Top Snowy Destinations for a Traditional Christmas
When you envision a traditional Christmas, snow often comes to mind—a pristine, white landscape illuminated by twinkling lights and the warm glow of a fireplace. For those seeking the quintessential snowy Christmas experience, these destinations offer just that.
Lapland, Finland
In the heart of the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland, is the official hometown of Santa Claus. This magical location averages 50-75 cm (20-30 inches) of snow each year, transforming the landscape into a true winter wonderland. Here, you can visit Santa Claus Village, where Christmas is celebrated year-round. Highlights include reindeer sleigh rides and the chance to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights, visible from September to April.
Santa Claus Village
Address: Tähtikuja 1, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland
Customer Service Phone Number: +358 16 3562096
Public Email: info@santaclausvillage.info
Official Website: Santa Claus Village
For more detailed information about visiting Lapland, you can check the Finnish Tourist Board’s official site.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt, located at an elevation of 1,620 meters (5,315 feet) in the Swiss Alps, offers a stunning view of the iconic Matterhorn. This car-free village is perfect for families, offering over 360 kilometers (224 miles) of ski slopes. On Christmas Eve, the entire town comes alive with festivities, and the local church bells ring out across the valley, creating a magical atmosphere.
Zermatt Tourism Office
Address: Bahnhofplatz 5, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland
Customer Service Phone Number: +41 27 966 81 00
Public Email: info@zermatt.ch
Official Website: Zermatt Tourism
For additional information on Zermatt, you can visit the My Switzerland website.
Banff, Canada
Banff is nestled in the Canadian Rockies and offers a winter wonderland experience with an average of 234 cm (92 inches) of snow annually. The Banff Springs Hotel, known as the “Castle in the Rockies,” provides luxurious accommodations and hosts various holiday events, making it an ideal place for a Christmas getaway.
Banff Lake Louise Tourism
Address: 224 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1C3, Canada
Customer Service Phone Number: +1 403-762-8421
Public Email: info@banfflakelouise.com
Official Website: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
For more information, you can also visit the Banff National Park website.
Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe, straddling the border between California and Nevada, is a prime destination for those seeking a snowy Christmas in the United States. The region receives an average of 6.35 meters (250 inches) of snow annually. South Lake Tahoe is particularly known for its vibrant holiday celebrations, including the annual Christmas Tree Lighting.
Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
Address: 169 US-50, Stateline, NV 89449, USA
Customer Service Phone Number: +1 775-588-4591
Public Email: info@ltva.org
Official Website: Visit Lake Tahoe
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, located in the Green Mountains of Vermont, offers a picturesque setting for a traditional white Christmas. The town receives an average of 5 meters (200 inches) of snow each year, and the local ski resort provides 116 trails across 485 hectares (1,200 acres) of skiable terrain. The town’s charming New England atmosphere is further enhanced by its historic inns and covered bridges.
Stowe Area Association
Address: 51 Main St, Stowe, VT 05672, USA
Customer Service Phone Number: +1 802-253-7321
Public Email: info@gostowe.com
Official Website: Go Stowe
These destinations provide the perfect snowy backdrop for a traditional Christmas, each offering a unique experience that captures the magic of the season.
The Most Festive Christmas Markets Around the World
Christmas markets are where the magic of the season truly comes alive. These markets offer a sensory experience like no other, with the aroma of roasted chestnuts, the sight of twinkling lights, and the sound of festive carols. Here are some of the most festive Christmas markets you should visit.
Vienna, Austria
The Vienna Christmas Dream, held in front of the Rathaus (City Hall), is one of Europe’s oldest and most beloved Christmas markets. The market features over 150 stalls selling everything from handcrafted ornaments to traditional Austrian foods like sausages and baked goods. The City Hall itself becomes a giant Advent calendar, with each window revealing a festive scene each day.
Vienna Tourist Board
Address: Invalidenstraße 6, 1030 Wien, Austria
Customer Service Phone Number: +43 1 24 555
Public Email: info@wien.info
Official Website: Vienna Tourist Board
For more information on Vienna’s Christmas markets, visit Austria.info.
Nuremberg, Germany
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world, attracting over two million visitors annually. The market, set in the Hauptmarkt square, is known for its traditional wooden stalls and the iconic Christkind, a child dressed as an angel who opens the market each year.
Nuremberg Tourist Office
Address: Königstraße 93, 90402 Nürnberg, Germany
Customer Service Phone Number: +49 911 23360
Public Email: tourismus@nuernberg.de
Official Website: Nuremberg Tourist Office
For additional details, you can visit Germany Travel.
Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City’s German Christmas Market is held in the city’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The market features wooden stalls offering traditional foods, mulled wine, and handmade gifts. Quebec City’s European charm is enhanced by its historic architecture and snow-covered streets, making it a perfect destination for a festive holiday.
Quebec City Tourism
Address: 12 Rue Sainte-Anne, Québec, QC G1R 3X2, Canada
Customer Service Phone Number: +1 877-783-1608
Public Email: info@quebec-cite.com
Official Website: Quebec City Tourism
Learn more about the Christmas market at German Christmas Market Quebec City.
Chicago, USA
Inspired by the markets of Germany, the Christkindlmarket in Chicago has become a beloved holiday tradition. Held in Daley Plaza, the market attracts over one million visitors each year and offers a wide range of gifts, from hand-blown glass ornaments to gourmet chocolates.
Choose Chicago
Address: 301 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
Customer Service Phone Number: +1 312-567-8500
Public Email: info@choosechicago.com
Official Website: Choose Chicago
For more information on Chicago’s Christmas market, visit Christkindlmarket.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s Old Town Square Christmas market is one of Europe’s most beautiful, set against the backdrop of Gothic architecture, including the Týn Church and the Astronomical Clock. The market offers a variety of gifts, from handcrafted wooden toys to traditional Czech glassware, and features a large Christmas tree from the Krkonoše Mountains.
Prague City Tourism
Address: Arbesovo náměstí 70/4, 150 00 Praha 5-Smíchov, Czech Republic
Customer Service Phone Number: +420 221 714 444
Public Email: tourinfo@prague.eu
Official Website: Prague City Tourism
For more details on Prague’s Christmas markets, visit Czech Tourism.
These Christmas markets are not just places to shop—they are immersive experiences that allow you to fully embrace the festive spirit.
The Best Cozy Cabin Destinations for Christmas
Spending Christmas in a cozy cabin, surrounded by nature, is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. These destinations offer the ideal combination of comfort, seclusion, and holiday cheer
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The Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
The Smoky Mountains are a popular destination for those seeking a cozy cabin Christmas. The area offers a wide range of cabins, many of which come equipped with fireplaces, hot tubs, and breathtaking views of the mountains. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, the two main towns in the region, host festive events throughout the holiday season, including the Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood, which features over five million lights.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Address: 107 Park Headquarters Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Customer Service Phone Number: +1 865-436-1200
Public Email: grsmcomments@nps.gov
Official Website: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
For more information, visit Visit My Smokies.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole offers luxurious cabins set against the stunning backdrop of the Teton Range. These cabins provide the perfect balance of comfort and adventure, with activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife watching right outside your door. The town of Jackson is known for its Western charm and receives an average of 358 cm (141 inches) of snow each year.
Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce
Address: 260 W Broadway Ave, Jackson, WY 83001, USA
Customer Service Phone Number: +1 307-733-3316
Public Email: info@jacksonholechamber.com
Official Website: Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce
Learn more at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
The Black Forest, Germany
The Black Forest is renowned for its dense forests, charming villages, and traditional wooden houses. Staying in a Black Forest cabin allows you to experience an authentic German Christmas, complete with visits to local markets and evenings by the fire with a cup of mulled wine.
Black Forest Tourism
Address: Heinrich-von-Stephan-Straße 8b, 79100 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Customer Service Phone Number: +49 761 896460
Public Email: info@blackforest-tourism.com
Official Website: Black Forest Tourism
For additional information, visit Germany Travel.
The Poconos, Pennsylvania
The Poconos offer a budget-friendly option for a cozy Christmas getaway. The region is known for its outdoor activities, including skiing, snow tubing, and hiking. Many local resorts offer holiday packages that include festive dinners, entertainment, and visits from Santa.
Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
Address: 1004 W Main St, Stroudsburg, PA 18360, USA
Customer Service Phone Number: +1 570-421-5791
Public Email: info@poconos.org
Official Website: Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
For more details, visit Visit the Poconos.
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid is home to some of the most beautiful cabins in the Adirondacks, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. During the holiday season, Lake Placid is transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and plenty of holiday events.
Lake Placid Visitors Bureau
Address: 2608 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
Customer Service Phone Number: +1 518-523-2445
Public Email: info@lakeplacid.com
Official Website: Lake Placid
For more information, visit Lake Placid Olympic Sites.
These cozy cabin destinations offer the perfect blend of relaxation and holiday cheer, making them the ideal places to spend a magical Christmas.
Top Warm-Weather Destinations for Christmas
Not everyone dreams of a snowy Christmas. For those who prefer the warmth of the sun, these warm-weather destinations offer a festive atmosphere without the chill.
The Maldives
The Maldives, consisting of 26 atolls and over 1,000 coral islands, is the perfect tropical destination for a Christmas getaway. With temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) in December, the Maldives offers an escape from winter’s chill. Many resorts go all out for Christmas, with festive dinners, beach parties, and even visits from Santa Claus.
Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation
Address: 4th Floor, H. Zonaria, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé, 20026, Maldives
Customer Service Phone Number: +960 332 3228
Public Email: info@visitmaldives.com
Official Website: Visit Maldives
Learn more at Maldives Official Tourism Website.
Maui, Hawaii
Maui offers a warm and festive Christmas experience with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C (65°F to 80°F). The island is adorned with holiday lights, and traditional Hawaiian Christmas events, such as hula performances and ukulele concerts, are held throughout the season.
Maui Visitors Bureau
Address: 244 Papa Pl #102, Kahului, HI 96732, USA
Customer Service Phone Number: +1 808-244-3530
Public Email: info@visitmaui.com
Official Website: Visit Maui
For more information, visit Go Hawaii.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney offers a unique blend of summer fun and festive cheer with December temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F). The city’s Christmas lights, particularly those around the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, create a stunning visual display. Sydney’s beaches, such as Bondi and Manly, are popular during the holiday season.
Destination NSW
Address: Level 2, 88 Cumberland Street, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
Customer Service Phone Number: +61 2 9931 1111
Public Email: info@dnsw.com.au
Official Website: Destination NSW
For additional information, visit Sydney.com.
Jamaica
Jamaica enjoys warm December temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F), making it a perfect destination for a tropical Christmas. The island is known for its vibrant Christmas celebrations, including Junkanoo parades and traditional Jamaican foods such as rum cake and sorrel.
Jamaica Tourist Board
Address: 64 Knutsford Blvd, Kingston 5, Jamaica
Customer Service Phone Number: +1 876-929-9200
Public Email: info@visitjamaica.com
Official Website: Visit Jamaica
For more details, visit Jamaica Information Service.
Key West, Florida
Key West offers a quirky and laid-back Christmas experience with December temperatures ranging from 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F). The island is decorated with festive lights, and events such as boat parades and a Santa Run add to the holiday cheer.
Key West Chamber of Commerce
Address: 510 Greene St, Key West, FL 33040, USA
Customer Service Phone Number: +1 305-294-2587
Public Email: info@keywestchamber.org
Official Website: Key West Chamber of Commerce
For additional information, visit Visit Key West.
These warm-weather destinations offer a different take on Christmas, allowing you to enjoy the holiday season in the sun while still experiencing the magic and joy of the season.
Unique Christmas Traditions Around the World
Christmas is celebrated in countless ways around the world, with each culture adding its own unique twist to the holiday. If you’re looking to experience Christmas in a way that’s different from the norm, these destinations offer a chance to immerse yourself in local customs and traditions.
Reykjavik, Iceland
In Reykjavik, Christmas is a blend of traditional and modern customs, with one of the most famous being the Yule Lads—13 mischievous characters who visit children on the nights leading up to Christmas. Each Yule Lad has a distinct personality and leaves gifts for well-behaved children while playing pranks on those who have misbehaved. Reykjavik’s Christmas season also includes the lighting of the Oslo Christmas tree, a gift from the people of Oslo, Norway.
Visit Reykjavik
Address: Aðalstræti 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Customer Service Phone Number: +354 590 1550
Public Email: info@visitreykjavik.is
Official Website: Visit Reykjavik
For more details, visit Inspired by Iceland.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca’s Christmas is a vibrant celebration of the region’s culture, with the Night of the Radishes being one of the most unique events. During this festival, locals carve intricate figures from radishes, creating displays that depict everything from the nativity to local folklore. The city’s Christmas celebrations also include Las Posadas and a midnight mass on Christmas Eve.
Oaxaca Tourism Office
Address
: Av. Juárez 703, Col. Centro, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, 68000, Mexico
Customer Service Phone Number: +52 951 501 5000
Public Email: info@oaxaca.travel
Official Website: Oaxaca Tourism
For additional information, visit Visit Mexico.
Japan
Christmas in Japan is celebrated as a time for fun and romance, with Christmas Eve often considered a romantic holiday. One of Japan’s most unique Christmas traditions is the popularity of KFC as a holiday meal, a tradition that began in the 1970s. Many Japanese families order a KFC Christmas Party Barrel, which includes fried chicken, cake, and champagne.
Japan National Tourism Organization
Address: 10F, Yusen Building, 2-3-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0005, Japan
Customer Service Phone Number: +81 3-3201-3331
Public Email: jnto@jnto.go.jp
Official Website: Japan National Tourism Organization
For more details, visit Japan Guide.
Ethiopia
Christmas in Ethiopia, known as Ganna, is celebrated on January 7th according to the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar. The holiday is marked by a day of fasting, followed by a festive meal. The main Christmas service, held at midnight on January 6th, is attended by thousands, making it a lively and joyful occasion.
Ethiopian Tourism Organization
Address: Haile Gebreselassie Street, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Customer Service Phone Number: +251 11 551 0707
Public Email: info@ethiopia.travel
Official Website: Ethiopia Travel
For more information, visit Ethiopian Airlines.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague celebrates Christmas with a blend of old and new traditions, including the beautiful Christmas markets set against the backdrop of the city’s Gothic architecture. The Old Town Square market is famous for its stunning setting, while Christmas Eve dinner features traditional dishes such as fish soup, carp, and potato salad.
For more details, visit Czech Tourism.
These destinations offer a chance to experience Christmas in a way that is different from the typical holiday celebrations, allowing you to learn about and participate in the unique traditions and customs of other cultures.
FAQs
What are the top activities to enjoy in Lapland, Finland, during Christmas?
In Lapland, you can visit Santa Claus Village, go on a reindeer sleigh ride, witness the Northern Lights, and enjoy husky sledding across the snow-covered landscape. Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, also offers snowmobile safaris and ice fishing experiences, making it a hub of winter activities. Learn more at the Rovaniemi Official Website.
How do I experience a white Christmas in Zermatt, Switzerland?
Zermatt offers over 360 kilometers (224 miles) of ski slopes, with altitudes reaching up to 3,899 meters (12,792 feet) on the Matterhorn Glacier, ensuring reliable snow conditions. You can also enjoy snowshoeing, ice skating, and a visit to the Glacier Palace, an ice cave carved deep into the glacier. For more details, visit Zermatt Tourism.
What makes Vienna’s Christmas market unique?
Vienna’s Christmas market is set in front of the Gothic City Hall, offering over 150 stalls with handcrafted gifts and traditional Austrian foods. The market also features an ice rink, a Christmas workshop for children, and a daily Advent calendar projection on the façade of the City Hall. More information is available at the Vienna Tourist Board.
Why is Jackson Hole, Wyoming, ideal for a secluded Christmas?
Jackson Hole’s elevation and snowfall make it perfect for a white Christmas. The area receives an average of 358 cm (141 inches) of snow annually, and its luxurious cabins offer seclusion with access to activities like skiing in the Teton Range, wildlife watching in Grand Teton National Park, and exploring Yellowstone. Find more at Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce.
What is the weather like in Maui, Hawaii, during Christmas?
Maui enjoys warm, tropical weather in December, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C (65°F to 80°F). The island’s festive atmosphere includes holiday lights, traditional Hawaiian music, and the famous Banyan Tree Lighting in Lahaina. Visit Go Hawaii for more information.
How can I experience traditional Christmas food in Prague, Czech Republic?
In Prague, Christmas Eve dinner is a highlight, featuring dishes like fish soup, carp, and potato salad. You can also visit the city’s Christmas markets to sample local delicacies such as trdelník, a sweet pastry, and warm mulled wine. More details are available at Prague City Tourism.
As we journeyed through these enchanting Christmas destinations, it’s clear that the magic of the holiday season is universal, yet beautifully diverse. Whether you’re drawn to the snowy landscapes of Lapland or the warm beaches of the Maldives, there’s a perfect Christmas destination out there waiting for you. Each of these places offers its own unique take on the holiday, from traditional markets in Europe to tropical celebrations in the Caribbean. As you plan your Christmas getaway, remember that the most important part of the season is the joy and togetherness it brings, no matter where you are. Let this holiday be one filled with new experiences, cherished memories, and the warm glow of Christmas magic.
