The most enchanting destinations for a Picture-Perfect White Christmas
Written by Kaelie Piscitello
The snow falls softly and crystallizes on the pavement outside as you sip from a warm mug of hot cocoa. You’ve spent the day outside in the cold, sledding down hills, feeding deer carrots, and ice skating on the nearby frozen lake. Christmas music wafts over from the stereo, lulling you into a daze. As the song hits the crescendo, you can see your family placing presents under the Christmas tree out of the corner of your eye.
While this scene could take place at a warming, home Christmas, this could also be you on vacation in a snowy winter wonderland. While many people want to visit warm places in the winter, consider traveling to a frosty destination this year. Whether you decide to vacation in Colorado or Iceland, you have many options for enjoying the chilly holiday season.
Finnish Lapland
Who knew Santa lived in Rovaniemi, Finland? There is no better place to have a snowy, white Christmas than Santa’s residence in the North Pole. Lapland offers striking scenic views, complete with beautiful forests and lakes to explore.
While you’re there, stop by Santa Claus’s Village and meet the man himself! When you’ve finished saying hello, head over to the nearby snowmobile park and either drive yourself around or take a guided tour to experience nature from a different point of view.
When you finish your snowmobile ride, spend some extra cash on a sleigh ride. You can have your sled pulled by huskies or reindeer and experience a magical journey through the nearby woods. If you ride with a reindeer, your guide will give you some background information on reindeer herding. Santa Land stays open year-round for anyone wanting to travel there.
In the evening, go outside to take in the gorgeous Northern Lights shining down on the northern hemisphere. When you’ve had your fill, warm up in a traditional Finnish Sauna and settle in for the night. If you still have time at the end of your trip, visit the Rauna Wildlife Park and say hello to some polar bears.
Iceland
Unlike the rest of the world, Christmas in Iceland lasts 26 days, from December 11 to January 6! According to tradition, the holiday begins when the Yule Lad comes to town and ends when he departs. The best Christmas celebrations last a long time.
Similar to Lapland, Iceland also has stunning displays of the Aurora Borealis in the winter months and breathtaking nature scenes. While you’re there, you can take a three-day Northern Lights Winter Tour to learn the history behind the light show and see it more.
You should also take a snowmobile tour in Iceland and enjoy a two-day cave tour of the South Coast. On the tour, explore the wondrous elements of the island created by active volcanoes.
Of course, remember to stop by Icelandic Christmas markets, such as Austurvollur-Ingolfstorg Suares, and sample traditional Icelandic holiday food. Try all of the classics, including smoked lamb in white sauce and pepper cookies. At the end of the day, settle into a nice, relaxing evening in one of the many natural hot springs around.
Banff, Canada
Banff has unparalleled gorgeous winter views, and the beautiful mountains there have something to offer everyone during the holiday season. In addition to winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, Aspen hosts many charming holiday events for all its visitors.
The city hosts Santa Claus’s Celebration of Lights each year, where Santa Claus reads books to children, kids make holiday gifts at the craft cabin, and many performers share their craft. You can also stop by the In Search of Christmas Spirit occasion and walk through the Cascade of Time Garden to hear a live Christmas story told by the animals of Banff National Park.
Like Iceland and Finland, you can take a sleigh ride, but horses drive you around here. You can also stop at a Canadian version of a Christmas Market- the Banff Christmas Market, buy keepsakes, sample some of the goodies there, and appreciate the live music.
Hokkaido, Japan
Japan during the holidays? Believe it or not, Hokkaido becomes a festive, frosty city in December and welcomes people worldwide. To hide from the cold, relax in a traditional Japanese Onsen and head back outside for the many light festivals!
You can’t miss the Sapporo White Illumination show. It uses 800,000 lights and runs in conjunction with several Russian-influenced Christmas Markets. If you like those lights, you can also walk through the Toya-ko Onsen Illumination tunnel and see it light up.
You also must see the Hakodate Christmas Fantasy, where the venue lights up a premium red Christmas tree with lights three times per day, and fireworks grace the air each evening. It would help if you stopped by the real-life Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Shiroi Koibito Park. The factory stays open all year but becomes magical during the holidays because of its decorations and chocolate-making class.
Aspen, Colorado
Of course, the list of places for a magical white Christmas would not be complete without mentioning Colorado at least once. While you can have a magical white Christmas in many parts of Colorado, Aspen trumps them all. You can go skiing and snowshoeing, engage in all your usual winter sports, and participate in a tree lighting ceremony.
Like many other destinations, you can take a sleigh ride pulled by Belgian and Percheron horses. The sleigh rides here seat up to fifteen people and bring you to Pine Creek Cookhouse for a five-course meal. Your sleigh ticket includes the price of the meal.
Remember live entertainment! Aspen hosts a beautiful Winterskol Parade each year and live music every night in jazz clubs and concert halls. Don’t miss hearing your favorite holiday song at this magical time of year.
