11 Romantic Destinations For A Last-Minute Winter Getaway

Ask any couple where they're going on their honeymoon or for a romantic getaway, and you'll likely hear the name of a Caribbean island, a sunny resort, or somewhere where the less clothing needed, the better. But the truth is that cold-weather destinations can be just as romantic. And there's nothing like cozying up in front of a warm fireplace or under the mistletoe, or holding hands as you gaze at the holiday lights while walking through a festive holiday market. You don't have to stay cooped up at home to enjoy these festive treats, either. There are plenty of places where you can head for a last-minute winter getaway with your special someone, with plenty of sleigh rides and spa visits to keep your itinerary full. 

To land on PlanetWare's top picks for the 11 most romantic winter getaways, I considered which spots have the most romantic activities to do during wintertime and which are the most scenic during the season. I also drew from personal experience, including places I have personally visited during the winter and found to be romantic. Keep reading to discover which destinations made the cut.

With four ski resorts, Aspen, Colorado, is at its peak (literally) during wintertime, when this upscale town brings luxury to the mountains. That chic attitude is also what makes it an ideal spot for couples whether or not they are down to hit the slopes, since the city also boasts tons of high-end shopping, restaurants, and spas. Plus, since Aspen is located in the Rocky Mountains, the destination is also home to awe-inducing sights that are only second to the sight of your significant other.

To get cozy fireside in Aspen, head to The Cabin at Snowmass. An indoor and outdoor lounge on the resort's tallest mountain, the venue is open from mid-December. Here, couples can gather around the outdoor fire pit for a cocktail, or get comfortable inside and indulge in European-inspired dishes such as petite veal osso bucco or elk stroganoff. Another romantic option is The Living Room at the Hotel Jerome — a dark, sexy bar centered around a fireplace where couples can order small plates and cocktails.

To further kick back in Aspen with your loved one, book a couples massage at spots like the Remède Spa at the St. Regis Aspen, a full-service spa with unique offerings like Thai-inspired therapies and a red light chamber. Then, keep the romance going through the night by staying in one of Aspen's many five-star hotels. A few options include the Little Nell — the only Forbes five-star, five-diamond hotel in town — or Limelight, which features rooms with mountain-inspired touches.

As the nation's oldest seaside resort, Cape May is a prime summertime destination, with people flocking there for the area's stunning beaches. It is one of the best and cheapest East Coast beach towns, after all! But since Cape May has so much to do outside of the beaches, too, it's become just as popular in recent years during the winter — with more than 45,000 people visiting between Thanksgiving and New Year's in 2024. Named as one of the best Christmas towns in the country, Cape May is chock-full of romantic Victorian charm that comes to life during the colder season.

With one of the largest collections of Victorian buildings in the country, Cape May is a National Historic Landmark District. Better yet, many of these buildings are decked out in garland and seasonal decor. Once in town, couples can check out some of these decorated homes hand-in-hand along Cape May's self-guided Christmas Candlelight House Tour, or on the guided Lamplighter Christmas Walking Tour. The latter only runs on select dates, so make sure to check it's on while you're visiting.

To take advantage of the romantic splendor, stay in one of the city's historic inns — like The Queen Victoria, which is my personal favorite. Featuring three homes dating back to the late 1800s, the inn also offers an afternoon tea service and breakfast, as well as ornate British-inspired rooms that are all uniquely decorated. That said, the city's most famous hotel is Congress Hall, which goes all-out during the holidays with artisan vendors and a grand Christmas tree.

As an underrated Pennsylvania town widely recognized as America's Little Switzerland thanks to its picturesque Pocono Mountains location, it's no surprise that the quaint, Norman Rockwell-esque town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, is one of the top spots for a romantic trip — no matter the season. 

Couples should start their getaway by booking a room at the Inn at Jim Thorpe, a Tripadvisor Traveler's Choice hotel in the heart of the downtown area. Housed in a building dating back to 1849, the hotel features rooms with nostalgic charm as well as contemporary amenities, like an on-site spa. I learned firsthand from my stay here that couples don't even need a car for the entirety of their stay, since all of the town's attractions, shops, and restaurants are located within walking distance of the hotel.

One of those attractions is the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, which takes visitors on a romantic, vintage journey through the area's lush foliage on 40- and 75-minute rides offered daily. The train line utilizes heated historic coaches built nearly a century ago by Bethlehem Steel. For a truly romantic ride, book the private red caboose. Couples who appreciate the arts should also see a show at the Mauch Chunk Opera House, which, dating back to 1881, is one of the oldest vaudeville theaters in the country. Here, visitors can enjoy everything from jazz shows to theater performances.

With more than 200 snow days per year, Lapland — the northernmost region of Finland — might as well be the North Pole. Luckily, you don't need to believe in Santa to enjoy this winter wonderland with your significant other. One of the best things to do here with your loved one is see the Northern Lights hand-in-hand, as the colorful natural wonder appears here between August and April. To enhance your Northern Lights viewing, you can even book experiences such as a calming and unique winter activity on water: ice floating. Even better, you'll likely also enjoy some privacy, as Lapland — which is full of Mother Nature's beauty — is home to more reindeer than people.

But don't worry, a trip here doesn't mean solely trying to keep warm outdoors. Finnish people love their saunas — especially in Tampere, which is considered the sauna capital of the world. As such, couples can cozy up in an array of Finnish saunas, ranging from electric saunas to traditional saunas heated by wood fires, and partake in what's listed as a UNESCO-recognized cultural tradition.

Other spots to snuggle up include the Apukka Resort, which features glass-roofed igloos for guests to stay in. These two-story private suites offer panoramic views of the Lapland skies, as well as chic yet modern interiors with all of today's comforts. Another unique option is the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, which has adults-only accommodations set within a secluded forest area for couples looking for a truly intimate stay.

Germany is known for its festive Christmas markets, but Americans don't need to cross the pond to experience that wonder with their significant other. Instead, they can just head to Leavenworth, Washington, a mountain town that transformed into a Bavarian-themed village in the 1960s. Since then, it's attracted couples year-round — especially during the winter, when it hosts the popular Christmas Lighting Festival. Between November and December, the town is abuzz with stunning holiday lights and snowfall that frame its many shops and restaurants nestled in Bavarian-themed buildings. Come January and February, the snowy landscape is still a big draw (without the large holiday crowds).

Couples who want to spend less time on their feet can also book a romantic sleigh ride, some of which include complimentary cups of hot cider. Typically pulled by teams of handsome horses, they're a great way to get into the winter spirit while enjoying Leavenworth's alpine setting. After all that cold air, heat up at the Scenic Hot Springs, where clothing is optional — just in case you want to spice things up. You can also raise your temperature at the Post Hotel, which offers indoor and outdoor pools as well as spa treatments. 

Finally, for couples who like to relax with a drink in hand, it's no surprise that Leavenworth, in true German style, has plenty of that to go around. In fact, several breweries are located in town. This includes Stein, which offers up to 55 beers on tap, as well as Bushel & Bee Taproom, which boasts lots of craft beer options.

Paris is the city of love, but in the French Alps, there's another town that is just as romantic. Megève, France, is a luxury destination that was once frequented by the French aristocracy. Although it was originally built solely as a ski resort, it now has much more to offer — especially in the romance department. Today, visitors can start their stay by booking a romantic cabin at the Au Coin du Feu hotel, which translates to "by the fire." Inside this cozy, wood-lined hotel, guests can relax by the fireplace and take in the postcard-worthy mountain views.

From there, couples can get much closer to the mountain by taking a private airplane ride around Mont Blanc. Although I can't promise those who are afraid of heights won't have to clutch their loved ones' hands throughout the trip, I can promise that you're both sure to enjoy all-encompassing views of the mountain and surrounding glaciers and valleys. Alternatively, hop aboard a two-person dogsledding ride instead, which will allow you to glide through the snow pulled by a pack of pups.

Foodies will also relish a trip to Megève. Despite only being home to roughly 3,000 people, the town boasts a half-dozen Michelin-starred restaurants dotted around a walkable center that's lined with cobblestone streets. Romantic meals are aplenty at eateries like Flocons de Sel — a modern French restaurant housed in a chalet with three Michelin stars — as well as Le Coin Savoyard, which serves traditional Savoyard fare.

Finding a spot to spend my dreary winter birthday without leaving the Northeast is always a struggle for my husband and me. However, we recently found a gem when we drove to New Paltz — an artsy, upstate New York town filled with cool shops and restaurants. 

There, we chose to stay at the Minnewaska Lodge, which — although it's located just minutes from downtown New Paltz — offers the best of all worlds in terms of seclusion and comfort. Enveloped in 25,000 acres of lush wilderness with a cabin theme, guests can enjoy views of the Shawangunk Mountains while staying in modern yet quaint alpine-themed rooms that feature a peaked ceiling and contemporary amenities. In downtown New Paltz, my husband and I loved perusing the quaint shops, like the massive Antiques Barn and Barner Books, a used bookstore. We ended our night with a romantic meal at the intimate Runa, a French bistro.

Couples looking to splurge can opt for the ultra-luxe Mohonk Mountain House, a National Historic Landmark hotel with an opulent interior lined with fireplaces, Lake Mohonk views, and vibes that only a castle can offer. Since there's nothing less romantic than pulling out your credit card, everything here except for the spa treatments is included in the rate — even meals at the on-site restaurant. When visitors aren't cozying up in the hotel's cable-knit cashmere blankets, they can also hike and ice skate, among other activities.

With its smog and crowds, the Big Apple doesn't usually top the list for romantic cities. But in the wintertime — when the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree towers over an ice skating rink filled with couples, bars and restaurants are decked out in glimmering lights, and Christmas markets invite you to buy a gift for your special someone — there's nowhere more loved up than New York City.

And that's just one of the reasons why it's long been a tradition of my husband and me to head here for a winter day and check off the list of touristy-but-necessary activities in the city that never sleeps. We usually start our visit by heading to the Bryant Park Winter Village, which features more than 190 artisan food and gift vendors in a European-inspired Christmas market atmosphere. Then, we take our obligatory couples' photo in front of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree — which, even as a jaded New Jerseyan, never ceases to make me smile.

After that, we stroll down Fifth Avenue, where every designer store from Coach to Tiffany & Co. decks out its windows in festive displays fit for a museum. To see even more displays that will put your own Christmas lights to shame, take a ride to Brooklyn's Dyker Heights neighborhood, where the lit-up homes make it look like something out of a movie. Finish off your night at one of Manhattan's many renowned romantic restaurants, like Quality Italian, one of my favorites, or Valerie.

With its classical music past, fairytale-like buildings, and scenic Alps setting, Salzburg, Austria, is a romantic must-visit no matter the season. However, it blooms with romance during the winter, when Old Town's peaks are snow-covered and the city's many famous Christmas markets are perfect for strolling. Some of the most renowned markets include the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt — one of the oldest Christmas markets in the country and one of the best Christmas festivals in the world — as well as the Hohensalzburg Fortress market, housed inside its historic namesake building for a one-of-a-kind setting.

Once you've finished shopping, there are plenty more romantic spots in Salzburg to explore. Those looking to kick back with a cup of coffee should do so at Café Tomaselli. Dating back to 1703, the spot is a hallmark of Austria's robust coffee culture. Or, if you've worked up an appetite, indulge in a romantic meal at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, a sophisticated eatery that's one of the oldest on the continent. Culture-focused couples can also buy tickets to a classical music concert at Mirabell Palace, which also happens to house one of the most popular wedding venues in the world.

Although Stowe, Vermont, has earned its fame by being home to the Stowe Mountain Ski Resort — called one of the best ski resorts in the country — there are a lot more couple-friendly activities to do in this charming New England town than just hit the slopes. For example, couples can ice skate at the Christmas light-lit Spruce Peak ice skating rink, as well as check out the shops and restaurants around it. Shoppers can find more souvenirs and gifts to take home on Stowe's Main Street, which is home to shops like Shaw's General Store, Stowe Mercantile — which sells everything from nostalgic candies to gourmet foods — and Lake Champlain Chocolates, dedicated to artisan chocolates.

To take a breather after a long afternoon ice skating or shopping, cozy up on the Gondola SkyRide, which takes riders to the highest mountaintop in the state. While you're up there, enjoy a meal or a cocktail at the Cliff House restaurant. Or, when you're back in town, head to one of the many local breweries, like The Alchemist Brewery or Idletyme Brewing Company. Liquor fans should also check out Smugglers' Notch Distillery.  For a beer-focused tour, head over to the nearby town of Greensboro, a rural gem immersed in nature with an arts scene and award-winning brews. 

With a setting like the grand Matterhorn — an iconic Alps peak that's home to the highest cable car station in Europe — it goes without saying that Zermatt is a romantic winter wonderland that should also be on any bucket list ski trip to Switzerland. Much of the town's romantic fanfare centers around this jaw-dropping mountain, including popular activities like watching the sun set behind it. Restaurants and bars are also aplenty in Zermatt, so you can watch this marvel with a drink in hand. Couples can also embark on a helicopter ride around the Matterhorn for amazing views that can't be captured in a photograph.

After all that adventuring, visitors can relax with a bowl of cheese fondue. This hearty dish is available at many Zermatt eateries, including the Swiss Chalet Restaurant or Restaurant Schäferstube. Then, get some well-deserved shut-eye by staying overnight at one of the many romantic hotels and resorts, ranging from classic chalets to upscale properties. Those looking for a hot respite can also find it in one of the many local spas. One of the standouts is the Cervo Mountain Resort, which offers day passes that grant admission to its saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas.

Although we often forget it as we struggle to get off our couches during the wintertime and out into the chilly air, there are plenty of spots — from Leavenworth, Washington, to Lapland, Finland — that are winter wonderlands for couples looking to keep the romance hot when the temperature turns cold. So, I had plenty to choose from when developing this list.

To land on the final 11 destinations that made the cut, I first considered which places had the longest list of romantic attractions — like New York City, which has an abundance of Christmas markets and holiday shows — and Megève, France, which offers everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to private airplane rides. From there, I also determined which places are at their prime during the season, with festive lights and snowy landscapes making them look more like postcards than real places. Finally, I determined which towns I have personally visited during the holiday season that I find romantic, like Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, and New Paltz, New York.