South Korea, China, Austria, Kazakhstan, Japan, Taiwan, Germany, Finland, Italy, and France Spark Explosive Winter Holiday Growth Among Indian Families

Published on December 1, 2025

Indian families are gearing up for an exciting winter holiday season, with a 30% increase in international travel interest compared to last year, according to the latest data from Agoda, the digital travel platform. As temperatures drop, families are seeking out cold-weather destinations with snow-covered landscapes, festive celebrations, and cultural experiences. The rise in interest is particularly noticeable in Asia and Europe, with South Korea, China, and Austria leading the pack as the most popular destinations for family getaways between December 2025 and February 2026.

Introduction: The Winter Travel Boom Among Indian Families

Winter holidays have always been a favorite time for families to travel, but this year’s surge in bookings highlights a shift in Indian family travel preferences. Instead of the traditional beach escapes, more families are embracing the charm of snowy destinations and immersive cultural experiences. Agoda’s data shows that Indian families are increasingly opting for snow-covered mountains, ski resorts, ice festivals, and traditional winter activities, seeking family bonding in unique, seasonal settings.

Countries in Asia and Europe have become hotspots for these winter travelers, with an increase in demand for destinations known for their winter charm, festive atmospheres, and family-friendly attractions. The rising interest in cold-weather travel is not only a reflection of changing travel habits but also a result of improved air connectivity, visa policies, and the desire to explore new destinations.

Agoda’s data reveals key trends for winter travel, with a clear preference for destinations that offer a balance of adventure and cultural discovery. In Asia, South Korea, China, and Kazakhstan are seeing the highest year-on-year growth in family travel interest, while Austria, Germany, Finland, Italy, and France lead the charge in Europe. Let’s take a closer look at why these destinations are gaining popularity among Indian families.

Asia’s Top Winter Destinations for Indian Families

1. South Korea (+226% year-on-year growth):
   • South Korea has captured the imagination of Indian families, particularly those seeking ski resorts and winter activities inspired by K-dramas. The ski resorts in Gangwon Province offer families the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, while cities like Seoul bring the festive spirit alive with their winter markets and Christmas lights.
   • The K-drama-inspired tours, which allow visitors to visit filming locations, have further fueled interest among fans of Korean pop culture.
2. China (+105% year-on-year growth):
   • China is increasingly popular among Indian families, with ice festivals and cultural heritage towns attracting travelers. Cities like Harbin are famous for their winter ice and snow festivals, while Beijing offers a mix of cultural landmarks and vibrant winter events.
   • China’s rich history, combined with its modern winter attractions, provides families with an enriching experience that blends adventure with cultural exploration.
3. Kazakhstan (+68% year-on-year growth):
   • Kazakhstan’s rugged mountain landscapes offer families an exciting escape into nature. With opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, and exploring the Almaty region’s vast wilderness, it’s no wonder that Kazakhstan is becoming a popular destination for family travelers looking for a quieter, more nature-focused winter getaway.
4. Japan (+41% year-on-year growth):
   • Japan’s appeal to Indian families continues to grow, with destinations like Hokkaido offering breathtaking snow scenery and hot springs. The country’s family-friendly attractions, such as Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan, remain a major draw for families seeking both winter adventure and entertainment.
5. Taiwan (+44% year-on-year growth):
   • Taiwan’s mix of nature and urban culture makes it a favorite for families. From lantern festivals to vibrant night markets and the natural beauty of its mountains and hot springs, Taiwan provides an affordable yet culturally rich winter destination.

Europe’s Leading Winter Destinations for Indian Families

1. Austria (+82% year-on-year growth):
   • Austria continues to be a top destination for families, known for its ski resorts in Tyrol and its Christmas markets in Vienna. The charm of Austria’s winter landscapes, combined with cultural experiences like classical music concerts and winter festivals, makes it an ideal destination for families seeking both adventure and culture.
2. Germany (+43% year-on-year growth):
   • Germany remains a favorite, with cities like Munich offering world-renowned Christmas markets and destinations like Bavaria attracting families with its winter landscapes and historic castles. Families can enjoy the winter magic of Neuschwanstein Castle or visit the Black Forest for a true winter escape.
3. Finland (+33% year-on-year growth):
   • Known as the home of Santa Claus, Finland draws families with its enchanting Lapland region, where they can visit Santa Claus Village, go on reindeer safaris, and experience the Northern Lights. Finland’s snowy wilderness and family-friendly resorts make it a magical winter destination for all ages.
4. Italy (+27% year-on-year growth):
   • Italy offers more than just summer sunshine. In the winter, destinations like Dolomites attract skiers, while Rome, Florence, and Venice offer a cultural escape filled with festive markets and holiday traditions. The warm Italian cuisine is also a major draw for families looking to enjoy hearty meals during their winter trip.
5. France (+20% year-on-year growth):
   • France is a year-round destination, but during the winter months, it takes on a magical charm. Paris sparkles with Christmas lights, while the French Alps provide families with incredible skiing experiences. Additionally, France’s iconic Christmas markets and cultural heritage sites provide an immersive winter experience.

Changing Travel Habits of Indian Families

The growing inclination toward winter travel reflects a shift in Indian family travel habits, moving beyond traditional beach vacations to more immersive, seasonal experiences. Some of the driving factors behind this trend include:

• Improved air connectivity: More direct flights and budget-friendly travel options make winter travel to distant destinations easier and more affordable for Indian families.
• Simplified visa processes: Countries like South Korea and Austria have streamlined their visa procedures, making it easier for Indian families to plan their trips with minimal hassle.
• Curiosity to explore new destinations: Indian families are no longer confined to traditional holiday spots. There is a growing desire to experience new cultures and adventurous winter activities.

Agoda’s Role in Helping Families Plan Memorable Winter Holidays

Agoda’s platform continues to make it easier for families to plan their winter getaways. With over 6 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, Agoda ensures that Indian families can conveniently book everything they need for their winter holidays. The company’s mobile app offers easy access to the best deals on accommodations, flights, and activities, ensuring that families can create the perfect winter vacation experience.

Conclusion: Embracing the Magic of Winter Travel

The increasing interest in winter travel among Indian families signals a change in how families approach holiday planning. With a focus on authentic winter experiences, snowy landscapes, and cultural adventures, more families are choosing to celebrate the holiday season in destinations that offer both fun and cultural enrichment. Whether it’s skiing in Austria, visiting Santa Claus in Finland, or exploring ice festivals in China, Indian families are finding that winter holidays offer the perfect mix of adventure, bonding, and festive spirit.