When it comes to making festive season plans, the grand idea of celebrating the holidays with a dreamy, white Christmas always comes to mind. And who can blame aspiring travellers, as snowy days aren’t the norm in Malaysia. But where should you actually go to experience the magic of a white Christmas, and is it just as beautiful as everyone says?
Join us at Holiday Tours as we take you through 8 gorgeous bucket list spots that you must visit for a white Christmas. From bright city lights to cosy holiday markets waiting to be explored, our journeys are perfectly enjoyed for solo travellers, couples on a romantic escape, or even groups of friends and families looking to make unforgettable memories this festive season.
New York City, USA
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With views that look like they came straight out of your favourite Christmas classics, spending the holidays in New York City is a dream come true for many. While it’s often said to be extra busy in the city centre, the vibrant spirit of New York City easily shines for anyone looking to enjoy a unique Christmas, especially when it snows.
That said, one of the most iconic experiences is undoubtedly visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Standing at approximately 75-feet tall this year, the tree is adorned with over 50,000 multi-coloured LED lights that glisten come sundown. A Swarovski star sits atop the tree as the final touch, and is a must-see for anyone visiting this dream destination.
Just by the tree is where you’ll also find the world-famous Rink, a seasonal favourite that allows locals and tourists to ice skate next to the iconic Prometheus statue. Known to be an annual New York tradition since 1936, this experience seals the deal on why New York City makes the bucket list on becoming one of the best places to celebrate Christmas.
And as Holiday Tours’ early holiday gift to you, why not discover the best way to fly with Singapore Airlines’ exclusive fares? Available to book and travel from now until March 2026, embarking on your dream Christmas escapade has never been better.
Lapland, Finland
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If you’re looking for a white Christmas that will never disappoint, then a visit to Lapland in Finland is a must-do. Tucked away in the northernmost region of the country, Lapland is famously recognised for its subarctic wilderness, ski experiences, and, most importantly, the home of the Santa Claus Village.
This family destination for guests of all ages is where you can spot Santa Claus and his elves preparing for the holiday festivities year-round, but the sheer experience of visiting during Christmas amid the snowy grounds adds to that magical feeling. What’s more, Santa Claus Village’s unique location means that the Arctic Circle runs right in the middle of the village, and guests can walk, jump, or even cartwheel over the line that marks this intersection. Be sure to visit the Arctic Circle Tourist Information counter right after to claim your Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate to commemorate this special moment.
But the Santa Claus Village isn’t all that you can see and do at Lapland. Instead, thrill seekers will thoroughly enjoy a fun husky sledding excursion. This adrenaline-inducing experience that takes you at top speed through Lapland’s snowy landscape is a fantastic way to celebrate the white Christmas you deserve.
And if you’re lucky, you may even spot the Northern Lights when the skies get dark, so don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for this ethereal phenomenon to close off your festive holidays!
Hallstatt, Austria
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Picture this when you wake up on Christmas day: You look out the window to see snow-capped houses romantically set against the majestic background of mountain ranges. Well, it’s time to make that white Christmas imagination a reality at Hallstatt, Austria. Once a popular destination for salt mining, this postcard-perfect village set in the Salzkammergut region is a true feast for the eyes of many visitors today.
From the serene views of swans gliding gracefully across the Hallstätter See to the unbeatable views from the 1,148-foot Hallstatt Skywalk viewpoint, the praise for this fairytale-like destination never stops. Longtime K-drama fans will also recognise the village as the filming spot for the 2006 classic, Spring Waltz, and it’s unsurprising to see couples recreating the iconic scene starring Han Hyo-joo and Seo Do-young.
To be part of Hallstatt’s iconic festive season celebrations, you’ll want to be in the village on the 8th of December. This is when the annual Hallstatt Christmas Market happens, and a variety of local crafts are available for you to bring home. For those who are feeling peckish, do try the local favourite, Steckerlfisch, a grilled fish dish served on a long skewer. It really doesn’t get fresher than this, as the fish is often sourced from Lake Hallstatt itself.
And when you’re done exploring Hallstatt, you could always pop into Salzburg, which is just 2 hours away by train. Be sure to snag yourself a seat by the window, as the views along the way are just as magnificent as those of Hallstatt. Once you’re in the city centre, the daintily decorated Hellbrunn Palace is a great place to take in the magical holiday season views, or you can simply stroll down Mirabell Square with a cup of mulled wine to keep your hands warm.
Bath, England
Photo by Visit Bath
While it’s no secret that London is one of the most gorgeous spots to celebrate a white Christmas, many travellers may have been sleeping on yet another iconic festive season destination – Bath.
Located just an hour and a half away from the city centre by train, the beautiful city is famous for its Roman-built baths, which are also what it’s named after. The city is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its historic eighteenth-century architecture taking centre stage in what makes Bath gorgeous.
Come Christmas, the city transforms into a truly magical sight with Christmas lights adorning the streets and the festive spirit wafting in the air. Bath’s annual award-winning Christmas Market – that’s coincidentally celebrating its 25th anniversary this year – also comes to life for approximately two weeks, with over 200 chalets serving up delicious local bites and plenty of handmade souvenirs to go around. If you’re lucky, you may even encounter a snowy day while strolling down the cobblestone streets of Bath with a warm drink in hand.
For a fun day out, do consider making your way to the Royal Victoria Park as the beautiful Bath on Ice returns once more. Nestled within the park grounds, this exciting outdoor ice rink is open to visitors of all ages and skills. To add to the festive atmosphere, the area is adorned with twinkling lights, wintry music, and a cosy bar serving up seasonal drinks. Themed skating events and unlimited skating session deals also make the experience a whole lot more fun, while students can fully enjoy a “2 for 1” discount on selected days.
Munich, Germany
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Whether you’re looking for a traditional white Christmas or hungry for a modern take on the festive season, Munich is happy to keep your holiday season in check. In fact, the highlight of Christmas in Munich is perhaps its variety of Christmas markets across the city, with some dating back to the 14th century.
Visitors who want to experience a piece of this history would want to check out the Munich Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz Square. Open for a month each year, this gorgeous market is a feast for the whole family, with crafts for Nativity scenes being a highlight here. Families travelling with little ones aged between six and twelve will also enjoy the Himmelswerkstatt workshop nestled within the market. Crafting is free and makes for a fantastic souvenir to bring home after your unforgettable Christmas in Munich.
For a unique experience, however, the Tollywood Winter Festival will absolutely surprise you. Known to the locals as the “alternative Christmas market”, this modern take on the festive season brings some of the best art, food, and music to Theresienwiese. Joyfully decorated with colourful lights amid the tented roofs, the Tollywood Winter Festival is best enjoyed after dark. Entry to the festival is free, although a small fee may be collected for selected activities and shows.
Prague, Czech Republic
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Let’s get real, what could feel even more magical than a white Christmas set amid a medieval haven? Featuring gorgeous architecture in both its Old Town and New Town areas, Prague has become increasingly popular as a top destination for the festive season. With friendly price points for shopping and dining out, it’s easy to see why more visitors are now popping into this fairytale-like capital to celebrate the holiday season.
However, what puts Prague on our list of must-visit Christmas destinations goes far beyond the views. Instead, the holiday atmosphere is the true magic here. With festive music being played live from restaurants and stores alike, Prague transforms into a winter wonderland that’s not to be missed. From enjoying cups of mulled wine to biting into a piping hot chimney cake, we simply can’t imagine a different way to celebrate Christmas.
A fantastic spot to soak in the white Christmas atmosphere is the Old Town Square, where the grand Prague Old Town Square Christmas Tree stands. Meticulously set up with fairy lights to give it a magical shine, many locals see this 20-to-25-meter tree as a landmark that officially rings in Christmas. A lovely Christmas market also surrounds the Old Town Square, though visitors who prefer a more local fare may enjoy the Naměstí Míru market better.
Zermatt, Switzerland
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If you’re not someone who likes the usual festive crowds but still want to celebrate a white Christmas, why not put Zermatt on your list of places to visit? Set in Switzerland’s Valais canton in the south, this car-free destination is a favourite among skiers, snowboarders, and other winter sports enthusiasts.
With majestic views of the iconic Matterhorn mountain, visiting Zermatt is a unique way to spend the holiday season without sacrificing that white Christmas experience.
Though you won’t find typical Christmas markets being set up here, plenty of restaurants and cosy lodges are still happy to serve up mugs of warm mulled wine or hot chocolate that’s sure to get you feeling fuzzy inside. With garlands and twinkling lights still being a decorative piece to add to the festive season, Zermatt has become a popular spot for tourists who want to combine winter sports fun and holiday warmth.
For the perfect end to your white Christmas trip to Zermatt, be sure to hop on the Klein Matterhorn cable car ride that takes you 3,883 meters up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Crowned the highest cable car station, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Alps and up to 38 peaks and 14 glaciers across Switzerland, France, and Italy. It’s a serene ride that lasts approximately 40 minutes each way, but it definitely makes for a memorable white Christmas holiday to remember.
Shirakawa-go, Japan
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Holiday destinations in Asia are often less popular when planning a white Christmas escapade. Much of this comes from a misconception that the festive season simply doesn’t feel the same without snow or twinkling lights. But what if we told you that you could be experiencing the same magical festive season atmosphere with a twist? Enter Shirakawa-go, a quaint village tucked away in the Gifu region of Japan.
Famed for its thatched-roofed farmhouses, some of which are said to be more than 250 years old, this village is a paradise for anyone on the hunt for a unique white Christmas experience. While typically gorgeous year-round thanks to its endless fields of green, the heavy snowfall often transforms the village into a winter wonderland almost overnight. After all, it’s not every day that you’ll catch sight of the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses being covered with thick layers of snow.
The Shiroyama Viewpoint is a perfect spot for those who want to see Shirakawa-go from above, and is a favourite among photographers who want to frame the entire village in a single picture. To best experience the village, we recommend staying in one of the farmhouses to see the village illuminated come sundown. This sight is especially popular among couples, as the warm lights create a romantic atmosphere, perfect for those looking to pop the question.
Of course, this isn’t your typical white Christmas experience with carols and gifts for sale along the streets, but a warm bowl of curry rice from the main areas of the village creates that same cosy feeling if you simply prefer a different kind of holiday season. Moreover, with Japan Airlines’ exclusive deal that offers up to 50% off your second ticket to destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, and more, there’s just no better time than Christmas to explore Japan.