Has December got you dreaming of a trip to snowier surroundings? We get it. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to embrace the cold or inspiration for the best white Christmas, some places that just do snow better.
From New York to Norway, check out our five favourite destinations that look top drawer when the white stuff falls!
New York
New York does the festive season brilliantly and it’s made even more magical under a blanket of snow. It’s a fantastic pick if you’re looking to spend Christmas abroad – think dazzling lights and ice skating rinks galore – but even after the festivities have ended, the city holds on to its winter wonderland vibes.
Snow flurries dust the city’s skyscrapers and blanket the trees of Central Park all the way from December to February and you can still take a turn around the ice at the Wollman Rink, which stays open until March.
If you need warming up, treat yourself to hot chocolate, NYC-style slice of pizza or a delicious hot dog from one of the many street vendors. We’re sold!
Norway
If short-haul snow is what you’re looking for, a trip to Norway will be right up your street! With winter temperatures averaging below zero, snowfall is all but guaranteed, starting as early as October in the northern regions.
Expect cosy cabin holidays, lots of hot mjød (honey-wine), and heaps of snow activities such as husky sled rides and kicksledding. Lillehammer, the former Olympic bobsleigh venue, offers sleigh rides and tobogganing if you’re looking for an extra adrenaline kick.
The cherry on top of the cake? Winter is also one of the best times of year to see the northern lights in Norway – Tromsø is considered the top destination to see this epic phenomenon!
Canada
Snow and Canada are no strangers. Continuous cover is a regular occurrence during the winter months across the majority of the country so there’s plenty to go around!
The long snow season is perfect for skiers looking for an action-packed getaway on the slopes but for something a little more low-key, the spectacular winter scenery at Banff National Park shouldn’t be missed. Get snap happy on the shores of the crystal-clear Moraine Lake, which reflects the stunning Valley of the Ten Peaks – it’s proper postcard stuff!
Elsewhere, Quebec City turns into a giant Christmas village come December, and is the host of the Quebec Winter Carnival in February where you can see everything from frozen palaces to ice canoe races.
Austria
Whether you’re after historic towns draped in fairy lights or ski fun in the Alps, Austria is the place to be in winter! In valley areas such as Innsbruck and Tirol, snowfall can begin as early as November and last well into March. Even if you’re not a skier, you’ll find plenty of winter sports activities to keep you entertained including tobogganing and snow-shoeing.
If browsing trinket-filled stalls while sipping a steaming cup of glühwein (mulled wine) is more your cup of tea, head to Vienna for the Christmas markets – light snow flurries aren’t uncommon in December.
Need more convincing? A visit to the tiny lakeside village of Hallstatt will win you over. Often voted as one of the prettiest villages in the world, it's made all the more glorious when the nearby Salzburg Mountain is blanketed in beautiful white snow!
Iceland
Yes, you can see snow in Iceland most months of the year, but winter is when this icy island comes into its element. We’re talking snow-capped mountains, sparkling glaciers and towering waterfalls jewelled with icicles!
The capital city, Reykjavik, is a showstopper at Christmas. The streets are festooned in fairy lights and the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church makes one heck of an igloo under a layer of snow! It’s also a great base for winter activities. Rev up your engine for snow mobiling, take to the water for whale watching or search the skies for the northern lights – Iceland is another prime spot to catch them!
If the sub zero temps become too chilly, a soak in the Blue Lagoon’s stunning thermal springs is a pretty awesome way to warm up.
Do you have a favourite destination for a snow-filled holiday? Drop us a tweet @icelollyholiday and let us know!
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