/winterfest/joinus #DiscoverHongKong ♬ original sound – DiscoverHongKong

Charter Road will be transformed into Starlight Boulevard, with 30 lit trees creating an unmissable festive atmosphere. It will lead all the way to “Noëlia at LANDMARK”, a large-scale interactive installation which, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s website, promises to deliver surprises and charm. The pedestrian footbridge will also be adorned with themed lights, and a new installation will be suspended from the entrance to Chater House.

For the first time, the eight iconic buildings in Central will synchronise to present an immersive, city-scale light show. Their façades will serve as a canvas for a variety of multimedia light and music shows and 3D projections. Reindeer, angels, and seasonal motifs will dance across glass towers and treetops in time to Christmas classics.

According to the HKTB, “this initiative enhances the holiday experience for locals and visitors alike, and stimulates the seasonal economy. We are grateful for the widespread support from industry partners, including the Quality Tourism Services Association, the Hong Kong Retail Management Association, and a wide range of attractions and shopping centres, all of whom are joining hands to offer festive dining and shopping deals and activities.”

In December, the HKTB will launch WinterFest Delights, offering over 300 deals on dining, shopping, attractions, and transport, all accessible via an online platform.

The grand finale will, of course, be the New Year’s Eve countdown and fireworks, which will usher in 2026 with lights and celebration, and, hopefully, offer the best auguries for the year ahead.

L’article Hong Kong unveils its most magical Christmas yet est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Austria tops the Inghams list, with seven resorts in the top 25, and Westendorf’s score of 84.8 out of 100 puts it in the number one spot overall. Described as one of Austria’s “best-loved small resorts,” Westendorf possesses “the best powder snow” and is “an idyllic, unspoilt resort nestled on a sunny plateau and offers easy access to the Kitzbühel and SkiWelt Regions,” Inghams say. Meanwhile, ACMG Ski Guide and 57hours Ambassador Greg Hill puts Austria at number nine in his top 10, also praising its “deep powder,” as well as its “thriving après scene.”

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Italy takes second with the Dolomites’ Ortisei (score: 84), described as offering “genuinely world-class skiing” and a “vibrant and characterful ski resort.” Over in Monterosa, “unspoilt” Gressoney (80.2) is, Inghams say, “one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.” Not any more. According to Inghams, Italy practically equals Austria, also boasting seven resorts in the top 25, but the lovers of “abundant dry powder” over at Powderhounds disagree, rating only two Italian resorts at their highest level (five) for snow.

Austria’s Lech comes in fourth spot, scoring 79 for its “perfect blend of powder snow, high altitude skiing, and charming alpine village vibes.” Powderhounds agree, rating it five, and giving Austria 11 top-rated resorts overall.

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Soldeu, Andorra (77.6), is an outlier as the only Andorran resort in any of the snow rankings. It takes Ingham’s fifth spot. It “might be small, but its ski offering is mighty”, Inghams says, “with over 200 kilometres of slopes.”

Switzerland’s Andermatt (75.3) comes in sixth, a “quiet, charming village” boasting a “cult reputation for having one of the best snow records in the Alps.” Switzerland, like Austria and Italy, occupies seven of the top 25 places in the ranking.

Park City, Utah, USA, (67.2) is the only resort in Inghams’ top 25 outside Europe, taking 18^th place. For Powderhounds, however, it is Japan that dominates when it comes to snow quality, with 24 resorts rated five for their snow, more than double the number of any other nation. Honshu’s Nozawa Onsen scores 4.5 for snow but an unusual five overall, while Hokkaido’s Niseko, just west of Sapporo, scores five in a whopping eight categories, including snow quality and quantity. Greg Hill agrees, putting Japan at the top of his ranking and calling Niseko, “the powder capital of the world.”

L’article Where in the world has the best powder snow? est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Europe’s Christmas markets are known across the world for their festive spirits. From gingerbread decorations to mulled wine and from lively Christmas lights to ice skating: the events are not to be missed by holiday lovers, while mostly set in picturesque surroundings to make things even better. Yet a snowy Christmas market is undoubtedly the most festive experience of them all.

@salmaventures

Send this to your travel partner and save this for your Munich winter trip There’s something magical about Munich during Christmas time . The air smells like roasted almonds and cinnamon, the streets glow with golden lights and every corner feels straight out of a snow globe. Follow @salmaventures for more travel inspo and hidden gems Top 5 Christmas Markets to Visit in 2025 1. Münchner Christkindlmarkt (Marienplatz) 24 Nov – 24 Dec 2025 The city’s heart — timeless, cozy, and picture-perfect. 2. Residenz Christmas Village (Odeonsplatz) 17 Nov – 22 Dec 2025 A fairy-tale courtyard tucked away behind palace walls. 3. Medieval Market (Wittelsbacherplatz) 24 Nov – 23 Dec 2025 Think knights, torches, and mulled wine in clay mugs 4. Tollwood Winter Festival (Theresienwiese) 27 Nov – 31 Dec 2025 Artsy, sustainable, and full of live music & global street food 5. WinterWorld Freimann (Motorworld Munich) 28 Nov – 23 Dec 2025 Industrial chic meets Alpine coziness — ice rink, lights, and pure winter joy Tips for Your Munich Christmas Adventure • Visit at dusk for the dreamiest lights • Bring cash — many stalls are old-school. • Tollwood = artsy, Freimann = family & fun, Wittelsbacher = historic vibes • Weekdays mean fewer crowds, more sparkle. Save this for your winter trip and send it to your travel partner, and start planning your Munich Christmas escape. Is Munich during Christmas on your bucket list? or have you been already? © All content belongs to @salmaventures . No usage, reproduction or reposting without permission. . . . Munich germany Travel experiences hidden gems bucket list travel travel tips adventure travel unique destinations travel inspiration christmas santa claus

♬ original sound – Salma

Multi-modal travel booking platform Omio, therefore, took a look at 51 Christmas markets throughout Europe in order to determine which were most likely to get some snow in 2025. To put together their list, Omio looked at the temperature lows for November and December – and while temperature isn’t the only factor at play, negative temperatures are a necessary element when it comes to snow. Overall, they determined 32 locations likely to get snow and ranked them in order of snow likelihood.

Christmas markets in Europe are most likely to see snow

1. Rovaniemi, Finland
2. Helsinki, Finland
3. Turku, Finland
4. Kraków, Poland
5. Innsbruck, Austria
6. Graz, Austria
7. Brno, Czech Republic
8. Salzburg, Austria
9. Debrecen, Hungary
10. Wroclaw, Poland
11. Košice, Slovakia
12. Nuremberg, Germany
13. Munich, Germany
14. Stockholm, Sweden
15. Colmar, France
16. Gdańsk, Poland
17. Geneva, Switzerland
18. Aarhus, Denmark
19. Odense, Denmark
20. Strasbourg, France
21. Metz, France
22. Dresden, Germany
23. Berlin, Germany
24. Gothenburg, Sweden
25. Malmö, Sweden
26. Prague, Czech Republic
27. Budapest, Hungary
28. Valkenburg, Netherlands
29. Bratislava, Slovakia
30. Zurich, Switzerland
31. Basel, Switzerland
32. Edinburgh, United Kingdom

According to Omio’s research, Christmas market lovers who wish to get a glimpse of snow during their visit are best off visiting Finland. The top three of the ranking are dominated by the country in the far north, with Rovaniemi, Helsinki, and Turku leading the list. Moreover, Finland does make for the perfect wintery getaway, being the home country of Santa Claus and a prime location to spot the Northern Lights. To make things even better, Helsinki was once again chosen as the world’s most sustainable tourist destination in 2025 according to the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index.

@culinary.jetsetters Can you believe this is one of the oldest christmas markets in the world? #christmas #christmasmarket ♬ Christmas at Hogwarts (From "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone") – The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

However, more centrally-located Christmas markets within Europe are featured on the list as well. Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Munich might well be some of the continent’s most famous markets and are still quite likely to get snow in the winter of 2025. Standing in the 32^nd place in the ranking, Edinburgh still deserves to be mentioned, being the western-most Christmas market likely to see some snow this year.

L’article Looking for snow? These are the must-visit European Christmas markets this winter 2025 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

1. De Grote Schijn, Deurne (23 October – 16 November 2025)

Provincial Domain Rivierenhof is a well-known location to those who are acquainted with Antwerp and its surroundings. With their 130 hectares, the vast grounds offer the perfect backdrop for an autumnal walk or a concert. Yet from 23 October 2025 onwards, a light festival called De Grote Schijn is adding an extra spark to the park. During a magical parcours, visites are greeted with a multi-sensory spectacle. Special dog-friendly evenings are a new addition to the schedule, allowing those who want to enjoy the experience with the whole family to do so.

Address: Provinciaal Groendomein Rivierenhof, Turnhoutsebaan 246, 2100 Deurne

Opening times: every evening from 23 October until 16 November 2025
Standard fee: €19.50 per person, tickets can be bought online.

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Uma publicação partilhada por De Grote Schijn (@degroteschijn)

2. Luminate Lichtfestival, Hasselt (7 November – 23 November 2025)

Hasselt’s Japanese Garden is a stunning sight in itself and the largest Japanese garden in Europe. Once a year, the location magnificently lights up at night during the Luminate light festival. As one would expect, decorations are all about Japan and a special dinner experience organised by Living Plates adds a special touch, perfect for those who want to get a taste of the Japanese cuisine.

Address: Japanse Tuin, Gouverneur Verwilghensingel 15, 3500 Hasselt

Opening times: every evening from 5:00 pm until 11:00 pm from 7 until 23 November 2025

Standard fee: €14.80, tickets can be bought online.

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Uma publicação partilhada por Luminate Lichtfestival Hasselt (@luminate.festival)

3. Winter Glow, Bruges (21 November 2025 – 4 January 2026)

For the seventh year in a row, Bruges’ world-famous city center is transforming itself into a true winter wonderland this end of the year. An ice rink, Christmas markets, a special winter bar… the offer is almost endless. A 3.5-kilometer long light experience trail connects all the dots and allows visitors to see the historical masterpiece that is the city center in a whole different light.

Address: Bruges’ city center

Opening times: every evening from 21 November 2025 until 4 January 2026

Standard fee: free

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Uma publicação partilhada por Visit Bruges (@visitbruges)

4. Mons en Lumières, Mons (30 January – 2 February and 6 February – 9 February 2026)

Spread over 3 kilometers, 16 different art installations will light up Mons’ city center for eight nights this winter. Local, national, and international artists are literally put in the spotlights, allowing everyone to enjoy the spectacle for free. The general theme of this year’s edition is ‘Between Earth and Sky’, with Japanese artist Tadashi Kawamata present as a central guest.

Address: Mons’ city center, starting from Place Léopold

Opening times: from 30 January until 2 February and from 6 February to 9 February 2026, between 7:00 pm and midnight

Standard fee: free

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Uma publicação partilhada por Anthony – Foodblogger (@food_is_my_bestff)

5. Bright Festival, Brussels (13 February – 16 February 2026)

Brussels’ Bright Festival has become a fixed value over the years. For a couple of nights a year, the Belgian capital becomes even more lit up than usual, with national and international artists getting the attention they so deserve. This time, 22 installations as well as a special Bright Kids edition and a Bright Market will lighten up the city.

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Uma publicação partilhada por Travel Tomorrow (@traveltomorrow.eu)

Address: Brussels’ European and Royal quarter

Opening times: from 13 February until 16 February 2026, between 6:30 pm and 11:00 pm

Standard fee: free

L’article 5 light festivals to attend in Belgium this winter est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The 2025-26 ski season

While the opening of resorts depends on snow, of course, the forecasts are in – including those from the Old Farmer’s Almanac – and the battle for the coveted ‘first chair’ is already heating up.

Colorado has won this title six times in the past decade, with Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin) and Wolf Creek splitting the honours almost evenly and usually opening in the third week of October. This year, they are joined by Keystone, which anticipates opening in mid-October, followed by Loveland at the end of October and Breckenridge, which is aiming for an opening in early November.

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Uma publicação partilhada por The Old Farmer's Almanac (@theoldfarmersalmanac)

Wolf Creek, which relies almost entirely on natural snowfall, was the first to open last year on 22 October. A-Basin is renowned for having the longest season, closing only in mid-June last year. The resort has set its opening date as ‘ASAP, depending on Mother Nature’, but it has historically opened in late October or early November, with an exceptional opening on 7 October in 2007.

Loveland, another perennial contender, is known for using snowmaking to improve its chances of an early opening.

Meanwhile, Keystone is banking on its impressive snow-making arsenal and the fresh buzz generated by the brand-new Kindred Resort. Set to open in December at the base of the River Run Gondola, this luxury hotel will feature 107 rooms, a heated pool, a ski valet service and a spa. Vail Resorts, the resort’s operators, are pushing hard to secure the earliest opening in Summit County.

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Uma publicação partilhada por Kindred Resort (@kindred.resort)

Beyond Colorado

‘First chair’ usually goes to Colorado, and this year looks set to be no different. Most resorts outside the state open later in November. In Utah, Brian Head is aiming for 7 November, while Snowbird and Snowbasin are planning to open at the end of the month. In California, Mammoth is set to open on 14 November, while Palisades Tahoe is aiming for 27 November. On the East Coast, Killington in Vermont hopes to open before Thanksgiving.

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Uma publicação partilhada por Mammoth Mountain (@mammothmountain)

Passes and planning ahead

As every year, the battle is not only over who opens first, but also over ski passes. Eager skiers are advised to buy early, as prices rise after 8 October. An Epic Pass costs around $1,097, covers approximately 90 resorts across the US and includes six half-price Epic Friend Tickets. Epic’s main rival, the Ikon Pass, costs around $1,429 and provides access to over 60 destinations, including Aspen Snowmass and Mammoth. Both passes also extend to international resorts as part of their unlimited packages.

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Uma publicação partilhada por Epic Pass (@epicpass)

Après-ski and tech on the slopes

Who says ski says after-party, of course. Keystone, Vail Mountain, and Beaver Creek already have their weekend concert line-ups ready. Technology is also stepping in with a new app designed to streamline the experience of ski school – from registration and lesson check-in to real-time communication with instructors.

L’article From Colorado to California, U.S. resorts prepare for ski season 2025-26 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.