9 European cities that virtually guarantee a white Christmas
The Christmas atmosphere is perfect only when the world is covered in snow. The lights glitter more, the trees and plants look like cotton, and even the stars twinkle brighter. But because of the climate change we are all experiencing, the snow is not certain.
After looking at places Europe most likely to have snow and average snowfall in December, I was pleasantly surprised that there are quite a few places where a white Christmas is practically guaranteed. These places delight locals and visitors who may have to travel long distances, but who are rewarded in the wonderland of winter in cities that are beautiful and significant at any time of the year – just more covered in snow.
Not surprisingly, several of these places are located in northern Europe, but there are France, Austria, and Germany too.
Here they are:
1. Tallinn, Estonia
The capital and cultural center of Estonia, Tallinn, is located in the northern part of the country in the Gulf of Finland, as part of the Baltic Sea. The Old Town, called the City Center, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many interesting and historic buildings (i.e. the cathedral and over 60 museums). When it snows an average of 18 days in December, you have a great chance of getting a white Christmas.
Estonia often called the singing nation. Music is important and there is an open arena where summer music festivals are held. In winter, however, it is converted into a playground for winter sports such as ice skating and snowboarding. You only need a little snow to make it perfect.
If you want to be away from the cold for a while, there is Estonian Art Museum and Kiek in de Koek, an old watchtower that is part of the Fortress Museum and provides access to underground tunnels and corridors – all giving a unique view of the city’s history. Tallinn also hosts a lovely Christmas market with plenty of local specialties: marzipan.
Provincial: Estonian is a local language, but almost everyone speaks another language, mostly English, German or Russian. But an aitaeh, “thank you” is always appreciated. The currency is the euro.
2. Vilnius, Lithuania
There was an average of 18.5 days of snow in December, Vilnius, the capital Lithuania, is another candidate for white Christmas. Known for its Baroque architecture in the medieval district, Vilnius is a magnificent city worth visiting at any time of the year.
Visit Gate of dawn and one of the many museums to get rid of the cold. Just a few miles from town you can enjoy the snowfall Liepkalnis ski resort. Vilnius Christmas market, held from November 27 to January 7, is a must see due to the huge Christmas tree and lovely decorations. A small, decorated train takes you around the city and the cathedral square.
Provincial: Lithuanian is the official language, but 80 percent of the younger generation speaks English; it was not taught during the Soviet occupation. The currency is the euro.
3. Turku, Finland
Turku, Finland ‘s oldest city, is located on the southwest coast of the country across the Aura River. The river plays an important role in city life. In summer, swimming and sunbathing are popular, but in winter it freezes completely due to low temperatures. That’s when the fun begins, as locals and visitors just attach skates and embark on a different tour. They glide past a 13th-century castle and decide which cute little streets they plan to explore on foot.
Turku is known for its coffee culture, so there are plenty of cafés to warm up with a hot drink. In 1996, Turku was declared the “Christmas City of Finland”. A Christmas market will be held in the Old Grand Square over the four weekends until Christmas.
4. Erfurt, Germany
Erfurt is located in the heart of Germany in Thuringia and in the catchment area of the wide river Gera. Part of the city is called “Little Venice” because of more than 140 bridges crossing the river. Erfurt is also one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval city centers and is historically closely associated with the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther.
The snowfall in December is steady, and while it won’t last long, it’s enough that the beautiful buildings are dusted with a layer of icing sugar. Unfortunately, the famous Christmas market in Erfurt has been canceled due to a new coronavirus strain.
5. Riga, Latvia
Riga, the capital Latvia, is located on the shores of the Baltic Sea. The port city was a member of the Hanseatic League and there is an average of 15 days of snow there in December. The Old Town of Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site mainly due to its Art Nouveau and wooden architecture. Imagine being able to admire all the great Art Nouveau models covered in snow just in the pedestrian area without having to watch out for cars.
Unfortunately, this is another Christmas market that has been canceled.
Provincial: The official language is Latvian, also known as Latvian. English is mostly spoken by the younger generation, but rarely outside Riga. You should learn a few polite words. The currency is the euro.
6. Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck, The capital of the state of Tyrol in Austria, enjoys a privileged location. Along the Inn River and surrounded by the high mountains of the Karwendel, it is protected on the one hand and protected from cold and snow on the other. This location is also the reason why Innsbruck is such a popular winter sports area that it hosted the Winter Olympics twice in 1964 and 1976.
With an average of 8.3 inches of snow in December, there is a very high chance of getting a white Christmas. Innsbruck is quite small but full of beautiful historic buildings and guild houses along the river promenade. The most famous attraction is probably the 15th century golden roof that crowns the building in the old town. It was created to celebrate the wedding of Emperor Maximilian I and consists of 2657 fire-gilded copper plates.
Innsbruck also has a beautiful Christmas market, which is held right under the Golden Roof. However, due to the current Austrian closure regulations the market is closed until 12 December. If you are planning a visit, check to see if these restrictions have been removed.
7. Kaunas, Lithuania
Kaunas, The second largest city in Lithuania, is located at the confluence of the Nemunars and Neris rivers and has been designated “European Capital of Culture 2022”. The main attractions are the 14th century castle and the streets of the old town plenty of murals and gigantic street art; Charlie Chaplin among them.
The second attraction is not one but the two original cable cars, which first opened in 1935. The interesting museum is Museum of the Devil. It houses more than 3,000 exhibits of horned creatures and is included in the list of the world’s most special museums. There is a tradition that visitors can bring the devil into an ever-growing collection. With an average of 16 days of snow in December, a white Christmas is very likely in Kaunas. To warm up in the cold, try a traditional dish called zeppelins, which is a large mashed potato stuffed with pork and served with sour cream and bacon sauce.
8. Grenoble, France
GrenobleLocated in the department of Isere in south-eastern France, the city calls itself the “capital of the French Alps” because the city is surrounded by mountains, making it the venue for the 1968 Winter Olympics. December has an average of 15.5 snowy days and temperatures well below zero, so snow and frost are pretty guaranteed.
Skiing and winter sports are popular in Grenoble. The main attraction rises from the city center to Bastille Hill on a spherical cable car called Les Bulles, “bubbles.” Grenoblen Christmas market is a joy and lasts until Christmas Eve. It is a combination of entertainment, lively atmosphere and gourmet cuisine, as you would expect in France. Before booking your trip to France, check the latest COVID regulations, as they change frequently in France.
9. Helsinki, Finland
the capital Helsinki Finland, is located on the shores of the Baltic Sea. The winter is very cold and the Baltic Sea freezes, bringing locals to walk, skate or even ski or cut an ice hole to fish. Join in the fun, but remember all the warnings about ice thickness. December has an average of 16.5 snowy days, so you can enjoy winter Helsinki with lots of indoor and outdoor activities.
Another fun hobby is sledding. They have special plastic sleds called pullka which you can buy everywhere for just 10 euros (about $ 11.34) to join the locals in the parks. After outdoor activities, visit the public sauna to warm up after a few hours Design Museum.
Also visit Helsinki Art Deco Railway Station.
Provincial: To enter the museum, you must show your COVID-19 passport at the door. You can enjoy Christmas market At the Market Square 22.12. until.
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