The one question to ask yourself before booking a White Christmas holiday
Travel booking data shows that more Aussies are trading in a traditional warm festive season for a White Christmas overseas.
It’s one of those things that is on many people’s dream travel lists, because it’s just so different to the type of Chrissy we’re used to here.
A snowy Christmas is so far from what we’re used to at home. iStock
Sarah Latimore from APT Travel Group told nine.com.au they’ve seen a huge number of bookings for long-haul travel at Christmastime.
“Guests want a genuine escape this festive season, and they’re choosing to travel further to get that real contrast to a Christmas at home.”
“It’s about what’s waiting at the other end, snow underfoot, markets lit up for the season, a proper fire to sit by, the kind of atmosphere you simply can’t recreate locally.”
“Guests are willing to go the extra distance for an experience that feels genuinely different and magic,” she said.
Christmas markets are a quintessential part of European winter travel. iStock
When choosing the ideal winter Christmas spot, there are two main contenders.
Europe has the traditional Christmas markets and fairytale village vibe, while Canada appeals to ski bunnies and those who want to get out in nature.
So, nature or culture? Which is best for you?
White Christmas in Europe
The big drawcard here is the Christmas Markets, with their twinkling lights, wooden stalls, mulled wine, and warm food.
Whether you’re in a capital city or a cozy alpine village, the feeling of Christmas in Europe is like nowhere else on Earth.
There are also all the other classic European holiday drawcards: historic city walks, castle tours, alpine train rides, and skiing in certain destinations. Couples, foodies, and history buffs, are all drawn to a European White Christmas.
In Finland, you can even head to Santa’s village and meet the man himself.
Snowy alpine villages are so magical. iStock
However, in Europe, snow on Christmas Day isn’t always guaranteed, unless you head high into the Alps or the Nordic regions.
APT offers cruises that wind their way through Europe, stopping off at different cities so you can sample a whole range of Christmas Markets.
Sarah’s top pick is Striezelmarkt in Dresden, Germany’s oldest Christmas market which she says sets the tone for the whole journey.
“We’ve built these itineraries around guaranteed festive moments, so guests know they’re getting that magic rather than hoping for it,” she said.
Winter landscapes in Canada are epic. iStock
White Christmas in Canada
The snowy season in Canada is more for those who want to spend time outdoors. It feels wild and epic: powder snow, dramatic frozen landscapes, cozy luxury lodges, and one-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Of course, skiing is a main drawcard. But there’s also everything else that nature has to offer, including snow-covered mountains and a trip to Lake Louise.
Travellers can even ice skate on the iconic lake.
Other Christmassy activities in Canada include horse-drawn carriage rides, outdoor thermal soaking, and snowmobiling or dog-sledding.
“Canada offers something more classic and relaxed,” Sarah said.
“Christmas Day in Banff is the highlight,” she added of the APT offerings, “with snow on the ground, the town lit up for the season, plus the sleigh ride and that Rockies rail journey, it’s the kind of experience that defines the trip.”
Ice skating on Lake Louise is an iconic winter activity. iStock
Which European countries have snow at Christmas?
To guarantee snow on Christmas Day in Europe, you need to look to Northern Scandinavia (Lapland) or high-elevation regions in the Alps.
The major tourist cities across Western Europe (like London, Paris, or Amsterdam) rarely see an actual white Christmas.
Eastern European Old Towns are magical when snow falls at Christmas. iStock
In Finland, Sweden, and Norway, you’re almost 100 per cent likely to get a snowy Christmas. In Central Europe, snow at Christmas depends on altitude.
Aim for alpine towns like Zermatt (Switzerland), Tyrol (Austria), and ski resorts in France and Italy.
If you want to stick to big cities, Eastern Europe is your best bet. Prague (Czechia) and Krakow (Poland) have about a 50 per cent chance of snow, as do the capital cities of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
