Seasons Freezings - Enjoy the best winter photo galleries

“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says "Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again,” wrote Lewis Carroll.
Winter sprinkles magic over the landscape. Winter is beautiful. Winter is festive. Winter begs to be celebrated.
Which is why, even as much of the northern hemisphere freezes over, we venture boldly into the cold in mitts and overcoats to build snowmen, ride sleds, quaff gluhwein and yell for joy. In Steinbeck's words, "What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?"
Enjoy these beautiful images of winter around the world - from the snow festivals in China and Japan, to excursions in Mount Zao and Zermatt, Ladakh and Sonmarg. Of glimpses of frozen waterfalls, warm-hearted Christmas markets and romantic cuddles in igloo hotels.
And what of desert cities where winter barely visits? Look at how Dubai recreates a winter wonderland in its ice cafes and ski resorts.
Finally, escape to an indoor tropical beach and strip down to your bathing suits even as blizzards rage outside.

(Tip: Click on the link in each caption to open a new slideshow)