Where To Live: White Christmas But Not Too Cold?

Key Factors to Consider

• Latitude vs. Altitude:

  • The farther north you go (higher latitude), the more likely you are to see snow over the holidays. But these areas also tend to have colder temperatures.
  • At higher altitudes (mountains), you’ll often get dependable snowfall in winter, but night temperatures can dip quite low. Daytime temps in the 20s or 30s (°F) might be common, but single digits can still happen.

• Maritime (Coastal) Influence:

  • Places near oceans or large lakes often have milder winters than inland areas because water retains heat.
  • However, coastal regions that aren’t very far north may not see much snow at all.
  • Coastal areas farther north can get snow but can also be famously damp, slushy, or unpredictable (e.g., rain/snow mix).

• Climates DO Vary:

  • Even in famously snowy places, there’s no 100% guarantee. A White Christmas might be 80–90% likely in some top spots.
  • Warmer conditions often mean variability: you could get a gorgeous White Christmas one year, but just cold rain the next.

U.S. Suggestions

1. Mountain Towns with Moderate Winter Days

• Flagstaff, Arizona

  • Elevation: ~7,000 ft
  • Frequent snow in winter and a fair chance for a white Christmas.
  • Daytime highs in December often hover in the 30s or 40s (°F). Nighttime can drop into the teens—but sub-zero temps are less common than in the Upper Midwest.

• Taos, New Mexico (or nearby mountain areas)

  • Similar high-elevation southwestern climate with decent snowfall in winter.
  • Daytime highs often in the 30s, with overnight lows sometimes in the teens.
  • Cold snaps do happen, but overall less brutal than, say, Minnesota or North Dakota.

2. Inland Pacific Northwest

• Leavenworth, Washington

  • Nestled on the eastern slopes of the Cascades. Well-known for its postcard-perfect Christmas vibe.
  • Snow is common through much of December. Daytime temps often in the 30s, although occasional cold fronts can bring teens or single digits.

• Sandpoint or Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

  • Surrounded by mountains, and Lake Pend Oreille (Sandpoint) / Lake Coeur d’Alene helps moderate temperatures a bit.
  • Good chance of snow on the ground for Christmas. Still, nights can dip pretty low on occasion.

3. Northern Appalachians / Adirondacks “Lite”

• Western Massachusetts or Southern Vermont

  • Places like the Berkshires or the lower elevations in southern Vermont (e.g., Brattleboro) can see regular December snow without consistently plunging below zero.
  • Still can get occasional cold snaps, but overall not as brutal as northern Vermont or upstate New York’s Adirondacks.
  • Chance for a white Christmas is decent, though not guaranteed every single year.

International/Non-Contiguous US Possibilities

1. Coastal/Maritime Mountains in Europe

• Some parts of Norway’s southern fjords or southwestern coast

  • Near cities like Bergen, you’ll find milder winter temps thanks to the Gulf Stream. However, it can be very rainy, and snow near sea level is not guaranteed for Christmas. Higher elevations in that region are more likely to get (and keep) snow, but obviously the temps drop more, too.

• Central/Western Alps (e.g., parts of Switzerland, France, Austria)

  • Many alpine towns are virtually guaranteed snow cover in late December.
  • At moderate altitudes (3,000–4,500 ft), daytime highs can be in the upper 20s to low 30s °F, with nights in the teens. Sub-zero temps (F) can happen, but if you pick lower elevations in the foothills, it’s usually less extreme than mountain peaks.

2. Northern Japan (e.g., Sapporo region, Hokkaido)

• • Known for heavy snowfall. December is typically already snowy, but January/February are peak months.
  • Temperatures often in the 20s and teens °F, which might be too cold for your taste.
  • If you can handle the 20s, you’ll get an extremely reliable white Christmas. And Hokkaido has some amazing hot spring baths called onsen – they’re worth checking out, especially when it’s cold outside. There are also natural hot springs where monkeys sit while snow falls on them.
  • Japanese culture and food are amazing – Don and I were blessed to visit Japan for a week in late Sept/early Oct and I would definitely go back to visit. Living there as a foreigner can be tough, according to one of our tour guides who married a Japanese girl – foreign-born residents will never be considered truly Japanese, even if we take on all cultural aspects and beliefs.

3. Coastal Alaska (e.g., Juneau)

• • Coastal Alaska can be milder than Alaska’s interior due to the influence of water.
  • December highs in Juneau often hover in the low 30s, with lows in the mid-20s. Below-zero (F) temps do happen but are less frequent than in Anchorage or Fairbanks.
  • Precipitation is high—so if it’s cold enough, it’ll be snow instead of rain.

Balancing Act: Snow Versus Cold Summary

• • Places with a strong maritime influence (like coastal Alaska or parts of northern Europe) often have milder temps but also less guaranteed snow at sea level.
  • Mountainous regions can deliver consistent snowpack but risk more extreme nighttime lows.
  • Many of the “classic” snow areas in the northern U.S. (Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota) do provide a high chance of a white Christmas but are also known for deep freezes and gusty cold winds.