This article by Lauren Williamson was originally published on 7travel.
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas you can bet a billion other people are too, so consider these unique destinations for your next brisk break.
If you’re after a fairytale twist on your white Christmas then this destination in Northeastern Europe is the ideal off-the-beaten track choice. Stroll the snow-covered cobbled streets of the medieval Old Town, sip mulled wine as you peruse the festive markets and see a glittering replica of Europe’s first Christmas tree – the annual tradition reportedly started in Tallinn’s Town Hall Square in 1441.
Most would consider Canada their snowy spot of choice when it comes to North American travel, but Alaska is an equally impressive option. There are so many places across the state with stunning landscapes and a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences including Northern Lights viewing, glacier hiking, dog sledding and actual one-horse open sleighs.
Read more: 10 things you’ll find at European Christmas markets
With the snow dusted domes of Saint Basil’s Cathedral and the Red Square’s transformation into an unforgettable Christmas market, Moscow makes for a magical winter destination. Especially for fans of frigid weather, the average temperature during winter is a toe-numbing -10°C. Is anyone really surprised they drink so much vodka?
While everyone flocks to Iceland, the destination du jour, we recommend the soon-to-be-on-trend Greenland for your next white Christmas. Here you can enjoy magnificent icy scenery, breathtaking Northern Lights and Kiviak on Christmas day – the raw flesh of the auk bird, which has been buried in sealskin until it reaches an advanced stage of decomposition. Mmm festive!
Read more: Foods you must try at the German Christmas markets
The capital of the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido is renowned for its local beer and stellar skiing, two reasons why we rate it for a Christmas holiday. Sapporo is also the sister city of Munich, so it has inherited their traditional German Christmas market with range of festive stalls. It’s also home to some incredible Christmas themed light installations illuminating the shimmering snow. Stick around until February for the iconic Sapporo Snow Festival which features mind-blowingly big ice sculptures, slides and even a bar.
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