6 Romantic Winter Wonderland Honeymoons

Honeymoon

Baby, it’s cold outside! The beach is a natural destination for a winter honeymoon… but what if it’s not your cup of hot chocolate? How about putting on your most stylish parka, fur-lined boots and fluffy earmuffs, and going on one of these winter wonderland honeymoons? Winter is a season of romance, sitting by the fireplace, sipping mulled wine, and walking hand in hand through fairytale snowy streets. Ready? Here are our top picks of winter wonderland honeymoons.

Christmas – New York, USA

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Photo from TimeOut New York

Some say December is the absolute best time to visit New York. Yes, it’s cold. Yes, it’s very busy with Christmas shoppers and events. But it’s also magical, twinkling and absolutely unforgettable. You’ve already seen winter in New York in movies, but nothing compares to seeing it for yourself. Prepare well – what they say about the cold is true, and there will be sightseeing and shopping crowds in the places you can expect. But when you spend your days at Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany’s and Sephora… walking or riding a carriage in Central Park… skating at the Rockefeller Center beneath that iconic Christmas tree… and of course, eating at places like Nobu and Katz’s Delicatessen, you’ll always compare your winter in New York to all other winters. And if you go during any other winter month – like January or February – the Christmas decor will be down, the crowds will be smaller, and the prices will be much lower too. It’s all about what suits you best – so plan accordingly!

Perfect for: couples who don’t mind a long haul flight, Christmas shopping, world-famous sights, keeping busy and filling days with lots of things to do and see, budget that will stretch.

Old-time Romance & Christmas Markets – Prague, Czech Republic

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Photo from Travel Prague

Prague is for lovers, no doubt about it. It looks like a film set, especially when covered in snow – everyone will be totally jealous of your pictures. It’s the perfect city for wandering around the cobbled streets, eating delicious hearty food and drinking local beers and wine – and if you head over around Christmas, you can taking in their magical renowned Christmas markets as well. Some other highly recommended things to do include talking a walking tour of the city, trying as much famous local cuisine as possible, taking the very best photo you possibly can of the famous Charles Bridge, and then of the city panorama from Letna Park. And if that wasn’t enough, Prague is home to some of the most interesting museums in the world – like the Museum of Communism, the Museum of Alchemists and Magicians, Museum of Historical Chamber Pots and Toilets… you can even take a tour of a nuclear war bunker. Oh, the stories you’ll be telling when you return! And all this with just a short haul flight, and a budget you’ll definitely like – a top choice amongst winter wonderland honeymoons.

Perfect for: couples who prefer short haul flights, doing things on a budget, taking it easy, exploring a city on foot, seeing interesting things, enjoying Christmas markets and hearty food.

Coffee and Culture – Vienna, Austria

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Photo from Vienna Tourist Board

Ah, Vienna… the city of schnitzel, coffee and classical music… a wonder you really should see. The good news is, Vienna’s location means winters there are milder than in other parts of the country, although you’ll still get that lovely feeling of frost nipping at your nose. This honeymoon destination is ideal for culture vultures. Before you go, make sure to check what exhibitions will be on while you’re there. For example, in early 2017 they’ll have the Baroque Extravaganzas and a Biedermeier show about life in Vienna in the 19th century, featuring paintings and furniture. Make sure to book a Viennese waltz lesson for two, then wander around the city until you find the Cafe Central for an obligatory warm beverage. It’s a famous place where Lenin and Freud used to be regulars! Vienna is also a city with its own famous dessert – Sacher Torte. Make sure to reserve an hour or two to pop into the ground floor cafe at Sacher Hotel – it’s where they still make it according to the original imperial recipe.

Perfect for: short-haul flights and mid-budget prices, fans of classical music, exhibitions and museums, walking around, going to places where other people you know haven’t been.

Northern Lights – Reykjavik, Iceland

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Photo from Northern Lights Cruise

The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are often called nature’s most spectacular show. Trust us when we say, even the most breathtaking photo you’ve ever seen doesn’t even come close to the real thing. This is a honeymoon you can plan between October and April, when nights in Iceland are pitch black, and therefore most likely to reveal the wonder in the sky. If seeing it is the key reason for honeymooning in Iceland, the experts recommend you should book at least seven nights’ stay to maximise your chances, and keep checking the weather forecast – you want to venture out on a night of clear skies. And as for the fun you’ll have during the day? Stay in Reykjavik and you’ll have everything a fun-seeker could desire – skiing, thermal baths, a fashion festival in March, amazing food – or arrange your honeymoon to coincide with New Year’s Eve, and party like the Islanders do… with loads of fireworks!

Perfect for: short travel – a direct flight from Dublin to Reykjavik is less than 3 hours, staying up late, photography, adventuring.

Culture with a touch of Disney – Munich, Germany

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Photo from bavaria.by

The Disney part is brought to you courtesy of Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria – it’s said it inspired Walt to build the Magical Kingdom, and it’s also featured in a number of Disney films. The reason it’s best visited in the winter is tourists – it proudly holds the title of a most visited castle in Germany and one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations – see our main image! You can’t actually sleep there, but the idea is to go to Bavaria and make this one of your excursions. Munich is the recommended city for your stay, and from there you’ll take your excursion to the castle and other surrounding areas of interest. In the city itself, it will be eating, shopping and for the guys – the BMW museum (and the beer). If you’re planning to go near the end of the year, then you’re in luck – their famous Christmas market is on from the last week of November until Christmas. As far as winter wonderland honeymoons go, this one is pure magic.

Perfect for: believing in fairytales, foodies, not staying in the same place every day, train travel, Christmas.

Skiing and Winter Sports – Aspen, Colorado

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Photo from Ski The Americas

If you won’t feel like it’s a honeymoon unless you’re a very long way away from home, then you should definitely consider a skiing honeymoon in Aspen, Colorado. There are many skiing destinations in Europe, but if a honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, then you deserve to be snowed, wined and dined at one of the world’s finest winter wonderland honeymoons destinations. You can have your pick of a number of superb hotels catering to honeymooners (with all-inclusive packages too), and every winter sport in one place. When not on the slopes, spend your time going to various music, art and cultural events, dining and shopping. And, of course, set aside at least one day for spa indulgence, at your hotel or in one of their many salons. If you never realised how beautifully snow and spa go together, Aspen is the perfect place to make that discovery.

Perfect for: couples who enjoy winter sports, small town with high class feel, going far away, adventuring.

Main photo courtesy of European Castles Tours