7 Spectacular Snowy Destinations For A Holly-Jolly Christmas

“Sleigh bells ring; are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening.” It might seem a bit early to be singing Christmas carols, but for some, they like to start early! We’re all about the holidays around here, and if you’re anything like us, you are too. So, no, we won’t be singing our favourite Christmas carols today; although that would be really fun, we’re sharing seven insanely breathtaking places to visit if you’re after the most magical Christmas possible. So pack your bags, friends, because we’re jet-setting off and our first stop is in Lapland, Finland!

1. Lapland, Finland

Are you prepared to explore the Christmas spirit when you land in Lapland, Finland? Lapland, Finland, is where Santa himself is said to live. Not only is it an Arctic wonderland, coated in white sparkly snow, it’s also one of the most Christmassy places on the planet.

For them, the spirit of Christmas lingers throughout the year, but their Christmas season officially begins in November. By that point, there’s buckets of snow, making it a great time to enjoy some skiing too! In Lapland, Finland, you can visit Santa Claus Village and Santa Park. You can attend Elf School and even graduate! You can make gingerbread houses, bake cookies, and write your letter to Santa.

Basically, anything Christmas can be done and found in Lapland, Finland. It’s enchanting, magical, and a place for all Christmas lovers bucket list travels. You’ll spot charming rustic cabins, smell the crisp pine scent in the air, or pet a reindeer or two at Santa’s workshop. Visiting Lapland, Finland, is like stepping into your favourite feel-good Christmas story. Twinkling lights, sparkling snow, and the jolly good fella himself right there. Does it get more Christmasy than Lapland, Finland? We sure don’t think so!

2. Aspen, Colorado, United States of America

Aspen is a small ski town in Colorado, USA. Though it does get it’s fair share of cold weather, it brings thick snowflakes that blanket the town, almost as if it looks like it’s on a postcard. Aspen is comprised of four mountains and two towns. It’s a skier and snowboarder’s dream! Thousands of kilometres of trails suitable for every skill level.

In addition to the world-class slopes, you’ll find beautiful holiday markets, sleigh rides, public carolling, professionally decorated downtown with breathtaking light displays, and much more. It’s the perfect rustic ski town with jaw-dropping views, mountains hugging you every which way you look, your favorite hot beverages on repeat, and the ultimate relaxing outfit. Aspen Colorado is a magnificent Christmas town that offers tourists plenty to do and tons of holiday activities to take part in!

3. Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

If you’re looking for a dreamlike place to visit this Christmas, then look no further than Quebec City, in Quebec, Canada. Its captivating atmosphere exudes old charm and festive spirit like no other. Twinkling lights line old cobblestone roads, and buildings display fantastic decorations for all to see and enjoy. While in Quebec City, you must stop at the famous German Christmas Market, ice skate at Place d’Youville, see the Chateau Frontenac, and take in the sights of the frozen Montmorency Falls.

4. St. Moritz, Switzerland

St. Moritz is the place to be if you’re looking for something ultra-lavish, luxurious, and exclusive. It is a luxury alpine resort town with plenty to offer during the Christmas season. It becomes a dazzling delight with sparkling lights and holiday decorations everywhere you look. St. Moritz has a ski-in/ski-out hotel, a charming Christmas market that attracts plenty of famous and royal people, and snow-beasted peaks as a breathtaking backdrop.

5. Reykjavik, Iceland

The capital of Iceland is next up. Reykjavik lights up everything for Christmas. There’s a wonderful charm to the capital city, and with Christmas being the biggest celebration of the year in Icelandic culture, the city goes all out on decorations and lights. You might even spot the Northern Lights while visiting! Whether you’re exploring through ice caves, glacier hiking, snowmobiling, or a beautiful walking tour, Reykjavik, Iceland, is the best place to do it during the Christmas season. 

6. Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg is the city to visit if you’re after a true German Christmas experience. The festive atmosphere is drenched in beautiful tradition, strung with perfect lights, and decorated to the nines. Nuremberg is home to the ChristKindlesMarkt, one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world, offering visitors hours of handmade items to browse. The city is painted with impressive mediaeval architecture, which just adds to the magical feeling and capitalises on the olden feeling vibes. Walking through the city is a whimsical treat with twinkling warm lights and traditional holiday decor.

7. Zurich, Switzerland

Zermatt, Switzerland, is a breathtaking snowy destination perfect for Christmas travels. With perfectly decorated chalets, world-class slopes, and spectacular hiking, Zermatt is a great place for all your holiday wants. Blanketed with thick snow, colorful lights strung, and dazzling holiday displays, there are plenty of amazing sights to take in. But Zermatt is so beautiful you could do absolutely nothing and still have a memorable experience. Just being able to take in those sights and see the beauty with your own eyes makes it a core memory locked in. 

It’s Time to Pack Your Bag!

Whatever you’re looking for out of a holiday trip, these seven snowy destinations have it and more. They’re the perfect place for a perfect holly-jolly Christmas. Whether it’s visiting Santa’s village in Lapland, Finland, skiing in Aspen, walking through the cobblestone streets of Quebec City, pampering yourself with the lush luxury of St. Moritz, catching the Northern Lights in Reykjavik, going to one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world, or staying in a perfect chalet beside world-class slopes in Zermatt, these seven places offer cozy, warm, and beautiful holiday festivities that promise to make your holiday absolutely unforgettable! Dazzling lights, jaw-dropping displays, and magical Christmas trees; visiting Santa, or petting a reindeer are just some of the incredible things you can see and do while on your holly-jolly Christmas trip! Have you been to one of these places at Christmastime? What did you think of it?