Top 10 destinations for white Christmas in the USA

Stunning winter landscapes, world-class ski slopes, festive decorations: are you dreaming of a white Christmas in the USA? We present the top 10 destinations that will fulfill all your wishes!

1. Leavenworth, Washington

White Christmas in the USA couldn't be more beautiful! The small town of Leavenworth, tucked away in the mountains of Washington state, proudly calls itself the "most Christmasy town in America."

Every year at Christmastime, a special magic spreads through this small community of 2,000 people, where the architecture is reminiscent of a village in Bavaria. Once the town is illuminated by more than half a million lights and a fresh blanket of snow covers the streets and homes, Leavenworth transforms into a fairy-tale winter wonderland.

The secret to Christmas coziness? A smart marketing decision! In the 1960s, the town decided to attract more tourists and redesigned itself based on the look of a "typical" Bavarian mountain village.

Event tip: Leavenworth

In addition to rustic cottages and lots of lights, Leavenworth's Christmas highlights include a festive event program. Among the most popular traditions are a display of Santa costumes from around the world and a gingerbread house baking and decorating contest.

2. North Pole, Alaska

Do you wish for an absolute snow guarantee? In the Northernmost state of Alaska, you can be sure of a white Christmas in the USA! And if you want to experience proper Xmas vibes in addition to snow, there's really only one destination for the holidays: North Pole near Fairbanks!

In the city of North Pole, everything revolves around the festive season. During a wintry walk, you'll stroll along streets decorated with countless fairy lights with beautiful names like Santa Claus Lane, Mistletoe Lane, or Criss Cringle Drive.

For a big dose of Christmas spirit, visit Santa Claus House, where you can celebrate Christmas all year round. At Santa's Workshop, you can stock up on Alaskan-made gifts, unique toys, winter clothing, and candy. At the adjacent Antler Academy, you can watch, pet, and feed Santa's reindeers.

Event tip: North Pole

At North Pole's annual ice sculpture exhibition, international artists create stunning, ephemeral masterpieces of ice.

3. Chicago, Illinois

Do you enjoy the hustle and bustle of a big city decorated for Christmas? Then Chicago is the place for you! The Windy City becomes visibly more charming when it is festively decorated and a blanket of white snow covers its streets.

The largest concentration of Christmas highlights in Chicago is in and around Millennium Park. An ice rink is installed here every year, where you can skate your laps while enjoying the breathtaking view of the skyline. Another skating rink winds through nearby Maggie Daley Park.

Afterwards, you can warm up with a hot drink at Chicago's famous "Christkindlmarket." If you have a little more time, you should reserve a heated igloo for you and your friends. Inside the clear plastic domes, you'll sit in the warm with a spectacular view of frozen Lake Michigan.

Event tip: Chicago

You can take the perfect Christmas photo for your Instagram account among the light installations of the Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden. After dark, follow an illuminated path that transforms the garden into a dazzling wonderland.

4. Aspen, Colorado

Do you love winter sports? In the winter wonderland of Aspen, Colorado, you can look forward to 4.5 meters of fresh snow per year. The chic resort in the Rocky Mountains not only offers excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding but also enchants its visitors during the holidays with a lot of Christmas coziness.

The Silver Circle Rink in the middle of Aspen invites you to ice skate, while a colorful program of concerts, parties, and art exhibitions will get you in the Christmas spirit. The best way to enjoy the magical winter landscape is to go snowshoeing or on a romantic sleigh ride.

Event tip: Aspen

The annual 12 Days of Aspen begins before Christmas and ends on New Year's Eve. The program includes a wide variety of events to sweeten your holidays – from free ice skating parties and workshops to make Christmas ornaments and cards, to Victorian-dressed carolers in the hotel lobby and a huge New Year's Eve fireworks display over Aspen Mountain.

5. Boston, Massachusetts

American history meets white Christmas in the USA! Boston was the site of major events such as the Boston Tea Party and is home to numerous historic sites. The unique atmosphere of America's oldest city is especially beautiful when you walk through Boston's snowy cobblestone streets in winter.

Admire Boston's largest Christmas tree on Boston Common, stroll through the festively lit city park, go ice skating on Frog Pond, enjoy a Christmas concert at Symphony Hall, and visit the 100+ vendors at Snowport at the Seaport, Boston's most beautiful Christmas market!

Event tip: Boston

Don't miss the 7-minute "Blink!" light show in front of historic Faneuil Hall, where more than 350,000 LED lights illuminate downtown Boston to the sound of Christmas carols.

6. Woodstock, Vermont

With the start of the Advent season, the tranquil New England town of Woodstock becomes one of the most beautiful American Christmas hotspots. For this, the small community focuses entirely on having a white Christmas in the USA, full of tradition and coziness.

Join a tour of the historic Billings Farm, go ice skating at the Union Arena Ice Rink, or store for Christmas decorations and local specialties in the town's small stores.

Don't miss the festive lighting of the city's Christmas lights and the Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival, where you can watch the frosty works of art being created live.

Event tip: Woodstock

Woodstock traditionally rings in the holiday season on the second Saturday in December with Wassail Weekend. It features carriage and sleigh rides through town, Christmas movie nights and musical events, fire pits, and treats like apple cider donuts, hot chocolate, and Wassail punch.

7. Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge in Colorado is the ideal destination for those who like to be active in sports, but also want to experience the magic of Christmas. In the snowy mountains surrounding charming towns with brightly painted wooden cabins, you can enjoy all kinds of winter sports: from snowboarding to snowshoeing and even snowmobiling! Numerous festivals, galleries, distilleries, and art exhibitions provide enough variety off the slopes.

During the holiday season, Breckenridge shines with opulent decorations and a wide range of events. Head downtown for the first festive lighting of the decorated Christmas tree at the Lighting of Breckenridge, dress your four-legged friend for the festive Holiday Dog Parade, and take part in the Race of the Santas down Main Street.

Event tip: Breckenridge

Hundreds of Santas and elves kick off the holiday season with a 5-mile run along Main Street in the traditional "Race of the Santas." Although there are a few very ambitious Santas, the race is a fun event for most participants, and being there is all that counts.

8. Sun Valley, Idaho

Don't be fooled by the name! Although Sun Valley may sound like a summer destination, it's a picturesque ski resort in the mountains of Idaho that's a guarantee for your white Christmas in the USA.

Especially if you are a winter sports freak and bring a good portion of courage, Sun Valley will make your heart beat faster. Here, you can engage in spectacular disciplines like heli-skiing, where you'll be transported by helicopter to mountain peaks that are inaccessible to regular skiers.

Fatbiking is a special kind of biking that allows you to make your way through the snow-covered winter landscape on a special bike with thick tires. Of course, you will also find numerous classic ski and snowboard slopes in Sun Valley. When you've had your fill of winter sports, relax by the fireplace in the hotel lobby or in the local spa.

Event tip: Sun Valley

On December 24th, a very special spectacle awaits you in Sun Valley. To ring in Christmas, the Torchlight Parade will see dozens of skiers descend Dollar Mountain with torches while fireworks light up the night sky.

9. Lake Tahoe, Nevada

At picturesque Lake Tahoe, your winter dreams will come true! The beautiful mountain panorama of the Sierra Nevada coupled with an atmospheric program of events will make your white Christmas in the USA an unforgettable experience.

Sled down the surrounding slopes of Lake Tahoe, pirouette on the ice rink at Northstar Village, attend the SnowGlobe Music Festival Christmas concerts, browse the stores of Squaw Valley, and cheer on the festive lighting of the Christmas lights.

Event tip: Lake Tahoe

Do you want to get to know the best bars in the region? Then sign up for the Reno Santa Crawl. The pre-Christmas pub crawl takes place every year on December 12th. A Santa headgear is mandatory, and if you go the extra mile with your costume, you can even win a prize!

10. Park City, Utah

Even if you're not a fan of the Olympics, your white Christmas in Park City will be a complete success. Near the former Olympic venue is North America's largest ski resort, where you can enjoy all kinds of winter sports.

When you're not hitting Park City's ski slopes and sledding hills, you can enjoy cultural highlights and Christmas events. Marvel at the life-size gingerbread house set up for the annual parade through town, attend the tree-lighting ceremony at Canyons Village, and take a tour of historic downtown, where numerous stores, art galleries, and restaurants are waiting for you.

Event tip: Park City

In the second half of December, you can celebrate "SnowFest" in Park City. The 16-day winter festival includes live music, entertainment, and the sale of crafts and Christmas treats.

Christmastime in the USA

Have you found your perfect destination for a white Christmas in the USA? Awesome! Then all you have to do is learn about the typical Christmas traditions in America. Or would you prefer a Christmas classic? We present the festive hustle and bustle in New York City during Christmas time!

Do you still need some Xmas presents? Follow us on a Christmas shopping spree across the land of opportunity.

We wish you a merry and white Christmas!