Tripadvisor’s trending winter destinations for 2026-2027 point travellers towards snowy landscapes, Northern Lights excursions, historic European cities and traditional Christmas markets, as cold-weather holidays gain attention among British travellers.
According to Tripadvisor’s latest Travel Index, searches made by travellers in the United Kingdom between 1 August and 31 October 2026 show growing interest in winter getaways planned between 1 November 2026 and 28 February 2027. The findings highlight destinations where visitors can experience the colder season through festive celebrations, mountain activities, cultural attractions and outdoor adventures.
France, Norway, Belgium and Finland feature prominently in the ranking, alongside destinations in Poland, Germany, Austria and Latvia. Rather than focusing on escaping winter for warmer weather, the list reflects interest in places where snow, seasonal traditions and the winter landscape are central to the holiday experience.
“It’s interesting to see such a strong trend towards cold weather escapes among Brits this winter, with travellers swapping sunloungers for snow boots,” said Aarushi Kumar, Associate Director of Research & Insights at Tripadvisor Group. She added that the popularity of Arctic destinations, Alpine towns and Christmas market cities suggests travellers are choosing to embrace the colder months.
Strasbourg in France leads Tripadvisor’s list of the 10 trending European winter destinations. The city is known for its Christmas market, which fills the historic centre with illuminated streets and wooden stalls selling seasonal goods. The 2026 market is scheduled to begin on 27 November and run for four weeks, making it a major attraction for visitors planning a festive city break.
Beyond the market, Strasbourg Cathedral is another prominent attraction. Its Gothic architecture, stained-glass windows and astronomical clock offer visitors a cultural experience alongside the city’s seasonal celebrations.
Norway’s Tromso ranks second, attracting travellers interested in seeing the Northern Lights. Visitors can book minibus or boat excursions in search of favourable viewing conditions, although sightings depend on weather, cloud cover and solar activity. Reindeer sledding and fjord fishing also offer ways to explore the region’s Arctic environment.
Ghent in Belgium takes third place, providing an alternative for travellers who prefer historic architecture and cultural attractions to snow-based activities. The Castle of the Counts, known locally as Gravensteen, is one of the city’s principal landmarks. The medieval fortress retains its moat and much of its defensive structure, offering a glimpse into the region’s history.
Finland’s Saariselka ranks fourth, bringing the country’s northern wilderness into the spotlight. Located in Finnish Lapland, the destination features winter activities such as snowmobile excursions, husky safaris and photography trips designed to capture the Northern Lights. Its appeal lies in the combination of snowy surroundings and opportunities to experience Arctic outdoor activities.
Chamonix, France, occupies fifth place. Situated in the French Alps, the resort town attracts visitors with its mountain scenery, skiing opportunities and access to Aiguille du Midi, a high-altitude attraction offering views of the Mont Blanc massif. Ski touring is another option for experienced winter sports enthusiasts. Tripadvisor’s recommendations also include the new Musee du Mont-Blanc for travellers interested in the area’s mountain heritage.
Poland’s Zakopane ranks sixth and offers a different kind of mountain holiday. Visitors can relax in thermal springs, explore the pedestrianised Krupowki Street and take the Gubalowka funicular railway for views across the surrounding landscape. The town’s location near the Tatra Mountains makes it an option for travellers seeking a winter break that combines outdoor scenery with a lively town centre.
Belgium’s Bruges comes seventh, with its medieval streets, canals and historic buildings providing a setting for a winter city break. Visitors can climb the Belfry for views across the city, join walking tours that include canal cruises and chocolate tastings, or go ice skating at Koning Albert I Park when the seasonal facilities are available.
Nuremberg in Germany ranks eighth, with its traditional Christmas market among the main attractions for the winter season. The market draws visitors to the city’s historic centre, while Kaiserburg, the medieval imperial castle overlooking the old town, offers a closer look at Nuremberg’s past. Snow hiking is another option for those who want to spend time outdoors.
Austria’s Salzburg takes ninth place. Its Christmas market is a key seasonal attraction, while Salzburg Cathedral, a major Baroque landmark dating from the 17th century, provides another reason to explore the city. Visitors can also attend Winterfest in Volksgarten, which adds a cultural event to the city’s winter calendar.
Riga, the capital of Latvia, completes the top 10. Its historic old town can be explored on foot, while canal boat trips offer a different perspective on the city. Travellers seeking outdoor activities can also look for snow-based experiences, including husky sledding, depending on local conditions and availability.
The ranking brings together several types of winter holiday, from Arctic excursions in Norway and Finland to Alpine adventures in France and festive city breaks in Belgium, Germany and Austria. For travellers deciding where to go between November 2026 and February 2027, the destinations offer different ways to experience the season, whether through Christmas markets, mountain sports, historic streets or the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.
