As we begin the long, slow march toward the depths of winter—and face the inevitable bouts of seasonal depression that come with it—there’s a natural inclination to spend our days indoors. Be it around the fireplace with a glass of red at your favourite pub or under the blankets at home streaming something on Mubi, you could easily let the season pass you by without engaging in any meaningful social interaction or connection to the outside world. Yet as endless nights of 5 pm sunsets and rewatches of The Celebrity Traitors stretch on, the upcoming months are the opportune moment to forfeit the comfort of your flat for a landscape that’s far more stimulating. That’s where the chicest winter travel destinations step in.
For those seeking a dose of Vitamin D, you could easily find yourself trading your daily commute for the balmy shores of the Caribbean. However, for those wanting to indulge in the marvels that the cool weather brings—snow-capped mountains, quaint cafés warmed by freshly baked pastries, lavishly snug knitwear—there are plenty of places that allow you to soak up the splendour of wintertime whilst still making you feel like you’re on an intentional and considered holiday. (No weekends spent wasting away in your Rise & Fall bedding at home, thank you, as luxe as that does sound.)
As the festive season inches closer, you’ll soon find many will have the same idea, fleeing home for a destination far more enticing, even if that means travelling somewhere only an hour away to get a change of scenery. So, from local escapes to more deluxe accommodations in the outreaches of Europe, uncover the seven trendiest winter travel destinations for 2026, along with a guide to what chic dressers are packing to wear there.
The Chicest Outfits for 7 Trending Winter 2026 Destinations
1. Stockholm, Sweden
Style Notes: Converging between the Baltic Sea and Lake Mälaren, Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, unfurls across charming isles intersected with candy-coloured houses, charming bridges and the quintessentially Scandi cobblestone streets. (Not to mention the birthplace of ABBA, Zara Larsson and Alexander Skarsgård.) Stroll along Norrström before stopping into charming Stora Bageriet for a cardamom bun served on cobalt-blue tableware. Design lovers will also be indulged by the plethora of minimalist brands that call the city home, including, but not limited to, Nordic Knots, Toteme, Lisa Yang and Almada Label. As proponents of fika culture—which refers to the act of taking an intentional break to slow down, connect with others and enjoy a coffee—Stockholm really is a place for a quiet reprieve.
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2. Paris, France
Style Notes: In the immortal words of Audrey Hepburn, Paris is always a good idea. Under the twinkling glow of the Eiffel Tower, the Haussmann boulevards seem almost paved with gold. (Not too dissimilar from the gilded Saint Laurent spring/summer 2027 show staged in that very same setting.) With a perpetually romantic sensibility, shelter from the freezing winds in one of the endless galleries along the Seine, take a trip to the Musée d'Orsay or hunker down over a plate of steak frites at Le Grand Café just off the Jardin des Tuileries. Of course, you can never go to Paris without undertaking some shopping. Top spots include Nuovo in Le Marais and Turn in the second arrondissement.
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3. Rome, Italy
Style Notes: The immortal city of Rome has enchanted pilgrims, saints and stars for millennia. At the beginning of December, Matthieu Blazy will descend upon the Italian capital with his gaggle of Chanel choupettes for the French maison’s upcoming 2027 Métiers d'Art collection. And with Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles spending a lot of time there last year, it’s quickly becoming a destination for discerning travellers looking for both fine luxury and fine culture—let alone the cuisine.
You’ll pay good mind to pop by Schostal Originals, the 150-year-old vendor of sumptuous socks, underwear and pyjamas, before paying tribute to ancient wonders like the Pantheon. No trip is complete without dining out in Trastevere, the vibrant, bohemian neighbourhood just south of the Tiber. Da Enzo has garnered quite the cult following, but honestly, anywhere within a square mile will be simply delectable.
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4. Verbier, Switzerland
Style Notes: In a climate where snow is unavoidable, why not embrace it by taking a trip to the Swiss Alps? Adrenaline junkies might enjoy meeting the challenging black runs and high-altitude terrain, but with views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, it’s swiftly becoming a stylish outpost for the jet set. Mountain air is good for the soul, so why not take it in a palatial wood chalet 1500 meters above the ground? And whilst the long fur coats might seem like a prerequisite, this is not the place where you want to skimp on protective layers. Thermal basics from places like Perfect Moments are a must, even if all you plan to do is watch the fireworks from your villa and enjoy the sauna.
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5. Dolomites, Italy
Style Notes: On the other end of the alpine spectrum are the Dolomites. After an influx of Salomon-wearing trampers taking to the pristine national parks this summer, a visit during winter offers a more genial atmosphere to immerse yourself in the turquoise lakes and deep gorges. Plus, with the Dolomites in proximity to ritzy destinations like Venice, Verona and Lake Garda, why not make the most of your winter break by dovetailing a week of hiking in the mountains between two cosmopolitan places? Rounding out a trip with a visit to the Doge’s Palace or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection sounds very appealing.
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6. Dublin, Ireland
Style Notes: If the rise of the craic pack—a group of notable young Irish actors like Paul Mescal, Saoirse Ronan and Jessie Buckley taking over Hollywood—hasn’t turned your attention to the Emerald Isle, then consider Dior’s upcoming Pre-Fall 2027 show at Trinity College your invitation to make a trip across the Irish Sea.
Dublin, specifically, is brimming with excellent ways to spend a winter’s day, from retracing the steps laid out by James Joyce in his literary classic Ulysses to a visit to the Hugh Lane Gallery to see the permanent recreation of Francis Bacon’s studio. A pint of Guinness is a necessity, but skip the queues at Temple Bar in favour of locals-only spots like The Long Hall or The Liberty Belle. (Yes, the same Liberty Belle from that Fontaines D.C. song.)
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7. Cornwall, England
Style Notes: Skip the escape to the countryside and make a straight getaway for the coast. Though it sounds contradictory to head to the seaside when the temperature isn’t warm, Cornwall offers plenty of sweet towns to cosy up in with charming views of the coast. Seafood is obviously exceptional, making it the perfect place for Londoners seeking something more pensive and relaxed, yet still brimming with great coffee spots and delightful dining options. And all this without battling the EasyJet baggage limit.
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