Winter-nomena: Incredible Phenomena You Have to See in Winter (PHOTOS)

(MORE: This Winter's Top Winter Travel Destinations)

1. Apostle Islands Ice Caves, Wisconsin

The sea caves along Apostle Islands National Lakeshore were carved and formed over several centuries by waves, freezing and thawing over seasons. And every winter, these stunning places become accessible when Lake Superior's shoreline freezes, allowing visitors to walk on the ice right into their caverns.  In addition, according to the National Park Service, by February, beautiful needle-like icicles form inside and along the walls of the caves, making for a beautiful (and ever-changing) sight.  Winter visitors should be sure check ice conditions with the National Park Service before visiting the caves to make sure conditions are safe. 

2. Aurea Borealis (Northern Lights), Scandinavia, Canada & Alaska

Known also as the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis is an incredible light show that can be seen in the northern hemisphere in such arctic places as Scandinavia, Canada and Alaska. The red, yellow, green, blue, and violet lights are caused by collisions between electrically charged particles released from the sun that enter the earth's atmosphere and collide with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. Winter is the best time to see the lights due to the long periods of darkness and the frequency of clear skies. 

3. Monkeys Gather in Hot Springs, Japan

Every winter, a troop of wild Japanese macaques (also known as "snow monkeys") gather in the warm springs of Jigokudani Monkey Park to escape the cold weather. The monkeys have been coming to these hot springs since 1963. Visitors to the park have the opportunity to see the animals playing and lounging in the warm water up close. The park is open during the winter season between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

4. Wintering Bald Eagles, Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, Alaska

The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is home to several natural salmon runs, including the 'alluvial fan reservoir.'  The water in this large reservoir remains between 10 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit above surrounding water temperatures, and this warmer water percolates into the Chilkat River, keeping it from freezing over in the winter. This open water and plentiful food supply of salmon attracts bald eagles to the area from October through February. 

5. Snow Monsters, Hakkoda Mountains, Japan

6. Elephant Seal Pups, Año Nuevo State Park, California

Located on the southern coast of San Mateo County, Año Nuevo State Park is home to the largest mainland breeding colony of northern elephant seals from December to March. During these winter months, bulls can be seen fighting on the beach and female seals can be spotted giving birth to pups. Between Dec. 15 and March 31, the Natural Preserve offers guided walks by reservation for visitors to see the animals before the adults head back out to sea.

7. Johnston Canyon Frozen Waterfalls, Banff National Park, Canada

Every winter, Johnston Canyon becomes home to a number of beautiful frozen waterfalls. Visitors can take in these views via the Johnston Canyon Icewalk, which leads past the lower fall, through prime wildlife habitat, and to the stunning upper icefalls. The canyon is also a popular ice climbing destination for experienced climbers during these cold months. 

8. Bisons, Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park, the world's first national park, is less crowded in winter, offering visitors views of steaming geyser basins and wildlife. During these cold months, bison are often seen making their way through the snow to warm themselves near geyser basins. There are between 2,300 - 5,000 bison living in two herds in the park, according to the National Park Service. As park roads are closed to the interior of the park, the only way to visit Old Faithful and other attractions in the winter is by guided snowcoach or snowmobile.

9. Snowy Owls, Canada and Northern United States

Every year, some Northern American snowy owls will migrate to southern Canada and the northern half of the contiguous United States and can be spotted in the northern plains, New York, and New England. Some banded snowy owls will return to the same wintering site year after year, and, according to The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the birds can be fiercely territorial about their wintering territory, even engaging in combat with other owls to protect their space.  One great place to go looking for snowy owls this winter is Sachuest National Wildlife Refuge in Rhode Island.

10. Snowy Forests, Riisitunturi National Park, Finland

Established in 1982 and spanning 30 square miles, Finland’s Riisitunturi National Park is famous for its snowy forests, where spruce trees are covered with frozen snow and ice deposits that give them a stark, otherworldly look. The park covers a mountainous, swampy area and features a series of frozen lakes and trails that are great for hiking every winter.