Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? These are the best places to travel in December if you want to indulge your festive fantasies. Start planning now.
Are you dreaming of a white Christmas this year? Then you should start looking into travel destinations guaranteed to have snow during the holidays.
From the bright lights of New York City to the old town charm of Quebec City, you’ll find Christmas miracles all around the world.
Visit Santa’s village in Finland, breathe the mountain air in the Swiss Alps or travel to small towns in the US for some peace and quiet during the holidays.
Read on to discover the best places to travel in December to experience a snowy white fairytale Christmas.
1. Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is a mountain resort situated in the Valais canton in Switzerland. Surrounded by the Swiss Alps, including the majestic Matterhorn, this small community is a real-life winter wonderland.
Zermatt is one of the few places in the world guaranteed to have a white snowy Christmas because there’s snow all year round.
The village doesn’t have any cars or traffic, which will make your stay quiet and idyllic. You’ll breathe the freshest mountain air and relish the unique beauty of Zermatt.
For Christmas, the main street is decorated with lights and there’s a large Christmas tree.
Go to a local cafe for some warm fondue and mulled wine and watch the snow-capped mountain peaks from the window.
2. Budapest, Hungary
Hungary’s capital city, Budapest, is one of the most magical places to go for Christmas.
It snows during the holidays almost every year, and the city is packed with Christmas markets, food stands with traditional Hungarian dishes, and Christmas lights and decorations.
There’s an outdoor ice rink set in the Budapest City Park and a lot of stores if you want to do some last-minute gift shopping.
Throughout winter, the temperatures often fall below zero degrees Celcius, so make sure you’re dressed appropriately.
3. Aspen, Colorado, USA
Aspen is one of the best places to spend Christmas in the USA. Resembling a winter fairytale, this quaint little town comes alive during Christmastime, with numerous free events, festivities, decorations, and an abundance of snow.
If you don’t mind the cold, you can go skiing, ice skating, sleigh riding, and shopping. If you’d rather stay inside, visit some of the town’s little cafes or go to a spa.
The Aspen Chamber of Commerce organizes a 12-day holiday special starting on December 20 through December 31. There are several events each day, and most are free of charge.
4. New York City, New York, USA
The city that never sleeps is a festive Christmas dreamland, with every street, building, and store window lit with fairy lights and Christmas decorations.
You’ll find Christmas markets in every neighborhood, carolers singing their hearts out, and if you’re lucky, a snowy Christmas night.
If you decide to spend the holidays in New York City, don’t miss the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. It’s an impressive 70-100 ft installation topped with the brightest Swarovski star.
Book your trip to NYC earlier in the year, as it’s likely to be overbooked in December. If you’re flying from another state or country, you can view flight tickets and compare here for prices and schedules.
5. Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City is the capital of the Canadian province of Quebec. If you’re from the US or Canada, this beautiful city is the best place to go for Christmas.
You’ll be welcomed by beautiful Christmas lights, decorated streets, and the charm of the Old Town.
Spend your days strolling on the Rue de Petit Champlain and its cute little shops and cafes, visit the Christmas markets just outside the Notre-Dame de Qu?bec Basilica-Cathedral and attend the annual Qu?bec Winter Carnival.
Christmases in Quebec City are often white and snowy, turning the city into a truly magical winter wonderland.
6. London, England
If you’re a big city person, London in England is the best place to celebrate Christmas in an urban setting.
The city is lit up by thousands of Christmas lights, decorations, and Christmas trees. You can visit the many Christmas markets and festive events, go ice skating, or get toasty in a cafe enjoying a cup of English tea.
The weather in London can be crazy, especially in the winter, so don’t be surprised if it starts snowing around Christmas.
7. Lapland, Finland
You’ve probably heard the story about Santa Claus living on the North Pole. Well, if you ever want to meet him, Lapland in Finland is his actual homeland.
If you want to pay Santa a visit, go to the village of Rovaniemi situated in the Arctic Circle. While you’re there, meet Santa’s reindeer, take a sleigh ride with huskies, and watch the Northern Lights.
To make your Christmas a trip of a lifetime, consider staying in a glass igloo or an ice room at the Arctic Snow Hotel. The temperature in the rooms is between 0-5 degrees Celcius, but you’ll be given a warm sleeping bag and reindeer fur to stay warm.
8. Moscow, Russia
Russian winters are some of the harshest in the world, but there’s beauty in the cold, snowy days, especially for Christmas.
Russia is an Orthodox country and they celebrate Christmas on the 7th of January. For them, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are reserved for going to church and spending time with family, so the city may be a little quiet.
The true festivities begin on New Year’s Eve and go on until Christmas Day. If you want to spend Catholic Christmas in Moscow, plan to stay until at least the 8th January to see how the people there celebrate this holiday.
These Are The Best Places to Travel in December For a Snowy Christmas!
If you want to experience a white, magical Christmas this year, these are the best places to travel in December.
Most of them are popular tourist spots and may be fully booked around Christmastime, so try to make a reservation at least a month or two in advance.
For more travel tips and amazing destinations, check out my blog.
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