WE’VE all dreamt of having a white Christmas, and there are a number of places within three hours from the UK where it will most likely be snowy this festive period.
Festive films always show snowy destinations with pretty markets and twinkling lights.
And whilst the UK can be very pretty at Christmas, we don’t often get snow.
So here are the top places in Europe you can expect snow this Christmas with flights that take less than or around three hours from the UK.
Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck in Austria is the capital of the Tyrol region and at Christmas transforms into a living fairytale, according to Innsbruck Tourismus.
On November 15, the Old Town and Market Squares launch with oversized fairytale figures lining many of the medieval alleyways.
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At the markets, kids can enjoy a vintage carousel, puppet shows and even a virtual sleigh ride.
Visitors should also visit Wiltener Platzl, where you can experience traditional Tyrolean culture with local food and handmade goods.
Then from November 25, there will be the Maria-Theresien-Strasse Market with lots of stalls selling decorative trinkets and handcrafted gifts.
December temperatures: Highs of 4C and lows of -1C.
Snowfall: The average snowfall in Innsbruck in December is 73cm, with an average base depth of 12cm.
Return flights in December cost as little as £39 per person from Birmingham Airport to Innsbruck and each way takes around two hours.
Salzburg, Austria
The Austrian city of Salzburg sits on the border of Germany and has views of the Eastern Alps.
And over the festive season, the city is home to a brilliant Christmas market.
The Salzburger Christkindlmarkt hosts everything you’d expect of a normal Christmas market and more, including Mozart concerts and a parade.
The market is even one of the oldest in the world and is a great spot to enjoy seasonal foods.
December temperatures: Highs of 5C and lows of -2C.
Snowfall: The average snowfall in Salzburg in December is 8cm.
Return flights in December cost as little as £33 per person from London Stansted to Salzburg and each way takes around two hours.
Tallinn, Estonia
The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, is home to one of Europe‘s oldest Christmas markets which is often compared to Disney fairytale cities.
Located in Old Town’s Town Hall Square, visitors can explore a number of wooden chalets selling gifts and food and see a giant Christmas tree.
For the duration of the market, visitors can also catch a glimpse of street performers, glowing lights and carollers.
Make sure to try some traditional Estonian Christmas food such as blood sausage and roasted potatoes.
December temperatures: Highs of 1C and lows of -5C.
Snowfall: The average snowfall in Tallinn in December is 13.2cm.
Return flights in December cost as little as £35 per person from London Stansted or London Luton to Tallinn and each way takes around two hours and 45 minutes.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Lithuania‘s capital, Vilnius, is full of baroque architecture and has a quaint Old Town.
And when Christmas comes, this area feels like a festive village.
In the Cathedral Square, visitors will find a unique Christmas tree surrounded by a bustling market that includes ice sculptures and folk performances.
Then throughout the town there are light installations to find.
The city is even home to a festive train experience and an ice skating rink by the Town Hall.
December temperatures: Highs of 0C and lows of -4C.
Snowfall: The average snowfall in Vilnius in December is 5.9cm.
Return flights in December cost as little as £49 per person from London Luton to Vilnius and each way takes around two hours and 40 minutes.
Stockholm, Sweden
Over in Sweden, Stockholm features cobblestone streets and grand buildings including a 13th century cathedral.
At Christmas, the city lights up with twinkling lights and cosy markets.
One market, Gamla Stan’s Stortorget square features ice skating and a Julbord, which is a Christmas buffet.
Skansen open-air museum also has a Christmas market with illuminated streets and festive window displays.
The city also hosts a Santa Run, where hundreds of people dress as Santa and go on a run for charity.
December temperatures: Highs of 2C and lows of -1C.
Snowfall: The average snowfall in Stockholm in December is 20.3cm.
Return flights in December cost as little as £42 per person from London Luton to Stockholm and each way takes around two and a half hours.
Chambery, France
In France, you could head to the Alpine town of Chambery, known for its medieval Castle of the Dukes of Savoy.
In the historic town centre, there are a number of family-friendly festive activities and shows to watch.
The town’s ancient streets and squares then come alive with lights and stalls selling handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats such as hot spiced wine.
December temperatures: Highs of 7C and lows of 0C.
Snowfall: The average snowfall in Chambery in December is 3.3cm.
Return flights in December cost as little as £62 per person from Edinburgh to Chambery and each way takes around two hours and 40 minutes.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik sits on the coast of Iceland and is both the country’s capital and largest city.
For festive things to do in the city, head to Reykjavík Northern Lights Market, which is near Grotta Lighthouse.
The market is set in a great spot to catch the Northern Lights whilst also having a wander around a number of stalls selling local crafts and geothermal footbaths.
The market also boasts street food, live storytelling and music by the fire.
Another cosy spot to head to in the city is the Bookstore Bar, which looks like a library on the inside.
December temperatures: Highs of 3C and lows of -2C.
Snowfall: The average snowfall in Reykjavik in December is 5cm.
Return flights in December cost as little as £53 per person from Bristol Airport to Innsbruck and each way takes just under three hours.
Helsinki, Finland
Finland‘s southern capital, Helsinki, is known for its architecture as well as being a business hub.
And at Christmas, the city becomes a wonderland of festive cheer.
The city’s main Christmas market is called Tuomaan Markkinat and is located in Senate Square.
It features a number of different attractions including a historic carousel for children.
Seasonal foods at the market include reindeer meat and mulled wine served with almonds and raisins.
And for something a little more luxurious, Helsinki has a lot of saunas that are open throughout the holidays.
December temperatures: Highs of 1C and lows of -4C.
Snowfall: The average snowfall in Helsinki in December is 6cm.
Return flights in December cost as little as £81 per person from London Stansted to Helsinki and it takes about two hours and 50 minutes to get there.
The flight back takes just over three hours, at three hours and five minutes.
Rovaniemi, Finland
According to travel booking platform Omio, the most magical market to experience this Christmas season is Finland‘s ‘Christmas Village’, also known as ‘Santa Claus Village’.
Located in Rovaniemi, the village includes visits from Santa himself, letter writing, crafting opportunities, rides, attractions and even the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.
December temperatures: Highs of -4C and lows of -11C.
Snowfall: The average snowfall in Rovaniemi in December is 52 cm, with an average base depth of 20 to 40 cm.
Return flights in December cost as little as £51 per person from Birmingham Airport to Rovaniemi and each way spills just over three hours, coming in at around three hours and 15 minutes.
For things to do in the UK, here are 27 free festive experiences for families including light trails and Santa’s grotto.
Plus, Winter Wonderland opens this week – here’s all the new attractions at Europe’s biggest festive event.