Have you always dreamed of a White Christmas? Does your idea of Christmas involve cosying up by the fireplace in your favourite Christmas jumper and watching the snow fall outside? You are not alone.
Research conducted by Booking.com revealed almost half of Australians feel like they are missing out on a magical Christmas by living in Australia.
More than one third (36 per cent) said Australia doesn’t have the same “Christmas-sy” atmosphere as other countries.
They want more decorations, trees and mistletoes. They want to wear Christmas jumpers and they want to ski, sledge or make snowmen and snow angels.
To help cure your ‘snow-mo’, these are the six frostiest, snow-blanketed White Christmas destinations where you can rock your favourite Christmas jumper.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Northern Finland is the home of Santa Claus and a great destination for the whole family. Expect stunning scenery and reindeer rides through magical forests. Snow in this region begins falling in November and lasts until at least May.
Families can book an enchanting stay amongst the trees at the Artic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi. This is the perfect place to cosy up to the fire and enjoy a snowy Christmas. The hotel boasts stunning views of the snow-capped landscape – and if you’re lucky enough, you will get to see the Northern Lights.
Moscow, Russia
Live in a real-life snow globe in Moscow during the cold Christmas season. The stunning Saint Basil’s Cathedral on Red Square, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Novodevichy Convent, are not to be missed. Don’t forget to pack your beanies and Christmas jumpers – the average temperature during winter is about -10°C.
After wandering the snow-laden streets, stay in the Brick Design Hotel. This hotel is Minutes from Chistye Prudny Metro Station and Sretinsky boulevard.
Alta, Norway
If a true White Christmas is what you are after, then look no further than Alta, Northern Norway. Alta is a frozen winter wonderland right in Santa Claus’ backyard and from here you can see the spectacular Northern Lights.
Made entirely out of the snow and ice every year, Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel offers guests a unique experience to stay in a real igloo mansion. Sleep on beds carved from ice in reindeer leather sleeping pads and ultra-warm sleeping bags. At a constant temperature of between -4 and -7 °C, guests can also enjoy slightly more modern amenities in the adjoining building next door, including showers, a sauna and two outdoor hot tubs.
Keldur, Iceland
Snow on the ground from November to April is pretty much guaranteed in Iceland. Ice carving, glacier hiking, guided driving tours and taking a dip in the geothermal waters at one of the many natural pools, are just some of the activities that travellers can enjoy during their wintertime stay in Iceland. The unique landscapes and a chance at glimpsing the Northern Lights will make this a memorable, snow-filled Christmas.
Hótel Selid is set in the heart of an awesome scenic landscape, 10 km from Iceland’s Ring Road. The hotel has packed lunches available for a Christmas picnic complete with Christmas jumper (and a coat) so you can explore the surrounding area or the Thórsmörk National Park, 66 km away.
Sapporo, Japan
You don’t always have to travel to the mountains to catch snowflakes. Admiring the stunning, Christmas-themed light displays at the annual Sapporo White Illumination, visiting the giant snow slides at the Tsudome or enjoying a drink at the ice bar, are just some of the snow-friendly activities available in the second snowiest place on earth.
The La’gent Stay Sapporo Odori Hokkaido is a five-minute walk from Odori Subway Station and features a natural hot spring bath and a restaurant serving dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
New York, USA
Nowhere does Christmas like New York City. With the world’s tallest Christmas tree at Rockefeller Centre, with an ice skating rink below, there may not be a more magical place to spend the holidays. While you’re there, check out the festive window displays in New York’s largest department stores, see a Broadway show and wander through a snow-filled Central Park.
One of the most iconic hotels in the world, The Plaza Hotel is situated on the edge of the Upper East Side and on the southern corner of Central Park. Just minutes away from the best New York has to offer, The Plaza is the perfect, picturesque accommodation for a Christmas stay in The Big Apple.
Where to ski / snowboard and have a white Christmas
Head to Colorado for some skiing and an alpine white Christmas. Check our list of the 28 ski resorts in Colorado to find which resort is right for your family.
Another ski and snowboarding white Christmas option is British Columbia in Canada. Here’s our rundown of the 6 best family ski resorts in British Columbia
And while you’re thinking of an active white Christmas, why not check out these 11 Instagram accounts for families who ski to see where they suggest.
For some European snow fun at Christmas, how about Trillevallen: Sweden’s tiny ski resort delivers in a big way? Or consider one of these 7 best European ski resorts for kids.
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Janeece Keller is the founder and editor of Family Travel. She mostly travels with her husband and two young kids. She has a large blended family that lives in Australia and Europe. She has visited 52 countries and lived on 3 continents. From camping to luxury resorts Janeece tries to make sure her family has diverse holiday experiences each year. She is an avid hiker and ocean swimmer who loves good food, margaritas and heading off the beaten path.