Where to go for guaranteed snow this winter – including a little-known Finnish destination

With the UK now averaging just 13 days of snow a year, it’s no surprise Brits are searching elsewhere for a white Christmas.

Plenty of us will be hunting for guaranteed snow to make our festivities all the more special.

But this might mean having to venture further afield.

The top 10 winter destinations in Europe where snow is guaranteed have been revealed, according to a study.

One is a little-known Finnish destination that promises huge amounts of snowfall and crisp, white scenery. 

Hallstatt, Austria

Top of the list is Hallstatt, Austria. This picturesque village in Austria’s Salzkammergut region is the definition of a winter wonderland

Top of the list is Hallstatt, Austria.

This picturesque village in Austria’s Salzkammergut region is the definition of a winter wonderland. 

Nestled between a lake and snow dusted mountains, Hallstatt shines with fairytale charm during the colder months. 

With an impressive 890 mm of snowfall and minimal light pollution, it’s the perfect spot for snow lovers and stargazers. 

Reykjavik, Iceland 

Europe’s northernmost capital offers not only guaranteed snow (averaging 254.6 mm), but also one of the best chances to witness the Northern Lights up close

In second place is Reykjavik, Iceland.

Europe’s northernmost capital offers not only guaranteed snow (averaging 254.6 mm), but also one of the best chances to witness the Northern Lights up close. 

Rovaniemi, Finland

Perched on the Arctic Circle, and with 193 mm of average snowfall, it’s easy to see why this snow-dusted haven is known as the official home of Santa Claus

Coming in third place is Rovaniemi, Finland. 

Perched on the Arctic Circle, and with 193 mm of average snowfall, it’s easy to see why this snow-dusted haven is known as the official home of Santa Claus.

It’s ideal for an authentic winter escape as a result.

Tallinn, Estonia

In Tallinn, Estonia, Christmas feels authentic, unexpected and genuinely affordable

Tallinn, Estonia comes in fourth. 

With 134.6 mm of snowfall, Tallinn ranks among Northern Europe’s most reliable winter destinations. 

In Tallinn, Estonia, Christmas feels authentic, unexpected and genuinely affordable. 

Its historic Christmas tree, first put up in 1441, is widely recognised as Europe’s earliest public Christmas tree.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Fifth place goes to Vilnius, Lithuania, with an average of 104 mm of snowfall

Fifth place goes to Vilnius, Lithuania, with an average of 104 mm of snowfall.

Vilnius was crowned as the best value in the Post Office’s Christmas Market Barometer.

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, was also titled Europe’s Christmas Capital 2025 2025 by the Christmas Cities Network, supported by the European Parliament.

The new research from Icelandair analysed 60 European destinations to reveal where snow is still guaranteed, ranking them by snowfall, light pollution and clear skies. 

Each city was evaluated based on three equally weighted factors: snowfall, stargazing potential and Christmas market activity.