There is something undeniably magical about a white Christmas. Songs are written about wanting to wake up to a light dusting of snow, every festive movie features a snow moment, and many of the season's symbols revolve around having fun in frosty weather.
While in some areas of the UK, the chances of a white winter wonderland are a bit hit and miss, in some regions, snow is more likely than others and happens more often than we'd expect.
Come wintertime, certain corners of the country are transformed into fairytale landscapes and provide the perfect, idyllic backdrops for the most wonderful time of the year.
HELLO! has rounded up some of the best places to feast your eyes on snow this Christmas, from quaint cobblestone streets and pub windows dusted in snowflakes to our very own City of Chocolate.
© Getty ImagesBath - Somerset, England
A spectacle all year round, Bath comes alive in the wintertime as its honey-toned Georgian architecture glows against dimly lit street lights. Add snow to the mix, and it really is a sight to be seen.
While snow here is only likely to happen once or twice a season (and more so on the surrounding hills than the city centre), when it does, be sure to wander through the historic crescents and visit the steaming Roman Baths under a downpour of snowflakes.
Spend some time enjoying the city's famous Christmas market and lean into the romantic atmosphere inspired by the stunning scenery as it disappears beneath a blanket of white.
Where to warm up: Head to the famous Christmas market for a cup of hot mulled wine.
© Getty ImagesThe Scottish Highlands - Northwest Scotland
Dubbed Britain's snow globe, if there is one place in the UK that gets guaranteed it is the hills of the Scottish Highlands.
Transforming the green scenery into a sea of white, the snow dumps on this area of Scotland almost every year, covering roads, villages and towns in their entirety.
Towns like Aviemore, nestled between the trees of the Cairngorms National Park, often see a plentiful amount of snow. Head here and be entertained by its very own version of Lapland and try your hand at skiing, husky sledding, and winter walks through snowy forests.
According to the Met Office website, "When air rises over hills and mountains, it cools and condenses, forming cloud and precipitation. Whether this falls as rain or snow depends on the freezing level, the altitude at which temperatures drop below zero. This is why hilltops often appear white while lower ground remains green," making the Highlands the perfect spot to enjoy a white Christmas.
Where to warm up: Spend some time in cosy Inverness for festive pubs and local cafes.
© Getty ImagesYork - North Yorkshire, England
Otherwise known as the UK’s 'City of Chocolate', York was formerly home to Rowntree's, Terry's, and Craven's, and it becomes even sweeter at Christmastime.
Drink in the scent of steaming hot chocolate as you wander through The Shambles under a flurry of fresh snow. The city’s medieval walls offer postcard-perfect winter views, especially after a snowfall.
Visit York Minster Cathedral after it has been dressed in white and watch through the windows of York’s famed chocolatiers as snowflakes hit the ground. A snowy day is the perfect excuse to explore the Chocolate Story experience, or sample the local confectionery as the ground turns white outside.
Where to warm up: Stop by one of the city's artisanal cafes for a signature hot chocolate.
© Getty ImagesThe Lake District - Northwest England
With plenty of pretty, quaint villages and towns to choose from, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to planning the perfect Christmas escape to the Lakes, and due to its topography and northern positioning, it is more likely that your trip will be a snowy one.
Snow-tipped fells, shimmering icy lakes, and log-fire pubs make this region irresistibly cosy, especially if there are snowflakes fluttering down outside.
Towns like Keswick and Grasmere are known for picturesque winter scenes, and a snowy hike to a viewpoint like Catbells will reward you with cinematic mountain panoramas.
After a day of outdoor exploring, head inside and feast on the local offerings that include the famous slices of gingerbread and Kendal Mint Cake.
How likely is it that there will be snow for Christmas Day at the Lakes and in the rest of the UK? The Met Office explained: "We can accurately forecast if snow is likely on any given Christmas Day up to five days beforehand.
"Since 1960, around half of the years have seen at least 5 per cent of the network record snow falling on Christmas Day. This means we can probably expect more than half of all Christmas Days to be a 'white Christmas'."
Where to warm up: Find refuge from the cold in towns like Keswick, Grasmere, or Windermere with their cosy pubs and shops.
© Getty ImagesSnowdonia - North Wales
If you are chasing the best chance of a white Christmas in Wales, look no further than the region of Snowdonia, known as the country’s undisputed snow capital.
Nowhere else in Wales captures winter quite like the dramatic peaks surrounding Snowdon, where frosty ridges and powder-tipped summits create a natural winter wonderland.
From Capel Curig to Llanberis Pass and the brooding Ogwen Valley, the high altitude of the region means it often sees snow long before the rest of Wales. Thanks to the region’s towering mountains, icy microclimates and Atlantic weather fronts, Snowdonia consistently receives the earliest and heaviest snowfall each year.
For winter lovers looking for dramatic scenery to wake up to on Christmas morning, a Welsh stay might be the perfect place to eat your turkey dinner this year.
Where to warm up: Enjoy snug pubs and cafes in base villages like Llanberis, Betws-y-Coed, or Beddgelert
