7 dreamy snow-covered destinations for the ultimate white Christmas

As Christmas decorations begin to appear across cities and shopping centres, it’s a reminder that the festive season is fast approaching.

For many, the idea of a “White Christmas” - one marked by snow, twinkling lights, and the warmth of indoor gatherings - remains the ultimate holiday dream.

Whether it’s the nostalgia of festive films or the allure of snow-dusted landscapes, a White Christmas captures the magic and tradition of the season.

If you’re planning to travel this December, here are some of the best destinations around the world to experience a truly wintry Christmas.

Lapland, Finland

Few places embody the spirit of Christmas like Lapland, Finland.

Located above the Arctic Circle, Lapland offers a genuine winter wonderland experience with guaranteed snow, reindeer sleigh rides, and the chance to meet Santa Claus in his official village in Rovaniemi.

Visitors can enjoy husky sledging, snowmobiling and reindeer sleigh rides through the region’s frost-covered forests.

The area’s long winter nights provide the perfect opportunity to witness the Northern Lights, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the festive season.

Lapland’s towns and villages are beautifully illuminated with Christmas lights, while cosy wooden cabins and glass igloos provide a magical place to stay.

Beyond the festive activities, travellers can also learn about the traditions of the indigenous Sami people, whose deep connection to the Arctic environment offers valuable cultural insight.

Iceland

If you’re seeking a destination where snow and folklore meet, Iceland offers both in abundance.

The country’s capital, Reykjavik, transforms into a winter wonderland in December, with snow-covered streets, Christmas markets, and a festive atmosphere that feels both traditional and unique.

One of Iceland’s most charming traditions is that of the 13 Yule Lads - mischievous Christmas figures who visit children in the days leading up to Christmas Eve.

The country also celebrates Jólabókaflóðið, or the “Christmas Book Flood”, where families exchange books and spend Christmas Eve reading together.

Visitors can experience the Northern Lights, explore natural ice caves, or relax in geothermal hot springs surrounded by snow.

Reykjavik’s Christmas markets offer local crafts, decorations, and festive foods, while the rest of the country provides striking scenery - frozen waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and glacial lagoons - all blanketed in snow.

Swiss Alps, Switzerland

For those seeking a picture-perfect mountain Christmas, the Swiss Alps deliver an experience straight out of a snow globe.

Resorts such as Zermatt, St. Moritz and Davos offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Europe, alongside stunning alpine views and a guaranteed white Christmas thanks to the high altitude.

The region’s wooden chalets, twinkling lights, and snow-covered rooftops create a timeless festive atmosphere.

Visitors can stroll through Christmas markets filled with handmade ornaments, gingerbread, and warm Glühwein (mulled wine), or take part in local traditions such as the “advent windows” - where a decorated window is revealed each evening in December, accompanied by music, hot chocolate, and community spirit.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn may not guarantee snow every year, but when it arrives, the Estonian capital becomes one of the most charming winter cities in Europe.

Its medieval Old Town, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is transformed by Christmas lights, pine trees, and the scent of mulled wine wafting through the cobbled streets.

The city’s Christmas Market, held in Town Hall Square, is one of the most famous in Europe.

Wooden stalls sell Estonian crafts, traditional food, and warm drinks. Highlights include gingerbread, sauerkraut, and black pudding - classic festive dishes enjoyed across Estonia.

Visitors can go ice skating in the Old Town or attend Gingerbread Mania, an annual exhibition showcasing intricate gingerbread art.

Banff, Canada

Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Banff offers the quintessential white Christmas experience.

Snow-capped peaks, frozen lakes, and alpine forests create a postcard-perfect setting, while the town itself comes alive with festive lights and seasonal decorations.

Visitors can ski or snowboard on the surrounding slopes, skate on the frozen Lake Louise, or take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through snow-covered meadows.

For a relaxing break, the Banff Upper Hot Springs provide a unique way to soak in warm, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by snow.

The Spirit of Christmas Store, local markets, and the town’s “Hot Chocolate Trail” add to the seasonal atmosphere.

Whether you’re exploring the wilderness or warming up in a mountain lodge, Banff combines natural beauty with traditional holiday cheer.

Aspen, Colorado, USA

Aspen is one of the United States’ most iconic winter destinations, known for its high-end charm and consistent snowfall.

Set in the Rocky Mountains, Aspen boasts four ski areas - Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk - offering world-class skiing and snowboarding.

Beyond the slopes, Aspen hosts the “12 Days of Aspen”, a festive celebration filled with carol performances, ice skating, and outdoor concerts.

Visitors can enjoy sleigh rides, campfires, and the town’s beautifully lit streets.

The luxurious hotels and fine dining establishments make it ideal for travellers looking for a more upscale festive experience.

Tokyo, Japan

While snow is rare in Tokyo itself, the Japanese capital offers one of the most visually striking Christmas experiences in the world.

The city’s famous winter illuminations transform neighbourhoods like Shibuya, Roppongi, and Marunouchi into glittering displays of light.

Christmas in Tokyo blends Western traditions with Japanese culture - expect Christmas cakes, fried chicken dinners, and festive markets inspired by Germany.

Theme parks such as Tokyo Disneyland and Yomiuri Land host special Christmas parades and light shows, while evening cruises along the Sumida River offer spectacular views of the illuminated skyline.

Though Tokyo’s “White Christmas” is more about sparkling lights than snow, clear winter skies often reveal views of snow-capped Mount Fuji in the distance.

It’s a modern, cosmopolitan take on the festive season - bright, creative and uniquely Japanese.