They say Christmas in July is just as exciting as the real deal however if you’re keen to experience a magical white Christmas complete with snowflakes, snowmen and maybe even reindeer, read on to get our top five picks for the ultimate white Christmas destinations. If you’re ready to experience a magical winter wonderland holiday, contact your personal travel manager to start your Yuletide festivities.
There’s nothing quite like experiencing New York City during the festive season. From ice skating in the heart of Central Park or under the Rockefeller Center, shopping along 5th Avenue, Times Square or Madison Avenue and experiencing the magnificent Christmas window displays – New York City becomes a winter wonderland during the holidays. While you won’t find reindeer roaming the streets, you will be greeted by blankets of snow, bright light shows at Grand Central Station and perhaps one of the world’s most famous Christmas trees at Rockefeller Center. New York City
effortlessly embraces Christmas festivities in its already brimming melting pot of arts, culture and character.
What springs to mind when thinking of Lapland, Finland? Perhaps the closest thing you’ll get to experiencing a perfect white Christmas: enjoy reindeer sleigh rides, endless snowfall and the unique opportunity to see one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, the Aurora Borealis, while staying in traditional Sami wood cabins. Lapland is also home to two major St. Nick theme parks: The Santa Claus Village and Santa Park. These amusement parks live up to their namesake, with staff members dressed up as elves and family fun reindeer sled rides as well as the chance to meet Father Christmas himself. Still want more? Other key attractions and activities include skiing, ice-carting, Wolverine Fell Wilderness and Nature, Igloo Village Kakaslauttanen and the snow village at Lainio. Lapland is a treat for the senses and is by far one of the best Yuletide experiences for any age.
During December, this medieval city truly lives up to its enchanting reputation. Snow covers its historic cobblestone streets and winter marketplaces pop up, bringing Christmas cheer to every corner of the city. The annual Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival now in its ninth year, allows visitors to explore incredible ice-made artworks from November to January – and it’s even open Christmas Day. A Christmas trip to Bruges can’t be considered complete without a visit to the annual Christmas Markets where an ice-skating rink and market are brimming with activity and cheerful festive locals and tourists alike.
Copenhagen embraces and celebrates Christmas to the fullest with plenty of traditional markets. Tivoli Christmas Market is Copenhagen’s most popular Christmas market and pony rides, decorations, hot drinks, traditional meals and gifts are abundant. Take a stroll down Strøget where festive lights and garlands trim the famous mile-long pedestrian thoroughfare and visit the Nytorv Christmas market – guaranteed to satisfy those looking to experience traditional Danish treats and enjoy mulled wine, live entertainment and crafts. Another key Christmas market is held at Axeltorv Square in the heart of Helsingør where more than 20 festively-adorned cabins and a nostalgic merry-go-round create a, dare we say, magic atmosphere for the family.
With a Christmas tree to rival Rockefeller Center’s, the pine erected in the Old Town Square in Prague towers over visitors to create an impressive feature point in Czech’s capital city. A winter market, also held in the Old Town Square, runs from December 1st to January 6th and has a lovely fairytale feel, with stalls selling iced gingerbread and blown glass ornaments under a majestic backdrop of Prague’s gothic churches and architecture. Enjoy traditional Czech pastries and various warm drinks while you browse the market. Finally, live carols and choirs perform late afternoon/early evening on stage in the Square to create an ambient Christmas experience for the whole family.