8 magical destinations for a white Christmas

From the Alps to Santa’s European HQ, Brooke Montgomery discovers these amazing locations for a white Christmas.

There is something very special about being in the Northern Hemisphere during our Christmas holidays. Towns are lit up like … well … Christmas trees, giving everything an even more magical feel. Unlike the winter school holidays in Australia, which only last for two weeks, you have a whole six weeks to play, which means your kids can enjoy the best of both worlds: a winter holiday with the family and plenty of time at home with friends at the beach, at the pool, or just hanging out being kids. Consider going for a White Christmas, with the kids – and the adults – waking to a world of snowy wonder on Christmas Day.

1. Val d’Isère, France

When the snow falls, this cosy village in the Tarentaise Valley transforms into a beautiful ski mecca. Ride on more than 300km of variable terrain and enjoy a myriad of activities such as paragliding, dog sled tours, toboggan rides and ice skating. Christmas in Val d’Isère officially begins at the start of December when the Christmas lights are switched on and the celebrations continue all month long, so grab a vin chaud (and hot choccie for the kids), snap a photo with Père Noël (as he’s known in these parts) and stroll among the wooden chalets, bathed with Savoyard festive cheer.

For more information, you can read our family-friendly guide to a France family holiday here.

2. Innsbruck, Austria 

Tirol’s capital of the Alps has so much to offer, especially come Christmas time. The city is a beacon of illuminated festive cheer, surrounded by the nine snow resorts of Olympia SkiWorld, including Nordkette, accessed directly from the city centre. As a two-time host of the Winter Olympics (three if you count the first-ever Youth Winter Olympics in 2012) snow sports are a major drawcard for the area. You and your family can also choose from a range of other winter pursuits. For the perfect way to bring the magic of Christmas to life, take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage through the snow or visit one of the five famous Christmas markets where you’ll find delicate ornaments, handicrafts and tasty winter treats, all under the twinkling lights of a giant Christmas tree on Marktplatz.

For more information, you can read our family-friendly guide to an Austria family holiday here.

3. Rovaniemi, Finland 

Set just outside Rovaniemi, Ounasvaara is the perfect ski resort for families seeking a white Christmas. In the village, you can explore Santa’s Village, meet santa and go for a sleigh ride behind a real reindeer. The mountain has nine downhill slopes, cross-country tracks and a terrain park and caters for every ability.

For little ones just starting out, Rendi’s Snow World is the place to be. Skis, snowboards and sleds are all welcome with the magic carpet making it easy for little legs. 

4. Bolzano, Italy

With a rich history, stunning mountain scenery plus an abundance of winter activities, Bolzano, on the border of Italy and Austria, is an amazing setting for a white winter getaway. Corno del Renon/Rittner Horn is one of the closest ski resorts to the city and is great for snow bunnies of every calibre. Skiers and snowboarders will delight at the gnarly slopes and cross-country trails and kids will love the snowshoe hikes. In a Yuletide experience like no other, the town square transforms into the largest Christmas market in Italy. Sweet treats, gifts and crafts galore… your family will have a magical time wandering under the twinkling city lights.

For more information, you can read our family-friendly guide to an Italy family holiday here.

5. Jackson Hole, USA

The lights sparkle brightly in Jackson’s Town Square, with its antler archways aglow with lights. And it is not just the town of Jackson, with its cowboy heart and Western shops that shines, but the soaring peaks of Jackson Hole in the shadows of Grand Teton National Park and a stone’s throw from Yellowstone.

Jackson might have a reputation as an advanced mountain, but don’t let that fool you. It is exceptional for advanced skiers and snowboarders, but it is also heaven on a ski pole for intermediates and beginners. When you’re not sliding down the slopes of Rendezvous and Après Vous, get up close to hundreds of elk in the National Elk Refuge, and marvel at the beautiful bison and moose you could spot in the area.

Read: A guide to skiing Jackson Hole with kids

6. Sun Peaks, Canada

During Christmas at Sun Peaks Resort, carols are playing, fairy lights are glowing and horse-drawn sleighs jingle around corners. Families can partake in gingerbread house making competitions and kids have many opportunities to meet Santa. They can sled with him, ski with him, listen to him read a book, and even have breakfast with the jolly man in red.

Sun Peaks Resort has three mountains – Sundance, Morrissey and Tod – offering 1,728 hectares of terrain. It is the second biggest ski area in Canada. Olympic legend Nancy Greene Raine offers free guided ski tours. And for families with kids who love playing in the terrain parks, Sun Peaks has some beauties.

7. Salt Lake City, Utah

In December families looking for a white Christmas experience can embark on the North Pole Express train ride. Passengers get hot chocolates, biscuits, a souvenir ticket, and a special gift from Santa.

Salt Lake City is known as Ski City. There are 10 world-class ski resorts within a one-hour radius of the Salt Lake airport with their own Christmas celebrations. Park City Mountain has an exciting calender of Christmas events for their annual Snowfest celebrations.

Choose from the Park City resorts of Deer Valley (ski only) or the gargantuan Park City, linked to the stunning Main Street area via a chairlift. Head for Solitude, Sundance, Alta or Brighton, or further afield, let yourself go wild on the enormous powder playground that is Powder Mountain, or on the pretty-as-a-picture runs of Snowbasin.

Read: Chef Neil Perry explores Park City with his family

8. European Christmas markets

Vienna in Austria, Prague in the Czech Republic and Tallinn in Estonia also have magical Christmas markets. The markets have been running for centuries in medieval town squares. Stallholders sell beautifully crafted wooden toys, Christmas ornaments, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and other goodies.

No matter which resort you choose for your white Christmas, it will feel much more Christmassy than usual. Christmas carols will be playing everywhere, the lyrics making so much more sense than in the heat of the Australian summer, and when it comes to Christmas lights, you won’t believe how beautiful they are, twinkling against a backdrop of snow.