Despite the yearnings of Bing Crosby on the radio at this time of year, and 2023 technically being a white Christmas in the UK, it is “extremely unusual” according to the Met Office. Even with the rather generous definition of a white Christmas—one snowflake to be observed falling somewhere on December 25th— it is increasingly rare. But at Guardian Life, our mug of mulled wine is always half full. We’ve tracked down six places where we can almost guarantee snow on Christmas Day.
1. The Cairngorms, Scotland
If you’re in the UK, this vast mountain range in the Highlands of Scotland is Britain’s only Arctic mountain landscape. Throughout the winter, mountain hares thunder across the large snowfields, and ptarmigan in their white winter coats scurry around the tundra looking for food. Snowfall on the Cairngorm plateaux over winter is guaranteed, and three of Scotland’s ski centres are located in the area, including Britain’s largest, the Glenshee Ski Centre. Oh, and it’s home to Britain’s only reindeer herd (did that one have a red nose?).
2. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
In Africa, the only place where Christmas is always white is in the high-altitude regions that experience snow. A visit to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is an incredible adventure if you want to experience snow on the continent. Known as the Roof of Africa, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak, standing at 5,895 metres. Although the glaciers are retreating, the summit is snow-covered year-round. It’s not a particularly technical climb, making it accessible for most walkers. In December, you’ll get cooler weather and clear skies.
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3. Mount Kenya, Kenya
This peak is covered in snow for much of the year due to its high altitude and glaciers. It is an extinct volcano and the second-highest peak in Africa. It is predicted that in 30 years, there will be no ice on Mount Kenya, but for now, you can still find some snow cover. There are several walking routes up the mountain, and December is ideal for trekking, with clear skies and little rain. Point Lenana is the most accessible summit for non-technical climbers. You’ll even see elephants on the lower slopes.
4. British Antarctic Territory
Cheating? No, we don’t think so. It is the one place we can 100% guarantee a white Christmas. This Trivial Pursuit-wedge-shaped section of Antarctica is home to two research stations of the British Antarctic Survey and an awful lot of penguins. Although Christmas falls in the middle of summer (when temperatures can reach a balmy 5°C) and the sun shines for 24 hours, staff at the station still get to enjoy a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.
5. Shetland Islands
The Shetland Islands have one festive weather claim to fame: in 2011, the wind hit 101mph at Sella Ness, making it the windiest place on Christmas Day ever. Yet over the last two centuries, it has had more than its fair share of snowfall, averaging 65 days of snow a year at the village of Baltasound on Unst, where the Met Office has its most northerly weather station. Only the Cairngorms surpass that in Britain. No wonder they do a fine line in knitwear.
6. Northern Canada
Here, one thing we can be sure of is a white Christmas. Much of Canada is covered in snow over the festive period, but to be totally sure, head to Churchill, Manitoba. In addition to getting a good dose of the white stuff, it’s one of the few places on Earth where polar bears can be seen relatively close to a human settlement. Hop on one of the tundra vehicles and set off across the ice pack.
