FAMILY FRIENDLY WHITE CHRISTMAS DESTINATIONS
Christmas is a magical time filled with warm cocoa and twinkling lights.
The delight of Santa Claus hanging in the dreams of little ones. It is the perfect time for families to escape to a winter wonderland, complete with snow-capped roofs and drifting snowflakes. Here are the top five family destinations to have a white Christmas with the kids:
The cozy town of Vail, Colorado is nestled at the base of Vail Mountain, a part of the legendary Rocky Mountains. The village streets are lined in Christmas lights and timeless snow-covered buildings during Christmas. It is also home to the largest ski resort in North America with world-class skiing and snowboarding experience. Vail also features family-friendly holiday events sure to brighten the holiday cheer in the entire family. A white Christmas can be promised with freshly fallen snow, as the area sees an average snowfall of 29.2 inches in December.
The village of Vail hosts a family holiday each year, known as Vail Holidaze, which is a family celebration complete with a tree lighting ceremony and lantern lighted family walk. If you stay until New Years Eve, the town and mountain comes alive with torchlight skiing and fireworks.
Winter activities are plentiful for the family in Vail. From snowshoe tours to snow tubing, kids and parents are bound to have a blast exploring Vail. Other activities include snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating and cross-country skiing.
There is no shortage of snow in Montreal, Canada during December with an average of 20 inches, making the destination as close as you can get to a White Christmas. As the largest city in Quebec, the French-speaking city is perched on an island in the Saint Lawrence River with the picturesque, triple-peaked Mt. Royal at the center of town.
Cobble-stoned streets glow with Christmas lights as the bustling city enjoys the popular Santa Claus Parade, a city tradition since 1925 featuring thousands of children and about 20 holiday floats. Almost every Saturday night in December, the Montreal sky lights up with the Christmas fireworks as families ice skate on the city’s frozen rink. The Winter Village offers families free events and holiday activities, while the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts features family weekend free guided tours. Visit Montreal’s Santa Claus exhibit at the World Trade Centre, where life-sized figures display the different cultures and time periods of the famous Claus. Other family activities around Christmas include ice-skating and holiday shopping.
Experience a traditional Norwegian Christmas in the capital of Norway, Olso. The legendary city overlooks the southern coast of the inland lake, Oslofjord, which tends to be frozen tundra in December. The family can enjoy all the Christmas traditions with holiday concerts, Christmas markets, Norwegian Christmas celebrations and holiday foods. Ski resorts are also only a train ride away.
Santa Claus himself was born in Amsterdam, so it is no surprise that the city flourishes in a Dutch Christmas celebration during the holiday. As the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is known for its artistic heritage and snowy winter. Canals run through the city’s timeless streets and narrow houses, offering a bit more twinkling magic at Christmastime.
The Christmas celebration begins on Dec. 5 with the traditionally Sinterklass, where the Dutch character gives gifts to children and festive parades take over the streets. The snowy city boasts holiday foods and family fun with bright lights, classical concerts, holiday markets and good cheer. Hunt for unique Christmas gifts in charming neighborhoods and bustling shopping centers. Marvel at the show during the World Christmas Circus, an Amsterdam tradition. See the sights of the WinterParade filled with classical live acts and performances. Or, escape the chilly air with a cup of hot chocolate or trendy Christmas drink at one of the many Dutch brown cafes.
Lapland is Finland’s northernmost region, bordering Sweden, Norway, Russia and the Baltic Sea. December is famous for heaps of snow, and the area is known for a unique holiday family experience of nature, diverse activities and dreamy activities. In fact, you may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights or Santa’s reindeer while experiencing this truly snowy winter wonderland.
Ice lanterns light the Finnish Christmas time, a popular way for locals to keep the trails and roads lit. Experience the awe and beauty of the Finnish countryside covered in heaps of fluffy snow, take a guided Artic wildlife tour, enjoy a Reindeer sleigh ride and escape to a cozy wood cottage or family resort surrounded by the winter paradise. The area is home to two major Santa Claus-themed parks, the Santa Claus Village and Santa Park. Meet Santa himself and cross the Artic Circle at the Santa Claus Village or let the children marvel at Santa and see the ice sculptures at Santa Park.
Christmas is an enchanted time for families and spending it at one of these White Christmas destinations are sure to make memories that last a lifetime. Escape to a natural wonderland and enjoy some snow-capped scenery and all the joy that Christmas has to offer.
Love,
Familystaysg team
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