Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Christmas is most magical when you’re surrounded by snow-capped peaks and frozen firs. These winter wonderlands are the perfect setting for a very merry Christmas. There are plenty of cozy hotels and beautiful resorts that will welcome you with arms full of hot cocoa and mugs of mulled wine; others have forests so enchanting you can almost hear Rudolph’s red nose light up. If you’re thinking of staying somewhere remote this year, check out our list of the happiest Christmas destinations where the white stuff will be falling soonest. There’s nothing better than sipping on hot chocolate in front of an open fire while listening to carols on Christmas Eve or hiding presents in the attic on December 25th. Discover where to enjoy the merriest Christmas ever…
Switzerland
This is always one of the happiest Christmas destinations, and this year will be no different. The festive season falls in the middle of winter in Switzerland, so it will be snowing when you’re celebrating Christmas. There are plenty of Christmas markets in Bern, Interlaken and Zurich. The best one is in Lucerne. The tree is lit up, and the festive atmosphere is wonderful. Go skiing, sledging or ride on a toboggan. You can also take a Christmas walk or go cross-country skiing. Ski resorts are easily accessible from all major cities in Switzerland. What to do at Christmas in Lucerne: The Nusserer Winter Festival is on from mid-November to the end of January. It features events like the Nussbaumlauf (Christmas tree run), Nusserennen (Christmas car race), Weihnachtsgottesdienst (Christmas service), and the Nussbaummarkt (Christmas tree market). The tree is lit up on December 1st, and the Christmas market starts on the 8th.
Iceland
Christmas in Iceland will be a magical experience. The country is covered in snow, and the landscape is breath-taking. There are many Christmas markets and events to enjoy, and Reykjavik is a magical place to be at Christmas. Visit the Blue Lagoon or the famous thermal pools to warm up after a day outdoors. You can also go ice climbing or take a snowmobile or reindeer-sleigh ride. You can also visit Santa at his Arctic workshop, and he’ll let you know if you’ve been naughty or nice. What to do at Christmas in Reykjavik: Experience the Christmas and New Year at the Blue Lagoon.
Austria
Christmas in Austria is magical. This is one of the happiest Christmas destinations, and it’s a fantastic place to visit at Christmas. The festive season falls in the middle of winter, and it is a great time to visit as the country has plenty of snow. The Austrian Alps are stunning at this time of year. There are lots of Christmas markets and events to enjoy, and Vienna is incredibly festive at this time of year. What to do at Christmas in Vienna: Visit the Vienna Christmas market at Stadtpark. You can also go ice-skating or skiing.
New Zealand
This is another fantastic destination for Christmas. The festive season falls in the summer in New Zealand, so it is a great time to visit the country. It is an absolutely stunning place to be at Christmas. The beaches and mountains are stunning, and there is lots of snow. You can enjoy hiking, skiing, and lots of other winter sports. Alternatively, you can enjoy a spot of shopping in New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland. It is very easy to get to New Zealand at this time of year as there are lots of cheap flights to New Zealand at this time of year. What to do at Christmas in Auckland: There are lots of Christmas markets and events to enjoy in Auckland.
Norway
Christmas in Norway is magical. This is one of the happiest Christmas destinations, and it is a fantastic place to visit at Christmas. The festive season falls in the winter, and it is a great time to visit, as the country has lots of snow. The Norwegian fjords are stunning at this time of year, and Oslo is incredibly festive at this time of year. What to do at Christmas in Oslo: Visit the Oslo Christmas market at Sentrum. You can also go ice-skating or skiing.
Finland
Christmas in Finland is magical. This is one of the happiest Christmas destinations, and it is a fantastic place to visit at Christmas. The festive season falls in the winter, and it is a great time to visit as the country has lots of snow. The Finnish landscape is stunning at this time of year, and Helsinki is incredibly festive at this time of year. What to do at Christmas in Helsinki: Visit the Helsinki Christmas market at Hakaniemi. You can also go ice-skating or skiing.
Spain
Christmas in Spain is magical. This is one of the happiest Christmas destinations, and it is a fantastic place to visit at Christmas. The festive season falls in the winter, and it is a great time to visit, as the country has lots of snow. The Spanish landscape is stunning at this time of year, and Madrid is incredibly festive at this time of year. What to do at Christmas in Madrid: Visit the Madrid Christmas market at Plaza Mayor. You can also go ice-skating or skiing.
France
Christmas in France is magical. This is one of the happiest Christmas destinations, and it is a fantastic place to visit at Christmas. The festive season falls in the winter, and it is a great time to visit, as the country has lots of snow. The French landscape is stunning at this time of year, and Paris is incredibly festive at this time of year. What to do at Christmas in Paris: Visit the Paris Christmas market at Place des Vosges. You can also go ice-skating or skiing.
Canada
This is another fantastic destination for Christmas. The festive season falls in the summer in Canada, so it is a great time to visit the country. It is an absolutely stunning place to be at Christmas. The Canadian Rockies are stunning, and there is lots of snow. You can enjoy a range of winter sports or visit one of the many Christmas markets or events. Alternatively, you can enjoy a spot of shopping in Canada’s largest city, Toronto. It is very easy to get to Canada at this time of year as there are lots of cheap flights to Canada at this time of year. What to do at Christmas in Toronto: There are lots of Christmas markets and events to enjoy in Toronto.
Conclusion
Snow and frosty weather make a wonderful backdrop for Christmas. We’ve explored 10 snow-capped destinations where the festive season is just as magical and festive as it is at home – but you get to stay in a warm, cozy hotel room and enjoy all the Christmas treats you want. Whether you prefer the Alps, Canada or the Andes, you’re sure to find a festive Christmas to remember. However, no matter where you celebrate Christmas, there are a few things you should do to make sure it’s special. Make room in your schedule for plenty of time off work. Make sure you have a tree to decorate and lots of presents to open. Stock up on mugs of cocoa and lots of festive food. And don’t forget to put up your Christmas tree!