Christmas is always a magical time of year. What better way to spend the Holidays than spending it with snow! In this blog are the top 10 magical white Christmas destinations.
Europe
Zakopane Poland
Zakopane (Poland) is one of the most magical places to have a white Christmas in Europe. Although Austrian and German Christmas markets and the Swiss Alps lead the way. Zakopane has something for everyone. And is still very much underrated as a European Christmas destination.
Magnificent snowy Tatra mountains, fantastic trekking, skiing opportunities, and charming traditional town. Pared with very affordable prices make Zakopane an incredible winter destination. Amongst the many winter activities available in Zakopane, you will be able to enjoy spectacular winter views. Nothing beats a morning walk in Polana Rusinowa (Rusinowa Clearing).
In the afternoon, make your way to the town to experience traditional Polish Christmas celebrations. Streets are flooded with Christmas lights, and shops offer traditional polish crafts and souvenirs. Have some of the legendary Polish street food and top up with mulled wine. (You will need it and very much enjoy it!). You can take a horse cab ride in a very traditional way celebrated in Poland for centuries.
On Christmas Eve, which is the most important day in Poland, you will witness crowds of Poles heading to church. To take part in Midnight Mass and very likely celebrate into late evening hours. If you steal a few additional days, you can take a funicular to Gobalowka mountain for spectacular views. Or enjoy phenomenal ski slopes at Kasprowy Wierch.
Kasprowy Wierch can be accessed by cable car and is visited not only by avid skiers and snowboarders. The views are breathtaking, and it’s a great way to spend a wintery day surrounded by majestic mountains. And enjoying a hot cup of anything from the restaurant’s viewing point.
If you are a hiker, you cannot miss the snowy walk hike to Morskie Oko
One of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the world!
Traditionally the best places to stay in Zakopane are so-called homestays or auberges. You will be able to have a taste of Polish hospitality and stay in traditional ”goralska chata” (mountain house). The town center of Zakopane (Krupowki) is filled with great restaurants serving traditional food as well as more western dishes.
Amongst the best and most recommended are Goralska Tradycja, Restauracja Gozdowo Kuźnia and Dobra Nasza Kasza. For a modern twist on traditional food, visit Goralska Tradycja and for the best pizza in town, PaPaj Pizza.
You can’t miss traditional street food, like Kaszanka, Polish kielbasa, Kwaśnica and of course Pierogi. You absolutely cannot miss Oscypki – traditional smoked cheese grilled and served with cranberry jam. Incredible!
But even if you don’t feel like doing much, simply by stepping out of your hotel. You will be immersed in Christmas celebrations and the authentic winter Polish atmosphere.
Recommended By: Pati at Pati’s Journey Within
Munich Germany
Munich is a beautiful city full of history, beer halls, wide promenades, and wonderful green spaces. It’s a city that is easy to get around for solo travelers all the way to family travelers. And Munich in winter is magical.
While snow is never a guarantee these days seeing Munich blanketed in snow is magnificent. And one of the perfect places to do that is at Nymphenburg Palace just out of the city center.
This large palace built for the Bavarian Royalty sits mighty at the end of a canal. In the winter months when the pond and the canal completely freeze over. You can find people skating on them in front of the castle.
In the Nymphenburg Gardens that surround it, you can find people with small children using their sleds. And there is always enough snow for a snow angel or snowball fight.
There are Christmas Markets all over the city center with the biggest located in Marienplatz. Here you can warm yourself with a cup of Gluhwein and a pork knuckle. While enjoying the Christmas Spirit that all Christmas markets seem to conjure.
If it is a little too big there are smaller markets located in nearly every little square.
Some are themed like the Medieval Market and some are just small and full of locals.
The crisp winter air may draw you inside on the coldest of days. You can visit the Deutsches Museum, the world’s largest science, and technology museum. Here you can even try hands of activities while escaping the cold. If cars are your thing then a visit to the BMW Welt should be top of your Munich itinerary.
Here you can see the concept cars BMW is designing. And some of the cars they have had on the market for years. Many opt to book a tour of the factory as well but you must be fast as they sell quickly. The Munich Residenze is in the heart of the city and is another Palace that is a must-see. The Treasury is also located here with so many treasures inside.
If you want to get out of the city Neuschwanstein Castle is the ultimate day trip from Munich. The world-famous castle is perched high in the mountains covered in snow and is an unforgettable experience. While you are visiting Neuschwanstein you can also visit Hohenschwangau Castle which is another amazing castle in Bavaria.
Wildpark Poing is a brilliant way to spend an afternoon in nature. This wildlife park is well out of the city and is probably best visited if you have a car. But the park is full of native Bavarian animals as well as some very hungry goats and deer!
Accommodation in Munich is in abundance. You will find hotels, apartments, and hostels to suit all budgets and needs. The Meininger chain is not quite a hotel and not quite a hostel but takes the best bits from both. Most have 24 hours desks but they also have cooking facilities, a laundry room, and a communal area.
Recommended By: Bec at Wyld Family Travel
Obergurgl Austria
Obergurgl in Austria is a fantastic location. If you are looking for a white Christmas in a stunningly beautiful village setting. Picture soft, deep snow and twinkling fairy lights.
Obergurgl is a ski resort, but there is so much more to do than just skiing and snowboarding. Linked to the Hochgurgl area, there is about 112km of slopes. And it is the highest resort in Austria, effectively guaranteeing you snow. The resort is great for beginners, with the excellent English-speaking ski school meeting in the center of the village. Even on Christmas Day.
If skiing isn’t for you, lift passes are also available for non-skiers and tobogganers. So you can still enjoy the mountain restaurants and stunning scenery. If you are looking for more activity, there is also ice skating and snowshoe hiking.
The best places to eat have to be the mountain restaurants. They are warm and cozy, even during a blizzard. And you will find hearty food, a wide selection of drinks and often live music. Traditional Austrian dishes include Tiroler Gröstl, a mix of potatoes and meat topped with a fried egg; or Käsespätzle which is like macaroni cheese.
Like most of Europe, Christmas is celebrated on the 24th. The hotels go all out to create a magical experience, including sipping on bubbles while singing carols around the sparkling tree. Followed by six-course menus for dinner and presents for the kids.
There are a variety of hotels and self-catering accommodations to choose from in the resort. So something to suit all budgets and preferences.
Recommended By: AK at Alexandra Kidd Travel
Salzburg, Austria
A wintry wonderland awaits in the Austrian city of Salzburg. Most widely known as the backdrop to the iconic movie ‘The Sound of Music’. There’s a lot to discover when you visit Salzburg for Christmas. Starting with the markets, Austria really knows how to do these well. And there are several festive Xmas markets to browse while you sip on hot punch or nibble on warm krapfen (donuts).
If it gets too cool outside, simply head into one of the many cafes for cake and coffee. Or duck into a welcoming boutique. You’ll find many places to shop up a storm, with Mozart trinkets (it was the birthplace of the famous composer). Traditional clothing, and cuckoo clocks taking center stage. Those wanting to take a deep dive into the cultural attractions can visit the Salzburg Fortress. Take in the grand Salzburg Cathedral or browse the Museum of Modern Art.
Within a short distance, you’ll also be able to visit the fairytale town of Hallstatt. Or the alpine city of Innsbruck. Where you can take a cable car right from the town center to the snowy slopes. If skiing is your scene, the runs at Zell Am See. (Just over an hour away) are sure to impress too! For a traditional choice, consider staying at the Hotel Sacher Salzburg in the central city. Be sure to visit the historic Café Tomaselli; for delectable cakes. And head to Sporer Liquro to taste the legendary local Schnapps!
Recommended By: Nadine at Le Long Weekend
Prague Czech Republic
Prague in the Czech Republic frequently tops the list for one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Add a touch of snow and the city becomes just that much more beautiful and magical. While mother nature of course has her own will, it isn’t impossible to wake up on Christmas morning and open your curtains to find the city covered in snow.
Stay at the Golden Well Hotel sat just below Prague Castle and you can open your curtains and witness the most magical winter scene of snow-kissed terracotta rooftops and smoky spires as the sunrises over the old town.
Spend the day seeking out fairytale streets where the cobblestones glitter, ice-skating next to the Estates Theatre where Mozart premiered his famous opera Don Giovanni, walking across Charles Bridge with its statues covered in snowdrifts, and visiting Prague’s Christmas Markets in the Old Town, Castle District and Wenceslas Square for the ultimate festive fun.
Find hand-made crafts, hand-painted baubles with snowy Prague scenes, homemade traditional gingerbread cookies, and a variety of tasty food stalls serving pork knuckles, sugar-covered trdelniks and spicy klobasas and of course don’t forget to sample the heartwarming local mulled wine. If you plan to eat out in restaurants, look out for the traditional Christmas dish, Carp fish, typically served with saucy potato salad.
Recommended By: Samantha at The Wandering Wanderluster
Dolomites, Italy
Having a white Christmas in the beautiful Italian Dolomites is the stuff of dreams. As the mountain lakes freeze over, and the mountains turn white with tons of snow. The idea of nestling in a cottage. With a wood fire and a comforting plate of pasta. A warm apple strudel, delicious barley soup, or juicy dumplings sounds mighty appealing. The beauty of the Dolomites is the mixture of German and Italian culture that categorizes this region. Well, that and the amazing scenery!
This region of Italy is rife with winter activities for young and old: Skiing, winter hiking, skating on pristine mountain lakes, tobogganing, snowshoe hiking, and enjoying a relaxing time in one of the spas the region is known for. Aside from adventurous activities, the Dolomites also have some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Which tend to run into the first week of the New Year.
Bundle up warm and walk around Bolzano, Brunico or the smaller San Candido. And Castelrotto Christmas markets to get the holiday cheer going. Come hungry and try all the delicious local Christmas delicacies. Brunico or Bolzano are the largest cities in the area. And most convenient locations to use as a base to explore the rest of the region.
Recommended By: Caroline at Veggie Wayfarer
Scotland, UK
If you want to enjoy a snowy Christmas in the UK. One of the only places where snow is (almost) guaranteed is Scotland. Most specifically, the Scottish Highlands and Cairngorms National Park.
Cairngorms National Park is the largest National Park in the UK. The scenery is so spectacular that National Geographic voted it one of the top 20 places to visit IN THE WORLD.
This is one of the few places in the UK where you can enjoy decent skiing. Aviemore is by far the most famous. If you want a great location with lots to do over Christmas, this is where you should stay. Here, you can enjoy European-type chalets and ski shops. As well as some decent slopes once the snow sets in.
There are a couple of ski schools and hire places (book in advance, especially over Christmas). But you can also enjoy sledding, snowboarding, winter hiking. (If you’re a novice, please hire a guide), wildlife watching and whiskey tours. The best way to warm up after a day on the slopes! Explore plenty of tourist and souvenir shops- perfect to find practical or gag Christmas gifts.
And of course, there are plenty of places to eat in the area. For delicious pizza (you’re allowed those carbs if you’ve been skiing!) Try the Cheese and Tomatin and for great atmosphere and craft ales. Or try the Winking Owl pub, which also does good food.
Recommended By: Kat at Biker Girl Life
Reykjavik Iceland
One of the best places in the world to have a snowy white Christmas is in Reykjavik in Iceland! Visiting Iceland in Winter is truly magical, and Iceland does Christmas like no other. Reykjavik will for sure have a nice bit of snow around by Christmas. Which adds to the magical feeling and Christmas vibes.
Downtown Reykjavik will be filled with Christmas lights and the shops will put out their Christmas decorations. Christmas is big in Iceland, so everyone comes out and locals get time off to enjoy the season! [Don’t you wish everywhere did that?!] Fireworks are also very big in Iceland, especially for New Year. So if you are spending the week between Christmas and New Year in Reykjavik, get ready to see some fireworks! When you are not enjoying the festivities in Reykjavik; you are going to want to be out chasing the Northern Lights!
This is the darkest time of year in Iceland, and what better time to look for the Northern Lights? Of course, you can also soak in one of the lagoons near Reykjavik. Such as the famous Blue Lagoon or the new Sky Lagoon!!! Overall, this is a fantastic place to have a white Christmas and you won’t want to miss it!
Recommended By: Victoria at Iceland Trippers
North America
Whistler, Canada
Whistler, British Columbia is a resort town located 120 km north of Vancouver. It is internationally renowned for its skiing and snowboarding on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. They are each approximately 2200 meters or 7300 feet high with 8,171 acres (3307 hectares) of skiable terrain.
Whistler Village is at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. By December, almost everywhere you look, you are surrounded by white snowy mountains. In the Village, seemingly every tree, lamp post, or other tall stationary object is engulfed in thousands of lights. When snow covers the ground and darkness falls, you feel like you have been dropped into a world that Dr. Seuss created.
One of the best hotels to stay at is at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. For some amazing seafood, visit the Rim Rock Cafe, consistently ranking one of the best restaurants in Canada.
If you do not like to ski or snowboard, Whistler offers many other winter activities. For free, you can watch the Fire And Ice Show from Whistler Village. In the evening, professional skiers and snowboarders flip and twist through burning rings of fire. During the day, you can also go tubing or ice skating.
Recommended By: Nicole at Grow Far Grow Close
Banff National Park, Canada
When it comes to awe-inspiring White Christmas destinations, Canada’s Banff National Park is nothing short of magical. The oldest and most popular of Canada’s national parks is known for its dramatic peaks and turquoise-colored lakes. Visit Banff in winter, and you’ll find the park’s mountain scenery blanketed in snow and its lakes transformed into dreamy skating rinks.
Some of the top Christmas-time activities to be enjoyed in Banff include; Skiing at one of the park’s three ski resorts. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, and ice climbing. Ice skating on Lake Louise, the most famous lake in Banff and perhaps all of Canada, is an unmissable experience. And don’t miss the ice bar set up beside Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise! Yet another is doing the ice walk through Johnston Canyon, a narrow gorge decorated with huge icicles and frozen waterfalls.
To warm up, cuddle up with a hot chocolate. Or enjoy a fine meal in a restaurant with a fireplace, such as The Maple Leaf Grill & Lounge. You can also warm your belly with locally made spirits at Park Distillery. Next, take a tip at Upper Hot Spring, Banff’s hot spring spa. In terms of accommodation, nothing beats a resort with an outdoor hot tub featuring mountain views. The one at Canalta Lodge is especially good, as is the heated outdoor pool at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Banff’s most iconic hotel.
Recommended By: Nick at Spiritual Travels
United States
White Mountains New Hampshire
As its name suggests, the White Mountain region in New Hampshire is the perfect destination for a white Christmas. Visitors can’t miss the scenic drive down Kancamagus Highway, a stunning passageway through the White Mountain National Forest. Here, travelers will be wowed by snow-covered trees and the beautiful Russell-Colbath Homestead, a picturesque barn that seems straight out of a Hallmark film. In addition to this historic barn, the Kanc offers drivers easy access to the winter wonderland that awaits in the forest for hiking, sledding, and cross-country skiing. The White Mountain region is also perfect for those looking to make some four-legged friends while dog sledding at Muddy Paw Dog Kennel!
Families enjoying extended stays post-Christmas may wish to visit the most popular attraction in the area – Ice Castles New Hampshire. This Insta-famous exhibit typically opens between late December and early January, depending on the weather. Here, children and adults alike can admire the intricate work of ice artists, from ice tunnels to impressive sculptures.
After a fun day of exploration, visitors can enjoy a delicious meal. With a view at Ledges Restaurant in North Conway or The Notch Grille in Gorham. For the ultimate winter stay in New Hampshire, guests will love the famous Omni Mount Washington Resort, which offers panoramic views of Mount Washington. Alternatively, those seeking a cozy stay on more of a budget. Will enjoy the Inn at Sunset Hill located in Sugar Hill.
Recommended By: Elena at The Carry-On Chronicles
Boston Massachusetts
Boston at Christmas time is glorious. You’ve got a decent chance of getting snow on Christmas Day however it’s not guaranteed. We were lucky in 2017 when we traveled to Boston from Australia to experience our first White Christmas. Faneuil Hall Marketplace in the heart of Boston is home to an enormous Christmas tree, the tree was 65 feet tall and imported from Norway, and completely decorated in multi-colored Christmas lights. Each hour on the hour Christmas carols are played and people gather around the tree for the spectacular ‘Blink’ Christmas light and sound show.
Faneuil Hall marketplace was built in 1742 by Peter Faneuil and is a top tourist attraction and popular food stall in Boston. Street performers and Christmas carollers perform outside Faneuil Hall. Also located here is the bar from the Cheers sitcom which ran for 11 seasons and was set in Boston.
Boston Common in the center of Boston lights up at Christmas with the Frog Pond icing over and creating an ice skating rink. Surrounded by Christmas lights and if you’re lucky a light covering of snow, the area couldn’t be any prettier. Built-in 1634, Boston Common is a central public park in downtown Boston.
Boston Common is the commencement point for the Freedom Trail. Rug up and explore the Freedom Trail covering 2.5 miles and 16 nationally historic significant sites through downtown Boston. Take a tour or explore independently a history lesson is provided at each site about the history of the United States.
Recommended By: Sally at Our 3 Kids V The World
Laurel Highlands Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, just an hour from Pittsburgh and a few hours’ drive from Washington DC, is the perfect destination for a white Christmas.
While snow is never guaranteed, in recent years Mother Nature has delivered flakes in December. But, for your best chance to experience a snow-filled holiday head to the higher elevations of Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Since it is a ski resort snowmaking should be underway unless it is unseasonable warm.
The resort offers both downhill and cross-country skiing as well as snowboarding and tubing. If you are seeking a bit of an adventure snowmobiling is available as is winter hiking or snowshoeing.
As you might expect, Seven Springs has multiple lounges in addition to its ski lodge. Fine and casual dining, and a full-service spa. Kids can hang out at the arcade or play indoor miniature golf. And of course, there is an indoor pool.
While you may not want to leave the resort. There are plenty of other things to see and do in the Laurel Highlands. The Flight 93 Memorial, commemorating the September 11th crash is just a few miles away. You won’t want to miss Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural marvel, Fallingwater, especially after snow. And, enjoy a stroll through the picturesque town of Ligonier with its downtown decked out for the holidays.
Recommended By: Susan at Get X Traveler
Keystone Colorado
There is nothing like spending Christmas in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Keystone is the perfect ski resort destination. Located at an elevation of 9,300 feet in the base area. And over 12,000 feet at the summit. A white Christmas is an absolute guarantee in Keystone, Colorado.
The skiing at Keystone is incredible with 3,000 skiable acres over three different mountain peaks. But, there are so many other fun things to do in Keystone besides skiing. Take a sleigh ride to dinner at a rustic cabin in the woods. Or, check out the gigantic tubing hill at the top of the mountain. Ice skating at night on Keystone lake as the snow falls, surrounded by twinkling Christmas lights is an incredible experience.
Stay in one of the many condos in River Run Village to be within walking distance of the gondola. Red Hawk Lodge is a great option with an outdoor pool and hot tub overlooking the snow-covered mountains. Or, there are lodging options surrounding Keystone lake. A short bus ride away from skiing but within walking distance of ice skating. The Keystone Lodge & Spa is the perfect place to stay over Christmas. Every year around Christmas time an amazing chocolate village is set up in the lobby of the hotel.
Brunch at the Haywood Cafe is a must-do in Keystone. The Haywood Cafe has a variety of yummy and unique eggs benedicts and the best bloody marys ever.
Recommended By: Diane at Travels With Eli
Leavenworth Washington
There are few places that are better to see a white Christmas- or experience winter festivities- than the peculiarly charming town of Leavenworth, Washington- a once-dwindling logging town, nestled in the Cascade Mountains about two hours east of Seattle, that reinvented itself as a Bavarian-themed village in the 1960s to save its shrinking population.
The reinvention campaign was wildly successful. And now, Leavenworth’s Christmas festival is a beloved annual tradition that is attended by Christmas enthusiasts from around the globe. Throughout the month of December, the town is aflutter with Christmas magic. From carolers strolling the streets, gingerbread house competitions, and chestnuts being roasted. All with the gorgeous backdrop of the snow-covered Cascade Mountains.
At twilight during the middle of the week and on weekends, the town triumphantly turns on its Christmas light display. With its quaint Bavarian-style buildings festooned with over half a million twinkling Christmas lights. As snowflakes dust the streets! Feeling peckish during your visit? Head to München Haus or the Leavenworth Sausage Garden for some killer bratwurst. Bavarian pretzels, and German-style beers to carb up for all that Christmas spirit.
If you want to burn off some of those calories and get a bit more up close and personal with the snow. Several parks in the area, like Lake Wenatchee State Park or Stevens Pass, provide miles and miles of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing trails for you to take in the sweeping mountain views. End your day with a mug of steamy mulled wine and soak in all that White Christmas cheer!
Recommended By: Jessica at Uprooted Traveler
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