The first image that comes to my mind at the thought of Christmas is the one of falling snowflakes. In addition to white winter wonderlands, cabin life, dazzling fairy lights, and, of course, spicy aromas of freshly baked gingerbread or mulled wine. You’ll find all this if you take your holiday vacation to a snowy destination.
Popular Christmas vacations with snow in this season usually happen in the alpine resorts, small towns covered with snow, or in Europe. However, sometimes it is really nice to spend this season surrounded by northern lights and woods instead of sea, coconut trees, and bikinis.
In this post, I have included the list of the top places to visit during Christmas. Whether you travel solo, with your family, or with your loved one, the following pages are for you. I will tell you where to go, what to see, and where to stay for the ideal snowy Christmas vacation.
Why Visit a Snowy Christmas Destination?
Spending a snowy Christmas is a completely different experience from one in the summer or by the beach. In order to get a better idea of why snowy places are great to visit during Christmas and New Year holiday, here are 5 compelling reasons.
Snow transforms every city into a postcard-perfect Christmas place.
Winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, sledding, skating, snowshoeing, and more will add adventure and outdoor activity to your vacation.
Christmas markets, holiday fairs, and other local winter traditions are just what your holidays need.
Warm and snug inside by the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine is the definition of a classic Christmas.
Kids love snow and so will you. Family-friendly activities, Santa meet-ups, winter amusement parks will make your Christmas holidays a success.
The 10 Best Snowy Christmas Destinations
If you’re looking for Christmas vacations with snow in this season, you’ll be lucky because there are numerous places you can visit around the world. From small towns in European countries to mountainous resorts in North America, just follow the links for more information.
1. Lapland, Finland
Visit Finland for all the things Christmas-related and every day related during the whole year. Imagine, it’s Christmas in Finnish Lapland. Endless forests of snowy pine trees, reindeer on the sleigh rides, stars falling in the winter sky.
This, my friends, is what Christmas is made of.
Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.
Go on a Husky safari or reindeer sleigh ride.
Join a guided Northern Lights tour and watch the dancing lights.
Try ice fishing, snowmobiling on frozen lakes, and other outdoor activities.
Stay in glass igloos or ice hotels made of snow.
Where to Stay: There are many great options for a family in Rovaniemi or Levi for skiing and Kakslauttanen if you’re into unique snow experiences.
2. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a dream vacation for those into classical music, world history, and Christmas markets. Everything becomes prettier and more magical at Christmas when the streets and trees are beautifully illuminated at night.
Holiday concerts take place in the most elegant halls. Yuletide treats, such as Christmas pastries, Glühwein, roasted chestnuts, and Lebkuchen, melt in your mouth.
Visit Vienna’s Christmas markets, especially at Rathausplatz and Schönbrunn Palace markets.
Attend Vienna State Opera and Musikverein concerts.
Buy a piece of the most delicious treats in Vienna.
Take a Christmas carriage ride to enjoy Austrian winters.
Check out the festive exhibitions at Belvedere Palace.
Where to Stay: Stay in the Central Vienna area near Stephansplatz or Innere Stadt, the inner city of Vienna.
3. Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City is a winter wonderland, where French-Canadian tradition meets picturesque snow-covered views. Old town, cobbled streets, and centuries-old stone architecture look simply majestic in the soft evening light under a blanket of snow.
Take a stroll in the German Christmas Market at Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville.
Explore Old Quebec, its fortified walls, and historic streets.
Try dog sledding, snow tubing, ice skating, and other winter activities.
Visit Montmorency Falls and ice ski down in the winter season.
Try delicious French-Canadian holiday food such as tourtière and maple desserts.
Where to Stay: Old Quebec for a historic place to stay or near Mont-Sainte-Anne for skiing.
4. Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is one of the most beautiful Christmas destinations with a long musical and cultural history. Nestled in the heart of the Alps and filled with festive activities and decorations, Salzburg is a holiday city like no other.
Visit Salzburger Christkindlmarkt at Cathedral Square.
Ride on a horse-drawn carriage through the streets.
Visit Mozart’s birthplace and experience holiday concerts.
Explore Hohensalzburg Fortress with its snowy views.
Try traditional Austrian Christmas foods.
Where to Stay: Stay in the Altstadt (Old Town) to easily visit markets and other landmarks.
5. Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is one of the world’s most popular ski resorts and an iconic alpine village. It’s a great destination if you’re into skiing and winter sports, as well as a great place to enjoy Christmas with snow in this season.
Ski or snowboard at one of the best ski resorts.
Enjoy a scenic ride on the Gornergrat Railway with a view of the Alps.
Explore car-free village streets with cute chalets and boutiques.
Enjoy fondue or raclette by a cozy fire.
Visit the Matterhorn Museum and learn alpine history.
Where to Stay: You can either stay in the center of the village or rent a luxury chalet with snow views.
6. Lapland, Sweden
As you might have noticed, Lapland is a dream place if you want to have a magical and adventure-filled snowy Christmas.
Swedish Lapland is similar to its neighbor Finland, with the same snow-capped mountains and forests, reindeer sleigh rides, ice hotels, and husky safari. The difference is the Swedish winter holiday traditions and Sami culture.
Go husky sledding for a snowy adventure.
Visit Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, a hotel made entirely of ice.
Chase the Northern Lights.
Snowmobile through the Arctic forests.
Meet reindeer and learn about Sami culture.
Where to Stay: Kiruna for the best Northern Lights viewing or Icehotel if you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s gothic architecture, cobblestone streets, and old town make it a perfect Christmas destination. Prague is known for its fairytale-like scenes and cozy winter atmosphere, and its Christmas markets are among the most charming in all of Europe.
Walk around Old Town Square and the Christmas market at Wenceslas Square.
Try authentic Czech Christmas treats.
Walk the streets of Prague Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Attend concerts in churches, palaces, and concert halls.
Walk across Charles Bridge early in the morning.
Where to Stay: Old Town or Mala Strana areas for markets and old-town exploration.
8. Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi is called the “official hometown of Santa Claus” and is located in the Finnish Lapland. It’s a great snowy Christmas vacation spot that gives you an opportunity to have an authentic holiday experience.
Visit Santa Claus Village and meet Santa Claus himself.
Enjoy reindeer or husky sleigh rides.
Witness the Northern Lights in the Arctic Circle.
Go snowmobiling or ice fishing on frozen lakes.
Explore the Arktikum museum for Arctic history and culture.
Where to Stay: Stay in the city center of Rovaniemi or in cozy Santa Claus Village lodges.
9. Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø is a snowy Christmas destination above the Arctic Circle. It is famous for its spectacular Northern Lights and other winter activities.
Chase the Northern Lights with a local guide.
Go dog sledding or snowshoeing.
Visit Arctic Cathedral and Polaria Arctic aquarium.
Take part in snowmobile safaris and cross-country skiing.
Experience Sami culture and learn how reindeer herding works.
Where to Stay: Stay in the city center or rent a cozy lodge in a surrounding winter landscape.
10. Aspen, Colorado, USA
Aspen, Colorado, is the ski resort town of choice and one of the most iconic in North America. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Aspen combines luxury, outdoor adventure, and of course festive cheer.
Ski or snowboard on world-class ski slopes.
Take a sleigh ride and enjoy winter meadows.
Visit local holiday markets and enjoy seasonal events.
Eat in mountain lodges with fireplaces and hearty food.
Attend festive concerts and community events.
Where to Stay: Downtown Aspen or in a nearby mountain lodge for ski-in, ski-out access.
Tips for Visiting a Snowy Christmas Destination
Book in Advance: Snowy places are very popular, especially during Christmas and New Year holiday. It is better to book flights, hotels, and activities in advance as they sell out quickly.
Wear Layers: Bring layers of clothing and wear insulated jackets and waterproof boots. You’ll need them when venturing outside to avoid the cold.
Prepare for Shorter Days: Plan activities that require daylight during the day as winter days are shorter.
Check Weather Conditions: Plan travel as snowstorms might affect travel and access to ski slopes or Christmas markets.
Book Special Activities: Book sleigh rides, Northern Lights tours, and ice hotel tours in advance.
Mix Relaxation and Outdoor Adventures: Plan for outdoor activities in the day and afternoons or evenings indoors by the fireplace.
Final Word
Snowy Christmas is a classic, timeless, magical holiday that will remain in your memories for a long time. Snowy Christmas destination cities in Europe, alpine villages, and Arctic places are all snow-coated to perfection in December.
Wherever you want to go during this season, remember that snow will enhance the beauty, romance, and coziness of your vacation. Spend this holiday season in Aspen, have fun in the snow in Rovaniemi, or stroll around Vienna Christmas markets.
Don’t be afraid of the cold, winter sports, and nighttime outdoors with sparkling lights. Embrace the snow, because it is a must-have during Christmas vacations, no matter where you’re from and where you’re going.
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