It's tempting to cozy up at home and hibernate all winter... but if you do that, you'll miss out on some serious seasonal beauty here in Washington. The Evergreen State looks amazing sitting dusted with snow under the glow of the winter sun. Here are some of our favorite destinations for winter recreation in Washington; we challenge you to visit as many of these winter destinations in Washington state before spring and see for yourself!

1. Leavenworth

We all know that our favorite Bavarian village in Washington is especially incredible during winter. But most people don't know that the beautiful holiday lights stay up until Valentine's Day, meaning you don't have to brave the tree lighting crowds to see them.

2. ZooLights, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

This is truly the most wonderful time of the year at Tacoma's zoo, when ZooLights illuminates the night through New Year's Day. There are several amazing light shows in Washington, but this one is an absolute must-see. No worries if you miss the event; this winter attraction in WA is amazing to visit all winter long, and you'll probably see some cold-weather creatures, too!

3. Palouse Falls

If you've ever seen this beautiful waterfall in the winter, you know how amazing it looks in its frozen state. Palouse Falls is a place that was made for winter recreation in Washington!

4. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, Mead

Even if you're not into skiing, the out-of-this-world snow tubing hill in Washington here makes this park well worth visiting! Bundle up!

5. Lake Chelan

Washington's most popular lakeside town is as gorgeous in the wintertime as it is in the summer; in our opinion, it's the very best winter town in Washington! Come see why we fell in love with it... once you get here, it's pretty obvious.

6. Beacon Rock State Park

We've previously mentioned that this is one of the best places to go for a Washington winter hike. When cabin fever kicks in, just bundle up and head to the Columbia River Gorge for the most breathtaking winter scenery ever!

7. Bellevue Botanical Garden, Bellevue

Every year, the Bellevue Botanical Garden hosts this dazzling display of over half a million lights. If you miss out on the holiday fun, don't despair; Bellevue Botanical Garden is an amazing place to visit all year long - and admission is always free!

8. The Methow Valley

The Methow Valley isn't the easiest place to reach in the wintertime thanks to unpredictable weather and road closures. But if you make it, you'll be amazed by how serene and beautiful everything looks! Plus, you'll probably be one of the only folks there.

We love the way Washington celebrates winter. But now we want to hear from you: what's your favorite winter recreation in Washington? Did we miss it on the list? If so, be sure to nominate your favorite spots to be featured in an upcoming Only In Washington article!

And while you're in the mood for all things snow and cold, plan a fun day trip to one of these charming small towns in Washington that become winter wonderlands each year!