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4 Reasons Lake Tahoe is a Sneakily Perfect NYE Spot

4 Reasons Lake Tahoe is a Sneakily Perfect NYE Spot

Lake Tahoe is a reliable, well-known tourist destination.

Want a fantastic winter escape? Head to Tahoe. What about a dreamy summer vacation? That also works. Family trips? Check. Romantic getaways over long weekends? Also check. Relaxing hikes through unspoiled forest? All over the place.

I could recommend Tahoe for just about any season, date, or trip purpose.

This time around, I’m recommending it as a New Year’s Eve destination.

While I’ve had Lake Tahoe on my radar for many reasons over the last decade, I didn’t once associate the area with New Year’s Eve festivities. Turns out that Lake Tahoe is one of the US’s best-kept NYE secrets.

Here’s what you can expect from an NYE Lake Tahoe trip, along with where to find some of the best Lake Tahoe NYE parties in 2024.

4 reasons to keep Lake Tahoe on your NYE dream list

Reason #1: Party spirit galore

The first time I went to Lake Tahoe, I was worried about bears breaking into my Jeep. (My back window wouldn’t roll up and that thing was full of delectable crumbs.)

Bear-scares aside, I quickly realized that I’d underestimated the area, both in terms of size and scope of activities.

I’d assumed Lake Tahoe was rimmed by one or two towns… not a list of nine well-established and distinct townships. When it comes to celebrating NYE in fashion, Lake Tahoe’s towns come alive with festivities.

In fact, most towns launch community-wide festivities to ring in the New Year. Between places like Incline Village, Kings Beach, and South Lake Tahoe, there are literally dozens of places to spend New Year’s Eve.

And many host over-the-top celebrations to ring in the New Year alongside locals and visitors. As December inches toward January, the largest parties start to max out as revelers purchase their tickets.

Reason #2: A range of choices

No matter if you’re in town with family, friends, or a love interest, you can find an NYE party in Lake Tahoe that suits your interests and budget.

If you’re into dancing all night to EDM, you can go to the Apres Ski NYE at Tahoe Blue Event Center. If you like live shows more, then head to Crystal Bay Casino to see the Funk Hunters deliver a soulful jam session.

If you want a more traditional take, head to the Winter Wonders celebration, which includes a larger-than-life drone show at NorthStar Village. If you’re in town to enjoy winter sports, then head to the Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Show at Palisades Tahoe—you can even go disco tubing if you want to hit the slopes.

The list goes on and on, so feel free to do a little research if those suggestions don’t hit the spot.

Reason #3: It’s a great place to recover afterward

Savvy travelers always plan ahead… which includes setting aside time for recovery after long nights of reveling. From NYE parties to concerts to high school reunions, it’s always a good idea to give yourself a day or two of downtime.

According to long-time Lake Tahoe NYE partiers, one reason they continue to come back is its natural wonders. It’s a perfect place to recover from a long night of partying.

On top of that, it’s a great place to kick off the very first day (or five) of the new year. Lake Tahoe’s laidback nature bodes well for outdoor activities, from introspective hikes to high-octane snowboarding. In terms of atmosphere, it’s family-forward towns also make it easy to enjoy those last few days of the holiday break without any stress.

Reason #4: Tradition

One of my favorite feelings when traveling is knowing I’ve found a spot that I’ll come back to. Now that I live in Barcelona, I’ve uncovered two repeatable vacation spots: Poland in winter and Sicily in summer. (I like extreme seasons, what can I say?)

Thousands of revelers have done the same for Lake Tahoe, establishing a multi-year tradition of heading to this Cali-Nevada town at the end of December.

Lake Tahoe has become a beloved NYE destination because it’s got the big night down-pat. In other words, you won’t find a place that’s as naturally scenic as lovely, has the same roster of fantastic parties, and lets you unwind with all the amenities and services you could want.

Are NYE Cruises Right for You? 5 Signs Yes & 5 Signs No

I’m regularly distracted by unique holiday cruise offers.

To be blunt, I’m not a cruise person simply because I’m not a fan of busy places, open water, or buffets. That being said, I have a few cruises on my short list—and I’m planning to take the leap in the next year or two.

Along with my interest in river cruises and cold-weather cruise destinations, I’m intrigued by cruises that take place over New Year’s Eve.

They’re bundled experiences, letting you soak up a traditional cruise with the added flair of a big NYE experience.

But all cruises have different angles, routes, and atmospheres. And while the allure of a ship-wide New Year’s Eve soiree sounds pretty intriguing, the average NYE cruise comes with a fair share of warnings.

Can’t decide if a New Year’s Eve cruise is right for you? Me, neither. Let’s dig in together.

For this article, I’m relying on traveler reviews posted on sites like Cruise Critic, TripAdvisor, Reddit, and similar public forums. (Note: This article covers multi-day NYE cruises instead of single-night NYE cruise events.)

First up—what are NYE cruises?

NYE cruises are shorthand for New Year’s cruises—which come in all shapes and sizes, as aforementioned.

The main idea is that you’ll spend the big night on the ship or at one of its port stops. Most NYE cruises are bundled as holiday cruises, which may or may not include Christmas Day.

The most popular NYE cruises for Americans usually take off from Florida and then head into the Caribbean. Again, every single cruise provider and program is distinct—so make sure you read the fine print.

The last consideration worth mentioning is that—just like NYE parties—NYE cruises are some of the busiest of the year. We’ll cover this more below, but if crowds are a hard no for you, then you might already have your answer.

5 signs you’re the perfect candidate for NYE cruises

Sign #1: You don’t mind sharing space with kids

NYE cruises usually involve thousands of teens and kids thanks to school holidays.

For some families, it’s tradition to cruise through the holiday season. For others, it’s a special vacation that they booked during school vacation.

The larger the cruise company, the more likely you are to be sharing decks, pools, and buffet lines with thousands of teens and younger children. If you’re traveling with your family, that might be a major plus. If not… maybe not.

*If you’re hellbent on finding an NYE cruise that’s adults-only, have no fear—they’re out there. Brands like Virgin, Viking, Saga, & P&O Cruises are all rolling out their adult programs. Just be prepared to pay a little bit more.

Sign #2: You want an NYE like no other

Whether the cruise docks for New Year’s Eve or not, you’re in for an unforgettable and unique night. Similar to amusement parks, many cruise companies go over the top to please their guests.

That means you can expect things like fireworks shows, live performances, special meals and drinks, and more. In other words, if you can’t stand to sit through another boring, too-loud NYE party, then cruise options are a great choice.

They’ll also be very loud, but the festivities are guaranteed to be worth screaming about.

Sign #3: You’re on a tight budget

NYE cruises are more affordable than many people think. In fact, many are discounted thanks to Black Friday and other holiday sales.

The magic here is that most cruises are all-inclusive or mostly inclusive, meaning you aren’t expected to shell out money for every experience. Again, don’t be scared off by the ticket prices—most come with everything you’ll need included.

Best of all, you won’t be price-gouged when you want to get a taxi home.

Sign #4: You want to travel but don’t want to plan a trip

Once again, NYE cruises take the work out of party planning. No need to figure out where all of your friends are going and whether or not you want to tag along.

No more figuring out how to get home at 4 am or worrying about what you’re going to eat in the morning. Cruises take the thinking out of vacationing.

If that’s attractive to you, then book that NYE cruise right away.

Sign #5: You want to lounge, too

Based on my arguments so far, you might be worried that NYE cruises are over-the-top party vessels. While that’s certainly the case on the big night, it’s hardly true across the board.

Remember: Cruises come in all shapes and sizes, including NYE cruises.

And most of them are geared toward relaxing just as much as partying. All you need to do is lounge by the pool, take a look at the sunset, have another nap before dinner, and then do it all again the next day.

5 signs you should avoid NYE cruises like the plague

Sign #1: You like freedom of choice

You exchange your hassles for freedom when you board a cruise ship. In other words, you don’t need to stress about building an itinerary… but you also can’t jump ship if you’re not having fun on board.

If you’re someone who likes to jump around from NYE party to NYE party, you might get a little bored with a single event.

Sign #2: You’re not sure how well you handle the sea

It’s normal for first-time cruise travelers to pack a lot of Dramamine—but I’d recommend avoiding a NYE cruise if you’re worried about seasickness.

What’s worse than nausea brought on by stormy seas? Another dose of nausea brought on by a little too much NYE champagne. If you aren’t confident in your stomach handling the sea, a NYE cruise isn’t the time to find out.

Sign #3: You don’t like crowds… or noise

Here’s my biggest hang-up about boarding an NYE cruise: the crowds and the noise. If you’re hesitant to spend time around so many strangers on a regular cruise trip, know that these worries will be compounded on a NYE cruise.

Remember—they’re busier and more packed than any other time of the year.

*Again, it’s worth mentioning that you can seek out adult-only cruises and smaller cruise ships if you want to avoid the hectic crowds.

The hyper-busy NYE cruises I’m referencing here are from the largest companies out there. I’m sure you can find a smaller and more modest NYE cruise if the crowds are a big no-no. 

Sign #4: You don’t have many days off

Some NYE cruises are tiny and run for a single night, while others might come with ten-day itineraries. If you don’t have too many days off of work (or have a shift on January 1 or 2), then NYE cruises probably aren’t a good fit.

The most affordable options usually run over five days, while smaller and more bespoke NYE cruises usually require a day or two of transportation—especially if they’re international.  

Sign #5: You hate dress codes

Many NYE cruises include dress codes for their parties, captain’s dinners, and more. That’s even true in the case of single-night or double-night cruises—you might be expected to dress up.

This isn’t a problem for me because I enjoy dressing to the nines, but I’ve seen quite a few reviews in which guests complained about the dress code—especially when they were in the mood to party and/or relax.

Hospitality Highlights: Countries With the Best Hotels in 2025

My love of great hotels is constantly piquing my interest in new destinations.

Off the top of my head, I can name some of my favorite picks. There’s Hotel Saint Vincent in New Orleans, The Pacific Motel on California’s PCH 101, and La Mamounia in Morrocco.

Slowly but surely, hotels are falling back into favor.

With cities taking a harder stance on private rental companies like Airbnb and with prices rising constantly, more and more travelers are turning their focus back to hotels.

Some cities make that a lot easier, offering cheaper hotel room rates while outperforming private rentals in terms of amenities, service, and location.

If you’ve been waiting for a reason to book a hotel for your next trip, consider this your sign.

Let’s keep the hotel-love train going to highlight the best countries in the world for finding an affordable and elite hotel stay. If you’re a hotel fan like me, consider planning a trip to one of these countries in the coming years.

You’ll have more options than you know what to do with.

Best hotels… what do you mean by that?

The data in this study comes from OneBed, a mattress company that knows a thing or two about nights well spent.

The team at OneBed analyzed factors like star ratings, hotel density, and pricing to break down which countries outperform others in terms of great hotels.

There’s a focus on four-star and five-star hotels, but OneBed also considered places with three-star and two-star hotels. Japan, for example, has a high concentration of two-star hotels that are highly rated and beloved by travelers—but its five-star selections are also more affordable than other countries.

The more you know, the more reliably you can plan unforgettable trips.

So, which other countries go above and beyond in terms of hotel hospitality?

Countries with the best hotels (2025)

Based on star ratings, pricing, and hotel density, you can find some of the world’s best hotels in these countries.

The Maldives has a high concentration of five-star hotels (Getty)

The Maldives is home to 141 five-star hotels that average $922 per night. The verdict: It’s a high-density zone for ultra-lux stays. Shop around now.

Qatar offers a hotel for every type of traveler. Its two-star hotels cost an average of $43 per night while its five-star stays cost an average of $237 per night. The verdict: There’s tons of range for all types of travelers in Qatar. Explore the best hotels.

Japan offers hotels across every star class, but you’ll do particularly well with a two-star stay here for only $28 per night. The verdict: Who says you can’t stick to a budget in Japan? Check out its best hotels now.

Switzerland also offers an above-average number of five-star stays (Getty)

Switzerland focuses on a luxury market with its five-star hotels averaging $617 per night. The verdict: Expect to spend big for opulence in Switzerland. Spoil yourself at a great hotel.

Iceland offers a rugged but high-end hotel experience. Across the country, its five-star stays average out at $1,165 per night—the highest on the list. The verdict: You’ll pay a lot for unexpected five-star adventures in Iceland. Look through its top hotels.

The UAE has a massive hospitality market that includes 87 two-star properties, 303 three-star options, 442 four-star hotels, and 331 five-star properties. The verdict: Similar to Qatar, you have tons of options in terms of service and pricing in the UAE. Shop around for its best hotels.

Austria gives you the best of both worlds, offering more than 2,000 three-star stays for an average of $113 per night… along with five-star hotels that average $511 per night. The verdict: You can find a few steals across the country by focusing on three-star hotels. Sleep well at these hotels.

The Seychelles is on-par with the Maldives in terms of its hotel offers (Getty)

Seychelles offers five-star stays for an average of $488 per night, a relatively low price for how high-class the islands are. The verdict: Splurging on a great hotel gets you farther in the Seychelles than in the Maldives. Shop around here.

Luxembourg is home to five-star hotels that average only $248 per night. The verdict: Small country, big (hotel) savings. Explore its top hotels.

Denmark is also home to five-star hotels that average $387 per night. The verdict: Soak up these five-star stays while they’re hot—cities like Copenhagen are quickly becoming European travel hotspots. Look for a great hotel here.


New Year, New Trip: Welcome to the World of Transformational Travel

Not all vacations serve the same purpose.

A vacation probably conjures a few associations—like downtime, beachy vibes, and tons of sunshine.

A trip, on the other hand, might bring to mind international travel and long-distance destinations. (If someone says they’re on holiday, by contrast, you’re probably talking to a European.)

There are wellness retreats, solo journeys, wilderness adventures, friend trips, bachelorette and bachelor parties, and all types of travels in between.

I usually classify travel into two over-simplified categories: commercial and transformational. (Not counting business trips, of course.)

Commercial trips are usually built around resort stays, popular sites and museums, and other buy-it-here types of experiences. Transformational travel is more focused on personal growth.

Neither is better than the other—and some trips might include both commercial and transformational elements.

But there’s a growing trend for travelers, especially Gen Z, to seek out more transformational experiences when they plan their trips. These ‘transformational’ elements are designed to spur personal growth in all shapes and forms.

Rather than log off with total relaxation or put together an enviable trip itinerary, some travelers are looking to shake up their worldview by immersing themselves in new places.

I know—it’s a vague description, at best. But with the future of travel hinging on more personal, perspective-shifting experiences, you might be seeking out a transformational trip sooner than you think. Here are the core tenets of this trend.

What is transformational travel? Core ideas

Transformational travel takes whatever shape you want it to—no suffering required

Many people associate transformational travel with trips that revolve around volunteer work—but that’s far from the only case.

You can have a fully transformational trip without sacrificing comfort and familiarity. In my opinion, the most important element is keeping an open mind.

For example, let’s say you have a week-long all-inclusive resort stay booked in Cozumel, Mexico, and put aside one day to leave the resort and take a tour from local guides to explore local traditions. That opens up a window for you to transform your outlook and grow as a human being, even if it’s a brief experience.

You don’t need to join the Peace Corps, in other words, or sacrifice your comfort. You just need to make time and leave energy to foray into the unknown a little bit.

Transformational travel can be uncomfortable—roll with it

The example of leaving an all-inclusive resort in Cozumel is pretty basic, but it highlights that transformation can happen on just about any trip.

That being said, the more transformational the trip, the more uncomfortable you might find yourself when encountering new experiences.

A great example is entering a nude spa as an American. We’re not very comfortable with nudity but most saunas in central Europe don’t allow you to wear clothes. It’s a transformative experience that doesn’t last very long and probably feels uncomfortable—but it’ll shift how you see nudity, saunas, and central Europe, in certain respects.

Once again, this is a very basic example. A truly transformative trip might include multiple days of boundary-pushing experiences like this. By definition, growth includes periods of discomfort—so don’t shy away.

Transformational travel can be cheap as hell—meaning just about anyone can go for it

My favorite part about transformational travel: It’s got a sliding budget.

I’ve covered ultra-luxury trips that are transformative, such as Few&Far’s Unknown Trip. The provider takes travelers straight into the unknown where they can get on the ground floor of conservation movements and social projects.

But most of my experiences in transformational travel were highly affordable or free. For example, even a humble wellness retreat can give you the tools to re-align yourself and grow. The same goes for a wilderness adventure or a digital detox retreat.

Remember—transformational travel comes in all shapes and sizes.

Transformational travel happens by accident sometimes—and that’s how it should be

Sometimes, transformational experiences come up without any planning at all. That’s the case with my trip to Cuba back in 2016.

A day before me and my partner arrived, Fidel Castro died—and the country went into a period of official mourning. For our week-long trip, laws forbade music, dancing, drinking, and celebrations of any kind.

It wasn’t ideal in many ways—but not only did we get to experience a historic moment in the country’s history, we also saw Castro’s coffin pass in a procession.

To add another dash of surprise, I got swindled buying a carton of cigars and spent almost all of our money on our first night in the city. Americans couldn’t get cash out of the ATM at the time or use credit cards—so we had to share two meals per day for the rest of the trip.

I’m not joking. We spent a week in Cuba not drinking mojitos and desperately planning out our meals. Luckily, one of my friends was in Cuba at the time and dating a local who helped us find some cheap eats.

Did I intend for a transformational trip? No, but Cuba had other plans, and that’s how travel goes sometimes.

That’s part of the magic of transformational travel—it’s very human, and it resists our planning.

Insider Travel Tips: Exclusive Interview with Priceline’s Christina Bennett

Priceline released my favorite trend report of 2024.

As a travel writer, all travel-focused trend reports interest me—but Priceline’s stood out thanks to its unique range of predictions and its visual appeal. (I always judge books by their covers.)

Priceline’s ‘Where to Next?’ unearthed more intriguing leads—from mom vacations to an uptick in interest in traveling for sports like tennis. As the company launches its GenAI planning tools and its AI travel assistant, Penny, it looks like Priceline is poised to continue influencing the way travelers research and finalize their trips.

But I always want more information—more insights, more opinions, more novel new ideas.

And Christina Bennett, a Priceline Consumer Travel Expert, sat down to help me dig into the travel tips in the Priceline trend report and what they will mean for travelers in the coming years.

Want a closer look at some of the lesser-known features, benefits, and tools available on Priceline? Here’s what Bennett wants travelers like us to know.

Key takeaways: Travel tips & insights from a Priceline Consumer Travel Expert

  • Pay close attention to where you’re staying in a city; the better the neighborhood, the greater your chance to immerse yourself in local culture
  • For all the moms out there: Priceline is working on building out features that make it easy for you to plan relaxing trips—take advantage when you’re planning your next getaway
  • To make trip-planning easier, use Priceline’s iOS app and let its GenAI build your itinerary using data-driven insights
  • And don’t forget about Penny, Priceline’s AI travel assistant, who can help you find the best restaurants, tours, museums, and more
  • If you’re interested in savings, the best way to save money while planning trips on Priceline is to book everything as a bundle, from car rentals to hotels

Exclusive interview with Priceline Consumer Travel Expert, Christina Bennett

People are falling in love with what we’re calling ‘Awayborhoods.’ Instead of racing through the usual landmarks, travelers (especially younger ones) are choosing to really immerse themselves in specific neighborhoods.

They’re grabbing coffee where locals do, shopping at family-owned stores, and getting a genuine feel for the area’s culture.

[This interview was conducted shortly before the protests in Tbilisi began; please be mindful about booking trips to Georgia.]

With Asia being the final region to lift COVID-19 restrictions everyone’s rushing to visit – especially Japan! And, while the classic tourist spots aren’t going anywhere, there’s this cool shift happening where lesser-known destinations like Algarve, Portugal are suddenly in the spotlight.

Gen Z and Boomers are trendsetting right now. Not only do they have specific travel preferences, but they are also both in unique life stages that allow them more freedom and opportunity to travel.

I haven’t seen any other trend reports covering mom vacations like the Priceline 2025 trend report. Does Priceline offer any resources that are specific to moms who are looking for rejuvenating vacations?

[Mom vacations = trips designed for mothers to take care of themselves, reflect, and rejuvenate after years of childcare.]

Right now, we have filters to identify property features – including luxury features like spas, as well as AI-curated reviews for solo travelers. We’re also continuously innovating new tools to better support customers in their quest to find the perfect place to stay – including moms.

We know how important it is for moms to find accommodations that meet their needs and help them truly relax, and we’re working on making our platform even more helpful for them.

What are some of the lesser-known ways that travelers can use Priceline’s platform to plan their trip?

One of my favorite new tools is Priceline’s GenAI itinerary builder available in the iOS app.

Instead of spending hours researching things to do, the app now generates a suggested itinerary for you, complete with dining and activity options tailored to your trip. It’s a great way to save time and discover new experiences without all the planning stress.

In terms of travel tips and insights, what do you think is the coolest feature that Priceline offers?

I’d say Penny, Priceline’s AI travel assistant. Whether you want to chat via text or voice, you can simply ask Penny for help planning your trip.

Need a hotel recommendation? Want to know the best restaurants in town? Or maybe you’re not even sure where to go yet? Just ask Penny! It’s like having a smart travel concierge right in your pocket.

Which features are users most excited about, in your opinion?

While our customers are buying everything from hotel rooms to rental cars to flights, they’re starting to catch on to this really smart hack: booking everything together as a package. This is one of my biggest savings tips for travelers as it unlocks incremental discounts.

Cruises and all-inclusive resorts are also having a moment right now because who doesn’t love having everything taken care of, from your meals to your entertainment? It’s perfect for the ‘flocking’ phenomenon that’s happening, where people are craving those social connections during their trips.

I see quite a few features focused on family travel. Do you have any travel tips for families?

We primarily cater to leisure travelers, with many coming to Priceline to book their family vacations. With so many different needs to consider – from activities catered to different age ranges, and varying preferences, to required bedding configurations –family travel can be more logistically complex than other trips.

That’s why we’ve designed specific tools to help families book their trips with confidence, making sure everyone’s needs are met, no matter how big the group.

What does Priceline do that similar platforms don’t?

Priceline is a unique platform dedicated to delivering both best-in-class deals and a cutting-edge user experience powered by advanced technology.

Our mission is to be the best dealmaker in the world with the goal of helping everyone experience the moments that matter to them.

We’ve introduced conversational commerce with Penny Voice to make the booking experience easier than ever, we offer custom booking features like Express Deals and Pricebreakers to give customers extra savings opportunities, and created a loyalty program, Priceline VIP, that lets you start saving with your first booking.

Every deal we offer and product we create is designed to provide exceptional value and simplify the booking process.

Yes, Ice Hotels Are Real—And You Can Find Them Around the World

Confession time: I’m addicted to Hallmark Christmas movies.

The more dubious the plot and the acting, the better.

(If you’re looking for suggestions, then stop what you’re doing and watch Hot Frosty. You’ll thank me later.)

A week ago, I turned on A Royal Christmas Crush. This Hallmark Channel flick follows a young architect who is chosen to work at the Royal Ice Hotel. There, she runs into the Royal Prince and—through the magic of Christmas cheer—they fall madly in love.

Of all the wayward plot points I’ve encountered in Hallmark Christmas movies, this one stood out thanks to being set partly in an actual hotel made of ice.

This real-life ice hotel is a popular attraction in Valcartier, Quebec known as Hôtel de Glace. (That’s Ice Hotel for any of you who don’t speak French.)

I had so many questions about the ice hotel that it actually took me out of the film.

What’s the temperature in the hotel? How does the heating work without melting the walls? What do guests wear to bed? Why isn’t there a floor anywhere?

And, for the love of god, how does the plumbing work if all the pipes are frozen?

If you’ve seen the film and asked the same questions, then I have answers. It turns out that the world of ice hotels is pretty varied. Let’s explore the trend, starting with Valcartier’s Hôtel de Glace.

Ice hotels you can book today

Hôtel de Glace – Valcartier, Canada

Hôtel de Glace (TripAdvisor)

Only twenty minutes outside of Quebec City, you can find the Valcartier Vacation Village—which includes the Ice Hotel.

This is a no-joke, full-scale ice hotel that includes compacted snow floors, walls made of ice, and a spa with sauna and hot tub features.

Guests must watch a mandatory training video and abide by strict three-layer clothing techniques. Oh, and there aren’t any beds—only military-grade sleeping bags on soft mats.

That being said, every room at the Ice Hotel includes a room at the four-star Hôtel Valcartier, meaning you have a place to leave your luggage and escape to if the nights are too cold in your ice-room.

Book a room

Laplands Hotels SnowVillage – Kittilä, Finland

Lapland SnowVillage (TripAdvisor)

I imagine Valcartier’s Hotel de Glace isn’t for the faint of heart—but it’s probably child’s play compared to the temperatures at the Lapland SnowVillage in Finland. (Lapland is one of the world’s last wild frontiers—and it’s almost always layered in snow.)

For that reason, this grand ice hotel is great for those who have a truly adventurous spirit and a naturally high body temperature. But SnowVillage also provides suits and boots, making it a bit easier to stay warm.

There’s also a stronger focus on entertainment, as SnowVillage includes elven helpers, massive snow and ice sculptures, and plenty of opportunities to get warm with a treat and a drink.

Book a room

Icehotel – Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

Icehotel (TripAdvisor)

Launched in 1989, this is one of the first permanent ice hotels in the world (though it’s rebuilt every year, the grounds and design don’t change).

From the train ride into town to the short walk to the hotel, you’re in for a gorgeous, picturesque treat. Seriously—this is where Hallmark should have filmed A Royal Christmas Crush.

Icehotel offers unique Christmas programs designed to immerse your family in holiday cheer. But I’m more interested in the art and design gallery. Like I just mentioned, Icehotel has stunning displays of frozen-water-ingenuity. Even the bedframes are bespoke works of art that are created each year anew.

Book a room

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel – Alta, Norway

Igloo Hotel (TripAdvisor)

It’s not the oldest and it’s not the closest for American travelers—but this igloo ice hotel is the northernmost option in the world… and it’s also the largest ice hotel I could find.

Located in Alta in Norway’s Arctic region, Sorrisniva is a massive almost 27,000 square-foot palace and hotel.

Like the Icehotel, it has a massive and state-of-the-art gallery with new works every year. It’s also a popular spot for weddings thanks to its gorgeous ice chapel. Similar to the Hôtel de Glace in Quebec, you can also bundle your stay with a hotel room at the Arctic Wilderness Lodge.

Book a room