10 CITIES TO GO TO FOR A WHITE CHRISTMAS

Have you been dreaming of a white Christmas? I know I have. While images of Father Christmas knee-deep in snow, snowmen rugged up in fleecy neckwear and imagery of a certain reindeer with a bright coloured nose continue to don our holiday season giftcards, a very small percentage of us have actually experienced a true White Christmas. Here’s where you can almost guarantee your dream Christmas can take place in the top 10 cities to go to for a White Christmas…

This post was written in celebration of the Contiki Legends concept – happy holidays!

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Oslo, Norway

 With ski resorts just a few hours away by train, Oslo is the perfect Norwegian city to fly into for a White Christmas getaway. Just be sure to play it cool and stay under the radar, as the snow doesn’t both the Norwegians one bit – it’s all part of winter in the Scandis!

Helsinki, Finland

Just across the way and also in Scandinavia, one will find Finland’s capital, Helsinki. Helsinki is an eclectic cosmopolitan mix of architecture and design, and the perfect choice for a winter getaway. If snow is not anticipated over Christmas, hop on a regional flight elsewhere in Finland for some guaranteed Christmas magic.

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Salzburg, Austria

The Austrian Alps aren’t as famous as the French or Swiss, but they’re certainly not falling far behind with some very reputable slopes and at a discounted price in comparison to its’ neighbours. Salzburg is the picturesque, magical, fairytale-like town to base yourself for a perfect Christmas Eve by the fire sipping hot cocoa. So quaint and charming, in fact, that you’ll have to be dragged by your heels when leaving.

Montreal, Canada

When it comes to guaranteeing a White Christmas – Montreal is about as close as you can get. The city is well-prepared for the snow season and they are certainly no stranger to thick layers of frosty white flakes in the festive season.

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St Petersburg, Russia

Should you dare brave the Russian winter, St Petersburg is the obvious choice for Christmas spirit, charm, and a history unlike any other. Be sure to visit the Winter Palace, indulge in Russian vodka to warm up, and be aware that the Russian Orthodox Christmas is in fact on the 7th of January – don’t be afraid to stay a while and double up on Christmas’ for one year!

Tallinn, Estonia

Estonia’s capital is a charming little place that has somehow managed to fly under the radar for many years. Whether you stay a while or visit for a short day trip from Helsinki, be sure to wander without intent or purpose through the cobblestone alleyways and don’t forget to try the chocolate shops!

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Chicago, Illinois

 Chicago currently has a 50% chance of snow for Christmas – not a bad success rate! This is one of the most magical towns to find yourself at Christmas – just be sure to keep your fingers and toes crossed for a magical white Christmas!!

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is like stepping into a time-warp with multiple functions. You have a very distinct mix of architecture and influence in Prague, the city that Hitler himself spared because it was just too beautiful to destroy. Well it is obvious he was wrong about more than one thing – because Prague has become one of Europe’s most popular attractions! The chance of snow on Christmas day is slight, but there’s still a chance nonetheless! 

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Aspen, Colorado

 Aspen is the crowning jewel of the Rockies. Here you can rest assured you will find snow, and plenty of it. But it’s the Christmas spirit and old world charm that repeat guests return to Aspen to year after year in search of that true fairytale Christmas experience. 

St. Moritz, Switzerland

Renowned for being the ‘playground of the rich and famous’ over the festive season, St Moritz is a picture perfect postcard if ever there were one. The prices close to double over the winter period, so don’t expect to leave town without empty pockets! This lavish town hiding away in the south-east of Switzerland will take your breath away – a truly magic spot to spend Christmas!