If you used to wish for snow from Santa Claus as a child, know that you weren’t the only one.
For many people living in a tropical country like the Philippines, experiencing a white Christmas is a dream. After all, just like in the movies, how nice would it be to sip some hot cocoa by the fireplace, or plan an annual ski trip with family, or make snow angels right outside your doorstep?
Even adults still have fleeting daydreams of experiencing a winter wonderland around this time of the year. Now, if you haven’t turned your dreams into reality yet because the idea of applying for a visa to a snow-laden country stirs your nerves in the most unpleasant way, you’ll be glad to find out that there are some countries that you can enter visa-free to finally enjoy a snowy Christmas.
Here are five that you can visit now:
Jeju Island, South Korea
Up to 30 days visa-free entry for Filipinos
A well-known visa-free destination for Pinoys, Jeju Island is the perfect winter destination for those who enjoy nature excursions, food tours, and–of course–K-dramas. On your visit, take a fan pilgrimage and visit filming locations on the island featured in well-loved South Korean dramas like Welcome to Samdal-ri, Our Blues, Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Legend of the Blue Sea, Secret Garden, and Boys Over Flowers.
***Currently, Jeju Island is just one of the three places in South Korea that doesn’t require Filipinos a visa for entry. The other two are Gangwon Province via Yangyang, and Jeolla Province via Muan.
How Cold It Gets On Jeju Island During Winter
From December to February, Jeju Island experiences an average high of 10°C and an average low of -3°C, with occasional snowfall.
Top 10 Winter Activities On Jeju Island
- Witness the sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, often adorned with frost in winter.
- Go hiking on Hallasan Mountain, South Korea’s highest peak, blanketed with snow for a picturesque winter trek.
- Relax in Jeju’s natural hot springs (or “ocheon”), like Sanbangsan Carbonate Hot Springs.
- Stroll through Camellia Hill—a beautiful garden blooming with vibrant camellias that thrive during the winter season.
- Join a tangerine-picking activity, as Jeju’s famous citrus fruits (locally known as hallabong) are in season during winter.
- Participate in local events like the Jeju Winter Festival, featuring lights and traditional performances.
- Warm up with Jeju’s fresh seafood, including abalone porridge and heuk-dwaeji (black pork BBQ).
- Explore the scenic Olle Walking Trail, which provides serene views of Jeju’s coastline and volcanic landscapes.
- Visit Seopjikoji—a coastal area with striking rock formations and a tranquil winter vibe.
- Learn about Jeju Island’s fascinating volcanic history and culture at Jeju Stone Park amidst a peaceful winter atmosphere.
Sapa, Vietnam
Up to 21 days visa-free entry for Filipinos
Thanks to countless recent TikTok videos and Instagram Reels, Sapa has been nicknamed the “Switzerland of Vietnam” and it’s not hard to see why. This quaint and cool town located at the head of a deep valley in between the mountains of Northwestern Vietnam flaunts European-style buildings and trains. The region also gets a fair share of snow dusting in winter–something most of its Southeast Asian neighbors don’t get to enjoy.
How Cold It Gets In Sapa During Winter
Winter temperatures in Sapa typically range from 3°C to 7°C, with January being the coldest month of the year.
Top 10 Winter Activities In Sapa
- Take a cable car or hike to Vietnam’s highest peak, Fansipan Mountain, which could be capped with snow in winter.
- Enjoy the view of frosty rice terraces that exude a unique, stark beauty over the colder months.
- Visit local villages like Cat Cat, Ta Van, or Lao Chai to learn about Hmong and Dao cultures.
- Warm up with a traditional Vietnamese hotpot meal featuring fresh vegetables and meats.
- Hike up Ham Rong Mountain to catch panoramic views of Sapa, often shrouded in winter mist.
- Make your way to Love Waterfall & Silver Waterfall—two beautiful waterfalls surrounded by winter greenery.
- A visit to Vietnam won’t be complete without shopping: Hit the Sapa Night Market (open daily from 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM) to browse for handicrafts, enjoy street food, and experience the lively atmosphere.
- Skip the hotel and consider staying with a local family in their stilt house for an authentic cultural experience.
- Take guided treks to nearby villages and immerse yourself in the serene winter landscapes.
- Visit Notre Dame Cathedral Sapa—also known as the stone church—in the town center, which is beautifully lit during winter evenings.
Mongolia
Up to 21 days visa-free entry for Filipinos
It’s impossible to make a list of visa-free winter destinations for Pinoys without Mongolia. This underrated gem in Central Asia treats visitors to breathtaking vistas of snowy landscapes that you wouldn’t find anywhere else in the world.
How Cold It Gets In Mongolia During Winter
The average winter temperatures in Mongolia range from -10°C to -30°C. January is the country’s coldest month, with air temperatures hitting -30°C to -34°C in the Altai, Khangai, Khuvsgul and Khentii mountain region.
Top 10 Winter Activities In Mongolia
- Try the centuries-old favorite winter activity in Mongolia that is ice fishing. Some of the most popular spots for ice fishing are Khagiin Khar, Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, and Ugii Lake, which hosted the 20th Ice Fishing World Championship in 2024.
- Take part in the Ice Festival at Lake Khuvsgul that offers opportunities to try ice skating and horse sleigh rides.
- Marvel at the mesmerizing Gobi Desert—the coldest desert in the world.
- Experience dog sledding tours near Ulaanbaatar or around Lake Khuvsgul.
- Explore other lodging options, like staying with nomads in a ger (yurt) to experience authentic Mongolian winter traditions.
- Spot the wild Przewalski’s horses roaming through the snowy steppes at Khustai National Park.
- Embark on horseback rides through Mongolia’s expansive and frozen landscapes.
- Soak in the warmth of the natural hot springs at Tsenkher amidst the cold countryside.
- Join in the fun of Tsagaan Sar—Mongolia’s Lunar New Year, which is usually held in February.
- Explore festive markets selling traditional Mongolian goods and delicacies at the winter markets in capital city Ulaanbaatar.
Kazakhstan
Up to 30 days visa-free entry for Filipinos
Located right at the western tip of Mongolia, Kazakhstan offers another winter wonderland that Filipinos can enter without a visa. From stunning white canyons to mesmerizing turquoise lakes, this country boasts nature’s beauty at its best even in winter.
How Cold It Gets In Kazakhstan During Winter
The average temperature in Kazakhstan during winter is -20°C, but during the cold season, there is always a probability of severe frosts, meaning temperatures can drop to as low as -50°C.
Top 10 Winter Activities In Kazakhstan
- Want to try skiing? Visit Shymbulak or Ak-Bulak to experience world-class skiing and snowboarding.
- Skate on Medeu, one of the world’s highest ice skating rinks, located near Almaty.
- Marvel at the stunning Big Almaty Lake, often surrounded by snow-covered peaks.
- When the outdoors get unbearably cold, enjoy indoor skiing or explore the futuristic architecture of Kazakh sports complexes.
- Visit the dramatic Charyn Canyon, which is less crowded and magical in winter light.
- Take a guided tour to Baikonur Cosmodrome—a famous space launch facility.
- Learn about Soviet-era history at Alzhir Museum of Political Repression near Nur-Sultan (Astana).
- Relax in the thermal pools of Chundzha amidst the cold Kazakh steppe.
- Treat your tastebuds to popular winter dishes like beshbarmak or baursaki paired with kumis (fermented mare’s milk).
- Participate in Nauryz celebrations (if winter stretches into March) or other local winter-themed events.
Peru
Up to 183 days visa-free entry for Filipinos
If you want to experience two winters in a year, Peru is an excellent mid-year option. Unlike most countries where winter takes place over the last to first quarters of the year, Peru experiences winter from June to August, with the season peaking in August, the country’s coldest month. Home to one of the greatest wonders of the world (read: Machu Picchu), it experiences a decent amount of snow, plus, it offers countless exciting activities for travelers who are craving some adventure.
How Cold It Gets In Peru During Winter
Temperatures are still rather mild and tolerable in the coastal areas like in Lima, the capital, where the average winter temperatures range from 15°C to 22°C. If you are looking to venture to the Andes mountains, though, temperatures in winter can drop to as low as -20°C at night.
Top 10 Winter Activities In Peru
- Explore the iconic Machu Picchu. This Inca site draws fewer crowds during the Andean winter.
- Experience Cusco winter festivals like Inti Raymi in June, which celebrates Incan heritage.
- Trek to Rainbow Mountain that is often with snow-dusted peaks in winter.
- Visit the floating Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca and enjoy the tranquil, crisp winter weather.
- Discover Colca Canyon a.k.a. the “White City” in Arequipa and witness condors soaring over snowy canyon peaks.
- Tour the Sacred Valley, popular for well-preserved Inca ruins and scenic winter landscapes.
- Soak in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes, located near the base of Machu Picchu.
- Explore Peru’s Amazon Basin, which remains warm but quieter in the off-season.
- Opt for the winter Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu for stunning views of glaciated peaks.
- Relax in charming cafes in Cusco offering rich Peruvian coffee during chilly winter days and evenings.
When it’s time to finally travel to your dream winter destination, don’t forget to book your trusty connectivity companion–Big Sky Wi-Fi! Share your dreamiest and snowiest photos on social media during your trip with the help of the Philippines’ top-rated connectivity products based on user reviews. Check out all your options here now!
Featured image by by Tengis Galamez on Unsplash
