5 Winter Bucket List Ideas Every Traveler Should Experience Once
Let me be honest with you – I used to dread winter.
The grey skies, chilled weather, and the way my hands used to freeze even with gloves on. Uhhh…
No thanks.
But everything changed the year I went to witness the Northern Lights in December.
Never in my entire life did I think I could witness a green ball of fire lighting up the sky in the most wondrous way. It made me feel so small in front of the grand universe.
That’s when I realized. Winter isn’t just a season.
It’s a chance to witness this world in all its glory.
To live life to the fullest.
Hence, bringing us to this article.
If you’ve ever wanted to turn winter into something magical, these 5 winter bucket list ideas will change the way you travel.
Image credit – Instagram@little_norway88
1. Watch the Northern Lights Dance in Norway
Nothing—and I mean nothing—prepared me for the first time I saw the Aurora Borealis.
I was bundled up in Tromsø, surrounded by snowdrifts and silence, when the sky exploded in swirls of green and violet. It felt like the universe was putting on a private show.
If you’re chasing magic this winter, this is it. Head to northern Norway between November and March for the best chance of seeing the lights.
I recommend joining a guided chase tour—they’ll drive you out of the city and into the Arctic wilderness for the clearest views.
Pro tip: Layer up, pack a thermos, and bring a tripod if you want to capture that glow. But trust me, the real memory lives in your soul.
Image credit – Instagram@akirah_jp
2. Soak in a Steamy Hot Spring in Snowy Japan
Imagine this: you’re sitting neck-deep in a natural hot spring, steam curling around you, snowflakes drifting down like a postcard come to life.
That’s winter in Japan. And it’s every bit as soul-soothing as it sounds.
Hakone and Nagano are two of my favorite spots for this.
You can even spot snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs in Jigokudani—yes, monkeys who live the spa life better than we do.
This one’s all about slowing down. Let your muscles melt, breathe in that crisp mountain air, and feel all your stress dissolve in the water.
Image credit – Instagram@kimtannas
3. Explore a Real-Life Ice Castle in Canada
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a frozen fairytale, add Quebec to your winter bucket list.
Every year, they build Hôtel de Glace—a real ice hotel carved entirely from snow and ice. Yes, you can actually sleep there (though it’s not for the faint of heart!).
I didn’t stay overnight, but just touring the rooms, sipping cocktails from ice glasses, and marveling at the sculptures felt like walking through a dream.
The whole city of Quebec transforms into a winter wonderland during the Winter Carnival in February—think parades, snow slides, and the biggest snowman you’ve ever seen. It’s pure, playful magic.
Image credit – Instagram@sullivanimation
4. Ride a Dog Sled Through the Alaskan Wilderness
There’s something deeply humbling about gliding through the silent white wilderness with nothing but the sound of paws on snow. I tried dog sledding in Fairbanks, Alaska, and it honestly felt like time stopped.
These dogs?
They love to run. And you’ll be surprised how fast they go. Most tours will even let you drive your own sled for part of the journey, which is wild in the best way.
It’s more than just a thrill ride—it’s a window into a centuries-old way of travel. You’ll leave with a full heart and frozen eyelashes.
Image credit – Instagram@mieshe_
5. Wander Through a European Christmas Market
If you love twinkling lights, warm mulled wine, and the smell of roasted chestnuts,
European Christmas markets are the definition of cozy winter vibes.
My favorite? Strasbourg, France—it calls itself the “Capital of Christmas” and honestly, it lives up to the hype.
Vienna, Prague, and Munich are also stunning. Picture narrow cobblestone streets lined with handmade ornaments, gingerbread stalls, and choirs singing carols under softly falling snow.
Even if you’re not into shopping, the sheer atmosphere will wrap you up like a holiday hug. Bring an empty bag—you’ll want to take some of the magic home.
Final Thoughts
I dreaded winter for the first 30 years of my life.
That’s because I never witnessed its magic.
But the moment I did, everything changed.
Don’t let that be you.
Winter can be one of the most magical times of the year, and you can use the 5 bucket list ideas in this article to really live winter to the fullest.
Be it witnessing the Aurora Borealis or soaking in a Hot Spring in Japan.
You got it.
Now go and make this winter the best time of the year.
