13 Amazing Destinations for a White Christmas in 2022
We all want snow at Christmas, but where to go?
Check out our list of Christmas holiday destinations where snow is all but guaranteed!
From North America to Europe to Asia, these destinations offer something for all ages. From festive markets and charming villages to amazing natural wonders and world-famous ski resorts, there’s a lot to get excited about.
The following ideas include everything from high end ski resorts to charming Eastern European cities, so there’s something for every budget and taste.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your winter holiday today!
Where am I guaranteed a White Christmas?
Only certain destinations offer an almost-guaranteed white Christmas.
For instance, a ski resort in the Alps, Norway or North America should mean you get to enjoy a blanket of snow - as well as some on-piste thrills.
However, booking a winter Christmas getaway in a ski resort will likely be more expensive than a general winter city break, what with equipment hire, ski passes and higher prices for hotels, food and drink.
That said, some ski resorts in Eastern Europe cost much less than places like the French Alps or Colorado.
If skiing isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other fabulous destinations where a white Christmas is almost assured - from cities to natural wonderlands.
Here’s our pick of the best places to go for Christmas where snow is just about a dead cert!
Finnish Lapland
With 200 days of snow a year, the Finnish part of Lapland is a white Christmas paradise and one of the best places to visit in December 2022 - so no wonder it's a popular destination for families during the festive season.
With its snow-capped mountains, pristine forests, and charming villages, Lapland is the perfect place to celebrate in style.
What is there to do in Lapland?
There are many things to do in Lapland during Christmas time, from visiting Santa Claus Village to skiing and snowboarding in the world-famous ski resorts.
Lapland is also home to some amazing natural wonders, including the Saariselkä Forest and the Northern Lights (aurora borealis).
Hotels in Lapland are geared towards families, with plenty of activities and amenities for children.
How expensive is a trip to Lapland?
Finnish Lapland is not cheap, but the ‘Scandinavian premium’ may not be as high as you think.
Family-sized apartments (often with saunas), and hotel rooms cost from €170 - 250+ per night but vary depending on class and location.
A beer costs about the same as the UK (€6) while an inexpensive restaurant meal sets you back about €12.
Tallinn, Estonia
If you're looking for a unique and charming Christmas destination, look no further than Tallinn, Estonia.
Despite the short, dark days, this fairytale city is truly enchanting in winter, making it one of the most popular Christmas destinations in Europe.
What’s more, snow is most common in December and January.
Things to do in Tallinn
The city's Christmas market was ranked number one in 2018, spread across quaint narrow alleys and covered in stalls selling traditional Estonian handicrafts, delicious food, and festive drinks.
There's also a large Ferris wheel at the market square (€10pp), which offers amazing views of the cityscape.
Tallinn is home to beautiful mediaeval architecture, including the 12th-century St Mary’s Cathedral, and Kiek in de Kok Museum - complete with four mighty and ancient defense towers, and another four secret tunnels. Other highlights include the Estonian National Opera, and St Olaf’s Church and Toompea Castle, all of which look magical under a carapace of freshly laid snow!
Accommodation in Tallinn
Hotels in Tallinn are of an exceptional standard, even at the budget end of the market. Indeed, to a hotel or guest house with a rating below 8/10 is somewhat unusual.
Compared to Lapland, Tallinn accommodation offers near-irresistible value for money, making it top destination for cheap Christmas holidays.
How expensive is it to eat out in Tallinn?
An inexpensive restaurant meal can cost as little as €6, but you can easily pay more than this. A draft beer is around €4.
Aspen, Colorado
In the 'guaranteed white Christmas' stakes, it doesn’t get much better than Aspen, Colorado.
This famous ski resort has a near-100% record for snow on Christmas day - and the days around it.
As you might expect, a visit to Aspen is a very active affair - with snow tubing, skiing, and snowboarding to be enjoyed, plus campfires and plenty of apres-ski jollity.
The resort also pulls out all the stops for Christmas, with carol singers in Santa's Village at Snowmass mall and Base Village.
But however festive the resort makes you feel, the real pleasure is found high up in the mountains. With four ski areas - Snowmass, Buttermilk, Aspen Mountain, and Aspen Highlands - Aspen consistently ranks in the top 5 ski resorts in the States.
How expensive is a trip to Aspen?
Budget-wise, Aspen is one of the priciest on our white-Christmas list. This is because air tickets alone would cost around £5,000 for a family of four - and that's before you factor in accommodation and meals.
But if you have the available funds, a festive trip to Aspen is sure to delight.
Iceland
Iceland is a spectacular place to visit during Christmas time.
With its snow-capped mountains, pristine glaciers and charming villages, Iceland is the perfect winter wonderland destination.
Reykjavik, Iceland's capital city, is decked out in Christmas decorations during the holiday season, which really stand out since winter days can be as short as five hours.
Things to do on a visit to Reykjavik, Iceland
There are festive markets, charming restaurants, and a lively nightlife scene.
The best part about visiting Iceland during Christmas time is that you can enjoy all of the traditional snow-based activities, like sledding, skiing, and snowboarding.
From Reykjavik you can experience amazing natural wonders, such as the Blue Lagoon and the Northern Lights. If you're looking for a unique and enchanting Christmas destination, look no further than Iceland!
Iceland isn’t cheap. While you can pick up affordable flights with airlines such as Reykjavik-based Play, hotel rooms, meals and excursions are high.
But if you have the budget, Iceland is a truly unique place to visit over Christmas.
Saltzburg, Austria
The home town of Mozart is famed for its Christmas markets, which have been attracting festive visitors since 1974.
Heavy snowfall is common in December, especially towards the end of the month.
The city also boasts mediaeval castles and baroque architecture which, when layered in a blanket of snow, make it a spellbinding place to visit over winter.
Walking tours of Saltzburg
Since the historic centre is so walkable, it's a good idea to book one of the many walking tours; you'll get a grounding in the city's rich history in just a couple of hours.
A walking tour will help you get your bearings - and you'll quickly discover areas that appeal to you and your group.
Saltzburg highlights
St Peter's Abbey, Salzburg cathedral, the centaur and the catacombs are spooky yet beguiling highlights.
If you have time, be sure to visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the largest preserved castle in Europe. reach it by funicular or, if you're feeling fit, via the steep path that leads to the entrance.
But since it’s Christmas, the main focal point of your trip is likely to be the wondrous Salzburg Christmas Market, where you can indulge in the spiced festive drinks lebkuchen and gluhwein and sample a giant pretzel or two.
And do try your hand at ice skating in the city’s central Mozartplatz!
How expensive is Saltzburg?
While family hotel rooms are not cheap, they are of exceptionally high quality.
Meal prices are comparable to the UK, but you can fill up on inexpensive parties at local cafes.
Hokkaido, Japan
Japan may not be a Christian country, but like many across Asia, the nation embraces the twinkly-tinselly aesthetic of it.
A case in point are the Christmas illuminations in Odori park, Sapporo, on the island of Hokkaido.
And you'll find Christmas-themed marketing and promotions in many department stores and independent shops.
Sapporro Christmas Markets
Sapporo is also home to Western-style Christmas Markets - such as The German Christmas Market of Sapporo, where western gifts pretzels and cold cuts are available.
While these items are aimed at the local Japanese market, they are a familiar festive treat for Brits and other Europeans.
Hokkaido at Christmas
Hokkaido is also very likely to be covered in snow during the Christmas period, adding to its charm.
But almost everything else is thoroughly Japanese: from the vast array of ramen to the delicious 'soup curry' (Hokkaido curries are topped with an abundance of locally sourced vegetables.
How expensive is Hokkaido?
Needless to say, spending a white Christmas in Hokkaido will involve spending a pretty penny - despite the fact that the Japanese Yen has weakened against the pound in recent years.
However, if you ever wanted to experience Christmas in Japan, a trip to Hokkaido will be worth every Yen.
Yongpyong, Korea
Another exciting East Asian white Christmas destination is Korea's YongPyong ski resort.
Alongside almost guaranteed snow over the festive period, you'll get to enjoy 28 grade-A slopes, plus there's a heated water park and sauna to enjoy after a day on-piste.
Christmas in Korea
Like the Japanese, Koreans love the aesthetics of Christmas, so you're sure to see plenty of trees and decorations to put you in the festive mood.
Many winter tour packages are available that include flights from Korea's big airports, transfers, ski passes and more.
But of course the big cost will be reaching Korea in the first place. However, for many Brits who love Korean culture, it could be a wonderful way to spend a white Christmas.
Tromso, Norway
Feel the snow crunch underfoot as you explore the beautifully decorated streets of Christmas time Tromso, in Norway's captivating north.
Where is Tromso?
Located above the Arctic Circle and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Tromso becomes all the more cosy in the long Polar nights.
Things to do in Tromso
Festive must-dos include the city's splendid Christmas markets, ice skating on the central ice rink and enjoying a cup of hot chocolate or the seasonal favourite, "gløgg" - which is as moreish as it sounds!
The markets sell all manner of unique handicraft and gifts, incoming jewellery, knitwear and art.
Locally produced chocolates and sauce also make wonderful presents.
Tromso at Christmas
Norwegians love Christmas time, and this is reflected in the tantalising array of seasonal foods - such as lutefisk (dried cod treated with lye) and ribbe (pork belly).
The restaurants and cafes are cosy places to relax between shopping stents - and welcoming places to get out of the winter chill.
Tromso Northen Lights trips
But no trip to Tromso would be complete without seeing the Northern Lights: dinner cruises are a great way to enjoy the mesmerising light show.
And because the sun isn’t seen from late November to the end of January, you have ample opportunities to see the dazzling green light show.
Snowy activities to do in Tromso
You can also enjoy reindeer sledding, dog sledding and guided snowshoe tours.
Accommodation in Tromso
Tromso - and all of Norway - is costly even by Uk standards but staying in Airbnbs is a good way to save.
You can find rooms for as little as 50 GBP.
Copenhagen, Denmark
The Danish capital has a 'snowy period' from December 6 to March 13. of these 3.2 months, 31 days bring snowfall of at least an inch - so there's a good chance of a white Christmas.
Christmas markets in Denmark
Snow or not, the Danes know how to celebrate Christmas, with a variety of festive markets offering unique gifts, hearty Danish food, mulled wine - and even pony rides.
Tivoli Christmas market is the most popular - hosted in the beautifully landscaped public park of the same name.
The best Christmas decorations, meanwhile, are found along the one-mile Strøget.
This shoppers haven is completely pedestrianised, so it feels much more relaxing than, say, Oxford Street.
At the end of the Strøget is the Nytorv Christmas market - presenting yet more sweet and savoury Danish treats, spca red wine and live entertainment.
Axeltorv Square in the heart of Helsingør plays host to another fun-packed Christmas market, with more than 20 beautifully decorated cabins
How to get to Copenhagen from the UK?
The quickest way to reach Copenhagen - as you might imagine - is by plane. It takes under two hours.
If you have time, you might also consider the train - which takes around 16 hours.
Sadly, the Harwich-Esberg route has long been cancelled, meaning there are no direct ferry connections between the UK and Denmark.
How expensive is a trip to Denmark?
Cost-wise, a trip to Denmark isn’t exactly cheap. This is because wages and taxes are high.
However, there are some bargain flights to be had.
Prague, Czech Republic
December snowfall in the Czech capital is not guaranteed - but it is likely. And if it does snow, Prague's already stunning architecture will take on a magical dimension.
Imagine soft snow crunching underfoot as you cross the legendary St Charles Bridge, with more snow softing gently down as the winter light fades...
And then there's the huge Christmas tree in the Old Town Square - big enough to rival that of the Rockefeller Center in New York.
The square also plays host to a Christmas market, prestige iced gingerbread, mulled wine and blown glass ornaments - all set against the fairytale backdrop of Prague's brooding Gothic architecture.
The Christmas magic peaks each day in the late afternoon, as carols and choirs perform in the old Town Square.
In terms of Christmas city break options that combine a high likelihood of snow, magical festival atmosphere and affordable accommodation and food, Prague is arguably at the head of the pack.
Les Arcs, France
Part of the Paradiski area, the second largest ski area on Earth, Les Arcs has multiple sites ranging from 1,600 to 2,000m.
The place really comes alive at christmas, too, with apres ski events held in each of the resort's five villages.
Things to do at Les Arcs for children
Sledge rides, snowman building contests, reindeer visits and firework displays make it ideal if you're visiting with children.
And let’s not forget the Christmas Marshmallow party, festive street parade and Instagrammable ice igloo bars!
The most memorable event, however, is the torchlit descent, in which 100 children are led by instructors down the floodlit slopes, before meeting Father Christmas at the bottom.
While you wait for your little ones to reach the bottom, there's mulled wine, hot chocolate and gingerbread to be consumed.
Snow depths at Les Arcs
Snow shouldn't be a problem either, with historic snow depths of 104 cm at the top and 45cm at the base of the ski zone.
Skiing at Les Arcs
Les Arcs is also a great place for beginners - particularly the Arc 1800 area.
As with most French ski resorts, Les Arcs doesn’t come cheap, but if you want a white Christmas experience your kids won’t forget, it'll be worth every euro-cent!
Zakopane, Poland
Located at the base of the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane in Poland is beautiful all year round - but especially so when the snow begins to fall.
Come December the area takes on a truly fairytale appearance.
Things to do in Zakopane
Alongside skiing and tobogganing, there's swimming to be enjoyed in the Chocholow Thermal Baths - great fun for all ages.
What makes Zakopane a great Christmas holiday destination?
incredible views, hearty Polish food, and (most probably) lots of snow, combine with the festive decorations to create the perfect white Christmas getaway destination.
The town centre has a beautifully decorated tree, and the regular, permanent marker transforms into a very Christmassy one.
While Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are relatively quiet, you'll find locals greet each other warmly with ‘Wesołych swiąt’ (merry Christmas) instead of ‘Dzień dobry’ (good morning).
In Poland, the most important meal of the season - and indeed the year - takes place on Christmas Eve.
Some restaurants stay open to serve this traditional Christmas feast, so you won’t have to worry about going without or cooking yourself.
New year in Zakopane
If you stay for New Year, be sure to take a ride on a 'kulig' - a horse-drawn sleigh.
How expensive is a trip to Zakopane?
Hotel prices tend to go up during Christmas, so do book in advance as far as you can.
Generally, however, the area is cheaper than many western European destinations at this time of year.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Small, charming Zermatt could be the perfect place for a Christmas getaway.
Situated 1600m above sea level, this world-class resort is famed for its top-notch skiing, boisterous apres ski scene and high-end restaurants.
How busy is Zermatt?
Visitors can reach 35,000 at any one-time during Christmas, so you'll need to book as far ahead as you can.
What is there to do in Zermatt at Christmas?
Alongside skiing and snowboarding - which can be enjoyed across the border in Italy - you can also try your hand at curling, which is very popular in winter.
If you're travelling as a couple, the apres ski activities include restaurants, bars, night clubs (it has more than any other Valais resort!), discos and tea dances.
As far as Christmas festivities go, there's a magical Christmas market and church services to attend on the big day.
Most businesses are also open on Christmas Day, although usually at reduced hours.
The 200 km of ski slopes are also open.
And in the white Christmas stakes, Zermatt is about as guaranteed as you can get.
So, if you're looking for a white Christmas getaway in 2022, consider one of these 13 best white Christmas destinations.
From Lapland to Tromsø, there are plenty of options to choose from!
No matter where you decide to spend your white Christmas vacation, you can be sure that it will be an unforgettable experience.
With charming Christmas markets, plenty of winter activities, and the chance to experience a white Christmas, these destinations will make for an unforgettable holiday season.
So start planning now and enjoy a white Christmas in 2022!
Don't forget to arrange your travel insurance for your Christmas break! And your Winter Sports Cover, if venturing off to one of the many ski resorts covered.
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