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While the only white Christmas many of us will experience may be a distant dream, some destinations almost always guarantee a snowy December. Brasov in Romania and Lillehammer in Norway, for example, are top picks for a lesser-known (but still very snowy) holiday getaway. A study by ferry operator DFDS, which analyzed 23 years of snowfall data across 164 European destinations, identified these spots as ideal locations for a festive, snow-covered Christmas.
Click on to discover the destinations that made the top 10.
Stavanger, located along Norway's southern coast, offers a cozy and festive white Christmas experience.
The town is often covered in snow, and its charming wooden houses look magical against the backdrop of winter landscapes.
The city is also close to the famous Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), where visitors can enjoy stunning snowy views of the fjords.
In the heart of Romania, Brasov is a hidden gem for a white Christmas. With snow-covered streets, medieval architecture, and the Carpathian Mountains as a backdrop, the city feels like a winter wonderland.
The town square hosts a beautiful Christmas market where visitors can enjoy traditional Romanian holiday foods, mulled wine, and handcrafted gifts.
Brasov's proximity to Bran Castle, known as Dracula's Castle, adds an extra layer of mystery and charm to the festive season.
Located on Norway's west coast, Bergen offers a picturesque white Christmas experience, with snow blanketing the city’s historic wooden buildings.
Bergen's Christmas market is a highlight, offering local crafts, food, and festive cheer.
Snow-covered mountains encircle the city, offering incredible winter hiking opportunities and breathtaking views of the fjords.
Oslo, Norway's vibrant capital, is a fantastic place to experience a white Christmas, with snowy streets and plenty of winter activities.
The city boasts scenic views of the surrounding fjords, which are even more stunning under a blanket of snow.
Visitors can go ice skating at Spikersuppa rink, wander through festive Christmas markets, and visit the Royal Palace adorned with holiday lights. Cozy Oslo cafés serve warm drinks, perfect after a snowy day outside.
Set in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Innsbruck is famous for its snowy Christmases and is a winter sports paradise, ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.
Innsbruck's historic charm becomes even more enchanting under a blanket of snow, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for a white Christmas.
Its Christmas markets are among the most beautiful in Europe, offering handcrafted ornaments, delicious mulled wine, and holiday treats.
Estonia's capital is known for its charming old town, which transforms into a winter fairy tale during Christmas. The city often experiences heavy snowfall, ensuring a white Christmas.
The Christmas market in the town square features unique handmade crafts and festive foods. Tallinn's historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and twinkling lights also create a magical holiday atmosphere.
Visitors can also enjoy a traditional Estonian Christmas dinner, which includes dishes like roast pork, sauerkraut, and gingerbread cookies.
Finland's oldest city offers a magical white Christmas, with snow often blanketing its medieval streets.
A visit to Turku's Cathedral is a must, offering both history and seasonal beauty with the annual Christmas tree.
The surrounding archipelago, covered in snow, provides a peaceful winter retreat, making it a cozy holiday experience.
Lillehammer, known for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics, is an ideal destination for a white Christmas. Its snow-covered hills also provide a great setting for winter sports.
The town is also famous for its charming wooden houses and festive atmosphere during the holiday season.
Visitors can explore the nearby mountains, go cross-country skiing, or enjoy the winter festivities at the Norwegian Olympic Museum.
Located above the Arctic Circle, Kiruna offers a true winter wonderland for a white Christmas, with guaranteed snow and the stunning Northern Lights.
Visitors can also enjoy dog sledding and snowmobiling, and experience the unique culture of the indigenous Sami people.
The long winter days are perfect for cozying up in warm cabins and watching the serene beauty of the snowy landscape.
Sources: (DFDS) (Time Out)
See also: The best Christmas light displays around the world
Europe's most underrated destinations for a white Christmas
Embrace the winter season in these destinations
TRAVEL Winter
While the only white Christmas many of us will experience may be a distant dream, some destinations almost always guarantee a snowy December. Brasov in Romania and Lillehammer in Norway, for example, are top picks for a lesser-known (but still very snowy) holiday getaway. A study by ferry operator DFDS, which analyzed 23 years of snowfall data across 164 European destinations, identified these spots as ideal locations for a festive, snow-covered Christmas.
Click on to discover the destinations that made the top 10.