For one hemisphere at least, temperatures are dropping quickly, woolly layers are coming out of storage, and snow and sleet are starting to wreak havoc on travel plans. However, winter doesn’t always have to be bleak. From snow huts in Nagano, Japan, to oceanfront igloos that bring the North Pole to New York, here are 11 pop-ups that celebrate all that’s merry and bright about winter.
Iiyama Kamakura Village, Nagano, Japan
In the northernmost part of Japan’s Nagano prefecture, Iiyama Kamakura Village takes advantage of its bountiful snow to build an entire village just outside the city center. From the end of January to the end of February, hunker down in one of around 20 lantern-illuminated snow huts to eat noroshi nabe (hot pot), served with rice balls made with locally-grown rice. Also inside the enchanting snow village is Kamakura Shinto Shrine, constructed from snow and marked with a vivid red torii gate typical of traditional Shinto shrines. The glowing igloos and backdrop of the snow-capped mountain range create a frozen fairy tale.
Camp Zachary at Hotel Zachary in Chicago, Illinois
Glamping gets a little more merry this season. The boutique Hotel Zachary has partnered with The Fields of Michigan, a local luxury camping company, to offer plush tents overlooking Chicago’s famed Wrigley Field, outfitted with chic furniture to rival your own living room, plus tartan plaid blankets and fire cauldrons. Though they’re not meant for overnight stays, groups of up to 10 can book two-hour slots from now until late February. Hot toddies and other seasonal drinks and snacks are on the menu, with complimentary cookies and hot cocoa for kids under 12.
Nordic Village at Bobby Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee
Last year, the rooftop lounge at the hip Bobby Hotel in Nashville transformed Music City into a winter wonderland with see-through igloos and fire pits. This year, the igloos are back, along with a new Nordic Winter Village, featuring cozy cedar cabins filled with woolly blankets and flowing Champagne. Moreover, roasted nuts, popcorn, hot cocoa, and hot toddies are served in thermos mugs, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Bubble Bar at Beau-Rivage Palace Hotel, Lausanne, Switzerland
The historic Beau-Rivage Palace Hotel in Lausanne has partnered with Ruinart, the world’s oldest Champagne house, for this winter’s lakeside Bar à Bulles, or Bubble Bar. From now until February 29, in the property’s glimmering 10-acre garden, guests can step inside the transparent structure to sip effervescent blanc de blancs, paired with a menu of caviar, Scottish smoked salmon, and Mont Blancs (sweetened, puréed chestnuts with whipped cream) for dessert, all with an unobstructed view of Lake Geneva and the picturesque Swiss Alps.
Gingerbread Bar at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, Grand Cayman
The waterfront Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa in Grand Cayman overlooks the Caribbean island’s Seven Mile Beach and features a festive outpost for toasting the season in the tropics. Constructed in the middle of the hotel’s lobby with a staggering 800lb of spiced cookie dough, 350lb of icing, and 100lb of candy, the Gingerbread Bar invites guests to enjoy creative cocktails, including signature drinks like Santa’s Cider or Yuletide Julep.
Chalet au Lac at Baur au Lac, Zurich, Switzerland
Celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, the Baur au Lac in Zurich is pulling out all the stops for an over-the-top holiday season. In the property’s lakeside private park, the city’s tallest Christmas tree dazzles with more than 70,000 lights. This month, Chalet au Lac opens the rustic wooden chalet, a pop-up restaurant adorned with red poinsettias, swaths of fir garland, and glowing candles, serving signature Swiss dishes like cheese fondue and mulled wine to keep warm during chilly winter nights.
Festive Igloos at Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, Montauk, New York
In the off-season, this seaside resort in The Hamptons embraces the holiday spirit with heated igloos that overlook the ocean. Each of the seven huts at Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa has a different theme, offering unique cocktail pairings and activities, such as stargazing in the Northern Lights hut and enjoying retro board games in the Après Ski hut. The festive experience includes themed snacks and drinks, making it a delightful winter retreat.
Winter Igloos at Coppa Club, London, England
The terrace at Coppa Club in London offers stunning views of Tower Bridge, making it a fantastic all-day café spot year-round. However, as temperatures dip, the ambiance transforms with transparent igloos, cozy pillows, sheepskin rugs, and warm candlelight. Guests can indulge in small plates and celebrate the season with Champagne, making for a charming dining experience.
Winter Chalet at the Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Overlooking Rittenhouse Square in Center City, Philadelphia, the elegant Rittenhouse Hotel celebrates the season with daily roasted chestnuts, kid-centric teddy bear teas, and large-scale gingerbread houses showcasing some of the city’s beloved monuments. This year, tucked into the hotel’s secluded courtyard, a pop-up winter chalet features a fire pit and indulgent boozy hot chocolate. If warmer layers are needed, the staff is happy to lend a cashmere blanket for extra comfort.
Serra Alpina at Eataly, New York City
In New York City, the rooftop restaurant at Eataly’s Flatiron outpost transforms with the season into Serra Alpina, an Italian Alps–inspired greenhouse. High above the bustling streets of Manhattan, snowy trees and twinkly lights create a magical setting for savoring northern Italian specialties. The special menu features small plates paired with customizable hot or cold cider, creating a delightful culinary experience in a beautiful winter atmosphere.
The Elyx Chalet at Rosewood London, England
The courtyard of the Rosewood London in Covent Garden hosts a Nordic-inspired lodge this winter, in collaboration with Swedish brand Absolut Elyx vodka. Guests can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere created by fur and velvet throws, glittering trees, and golden gnomes while dining on locally-sourced oysters and house-cured salmon. Elyx serves as the base for festive cocktails such as Tomte’s Nectar, offering a unique flavorful experience in this winter sanctuary.
