The best places to spend a white Christmas around the world - Cold is not always a bad thing. Snow and low temperatures often attract tourists looking for fun, extreme winter sports options, or those simply looking to contemplate stunning scenery in a special place. Christmas is a particularly magical time of year in cities, where snow-covered monuments and houses can resemble a fairy-tale picture book. 

Check out the best destinations in the world to enjoy a white Christmas!

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Edinburgh (Scotland) - Although it does not always snow in the Scottish capital, when it does, Edinburgh turns into a magical place.

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Edinburgh (Scotland) - The city buildings and the medieval castle, situated in the heart of the city, are part of the breathtaking scenery that attracts tourists from around the world.

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Salzburg (Austria) - Located on the banks of the Salzach river lies a European winter jewel—the Austrian city of Salzburg. At this time of the year the city is "painted" with snow, a scenery that delights everybody.

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Salzburg (Austria) - The medieval city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and has a history that dates back to the Romans, although it is the Renaissance-era buildings that dazzle.

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Tromsø (Norway) - This Norwegian jewel lies a little under 350 km (217 miles) from the Arctic Circle. Tromsø boasts stunning scenery, incredible monuments, and lots of history.

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Tromsø (Norway) - In addition to visiting the city with its many picturesque wooden buildings, you can also enjoy the snow-capped landscape. And if that isn't enough, you can also observe one of the most impressive natural phenomenons in the world: the northern lights!

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Zurich (Switzerland) - Zurich is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. You will be able to enjoy its monuments, history, and the beautiful scenery.

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Zurich (Switzerland) - It is usually very cold in the winter, but that does not stop tourists from enjoying the eye-catching scenery that appears even more magical at this time of year.

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Chamonix (France) - While it's not really a city, its location at the foot of impressive Mont Blanc still makes Chamonix ​​an international ski destination, easily reached from Geneva.

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Chamonix (France) - The resort has distinctive architecture and is surrounded by a breathtaking landscape. During winter, this is simply a beautiful place to spend time in.

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Prague (Czech Republic) - The Czech capital is a wonderful destination. The city attracts lots of visitors year-round, but in wintertime, despite the negative temperatures, Prague can be a great choice to spend a white Christmas.

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Prague (Czech Republic) - Historical buildings, museums, cafes, and the Vltava river are some of the city's main tourist attractions. Eastern Europe looks beautiful at this time of year.

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Turin (Italy) - The Italian city is another European gem and one of the best destinations for snow lovers.

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Turin (Italy) - Streets steeped in history, with traditional cafes and distinctive buildings, evoke the cultural richness of an imposing city that attracts hundreds of tourists at this time of the year.

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Toronto (Canada) - Canada's largest city and financial center has many tourist attractions, and of course, snow plays its part. Ice skating can be a magical experience in this destination. 

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Toronto (Canada) - The streets are lit up and decorated in a very typical way, delighting tourists and locals alike. Yes, Toronto is a great choice for a winter escape.

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Berlin (Germany) - Berlin's Christmas markets are one of its biggest attractions, and something not to be missed for those who visit the city.

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Berlin (Germany) - The famous Glühwein tipple will warm you up on cold days. This typical drink consists of hot wine with cinnamon. You can find an array of monuments and beautiful scenery in this attractive and distingushed metropolis.

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Innsbruck (Austria) - Picturesque buildings and an imposing Alpine backdrop are two rewarding aspects of this Austrian city.

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Innsbruck (Austria) - If you are looking for an action-packed vacation, you will be pleased to know that the city has more than nine ski resorts! If you just want to contemplate the magical landscape, you can always travel by cable car and take memorable photos along the way.

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New York (United States) - New York City is always a city that fascinates and attracts tourists year round. In winter, the city be the perfect spot to spend an urban Christmas.

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New York (United States) - Why not ice skate on Wollman Rink, one of the world's best-known ice rinks? The skyscrapers are also very beautiful in the holiday season, and the streets are elaborately decorated.

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Tallinn (Estonia) - The Estonian capital has a rich history and an appealing medieval atmosphere, which comes to life when snow falls.

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Tallinn (Estonia) - The city is more than 700 years old and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It can be a great destination to have a magical and unforgettable Christmas.

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Helsinki (Finland) - The Finnish capital positively sparkles in winter. An added allure is the snow-dusted islands set in and around the harbor.

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Helsinki (Finland) - During severe winters the water freezes over, giving the appearance of a huge ice rink surrounding the city.

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Quebec City (Canada) - Enjoy an unmistakably French-flavored Christmas in this beautiful Canadian city.

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Quebec City (Canada) - The European ambiance is especially enhanced within the vicinity of the historic Château Frontenac (pictured).

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Stockholm (Sweden) - Sugar-coated in winter by ample snow fall, Sweden's capital makes for an enchanting winter wonderland destination. 

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Stockholm (Sweden) - Stockholm's historic center celebrates Christmas with lots of Nordic cheer, and snowfall just makes the party that much more fun.

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Oslo (Norway) - Try and arrive in the Norwegian capital by boat. The journey along Oslofjord is magical any time of year. However, in winter the warm glow emanating from the many houses dotted along the shore is simply magical.

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Oslo (Norway) - Stroll across to the Royal Palace and Karl XIV Johan monument at dusk, and you'll appreciate the fairy-tale ambiance that wintertime creates.

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Munich (Germany) - Bavaria's regional capital takes on a totally different veneer when carpeted with snow. One of the places to go is the English Garden, noted for its landmark Chinese Tower.

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Munich (Germany) -

Germany is particularly noted for its colorful and elaborate Christmas markets, and in Munich the locals do their city proud.

See also: Where to find the most festive Christmas markets in Europe.

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