Winter Wonderland: 9 Best places in the world to enjoy a White Christmas

Sarah Khan 19 Oct 2016

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Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is truly a Christmas city and oozes with atmosphere during Christmas. The scenic Tivoli Gardens' Christmas Market is a must-visit for the ultimate festive, white Christmas experience.
During this time of the year, all of Tivoli is festively decorated with spruce and fairy lights. Besides engaging in a spot of Christmas shopping at any of the sixty stalls in the market, visitors can enjoy the the stunning Tivoli Illuminations over the Lake and the three light shows. With the Christmas music, live bands, hundred-strong choir and even a fireworks display leading from Christmas up to the new year, it is truly a magically unique Tivoli Christmas experience you won't forget.
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Christmas Markets in Frankfurt, Germany
In terms of visitor numbers and size, the Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the largest Christmas markets in all of Germany (it is also one of the oldest Christkindchesmarkets).
The magical and very festive decorations in the market and stalls, against the scenic backdrop of St Paul's Square and the historic Römerberg (and the huge Christmas tree!) definitely also makes it one of Germany's most beautiful.
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Christmas market at Munich, Germany
The Munich Christmas Market is the oldest Christmas Market in the city, thought to date back to the 'Nicholaus Markets' of the 14th Century. The Christkindlmarkt is held in front of the Munich Town Hall, and receives approximately three million visitors.
Although Munich is the centre of the conservative and largely Catholic state of Bavaria, it is also a pretty trendy cultural hotspot and the variety offered in the other markets in the city make for a truly interesting experience.
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Christmas lights at Montreal, Quebec
With all the romance of 18th century France, coupled with its modern metropolitan allure, Montreal is definitely a must-visit during the festive season.
Walk the cobblestone streets in Old Montreal and take in the Christmas-y atmosphere or enjoy the impressive Christmas lights along Mont-Royal Avenue. You can also check out the giant Christmas tree at Place Ville-Marie or skate at the Old Port skating rink and take in the stunning view of the city skyline.
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Reindeer rides at Lapland
It doesn't get any more Christmas-y than a reindeer sleigh ride to Santa Claus Village. You can opt for available tours that explore Finland’s breathtaking scenery along the Arctic Circle, which includes a Lapland Santa Claus Village experience.
This truly unforgettable tour begins with a snowmobile ride deep into the Finnish wilderness, with stunning views over seemingly endless snow-blanketed horizons. Upon reaching a reindeer farm, you will hop aboard a sleigh for a reindeer ride to Santa Claus Village. You will get a chance to meet Santa himself, grab yourself some Christmas goodies, and send a postcard from Santa’s post office – ideal for families and young children eager to meet Santa in Lapland.
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Christmas in New York City
Christmas in New York is truly a magical experience - so much so that Clement Moore Clarke's famous poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas was inspired by all the magical festivity in the city during the season.
Whether you're ice skating in Central Park, taking in the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree or watching the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, there are many reasons to love NYC during the festive season.
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Horse-drawn sleigh ride in Salzburg, Austria
There’s no better way to get into the festive spirit and experience a white Christmas than to enjoy a quintessential Christmas experience on a horse-drawn sleigh ride.
Departing from a tiny village near Schladming, you will travel along the Salzach River Valley before reaching Schladming, where you will ascend 1,000 meters above sea level to the base of Dachstein, an Alpine mountain dominated by glaciers. Enjoy the incredible panoramic views of the wintery alpine scenery for a truly unforgettable wintry Christmas experience.
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Cotswold, England
With its picture postcard-worthy towns and villages festooned with decorations, there can be few places more beautiful at Christmas than the Cotswolds.
For an enchanting English countryside Christmas, visit the quaint cobblestone villages and the rolling Cotswold hills. Indulge in a scrumptious Christmas lunch of turkey and Christmas pudding at an English pub complete with a log fire, for the full English countryside festive experience.
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Santa Claus Village in Lapland, Finland
Visit the legendary Santa Claus himself in the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Lapland - the birth place of this jolly Christmas figure. You can take a picture with him and also send postcards back home, right from the Arctic Circle.
Besides the Santa Claus Village, there are other compelling reasons to visit this breathtakingly beautiful town this time of the year. You can stay in Snowman World, a hotel made entirely out of ice, visit a reindeer safari, ride on a snowmobile or dog sleigh, and appreciate the stunning landscapes that surround you. You'll see the who-ville trees everywhere - tall, thin otherworldy-looking trees with ice caked to its branches that look like something right out of the pages of Narnia.

Ride a reindeer sleigh across the Arctic Circle in Lapland or visit a Christmas market (or two!) in Frankfurt, Germany.

Christmas: it truly is one of the most special times of the year. Living in Singapore, however, means that we experience a “summery” Christmas every year; distinctly different to the quintessential Christmas visuals of snow-blanketed lawns and festive lights. But if you’ve always dreamt of having yourself a white Christmas, fret not. There are many cities in the world, from New York City to Salzburg in Germany, that can offer you a slice of that magical festive experience you’ve always associated with Christmas.

You can opt for a reindeer sleigh ride across the Arctic Circle to visit Santa Claus himself in Rovaniemi, Lapland (said to be the birthplace of this Christmas legend), or visit the magical Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, a beautiful city that transforms itself into a picture-perfect, postcard-worthy Christmas town during this time of the year.

Head up to the gallery and decide which of these picturesque, Narnia-worthy cities should be next on your holiday agenda this Christmas!

Sarah Khan

Photos: Getty Images

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