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There’s something magical about celebrating the winter holidays along with snow. Whether it adds a layer of fun for kids to play in fresh powder or adds an almost Hallmark movie-like appeal, having a white Christmas is the perfect way to celebrate. So, will we have a white Christmas this year?
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Obviously, this depends on where you live, but there are certain places where you can increase your chances of seeing snow on Christmas Day.
What is a White Christmas?
The National Weather Service has a definition of “white Christmas.” To qualify, an area must have at least one inch of snow on the ground at 7 a.m. on Christmas morning.
(Source: National Weather Service)
The Rocky Mountain States
Adding some elevation to your holiday plans is the best way to guarantee seeing snow. In the U.S., the easiest way to gain elevation is to head to the Rocky Mountains. According to the National Weather Service, places like the mountains of Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana are almost a guarantee for snow. It’s important to note that snow is not a sure thing across the state. For instance, Denver only has a 50% chance of snow on the ground compared to Breckenridge or Vail.
The Midwest
The chilly Midwest is among the best regions to find a white Christmas. This is especially true in the northern parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Places like Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park have already seen their first snowfall of the year. As you head south in any of these states, the chances diminish, but most of the Midwest has at least a chance of seeing snow.
The Northeast
Despite countless holiday movies taking place in a snow-covered New York City, the chances of having a white Christmas there are not in your favor. However, there are spots in the Northeast where you can increase your chances of snow on Christmas morning. In New York, you’ll have to head north to the Adirondack Mountains, but for a statewide increase in snow, it’s best to be in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Mountains in the West
The final area where you have a chance of snowy conditions will be the mountains in California, Oregon, and Washington State. Places like Tahoe are open for ski season, and heading to a destination like that will almost guarantee waking up to snow. The same is true for Mount Rainier and the Cascades.
