15 magical places to have a white Christmas

1. Japanese Alps, Japan

Japan may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think Christmas, but its proximity to Australia, (literally) mountains of snow and the affordable flight price, thanks to budget carriers like Jetstar and AirAsia, make it our top contender.

A long-time favourite destination for Australian snow bunnies, Japan's north and Alps are some of the snowiest places in the world during the winter months - which fall over Christmas and New Year's in that part of the world. They're also a great excuse for a snow trip.

2. Harbin, China

Northern China can get to freezing temperatures in December and while you might want to explore the hubs of Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an, for snow your number one city is Harbin. Every year it hosts the world-renowned Harbin Ice and Snow Festival from Christmas Eve until the end of February with many sculptures themed around Christmas.

Other wintry escapes in the country include Nanshan Ski Resort near Beijing for some powder-ful action and the Yellow Mountains for some magnificent snow-capped views.

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3. Seoul, Korea

Unique and entrancing, Seoul is somewhere that doesn't come top of mind when you think "white Christmas". So you might be surprised to hear that the city goes all out over the Christmas holidays decking its lanes in lights and the sounds of Christmas carols.

Want a winter wonderland without too much hype and crowds but plenty of Christmas cheer and wallet-friendly flights? We found it.

If you're planning to travel around the country, make your way to Bonghwa to celebrate Christmas in its Santa Village.

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4. Paris, France

The City Of Lights is already on our bucket lists as one of the most romantic cities on earth. What could make it that much more so? Visiting it when it's covered in snow.

While the possibility of catching a snow-drift in the city is pretty low for Christmas Day the forecast is suggesting a light flurry around a week before.

Cross all your fingers and all your toes. If nothing else, it'll still be an enchanting trip.

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5. Glasgow, UK

Scotland's industrial capital has one of the best odds to be blanketed in snow on Christmas Day.

Often overlooked for Edinburgh, Glasgow pulls out all the stops for season with Christmas markets that run until 31 December, family-friendly entertainment such as pantomimes and theatre shows and festive food around every corner.

Not far behind Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh are also facing good odds for a white Christmas this year.

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6. New York City, USA

There's something a little bit magical about New York City at Christmas time.

From the colourful department store displays to ice skating rinks in Central Park and at the Rockefeller Centre, this urban jungle transforms into a winter wonderland come Christmas.

There may not be blankets of snow to make angels in right in the city, but there's a good chance of flurries making your evening a bit more enchanted.

Get into the Christmas spirit by checking out the Christmas markets or hitting up Radio City for its Christmas Spectacular.

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7. Quebec City, Canada

Being located in the great white north, this city is known for its December snowfall and could likely see some this year on Christmas Day.

Located in French-Canada and one of North America's last remaining fortified cities, Quebec City has a romantic, European air about it. With colourful buildings, narrow cobble-stoned streets and French being spoken all around you, you'll feel a lot more like you're walking down a street in France than you will in Canada.

Do it right, join a walking tour to learn more about Old Quebec.

Just a few hours from Montreal (where you're more likely to find a flight deal to), it's the perfect place to experience the charm of French Canada.

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Image: Arctic Treehouse Hotel

8. Lapland, Finland

If you're going to travel halfway across the world to see snow this Christmas, you may as well go all the way and visit Santa while you're at it.

According to the Fins, Santa lives in the remote town of Rovaniemi in the Arctic Circle. Dubbed Santa's Village, it's a place where you can meet the man himself, visit reindeer and ride husky-drawn sleighs.

Being in the Arctic Circle there's a high chance of snowfall and a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Oh and did we mention you can stay in a treehouse (pictured) amongst the snow capped landscape?

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9. Reykjavik, Iceland

During winter, the temperature in Iceland's capital drops to -2℃ at night, making it an ideal place to capture some Christmas snowfall.

Mind you, it's also known to be quite windy during December so remember to bring good snow gear when you visit. Drive far north enough and you might even catch some Northern Lights activity as well.

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10. Midwest, USA

Central and eastern states of the US are predicted to receive a flurry this year, making it a magically white Christmas for many.

AccuWeather has major states such as Minnesota and Wisconsin down for some frosty the snowman action in late December however most miss out on snowing on 25 December.

For the best flurries on Christmas Day itself, your best bet is to head as far up north as possible to increase your odds.

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11. Salzburg, Austria

While many may opt to visit Vienna for Christmas, the smaller Austrian town of Salzburg is just as mesmerising… and just as likely to receive that sought-after snowfall.

Famed for being the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location for The Sound of Music, Salzburg lights up during Christmas as markets fill its main squares as well as the courtyard of the Hohensalzburg Castle. For guaranteed snow, take a trip to the dozen ski resort areas nearby.

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12. Budapest, Hungary

With its frequent and gentle December snowfall, conditions for a perfect white Christmas in Budapest couldn’t be better if it tried.

The eclectic city of Budapest offers a unique Christmas for visitors. Brimming with ruin bars and thermal baths, you can spend days hopping from one to the other. When you’re done, immerse yourself in the festive spirit of the Christmas markets and outdoor ice rink in Budapest City Park or take a Christmas boat ride along the Danube.

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13. Tromsø, Norway

Tucked 350km north of the Arctic Circle, where snowfall can start as early as October, is the colourful port town of Tromso.

One of Tromsø’s biggest claims to fame is that it’s the northernmost town in the world with a popular over 50,000 - although it doesn’t feel like it. The city centre is extremely manageable on foot and often wears a thick coat of snow in late winter. The town itself can be reached by Hurtigruten cruise, plane or bus making it easily accessible for holidaymakers.

For something seasonal to do, why not tuck into a reindeer sledding experience with dinner and the chance of catching the Northern Lights?.

If you're willing to head a pinch further north (and in theory increase your chances of catching the lights) Alta is home to the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel which is exactly what you think it is.

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14. Moscow, Russia

Layer up and prepare for snow when you plan to spend Christmas in Moscow. Throughout the month the highest temperature is rarely over 0℃ and snow flurries are common.

Russia is renowned for its white winters, so for a good chance of snowfall it’s the place to be. In December, Moscow’s famous Red Square transforms into an unforgettable Christmas market. However, the place to be between mid-December and mid-January is the nearby Manezh Square, which is where the Journey into Christmas festival takes place. It’s a traditional Russian Christmas fun fair with modern ideas that’s said to be the most picturesque festival in all of Moscow. It’s also one of the biggest New Year’s Eve festivals in the world.

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15. Tallinn, Estonia

Base yourself in Old Town Tallinn for a unique Christmas with a medieval feel.

Renowned for its cheap food and drink (compared to Western Europe) and its party atmosphere, Tallinn is one of the best places to celebrate the season, not least because of its high chance of snowfall. It’s also a short boat ride from Helsinki if you want to double down and see another European city potentially covered in snow.

Alternatively, you can triple your odds and visit all three Baltic countries on this tour.

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