Living Down under, Christmas memories are full of special family moments. However, instead of roasting chestnuts on an open fire dressed in cosy Christmas jumpers, we’re more likely to be gathering near a BBQ, wearing sundresses or board shorts.
It’s good news for Santa Claus – our chimneys are likely to be unused – but it can leave a certain yearning for a different type of Christmas. One that we have encountered year in, year out in Christmas culture, traditions and movies from the Northern Hemisphere.
It’s why many of us have placed experiencing a true white Christmas high on the travel bucket list.
If this is you, where should you be heading to get the authentic experience? Here are the top destinations for a magical holiday season:
Salzburg, Austria
For a picture-perfect, fairytale-worthy experience, Austria can’t be beat at Christmas time.
Beautiful mountains, hilltop fortress and cathedral-sized beer houses are always a good time, but the strong Christmas traditions makes Salzburg in particular the city to seek out.
The charming city is known for its baroque architecture and rich musical history (it’s the birthplace of Mozart), and its fantastic Christmas markets delight visitors from November through to the big day. The mountains provide ample space for snow sports and even the chance to go for a ride on a one-horse open sleigh (really).
Zermatt, Switzerland
Not too far away, nestled in the Swiss Alps, Zermatt is a quintessential winter wonderland.
With similar charm, including breathtaking mountain scenery of the iconic Matterhorn, the village is car-free which adds to its ‘from another time’ appeal.
Zermatt has excellent skiing, cosy brown-wood chalets, and more festive Christmas markets. The village’s high altitude makes it almost guaranteed to have snow during the holiday season.
Lapland, Finland
Isolated yes, but hear us out: Lapland is often associated with the home of Santa Claus, meaning it has to be on the list!
Located in the Arctic Circle, the region boasts pine-and-snow-covered landscapes, dog-sled and sleigh rides, and the chance to get a glimpse of the dazzling Northern Lights.
Rovaniemi, that brands itself ‘The Official Hometown of Santa Claus,’ is the capital of Finnish Lapland. The city’s most famous resident can be visited all year round in Santa Claus Village, but the experience is particularly delightful at Christmas time.
Banff, Canada
In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a stunning destination for a white Christmas.
The resort town is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and pristine forests and near the Instagram-must-do of visiting an iced-over Lake Louise. If you’re feeling adventurous, lace on some skates and take a turn on the lake or sign up for an ice climbing expedition.
Aspen, Colorado, USA
One of the most famous ski resorts in the world, Aspen combines luxury shopping and accommodation with a cosy, small-town feel. With four ski areas, it offers some of the best skiing in North America. The town is beautifully decorated during the holiday season, and if you’re not hitting the slopes or the spas, indulge in a little celebrity spotting, as Aspen is a go-to for the A-list at Christmas-time.
New York City, USA
Of course, if you can cope with no guarantee of snow, New York City is a must-do tag-on at the bottom of our list.
That’s because it encompasses so many pop-culture Christmas moments we’ve grown up seeing on-screen, like ice skating in front of the giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, seeing The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall and taking in the window displays at the best department stores in the city.
