Have you always dreamed of a White Christmas? Does your idea of a magical Christmas involve cosying up by the fireplace in your favourite Christmas sweater and watching the snow fall outside? Well, it turns out, 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. Over a third say it’s because we don’t have the same Christmas-sy atmosphere than other countries such as the decorations, trees and mistletoes (36%), because it is too hot to wear Christmas jumpers (35%) and because they cannot ski, sledge or make snowmen/snow angels (27%).
To help cure your ‘snow-mo’, Booking.com, has pulled together six of the frostiest, snow-blanketed destinations where you can enjoy a magical White Christmas and rock your favourite Christmas sweater.
Rovaniemi, Finland
If you are dreaming of a White Christmas, then Northern Finland is the place to be! Home of Santa Claus, this winter wonderland is a great destination for the whole family, thanks to its stunning scenery and variety of activities including reindeer rides through the magical forests. Snow in this region begins falling in November and lasts until at least May.
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! Just don’t forget to pack your beanies and Christmas jumpers since the average temperature during winter is about -10°C.
Alta, Norway
If a true White Christmas is what you are after, then look no further than Alta. Located in Northern Norway, underneath the spectacular Northern Lights, Alta is a frozen winter wonderland right in Santa Claus’ backyard. For a unique hotel experience Sorrisniva Igloo hotel is made entirely out of the snow and ice. 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 caving, 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 winter time stay in Iceland. The unique landscapes and a chance at glimpsing the Northern Lights will make this a memorable, snow-filled Christmas.
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
New York, USA
Nowhere does Christmas like New York City, so why not celebrate it there yourself? 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.
