With the United Kingdom now experiencing a meagre average of just 13 days of snow annually, it is little wonder that British holidaymakers are looking beyond their borders to find a picture-perfect white Christmas.
Seeking Snowy Festivities
A significant number of Brits are now actively searching for destinations with guaranteed snowfall to make their festive holidays truly special. This quest for winter wonderlands often means venturing further across Europe. New research from Icelandair has identified the top ten locations where snow is practically assured, analysing 60 European spots based on snowfall, light pollution levels, and clear skies.
The study evaluated each city using three equally important factors: average snowfall, stargazing potential, and Christmas market activity.
The Top Snow-Sure European Escapes
Topping the list is the breathtakingly beautiful Hallstatt, Austria. This picturesque village, nestled in Austria's Salzkammergut region between a serene lake and snow-dusted mountains, is the very definition of a winter wonderland. It boasts an impressive 890 mm of snowfall and minimal light pollution, making it an ideal spot for both snow enthusiasts and stargazers seeking fairytale charm.
In second place is Reykjavik, Iceland. Europe's northernmost capital city not only offers reliable snow, with an average of 254.6 mm, but also provides one of the best opportunities to witness the mesmerising Northern Lights dancing across the sky.
Claiming the third spot is Rovaniemi, Finland. Perfectly perched on the Arctic Circle and receiving 193 mm of average snowfall, this snow-blanketed haven is officially recognised as the home of Santa Claus, offering an authentic and magical winter escape.
Tallinn, Estonia secures fourth place with 134.6 mm of snowfall. The city provides a genuinely affordable and unexpectedly authentic Christmas experience. Its historic Christmas tree, first erected in 1441, is widely considered to be Europe's earliest public Christmas tree.
Rounding out the top five is Vilnius, Lithuania, which sees an average of 104 mm of snow. The city was crowned the best value destination in the Post Office's Christmas Market Barometer and has been honoured with the title of Europe's Christmas Capital 2025 by the Christmas Cities Network, supported by the European Parliament.
The Full Top 10 List
The complete ranking of the top 10 winter destinations in Europe with guaranteed snow is as follows:
- Hallstatt, Austria – 890 mm
- Reykjavik, Iceland – 254.6 mm
- Rovaniemi, Finland – 193 mm
- Tallinn, Estonia – 134.6 mm
- Vilnius, Lithuania – 104.14 mm
- Cesky Krumlov, Czechia – 101.6 mm
- Riga, Latvia – 91.44 mm
- Salzburg, Austria – 88.9 mm
- Ljubljana, Slovenia – 88.9 mm
- Lucerne, Switzerland – 78.74 mm
For Britons dreaming of a festive season filled with crisp, white scenery and traditional Christmas markets, these European destinations offer the perfect solution to the UK's increasingly snow-scarce winters.
