FESTIVE: Head to one of these snowy destinations to get you in the festive mood (Pic: GETTY)
There's something truly magical about spending the Christmas period surrounded by snow.
Unfortunately weather is unpredictable and we often end up with lashing of rain instead of a dreamy white Christmas in the UK.
If you want to spend the festive season surround by dancing snowflakes and twinkling lights, there are plenty of destinations that can provide the perfect winter wonderland.
Of course snow is never 100% guaranteed, but these icy adventures will certainly leave you feeling festive.
Here are seven thrilling travel destinations that are very likely to be snowy during December and January:
STAYCATION: The Scottish Highlands have an average of 100 days of snow each year (Pic: GETTY)
1. Scottish Highlands
If you're looking for a snowy staycation, Scotland is your best bet as the Highlands experience an average of 100 days of snow each year.
Stunning scenery, snow-capped mountains, rolling hills and ancient castles, make Scotland an awe-inspiring destination.
In fact it is so scenic, the bonny destination was actually voted the most beautiful country in the world by Rough Guides earlier this year.
At this time of year you can marvel at the white-cloaked wilderness and mirror-like lochs while looking out for Scotland's white mountain hares.
WHITE XMAS: The festive Christmas markets in the Old Town Square in Prague (Pic: GETTY)
2. Prague, Czech Rebuplic
Just a two-hour flight from London, this scenic city feels like it was built for Christmas.
It's stunning gothic architecture and narrow medieval alleyways look even more magical with a dusting of snow.
Christmas markets in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are open every day from December 1 2018 to January 6 2019.
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3. Salzburg, Austria
Surrounded by snow-capped Alps, Salzburg often gets snow quite early in the season.
The city itself turns into a winter wonderland, while ski-enthusiasts head to the mountains to carve up some powder.
Famed for being the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location for The Sound of Music, the beautiful city lights up during the festive season.
Christmas markets fill its main squares as well as the courtyard of the Hohensalzburg Castle during the winter months.
MAGICAL: Tromso is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights (Pic: GETTY)
Located 217 miles north of the Artic Circle, the Norwegian city is a magical winter paradise and its one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights.
In fact, between November and March the lights can be seen most nights, even when the forecast predicts zero activity.
In the winter there is limited daylight, but the eternal dusk creates a beautiful glow over the city.
Set around a pretty harbour and surrounded by snowy mountains, Tromso is known as the “Paris of the north” thanks to its vibrant hub of bars, restaurants and boutique shops.
Just outside of the city you can live out your Christmas fantasies by husky sledding through alpine forests and cruising down the Norwegian fjords.
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5. Lapland, Finland
Is there anywhere more festive than Lapland? The home of Father Christmas is a bucket-list must for families.
Santa lives in the remote town of Rovaniemi in the Arctic Circle, according to the Fins.
Dubbed Santas Village, this is the place you can meet the man himself and pet his famous reindeers.
Aside from meting the big guy, there are plenty of winter activities to get you in the festive mood.
Husky sledding, tobogganing, ice fishing and night skiing are just some of the magical excursions on offer.
Being located in the Arctic Circle, there is also a good chance of snowfall and seeing the elusive Northern Lights.
WINTER WONDERLAND: Moscow looks even more beautiful under a sprinkling of snow (Pic: GETTY)
6. Moscow, Russia
Make sure you pack for an artic winter if you plan on visiting Moscow in December or January.
The remarkable Russian city rarely sees temperatures above freezing during this time of year and flurries of snow are frequent.
During the winter Moscow's famous Red Square transforms into a magical Christmas market.
While the nearby Manezh Square erupts into a traditional Russian Christmas festival between mid-December and mid-January.
If you fancy sticking around until January, Moscow also hosts one of the biggest New Years Eve festivals in the world.
WILDLIFE: Watch monkeys bathe in hot spring in Jigokudani Monkey Park, Japan (Pic: GETTY)
7. Jigokudani Monkey Park, Yamanouchi, Japan
If you want to do something a little different this winter, head to the snow-capped mountains of Japan.
Japan has become a popular skiing destination, thanks to its impressive powder and peaks.
But if you want the end of 2018/beggining of 2019 to be truly unforgettable, head to the forests of the Jigokudani valley in Yamanouchi.
The area is considered the only place in the world where you can see snow monkeys bathing in the wild.
You've probably seen photos of the red-faced macaques soaking in the natural hot springs, but seeing them in real life is another level of magic.
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