UK Cities To Experience A White Christmas

Recent probability statistics have laid out which cities in the UK are most likely to experience a White Christmas.

A White Christmas is a bucket-list experience. Especially for those living in the Southern Hemisphere, having spent many a Christmas sweating at a backyard barbecue, on a cramped beach or fighting siblings for a spot in front of the air conditioner.

If you’re keen to see snow this festive season but don’t know where to go, we’ve got the place for you. And it’s not based on beauty or bias, we’ve got the stats.

Online betting experts at OLBG have profiled the latest betting odds and statistics surrounding the chances of a White Christmas in the UK this year.

From Scottish burghs and Irish metropoles to cities across England, here’s a definitive list of UK cities that are most likely to experience a White Christmas.

1. Edinburgh

Coming in at number one with the highest probability of snowfall this Christmas is… drum roll, please… Edinburgh!

Edinburgh while snowing — The capital city of Scotland has a 33.33 per cent chance of seeing snow this Christmas.

The capital city of Scotland is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. And it has a 33.33 per cent chance of seeing snow this Christmas.

a scenic view of Edinburg covered with snow — Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in Scotland.

Edinburgh is full of history, with something to learn about around every corner. Think cobblestone streets, castles and an underground city. Get lost in the Old Town, wander bookshops, climb Arthur’s Seat or explore Edinburgh Castle.

Edinburgh Castle at dusk with winter snow — The iconic Edinburgh Castle is a must-visit.

2. Glasgow

Edinburgh’s neighbour Glasgow also has a 33.33 per cent chance of seeing snow this Christmas. The up-and-coming cultural capital of Europe has plenty of museums, art galleries and lively venues to keep you warm over the festive season.

a snow-covered street in Glasgow — Experience snow in Glasgow.

But make sure you also grab a pint at Drygate Brewery, check out a gig at the Barrowland Ballroom or discover the Riverside Museum.

the view from the top of the evening courtyard of the city of Glasgow in winter — The city of Glasgow transforms into a winter wonderland.

3. Leeds

Coming in third is Leeds in West Yorkshire, England, with a 25 per cent chance of Christmas snowfall.

the Kirkstall Abbey covered in snow, Leeds — Wander through the snow-covered Kirkstall Abbey.

Leeds is another exciting, up-and-coming city in the UK. The city is known for its diversity and cultural scene, and if you’re planning to head to Leeds, there’s plenty to see and do.

the suburban area of Leeds, UK — The houses are covered with snow in Leeds.

From the Royal Armouries Museum and Kirkstall Abbey to Roundhay Park and Lotherton, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Including the likelihood of snow come Christmas time!

a historic structure in the snow-covered Leeds Park — Soak up the cold air in Leeds Park.

4. Belfast

Not far behind Leeds is Belfast in Northern Ireland, which has a 22.22 per cent probability of experiencing a White Christmas. In fact, historically, Northern Ireland is a great bet for a snowy Christmas.

the Barnetts Demesne covered in snow, Belfast — Belfast is a dreamy destination for White Christmas.

In 2010, County Down in Northern Ireland (just over 30 kilometres from Belfast) was responsible for one of the top four deepest snow depths recorded on 25 December since records began. It saw 17 centimetres of snow, preceded by 45 centimetres in Gwynedd, Wales.

a snow-covered landscape in Belfast — The snow is deep on the ground in Belfast.

Famously, Belfast is the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, which can be felt from the renovated dockyards’ Titanic Quarter, which includes the Titanic Belfast Museum and shipbuilder Harland and Wolff’s Drawing Offices. The iconic slipways, where the boat was once launched, now also plays host to open-air concerts.

a Christmas display in Belfast — Christmas in Belfast is guaranteed to entertain kids and families.

Visitors can also explore the Crumlin Road Gaol, Ulster Museum, St. George’s Market, the Belfast Peacewall and Cavehill.

Capture an enchanting sunset on a snowy hill in Belfast.

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5. Manchester

Manchester is one of the UK’s most exciting cities, with a thriving music scene and a budding swell of art, design, culture and history. And this December, it has a 20 per cent chance of seeing snow grace its streets on Christmas.

Manchester is studded with museums and art galleries, some of the best being the Manchester Art Gallery, the People’s History Museum and the Science and Industry Museum.

Football lovers will also love it here; two of the English Premier League’s biggest teams, Manchester United and Manchester City, call the city home. Visit the National Football Museum or, during the winter season, catch a game at Etihad Stadium.

Manchester covered in snow — Snow visits the thriving arts centre of Manchester. (Image: Merve Selcuk Simsek)

Other UK destinations on the list include Birmingham (14.29 per cent chance of snowfall), Cardiff (9.09 per cent chance of snowfall) and London (8.33 per cent chance of snowfall). Bristol, Aberdeen, Liverpool and Newcastle all have a 4.76 per cent chance of snowfall.

red telephone booths in front of Christmas decorations lights in London, United Kingdom — Visit the iconic telephone booths in London.

So, if you’re keen for snow this festive season, the UK is the place to be. But if you’re betting on it, head up to Edinburgh or Glasgow in Scotland and you may just have yourself a very merry White Christmas.

Stroll along the Trafalgar Square on a snowy Christmas day.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

The UK cities you’re most likely to experience a White Christmas

Recent probability statistics have laid out which cities in the UK are most likely to experience a White Christmas.

1. Edinburgh

2. Glasgow

3. Leeds

4. Belfast

5. Manchester

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