You're Almost Guaranteed a White Christmas at These 25 Snowy Spots

When you think of Christmas, images of pine trees and twinkling lights come to mind, but so does one other element: snow. For some, a snowy Christmas is the best kind of Christmas, so we wanted to put together a list of those places around the world where snow is (almost) guaranteed. Granted, we can't control the weather, but more often than not, Jack Frost makes an appearance in these destinations during the Christmas season.

In the summer, Interlaken is well beloved for its picturesque waterfalls, but as soon as winter takes hold in Switzerland, it's a snowy paradise. Enjoy the Interlaken Christmas markets of this mountainous area under the fall of snow, and during the day, hit the slopes at the Grindelwald resort. Visit the tallest train station in the world with the Jungfrau Top of Europe train and enjoy sights of snow spread over Interlaken.

Cozy up this Christmas season at Copper Mountain Resort in Copper, Colorado. They recently underwent a $100 million renovation, so you'll be the first to experience lift-service access to high alpine terrain, a new centrally-located hotel and the newly-opened Woodward Peace Park. The snow isn't limited to the mountain but covers the three village areas full of retail outlets, restaurants and Christmas time events.

California and Nevada may not be the first place you think of when you're looking for snowy Christmas destinations, but you'd be missing out on Lake Tahoe. In December, you can pretty confidently find snowfall around Lake Tahoe, especially at the ski resorts in South Lake Tahoe. However, don't overlook North Lake Tahoe. For instance, Incline Village's Diamond Peak Ski Resort is scheduled to open December 12th with a fresh layer of snow.

You're more likely to find snow in Glasgow this holiday season. This Scottish city is a fantastic destination to enjoy mulled wine while you shop at the Christmas market, as well as a good base from which to have wintry day adventure such as ice climbing or skiing. If the snow drives you indoors, cozy up next to a fire at the Ben Nevis pub and warm your body with their great whiskey selection.

Expect lots of snow and little light in Lapland, Finland this Christmas season. A visit to Lapland will be cold but bring with it great opportunities to explore the snow by husky or reindeer sled rides, snowmobile adventures, snowshoeing and skiing. Don't miss a chance to visit Santa's headquarters in Rovaniemi, Lapland. This Arctic Circle town features Santa's post office, elves and Saint Nick himself.

Anchorage receives the most snow in December than any other month so a white Christmas is inevitable. While visiting Anchorage, have some holiday fun at the Christmas Village and The Christmas Factory, and admire the lights at the Alaska Botanical Gardens and the Alaska Zoo. Be sure to pack your warmest coats as the high temperature won't go above 29 degrees.

If you're looking for that charming European Christmas experience, look no further than Aarhus, Denmark. The city is full of Christmas markets, a Christmas amusement park at Tivoli Friheden and horse drawn carriages that take travelers and locals on lovely rides to see Christmas lights. While snowfall is possible in Aarhus around the Christmas holiday, don't expect large blankets of snow. Light flurries are more likely.

Quebec City in December looks like a snowy European town. You couldn't ask for a more charming Christmas experience in the snow as you walk through the decorated shops on Rue de Petit-Champlain or in the German Christmas Market. With plenty of sweet maple taffy to enjoy and nearby snow slopes to explore, it's hard not to have a fantastic time in Quebec over the holidays.

The film White Christmas was set in rural Vermont, so we had to pay homage by including Stowe on this list. Feel snowflakes on your face as you go dog sledding, cross country skiing or ice skating in Stowe. Warm up with some spa treatments, hot cider tastings or by cuddling next to a fire in a charming inn. If you'd like to get into the Christmas spirit, you'll find plenty of events in Stowe like the Vermont Ice & Wine Cocktail Open House and the Traditional Christmas in Stowe festival.

There is something inherently romantic about snowfall in Lviv, especially when it covers the Old Town and adds to the glamour of the Christmas markets. When visiting Lviv, make snow angels in front of the historic cathedrals before warming up with homemade hot chocolate from a local cafe. Ice skate with new friends in the Market Square and catch a ballet or opera performance in Lviv's Opera House.

Hit the French Alps for a snowy getaway this Christmas season. Trust us, you'll be glad you do. The winter ski lifts in Chamonix open in mid-December so you can generally expect snow at this time. If you're looking for more entertainment beyond the slopes, you'll find it in Chamonix's Christmas markets, hockey games, and, of course, through many wine tastings.

Picture this: St. Basil's Cathedral in the Red Square covered in white snow. That's what you'll find in Moscow during Christmas. Sure, Moscow will be freezing cold in December, but it will surely put you in the holiday spirit when you go ice skating, catch a showing of The Nutcracker or cheer a team to victory at a local hockey game. If you're traveling with someone special, walk hand-in-hand down Tverskaya Street to look at the Christmas decorations.

There is plenty of snow and cheer in Bozeman, Montana during the Christmas holidays. Bozeman offers a wholesome family experience with a Christmas Stroll event in downtown, a free event with vendors, Santa Claus, a lighting ceremony and Christmas carols. About a week after the Christmas Stroll, Bozeman locals brave the snowy weather for a fun Winter Art Walk evening. Don't forget to explore Bozeman's snowy landscape by skiing, snowmobiling and ice climbing followed by a dip in the natural hot springs at Bozeman Hot Springs.

Just because you haven't heard of Marquette doesn't mean you shouldn't check it out. This Michigan town will offer a snowy holiday experience full of skiing, fat tire biking on the snowy mountains and freshwater ice fishing. Plus, the city goes all out with a Winter Snow Fun Holiday Parade and a tree lighting ceremony. Add in the fact that you can see the Northern Lights on an evening snowy trek in Marquette and you'll never forget this amazing destination.

Hokkaido, Japan, may not be the most typical snowy Christmas getaway, but that's what makes it fun. Hokkaido celebrates the holidays with the Sapporo White Illumination, a colorful lighting display, a German Christmas Market and a giant Christmas tree lighting ceremony with fireworks each night at Hakodate Christmas Fantasy. Combine the snowy weather with the beautiful lights and you may quickly forget you're having a white Christmas in Japan.

Christmas in Portland, Maine involves a few things: sledding, egg nog cocktails and lots of snow. Enjoy the snow and Portland's Christmas spirit by ice skating at Deering Oaks Park or by attending the Christmas Boat Parade of Lights and a Christmas carol sing-along at Magic of Christmas hosted by the Portland Symphony Orchestra. If you're itching to enjoy more of Portland's snow, sign up for the Portland's Brewer's Holiday Dash 5K and be sure to wear your best Christmas-inspired running outfit.

Known for being the epicenter for winter sports in Europe, Innsbruck receives plenty of snowfall during the holidays. Visitors can spend the day on the slopes, then in the evening, walk the cobblestone streets of the Old Town to the Christmas markets, stopping in a cafe occasionally for a warm drink and apple strudel. Make the trek to Swarvoski Crystal Worlds for their annual Festival of Lights display. Their lights combined with the snow makes for an etheral scene.

Dresden is a winter wonderland full of powdery snow and the beloved Dresden Striezelmarkt, a Christmas market that's been offering tons of shopping, warm wine and lovely light displays since 1431. Stroll through Dresden in December and marvel at the historic buildings in Old Town or the street art in Neustadt. If you get cold, hop into one of Dresden's fabulous museums, like the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, to warm up.

In addition to snow-covered Christmas markets, Ghent, Belgium offers an ice skating rink in the city center, plus some fantastic wintery popups. The Castle of the Counts turns into a Winter Wonder Castle with later hours, festive decorations and a winter bar. Sint-Veerleplein square is transformed into a 1920s vintage-style Christmas pop up. The Ray, a greenhouse-like pavilion, becomes a winter bar, and the Zebrastraat is turned into a covered forest that hosts DJs and bands throughout the month. Be sure to catch a glimpse of Father Christmas in an icy world of wonder when he visits St. Nicholas' Church.

Ottawa embraces the wonder of snow every Christmas. You can't miss a chance to ice skate on the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nor an opportunity to watch a Christmas lights show on the Parliament building. Walk through downtown Ottawa to enjoy Christmas lights as the snow falls at night, but don't stay up too late. You'll want to wake early to cross country ski in Ottawa's Gatineau Park or snowshoe and fat tire bike on the Sir John A. Macdonald Winter Trail along the Ottawa River.

The snowy mountains of Aspen are legendary for offering varied terrain for the outdoor winter sports enthusiast, but even those who just want some Christmas cheer will find it in the Christmas-lit resorts on the mountains. The city of Aspen celebrates the holidays with festivals like the 12 Days of Aspen, a 12-night event complete with Santa appearances, fireworks, sleigh rides, ice skating and more.

Spokane at Christmas is a joyful time of year full of snow and tons of things to do. Visitors and locals marvel at the Christmas displays at the Crescent and the lights at the Gaiser Conservatory Holiday Lights event. Others enjoy the Bing Crosby Holiday Film Festival each year, which begins and ends with screenings of White Christmas. Add in ice skating at the Ice Ribbon and holiday carriage rides, and there is plenty of holiday cheer and snowy days in Spokane.

Prepare yourself for lots of snow and outdoor fun in Hartford, Conneticut this Christmas. The city is well-positioned to allow visitors to hit not one, but three different ski mountains. If you prefer to stay in Hartford to enjoy the snow, take the family to skate for free at Bushnell Park and drive through a winter wonderland lit with lights at Holiday Light Fantasia. If you'd like to escape the cold wet snow, visit the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art to see holiday displays during the Festival of Trees and Traditions.

With only four to five hours of sunlight in December, there won't be a lot of time to admire the piles and piles of snow in Reykjavik, Iceland. The city battles the darkness with Christmas lights, and all forgot the dark when ice skating on the city center pond and visiting the Christmas market. When the sun is up, you may want to take an Icelandic horse tour through the snow, hike a glacier, relax in a hot spring or have a snowmobile adventure. The best thing about the lack of light during the holiday season is the chance to see the Northern Lights above the snowy landscape.

There is something magical in the wintry beauty of the Lakes District. Many enjoy winter walks around the lakes or spending the afternoon sledding before escaping into their cozy inn or bed-and-breakfast. Take time out from playing in the snow by visiting attractions like the Puzzling Place, the World of Beatrix Potter or the Keswick Brewery. Grab your loved ones and dive into the Christmas spirit by visiting the Windermere German Christmas Market or the Kirby Londsdale Christmas Fair.