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Has your summer vacation come and gone? Or are you already dreaming of a white Christmas? If you’re planning to travel this winter, it’s not a bad idea to start looking—and get booking.
Whether your dream is to hit the slopes, stay snuggled up indoors by a crackling fire, or escape the snow altogether, check out these extraordinary Airbnbs for a wonderful winter getaway.
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1. A Real Igloo in Lapland, Finland
Bring your warmest winter duds to Lucky Ranch, a horse farm in Lapland; you’ll need them for your night in these beautiful but icy igloo bedrooms. When you’re not snoozing, stargazing, or marveling at the northern lights, head to the nearby house to warm up in a communal kitchen and living room—or to use the facilities without freezing. From $122 per night on Airbnb.
2. An 18th-Century Log Cabin in Maryland
Travel back in time to this traditional log cabin that dates to 1765! Build a crackling fire in the wood stove or curl up under cozy quilts in the upstairs bedroom to get a glimpse into history. Located on a working farm within close proximity to wineries, breweries, great hiking, and other laid-back attractions, this cabin is an escape from the hustle and bustle of high-tech life—but not to worry, this best-of-both-worlds getaway has all the mod cons you’re used to. From $165 per night on Airbnb.
3. A Gingerbread Cottage Near the U.S.-Canada Border
This year, instead of baking a gingerbread house, book a stay in this darling gingerbread cottage. Walk well-kept trails through Lily Point Marine Park down to a secluded beach, where you might see seals and starfish or even spot an orca offshore! It’s so peaceful on the private deck that you might not hear much besides the susurration of the cedars or an occasional eagle’s cry. Best of all, this sweet escape is only 40 minutes from the big-city attractions of Vancouver, British Columbia. From $119 per night on Airbnb.
4. A 100-Year-Old Barn in Minnesota
Perfect for two couples or a family of five, the Green Gate Barn Home is a century-old timber barn on a 13-acre property, which nestles up against the Giants Ridge Recreation Area where guests can ski, snowboard, snowshoe, and more. After your outdoor excursions, cozy up to the converted barn’s fireplace in the open-plan common area, gather ‘round the unique silo dining booth, or sleep tight in the Sunrise or Sunset bedrooms, each outfitted with an organic mattress and linens. From $205 per night on Airbnb.
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5. An East-Meets-West Ranch in Wyoming
Not quite the rustic type? How about Eastern-inspired lodgings in a decidedly Western locale? Heart Mountain Cabin, set on a 400-acre organic ranch, combines these two unlikely but complementary aesthetics. Inside you’ll find Japanese design influences, including sliding paper doors, a deep soaking tub for two, and a cedar-lined sauna. Outside, step into an iconic American landscape: wide-open Western skies, stunning mountain views serving as a backdrop to sagebrush and grassland, and even a communal campfire pit. From $154 per night on Airbnb.
6. A Wonderful Inn in Norway
Kingfishers, elk, ospreys, and eagles will be your only companions when you visit the WonderINN Mirrored Glass Cabin in Norway’s Nordre Øyeren nature reserve. It may feel hard to believe that this waterside wilderness retreat is just a half-hour’s drive from Oslo. And what a retreat it is, with its heated floors and huge terrace featuring a hot tub. Tiny though the interior may be, it’s big on luxe details, including a second bedroom that fully embodies Scandinavian coziness. From $399 per night on Airbnb.
7. A Roaring ‘20s Retreat in Texas
Planning to elope this winter? Perhaps your partner is a huge fan of “The Great Gatsby” (or Fitzgerald in general), or maybe you just want to get away from it all while spending some alone time. The Moonshiner is perfect for all of the above; it’s a custom-built, charmingly curated cabin that features Prohibition-era pizzazz and a pinch of steampunk sensibility—and it’s the perfect escape for couples. An outdoor shower, clawfoot tub, vintage velvet sofa for cocktails and canoodling, and wood burning stove to stoke your fire will help make your holiday the cat’s pajamas! From $164 per night on Airbnb.
8. A North Pole Cabin in Alaska
Where better to head during the holidays than the North Pole? North Pole, Alaska, a town where it’s always Christmas, is home to this beautiful, custom-built lakeside cabin with striking details, such as wood-slab counters and a balcony railing made from birch poles. During the day, try your hand at ice fishing and dog mushing. When dusk arrives, the picture windows are perfect for watching the snow fall—and waiting for Santa. Later, climb the ladder to the cozy loft, lie in the king-size memory foam bed, and look out over the lake. From $259 per night on Airbnb.
9. A Wonderfully Weird Work of Art in Austin
If you’re sick of straight lines and boring boxy rooms, pack your last can of Who Hash and head for a whimsical dwelling that’s suitable for Cindy-Lou and her entire Who family. Everywhere you look in The Bloomhouse, there are Seuss-ish swirls, whorls, and curves. The hosts boast that there’s not a right angle in the whole place. Plan plenty of time for marveling at the swoopy ceilings, spiral staircase, and every last quirky un-square inch of this magical pad. From $571 per night on Airbnb.
10. A Traditional Reindeer Herder Hut in Sweden
High above the Arctic Circle, the Sámi reindeer herders of Scandinavia sleep in arch-beamed earthen homes called “goahti,” which are constructed from birch trees and insulated with a layer of turf. You don’t have to venture so far north to experience this way of outdoor life, though. Just book a stay at this traditional reindeer herders’ hut in Ottsjö, Sweden. Be prepared—there’s no privacy to speak of and it’s decidedly rustic, but in exchange for modern comfort, you’ll get breathtaking views and an incredible glimpse into this culture. From $137 per night on Airbnb.
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11. A Floating Boathouse in Australia
Looking to spend Christmas (or New Year’s) Down Under? For a romantic tête-à-tête or a solo escape, feast your eyes on this floating tiny home in South Australia. Bill’s Boathouse, moored on the Murray River, is an Instagram dream come true. Its timber deck is outfitted with a hammock, sun loungers, and outdoor clawfoot tub. Take advantage of the two kayaks and fishing rods to catch your dinner and cook it up on the barbecue grill. Or simply lie in the queen-size bed, gazing out the giant picture window until the river’s rhythm lulls you to sleep. From $214 per night on Airbnb.
12. An Historic Lodge in Iceland
Just 40 minutes from Reykjavík, high above Hvalfjörður, or Whale Fjord, sits an historic home called Hilltop House. The well-appointed three-bedroom lodge was built by the British Navy, home to Allied naval forces during WWII, and used as a secret meeting site by President Roosevelt and Winston Churchill in 1942. It sits on private land first discovered by the Vikings, and more recently, scenes from “Game of Thrones” were filmed nearby. As if all of that isn’t enough of a draw, there’s also a private geothermal spring and a lake filled with rainbow trout, yours for the fishing. From $1,231 per night on Airbnb.
13. A Luxury Private Estate Near Breckenridge
Remember the fairy tale about the little log cabin that grew up to be a luxury castle? No? Well, that’s exactly what this estate, located just minutes from Breckenridge, Colorado, resembles. Be amazed by the massive log beams that stretch across soaring cathedral ceilings, the jaw-dropping stone hearth, the magnificent chandelier made of antlers (is it an antelier or a chandelanter?) and the arched, wood-and-iron double doors. Relax in the sauna, the 8-foot by 8-foot hot tub, or the master suite’s bespoke copper tub. This unparalleled getaway offers state-of-the-art appliances, tech, and other amenities, as well. From $954 per night on Airbnb.
14. A Secluded Home in a Cozy Jamaican Cove
If you can’t stand the snow and secretly agree with Ebenezer Scrooge, come to Poetreef, where Jamaica’s cliffs meet a cozy fishing cove. Thanks to this comfortably appointed home’s private waterfront, you can commune with nature far from the madding (tourist) crowds, so prepare to observe pelicans, frigate birds, cormorants, cuttlefish, and colorful reef fish. From coral reefs under the sparkling azure sea to the constellations shining brightly in the sky above, this serene locale will restore your soul faster than you can say “bah, humbug.” From $175 per night on Airbnb.
15. A Quirky, Colorful Tiny House in Vermont
If you can’t make it to the island nation of Jamaica, or you’d rather go schussing than snorkeling, why not book this cute, quirky tiny house in the New England town of Jamaica? Apple Blossom Cottage offers quintessentially Vermont touches, like a colorful palette, tie-dye curtains, a quaint front porch, scenic mountain views, a pet-friendly policy, and a lovely wooded location near several ski resorts. Together, these details make for a magical respite from the real world. And believe it or not, the 12-foot by 26-foot floor plan actually sleeps five! From $122 per night on Airbnb.
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16. A Retro RV Reminiscent of a Holiday Classic
O’Fallon, Missouri, might not top anyone’s list of iconic Christmas vacation destinations, but National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation superfans will understand the specific appeal of this lovingly refurbished 1983 Shasta RV. Luckily, this camper is about a decade newer—and a lot nicer—than Cousin Eddie’s “tenement on wheels” from the movie. And while there is a loo onboard, guests can also opt to use the bathroom in the host’s house. (If you know, you know.) From $54 per night on Airbnb.
17. A Posh Party Chalet in the Alps
Vacationers who can’t decide between a ski trip and a club-hopping holiday should get the squad together and rent this astounding, one-of-a-kind Airbnb. Chalet Quezac’s exterior is classic French Alps, but its interiors are as sleek, swank, and ultra-modern as any exclusive nightclub. Amenities include a hot tub, hammam, indoor pool, pool table, color-changing outdoor bar, onsite staff (!) and endless opportunities to make your Instagram followers gasp out loud (and green with envy). From $7,250 per night on Airbnb.
18. An Honest-to-Goodness Alpine Hut in Austria
Have you ever stayed in a 400-year-old Tyrolean hut? No? Well, there’s no time like the present (or the upcoming winter holidays) to fulfill your fantasies of toasting bread and cheese by the fire like Heidi. Midway up the mountain (and 4,265 feet above sea level), this centuries-old dwelling has been modernized with electricity. There’s still no indoor bathroom, though, and you’ll have to—or get to, depending on your POV—draw your own spring water from the front-yard well. But the glorious views and the sheer coolness of the experience should more than make up for roughing it. From $76 per night on Airbnb.
19. A Mid-Century Modern Treehouse in California
No assortment of amazing Airbnbs would be complete without a treehouse, and this Aptos, California, property is a fine—if unusual—example of the form. This California treehouse has panoramic views of the ocean, mountains, and forest, and its interior is a charming mix of mid-century modern, boho, and zen, with a little Architectural Digest thrown in for good measure (check out the downright slinky spiral staircase in the study). Three bedrooms provide ample capacity for six guests, and copious “look on that!” and “did you see this?” details will afford dreamy memories. From $949 per night on Airbnb.
The prices listed here are in USD and are accurate as of publication on 8/4/2022.