Travel
10 best places to spend a white Christmas
For those who choose boots and beanies over blistering beaches, these 10 snowy destinations offer the ultimate white Christmas escape.
By Maddie Southall
The idea of snow on Christmas is a total novelty to us Aussies, a concept usually strictly reserved for movies and Christmas cards. But for our northern-hemisphere friends, it’s just Christmas as usual – and wow, do they know how to make the most of a white Christmas.
If a white Christmas is on the cards for you in the near future, first – lucky you! Second, here are 10 great places to choose for optimum Christmas coziness. Whether you’re a skier or just an admirer of all things snowy, merry and bright, these destinations are sure to tickle your fancy.
I’ll be crossing my fingers for snow for you!
However, if you are more of a Euro-summer person. Maybe a French river cruise is more your speed? Or perhaps a trip to Croatia?
1. Jingle-bells in Banff, Canada
No matter whether your ideal Christmas involves shredding the slopes, or if you’re just here for the hot chocolate and winter vibes, Banff is calling your name.
For the best views without breaking a sweat, the Banff Gondola will whisk you up Sulphur Mountain for panoramic, snow-capped photo ops, guaranteed to be postcard-worthy. If you'd rather be on the snow, then a day at Sunshine Village offers world-class skiing and snowboarding on some of the best slopes in the Rockies.
For something totally unique, try dog sledding in nearby Kananaskis, a fantastic way to see the backcountry with some very enthusiastic, very fluffy tour guides. And after all that exploring, finish your day with a long soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, which is essentially a giant, steamy hot tub with epic mountain views.
2. Have yourself a Viennese little Christmas – Vienna, Austria
If you want Christmas to feel like a scene from a classic film, Vienna is your answer. The city's imperial grandeur gets a festive makeover, creating a ridiculously elegant and cozy atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
There are a few different Christmas markets to explore, but one of the most famous is in front of the City Hall (Rathaus), where you can wander through stalls of handmade crafts and delicious treats. For the classical music lovers, you can catch a magical advent concert in one of the city's historic churches or even see a world-class orchestra. When you need a break from the cold, do as the Viennese do and warm up at the famous Cafe Central for a traditional coffee and a slice of incredible cake. Pro tip- be there as it opens to avoid the line that permanently snakes down the street this time of year.
A walking tour is a great way to see the city's stunning palaces and learn their rich history. They look even more spectacular with a dusting of snow, so cross your fingers!
If walking is your thing, check out these 5 walking holidays.
3. Tinsel and tea in Trafalgar Square – London, UK
I know, Christmas in London… groundbreaking stuff. But it’s a classic for a reason!
Christmas in London is one of the most magical times of year. From Christmas markets and festive shopping to ice-skating rinks and dazzling light displays, London is filled with festive experiences that will make you smile.
While you’re there, enjoy a festive high-tea at one of these spots.
See Oxford Street and Regent Street sparkle with a Christmas lights tour, admire the giant Christmas tree in Covent Garden, tuck into delicious festive treats at the Southbank Christmas market, follow the enchanting light trail at Kew Gardens or catch some of the best shows and pantomimes playing all over the city. Unleash your inner child in Hamleys toy shop, if you’re lucky you might even see Santa doing the rounds with all the kids.
Love London? Check out these other English cities while you’re in the area.
4. Shirakawa-go Japan
If you're looking for a white Christmas that feels like you’ve stepped into an ancient fairytale, Japan’s Shirakawa-go village is totally unique in this way.
This stunning UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which look absolutely magical piled high with heavy snow. It’s so picturesque that it's earned the nickname “Japan’s Christmas Village,” offering a serene and beautiful alternative to the usual festive chaos. While you're there, head up to the Shiroyama Viewpoint for an incredible panoramic view of the entire village glowing in the snow.
You can do a day trip to Shirakawa-go or stay the night at one of the lodgings if you want more time to soak in the magic. Getting accommodation can be tough because the village is small, but try your luck and know you can day trip up there as a backup!
Don’t miss the Citrotravel Japan edition – all the info you need to know before you go.
5. Rockin’ around the Christmas tree in Reykjavik, Iceland
Imagine spending Christmas Day soaking in a serene, natural hot spring, while seeing the Northern Lights dance overhead. In Reykjavik, this is a very real possibility. While the daylight hours are short this time of year, the city transforms into a magical winter wonderland, embracing the festive darkness with twinkling lights and cozy cheer.
Iceland is one of the most underrated European spots, but it is seriously magical.
During the day, you can get into the spirit by ice skating at Ingólfur Square or browsing for quirky souvenirs at the Austurvöllur Christmas Market. For ultimate charm, take a trip to the Christmas Village in the nearby town of Hafnarfjörður. But the real magic happens after dark, when the entire city lights up and the hunt for the aurora begins, making for a truly unforgettable and otherworldly white Christmas experience.
6. Carols, cocoa and Colorado charm – Aspen, USA
If you like your white Christmas a little bit fancy, Aspen is the place to be. It’s a classic, upscale ski town that goes all out for the holidays, mixing world-class slopes with a seriously festive, see-and-be-seen atmosphere.
Your days here are a choose-your-own-adventure of every snow-fuelled activity imaginable, from skiing and snowboarding to the simple joys of tubing, sleigh rides, and ice skating. For a bigger thrill, you can jump on a guided snowmobile tour to explore the backcountry.
And for a truly elevated experience, take a helicopter tour over the iconic Maroon Bells. The basecamp is closed in winter, but soaring high above the snow-capped peaks is an unforgettable experience. After a day of adventure, the best way to recover is to take a short trip to the nearby Glenwood Springs to soak your weary muscles in the natural hot springs. Or perhaps mingling at aprés-ski?
7. Czech under the tree for this gift of a city – Prague
If your Christmas fantasy involves fewer ski runs and more gothic turrets, Prague is your place. The city’s fairytale architecture of cobblestone streets and ancient spires looks even more magical under a potential blanket of snow, making the whole place feel like a scene from a storybook.
The heart of the action is the festive Christmas market in the Old Town Square, where you can get all your souvenir shopping done while trying traditional Czech food and warm drinks from the stalls. Watch one of the world’s oldest clocks, the Old Town Astronomical Clock, ring in the new hour and appreciate its beautiful craftsmanship.
Prague is an incredibly walkable city, which is the best way to see it, but be warned: those charming cobblestones are no joke, so pack your most comfortable shoes. A walking tour is a great way to get your bearings, see the main sights, and hear about the city's rich and fascinating history.
8. Scandinavian sparkle – Copenhagen, Denmark
If you want to unlock maximum festive coziness, Copenhagen is the place to master the art of hygge. The entire city leans into a warm, cheerful, and incredibly charming Christmas spirit, making it the perfect antidote to holiday stress.
Your first stop has to be the world-famous Tivoli Gardens. As one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, it completely transforms into a wintery dream with stunning lights, festive stalls, and beautiful old rides that are works of art themselves. Tivoli is not open year round but instead has a summer, Halloween and Christmas season.
Beyond Tivoli, you can wander through the city’s wonderful Christmas markets: try the Nyhavn market for harbourside charm or Højbro Plads to meet Santa. It's all about spreading that Christmas hygge, soaking in the genuine holiday cheer, and enjoying the magical, candlelit atmosphere.
9. Frosty, fairytale fun in Zermatt, Switzerland
It’s hard to beat Zermatt for the ultimate alpine Christmas experience. This ridiculously charming, car-free village sits right at the base of the iconic Matterhorn, offering a cozy, traditional vibe with some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world.
If you’re not a skier, no worries. You can still get epic views by riding the gondolas up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise for a look around. For those who want to explore on foot, you can try snowshoeing or winter hiking. It’s a fantastic way to experience the silent, magical winter landscape before retiring to a cozy chalet for a well-deserved fondue. Dreamy!
10. Fjordside Festivities – Lillehammer, Norway
As a former Winter Olympics host town, Lillehammer knows a thing or two about snow and delivers a seriously charming and authentic Norwegian Christmas experience, without the overwhelming crowds of other European hotspots.
If crowds are not your thing, Lillehammer will likely be more quiet than some of the other destinations.
The town’s main pedestrian street, Storgata, is lined with historic wooden buildings and decorated with beautiful garlands and lights, making for a beautifully cozy shopping environment. You can also visit Maihaugen, a huge open-air museum that shows you how Christmas was celebrated in different eras. For the seriously adventurous, you can even have a go on the Olympic bobsled track. Try your hand at tobogganing and skiing and imagine what arriving to compete in the Winter Olympics must have felt like.
But the real joy is simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, maybe with a sleigh ride, before warming up in a cafe with a cup of hot chocolate?
Feature image: iStock/anshar73
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