Best Christmas Road Trip Ideas for Snowy States and Provinces
Winter transforms North America into a quiet realm of white beauty and festive lights. Travelers seeking the best places to travel for Christmas will find the journey holds as much magic as the destination. From winding colonial roads in Vermont to rugged icefields in the Canadian Rockies, the road offers a front-row seat to the season. Four distinct routes stand out for their scenery, holiday spirit, and driving experience. Proper preparation unlocks these frozen wonders.
Drive Through Vermont’s Winter Wonderland
Vermont in December looks like a scene preserved in a snow globe. The state defines the classic American winter aesthetic with white steepled churches, red barns, and covered bridges. Route 100 runs the length of the state. Locals know the road as the "Skiers' Highway" because it threads through the Green Mountains and connects premier ski resorts. It serves as a main artery for Christmas travel in the region.
Stop in Weston for Nostalgia
The drive begins near the Massachusetts border. Route 100 is two lanes of winding asphalt hugging riverbanks and curving around wooded hills. Unlike the interstate, the road forces a slower pace. The traveler must engage with the landscape. Dense forests of hemlock and pine line the route. Their branches hang heavy with fresh snow.
Weston serves as the first essential stop. The village centers around a town green anchoring the community. The Vermont Country Store stands here as a landmark of nostalgia. Walking through the doors transports a visitor back several decades. The air smells of cedar wood, maple sugar, and old paper. The store stocks items often vanished from modern retail shelves. Guests find tins of specific hard candies, flannel clothing, and cast-iron cookware. The atmosphere is warm.
December brings the "Christmas in Weston" celebration. The village transforms into a festive hub. A tree lighting ceremony illuminates the green. Carolers sing traditional songs while horse-drawn wagons carry families through snowy streets. The Weston Village Christmas Shop offers thousands of ornaments in a historic barn. It provides a tangible connection to holiday traditions of the past.
Eat Your Way Through Ludlow
Continuing north leads to Ludlow. The town sits at the base of Okemo Mountain Resort. Skiers and snowboarders bring lively energy to the streets. Food plays a central role in the Vermont experience. The Downtown Grocery offers comfort food sourced from local farms. The menu changes with the season to reflect the agricultural heritage of the valley.
A short distance away stands the Green Mountain Sugarhouse. No trip to Vermont is complete without tasting maple syrup. The "maple creemee" remains a favorite treat even in freezing temperatures. Soft-serve ice cream contains real maple syrup. Eating one while standing in the snow is a rite of passage.
See the Frozen Waterfalls
Route 100 enters the Green Mountain National Forest north of Ludlow. Development thins out. Nature takes over. The road undulates with topography. Drivers must remain alert. Curves can be tight. Snowplows maintain the road well. Patches of ice or packed snow often persist in the shade.
Moss Glen Falls near Granville offers a spectacular roadside attraction. Winter freezes the waterfall into a massive column of blue and white ice. Water continues to flow beneath the frozen shell. It creates a muted gurgling sound. The sight of suspended water against grey rock serves as a reminder of the raw power of the season.
End the Trip in Stowe
The route culminates in Stowe. Mount Mansfield towers over the town as the highest peak in the state. Stowe represents one of the great Christmas travel destinations in New England. The village looks perfect. A white church with a tall steeple dominates the skyline.
The "Traditional Christmas in Stowe" festival brings the community together. A lantern parade highlights the event. Children carry handmade lanterns through the streets. Soft glow illuminates the snow. Holiday bazaars sell local crafts. Concerts fill churches with music.
Lodging options range from grand to intimate. The Lodge at Spruce Peak offers luxury at the base of the mountain. Massive stone fireplaces warm the lobby. An outdoor ice skating rink allows guests to glide under the stars. Stowe Cabins in the Woods provides a quieter option. Private cabins sit among trees. Guests can watch snowfall from a hot tub.
Explore History on Le Chemin du Roy
Crossing the northern border reveals a different world. Quebec offers a slice of European culture within North America. Le Chemin du Roy, or the King's Road, connects Montreal and Quebec City. It dates back to 1737. Driving the route offers a lesson in history and a feast for the senses.
Follow the River North
Route 138 follows the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The modern highway allows for speed. The old road wanders through villages. The pace is leisurely. The road serves as the main street for communities like Repentigny and Deschambault. Stone houses with steep roofs line the way. Architecture reflects the French origins of settlers.
The St. Lawrence River is a constant presence on the right side of the drive. The water is vast and often frozen near banks. Wind whipping off the ice polishes the road. Drivers must handle the vehicle with care. The connection between land and river shaped the history of the region.
Taste Traditional Quebecois Food
Quebecois food provides fuel for winter travel. Traditional dishes were designed to sustain farmers through harsh, cold weather. Pea soup is a staple. It is thick and rich. Tourtière is the definitive Christmas dish. The spiced meat pie appears on every holiday table.
The Érablière le Chemin du Roy offers a unique dining experience. Sugar shacks typically serve as spring destinations. Many serve traditional meals year-round. Guests eat eggs, ham, and beans covered in maple syrup. Folk music often accompanies the meal. The atmosphere is boisterous and joyful.
Heritage stops punctuate the drive. Trois-Rivières sits at the halfway point. The Old Prison offers a glimpse into the stark reality of the past. The Magasin Général Le Brun in Maskinongé functions as a museum and store. Wooden floors creak underfoot. Shelves hold goods evoking the 19th century.
Visit the Cap-Santé Market
Cap-Santé is a highlight of the route. The village centers around a magnificent stone church. The square hosts the "Noël d'Antan" market. The name translates to "Christmas of Yesteryear." The event rejects modern commercialism.
Artisans sell handmade goods from wooden huts. Villagers wear period costumes. Focus stays on tradition and craftsmanship. The setting feels like a painting. Snow covers the roofs of huts. The smell of woodsmoke and fir trees fills the air. It is a quiet and reverent celebration of the season.
Walk the Streets of Old Quebec
The journey ends in Quebec City. The Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ramparts enclose the upper town. Walking the streets feels like stepping into a European capital. Stone buildings and narrow cobblestone lanes create a romantic atmosphere.
The German Christmas Market takes over the gardens near City Hall. Wooden stalls imported from Europe sell sausages, pretzels, and local crafts. The market mimics the traditional markets of Germany. The smell of Glühwein, or hot spiced wine, warms passersby. Choirs perform carols. Lights drape every tree and lamppost.
The Petit-Champlain district is essential for evening walks. Boutiques and cafes line the pedestrian street. Snow stays white and pristine without heavy traffic. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac dominates the skyline. The castle hotel looks majestic against the winter sky.
Respect Winter Tire Laws
Quebec takes winter safety seriously. The law mandates winter tires for all vehicles registered in the province from December 1 to March 15. Visitors should follow suit. All-season tires harden in cold. True winter tires use a rubber compound that stays soft. They feature the "Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake" symbol. Police enforce rules strictly. The weather along the river can change instantly. Whiteouts are common. Proper equipment is the only defense.
Climb High in the Colorado Rockies
The Rocky Mountains offer a different kind of winter magic. Elevation brings crisp air and blindingly bright sun. Colorado is one of the best places to travel during Christmas for those who love high peaks and deep snow. A loop through the Front Range and I-70 corridor reveals the grandeur of the state.
Take the Peak to Peak Byway
The drive begins near Denver. The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway offers an alternative to the busy interstate. It connects Black Hawk to Estes Park. The route was established in 1918. It provides unmatched views of the Continental Divide.
The road winds through high-altitude forests. Towns like Nederland offer a quirky, bohemian vibe. Wind can be fierce at these heights. Drifts often form across the road. Longs Peak serves as a constant landmark. The mountain rises over 14,000 feet.
Estes Park acts as the gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park. Summer crowds have vanished. The town is quiet. Elk often wander the streets. The park itself is a sanctuary of silence. Trail Ridge Road closes for winter. Lower sections remain open. Snowshoeing around Bear Lake offers peaceful views. Hallett Peak reflects in frozen ice.
See the Lights in Breckenridge
Travelers head south to join the I-70 corridor. Breckenridge is a perfect holiday stop. Main Street features Victorian buildings. They house shops and restaurants. The town embraces festive spirit. The "Race of the Santas" is a local tradition. Hundreds of people dressed as Santa Claus run down the street. It is a humorous spectacle.
A short drive away leads to the Ice Castles. Location changes between towns like Dillon and Silverthorne. Artists create structures by freezing thousands of icicles together. The result is a massive fortress of blue ice. Visitors walk through tunnels and caverns. LED lights illuminate ice from within at night. It feels like walking inside a glacier.
Soak in Glenwood Springs
The drive west on I-70 passes through Glenwood Canyon. The highway is an engineering marvel. Viaducts elevate the road above the Colorado River. Red rock cliffs tower on both sides. The contrast between red stone and white snow is striking. Steam often rises from the river.
Glenwood Springs is the destination. The town is famous for a hot springs pool. The pool is huge. Soaking in hot water while snow falls is a classic Colorado experience. It relaxes muscles after days of driving or skiing. Vapor Caves offer a natural steam bath experience.
Know the Traction Laws
Colorado enforces strict traction laws. The Traction Law, or Code 15, requires vehicles to have adequate tires. 4WD or AWD vehicles need tires with 3/16" tread depth. 2WD vehicles need specialized winter tires. The Chain Law, or Code 16, requires chains in severe weather. Fines for blocking the road are steep. Drivers must verify tires on rental cars. The mountains demand respect.
Brave the Icefields Parkway in Banff
The Canadian Rockies offer a winter road trip for the adventurous. The journey from Calgary to Banff and onto the Icefields Parkway is a pilgrimage. It is one of the best places to travel for Christmas for nature lovers. The scale of the landscape is humbling.
Start Your Journey in Banff
Banff serves as the hub. Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain loom over the town. Peaks look jagged and wild. Christmas in Banff includes the "In Search of Christmas Spirit" lighting experience. It is an outdoor art installation. Horse-drawn sleigh rides offer a romantic way to see sights.
Vermilion Lakes is a dream for photographers. Sunrise is the best time to visit. Frozen lakes reflect early light hitting mountains. Thermal springs keep some pools open. Steam dances in freezing air. Silence is profound.
Johnston Canyon offers a unique hike. Steel catwalks bolt to canyon walls. Waterfalls freeze into massive curtains of ice in winter. The "Ice Walk" leads visitors up the canyon. Ice cleats are necessary. The trail becomes a sheet of polished ice. Frozen waterfalls are mesmerizing.
Skate on Lake Louise
Lake Louise is iconic. The lake freezes solid. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise maintains an ice skating rink. An ice castle usually stands on the lake. The Walliser Stube restaurant inside the hotel serves authentic Swiss fondue. It is the perfect meal for the climate.
Drive the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway begins north of Lake Louise. It is often called the most beautiful drive in the world. In winter, it is desolate. The road is plowed but not salted. The surface is hard-packed snow. Winter tires are mandatory.
No cell service exists for most of the route. No gas stations are open. Drivers must be self-sufficient. Scenery consists of glaciers, peaks, and snowfields. Stops like Bow Lake and Peyto Lake look like another planet.
Hunt for Ice Bubbles
A detour leads to Abraham Lake. The artificial reservoir is famous for methane bubbles. Bubbles freeze in layers within ice. Wind blows snow off the surface. Ice is often clear as glass. Seeing bubbles requires walking onto the lake. Safety is paramount. Ice thickness must be verified. The visual of white bubbles in deep blue ice is unique.
Prepare for Winter Travel
Successful winter trips rely on equipment and skill. The best places to travel for Christmas are often the coldest. Preparation creates confidence.
Choose the Right Tires
Rubber acts differently in cold. All-season tires harden below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius). They lose grip and turn into hard plastic discs. Winter tires rely on a specialized, softer compound. They stay pliable in freezing temps.
You must look for the "Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake" symbol on the tire sidewall. This icon proves the tire passed severe snow testing standards. "M+S" (Mud and Snow) is not enough for mountain passes. Sipes, or thousands of tiny zig-zag slits cut into the tread blocks, bite into snow and ice. They provide necessary friction to stop and turn.
Carry a Portable Power Station
Modern travel involves electronics, but cold weather drains phone and car batteries instantly. A reliable independent power source provides a critical safety net. The EcoFlow DELTA 2 stands out as the single best choice for a winter road trip.
It offers the perfect balance of portability, power, and speed. The unit holds 1024Wh of energy. That is enough capacity to run an electric blanket all night if your car engine fails in a storm. It can recharge a laptop 16 times or keep a phone alive for weeks. The 1800W AC output handles high-wattage devices like a portable kettle for hot tea or a small space heater.
The most practical feature for road trips is the X-Stream fast charging. You can plug the DELTA 2 into a wall outlet during a quick lunch stop and charge from 0% to 80% in just 50 minutes. It also charges efficiently via your car's 12V outlet while you drive. The LFP battery chemistry lasts for 3000+ cycles, making it a durable investment for years of travel.
Practical Tip: Lithium batteries struggle in extreme cold. Keep the EcoFlow unit inside the heated passenger cabin while driving. Do not leave it in a freezing trunk overnight. Keeping the battery warm guarantees it will deliver maximum power when you need it most.
Pack an Emergency Kit
A standard first-aid kit is not enough. You need a "Get Home" bag designed for freezing conditions.
Warmth: Pack heavy wool blankets or a sleeping bag rated for zero degrees. Cotton clothing kills in the cold because it holds moisture. Pack extra wool socks, gloves, and knit hats.
Traction: Plastic shovels often snap in frozen snow. Buy a sturdy metal shovel with a collapsible handle. Carry a bag of non-clumping kitty litter or sand. Pouring it under spinning tires creates instant friction on ice.
Sustenance: Your body generates heat by burning calories. Pack high-energy foods like chocolate, nuts, and protein bars. Keep water bottles inside the cabin to prevent them from freezing solid.
Visibility: Daylight is short. A headlamp with fresh lithium batteries allows you to change a tire hands-free in the dark.
Drive with Care
Driving on snow requires a completely different technique. Smoothness is the golden rule. Sudden movements break traction and cause skids.
Braking: Pretend you have a full cup of hot coffee on the dashboard. Brake early and in a straight line before you enter a curve. If the wheels lock up, release the brake immediately to regain steering control.
Steering: If you start to slide, look where you want the car to go. Steer gently in that direction. Do not stare at the snowbank or the ditch. You will hit what you look at.
Cruise Control: Never use cruise control on snowy or icy roads. The system cannot feel traction loss. If you hit a patch of ice, the computer might try to accelerate to maintain speed, causing a dangerous spin. You need full control of the pedals at all times.
Momentum: Use momentum to carry you up hills. Do not stop on an ascent. You may not get moving again.
Your Winter Wonderland Awaits
The road to the best places to travel for Christmas is paved with snow and ice. Vermont offers colonial charm. Quebec provides European culture. Colorado delivers high-altitude grandeur. Banff presents wild nature. Each route rewards travelers with memories lasting a lifetime. The cold enhances the warmth of the holiday. Preparation unlocks the beauty of the season. The journey is a gift.
Tips
For press requests or interview opportunities, reach out to our media team
media.na@ecoflow.com