{"id":104714,"date":"2019-11-25T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-11-25T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelstartblg.wpenginepowered.com\/visit-winter-bucket-list-places\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T13:55:20","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T13:55:20","slug":"visit-winter-bucket-list-places","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/visit-winter-bucket-list-places\/","title":{"rendered":"White Christmas Destinations to Add to Your Winter Bucket List"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>[Updated December 2024]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>South Africans dreaming of a white Christmas should add these white Christmas destinations to their winter bucket lists.&nbsp; This season turns the world\u2019s soaring mountains and summer destinations into perfect natural playgrounds for travellers seeking an unforgettable Christmas experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether hurtling down a mountain on a snowboard, sharing romantic moments while the Northern Lights dance above you, or having a cuppa with the real Santa Claus is your thing \u2013 we have the best white Christmas destinations satisfy just about every Christmas holiday lover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Northern Lights spotting at Sommar\u00f8y Islands \u2013 Norway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The small island of Sommar\u00f8y, a one-hour drive from Troms\u00f8, is Northern <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/lp\/norway\/flights\">Norway\u2019s<\/a> best-kept secret. It is the most northern tip of Europe and the perfect place to spot the Northern Lights away from all the crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-73301\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Northern-Lights_800x600.jpg\" alt=\"The northern lights at the Sommar\u00f8y Islands in Norway. The night sky is painted with vibrant green and purple hues and underneath the lights is mountainous landscape facing a large body of water which reflects the lights above. \" class=\"wp-image-73301\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\">Chantelle Flores<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>While its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear bays draw summer visitors, winter transforms this charming fishing village into a magical wonderland. Picture this: the northern lights painting the sky in vibrant green and pink hues as they dance over the islands scattered along the coastline. It\u2019s a breathtaking display of nature\u2019s beauty, making this destination feel like a surreal winter paradise perfect for a White Christmas you\u2019ll never forget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best part is it is not only the <a href=\"https:\/\/travelstartstg.wpenginepowered.com\/northern-lights-cruise\/\">Northern Lights<\/a> that make an appearance here. <strong>Humpback whales and orcas<\/strong> can be seen gracing the icy bays in mid-November to late January.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-73300\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Chantelle-im4_800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-73300\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\">Chantelle Flores<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best time to visit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>November to March<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visa Requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>South Africans are required to apply for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/lp\/schengen-visa-application\">Schengen visa<\/a> to visit Norway. You can apply through the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Pretoria. Allow over 15 working days for the visa application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting there<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Book your cheap flights to Tromso. It is advisable to <a href=\"http:\/\/cars.travelstart.co.za\/#\/searchcars\">rent a car<\/a> as the Sommar\u00f8y Islands are an hour away from the main city centre. An international driving permit is required and can be obtained through any of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aa.co.za\/\">AA centres<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>By the way, you can get there a R1000 cheaper with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/ts-plus\/ts-plus-benefits?https:%2F%2Fwww.travelstart.co.za%2Fts-plus%2Fts-plus-benefits=\">Travelstart+<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-73302\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Chantelle-im5_800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-73302\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\">Chantelle Flores<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Ski Whiteface Mountain \u2013 United States of America<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While there are so many excellent skiing destinations in the world, Whiteface Mountain in America offers something a little more daring and worth adding to your winter bucket list of white Christmas destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-73320 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ski-trip_800x600.jpg\" alt=\"Ski Whiteface Mountain in the USA, a snow covered mountain slope with skiing equipment stationed next to a cable care taking people up the mountain.\" class=\"wp-image-73320\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\">Chantelle Flores<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Known as the Winter Sports Capital of the World, New York State\u2019s fifth-highest mountain offers a thrilling Christmas escape. With 87 slopes across three Adirondack peaks, snowboarders and skiers can tackle the East\u2019s steepest vertical drop. Trails cater to all skill levels\u201420% beginner, 43% intermediate, and 37% expert\u2014though some intermediates rival expert runs elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-73303 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Chantelle-im7_800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-73303\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\">Chantelle Flores<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>For the daring \u2013 ski the double-black-diamond natural terrain, at an elevation above the height of three Empire State Buildings! On a clear day, experience views of the mountains of Vermont, the skyscrapers of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/lp\/montreal\/flights\">Montreal<\/a> and the white mountains of New Hampshire from the summit. There is no lodging or commercial development at the base of the mountain, ensuring a tranquil visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Close by you will find Lake Placid \u2013 a vibrant postcard-perfect village famed for hosting the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980. It\u2019s certainly one of the best white Christmas destinations you should check out!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-73304 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Chantelle-im8_800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-73304\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\">Chantelle Flores<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>For the non-skiers, a range of other fantastic winter activities are on offer: snowshoeing, bobsledding, ice climbing and ice skating on the gorgeous mirror lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best time to visit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>November \u2013 April<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visa requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>South African\u2019s would need to apply for a B-2 visitors visa to enter into the United States. This visa is valid from 1 to 10 years and will allow you to visit for up to 6 months. Visit our step by step <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/lp\/us-visa-application\">US visa application guide<\/a> with all the information needed to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-73306 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Chantelle-im10_800x600.jpg\" alt=\"2 children dressed in winter wear playing in the snow and in the foreground there is skiing gear.\" class=\"wp-image-73306\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\">Chantelle Flores<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting there:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Book your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/lp\/cheap-flights-to-new-york\">cheap flights to New York<\/a>. Once you arrive, you will have the option to rent a car, travel via train or via bus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By train: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amtrak.com\/home.html\">Amtrak<\/a> has routes between New York City and Montreal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By bus: <a href=\"https:\/\/trailwaysny.com\/\">Adirondack Trailways<\/a> has a bus service between New York and Lake Placid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Chasing waterfalls &#8211; Iceland<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-73307 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Chantelle-im11_800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-73307\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\">Chantelle Flores<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>While countries that are 80 percent uninhabited might not seem like obvious travel choices, they\u2019re home to some of the world\u2019s most breathtaking scenery. Take Iceland, for example\u2014a truly magical white Christmas destination. Known as the land of the Vikings, it boasts snow-capped glaciers, geysers shooting 125-degree Celsius water 70 metres high, Europe\u2019s largest glacier, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and even Europe\u2019s first parliament. Its dramatic landscapes and unique charm make it a bucket-list spot for an unforgettable festive season.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-73308 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Chantelle-im12_800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-73308\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\">Chantelle Flores<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The frequent rain and snow make Iceland a sanctuary for the world\u2019s most breathtaking waterfalls. There are over 10,000 waterfalls here, they are as varied and beautiful as they are many. Dettifoss is Europe\u2019s most powerful waterfall, reaching a height of 100 metres. Gullfoss is the country\u2019s most famous one, while&nbsp; Sk\u00f3gafoss is the largest one. This is a country that will keep you busy exploring the outdoors indefinitely. If you want adventure to feature in your winter holidays, this is one of the best white Christmas destinations!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Also read:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/travelstartstg.wpenginepowered.com\/game-of-thrones-fans-will-love-this-tour\/\">Discover the Breath-Taking Game of Thrones Sets Across the World!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-73309 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Chantelle-im13_800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-73309\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\">Chantelle Flores<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best time to visit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>November \u2013 January<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visa Requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>South Africans are required to apply for a Schengen visa to visit Iceland. Visa applications can be made online through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vfsglobal.com\/en\/individuals\/index.html\">VFS Global<\/a>.&nbsp; Allow over 15 working days for the visa application.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-73310 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Chantelle-im14_800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-73310\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\">Chantelle Flores<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting there<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Book your cheap flights to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keflav\u00edk<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Akureyri <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Egilssta\u00f0ir.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4.&nbsp;Christmas at the Santa Claus Village &#8211; Finland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Embrace the magic of Christmas by heading to the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arctic Circle <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to spend time with Santa Claus in his family-friendly resort.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-73311 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Chantelle-im15_800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-73311\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\">Chantelle Flores<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>For the last 30 years, <a href=\"https:\/\/santaclausvillage.info\/\">The Santa Clause village<\/a> in Rovaniemi in the Finnish Lapland draws more than 500,000 visitors each year.&nbsp; A month before Christmas the world turns an eye to Rovaniemi as Santa Clause declares the Christmas season open. Nothing makes the planet\u2019s most iconic figure happier. This is definitely one of the most festive white Christmas destinations to add to your winter bucket list!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-73312 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Chantelle-im16_800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-73312\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\">Chantelle Flores<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have a Christmas wishlist? Why not give it to Santa Clause directly or post it at the Santa\u2019s main post office operated by his elves. He receives millions of letters each year from over 198 countries. I am sure your loved ones would enjoy receiving a letter with the arctic circle postmark stamp from here.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-73313 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Chantelle-im17_800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-73313\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\">Chantelle Flores<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Ever wanted to cross over the arctic circle line? This is the place to experience it and to prove your accomplishment \u2013 you even get a signed certificate.&nbsp; Make sure to find out exactly where the arctic circle is because it actually moves! That\u2019s due to the earth\u2019s shifting axial tilt. The arctic circle drifts north around 15 kilometres per year.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-73314 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Chantelle-im18_800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-73314\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\">Chantelle Flores<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looking for another reason to visit? Husky, reindeer and snowmobile rides under the Northern Lights are a real speciality here. Or spend a few nights in the holiday village or in a real igloo.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best time to visit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">November &#8211; February<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visa Requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>South Africans are required to apply for a Schengen visa which, once received, it will not only allow you to travel to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/lp\/finland\/flights\">Finland<\/a> but to many other European destinations as well. The <a href=\"http:\/\/www.finland.org.za\/public\/default.aspx?contentid=366824&amp;nodeid=36354&amp;contentlan=2&amp;culture=en-US\">Finland Visa Application Centre<\/a> in South Africa accepts applications for short stay visas only. Allow over 15 working days for the visa application.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-73315 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Chantelle-im19_800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-73315\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\">Chantelle Flores<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting there<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Book your cheap flights to Rovaniemi. When you arrive, take a&nbsp;<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitrovaniemi.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/BUSSI-8-syksy-talvi-2018-2019.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">local bus number 8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to the Santa Claus Village. It is only eight kilometres from the city centre.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-73316 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Chantelle-im20_800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-73316\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\">Chantelle Flores<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5.&nbsp;Romantic Escapes in Andorra<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Rewrite the book of love in Europe\u2019s smallest country. Sandwiched between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/lp\/france\/flights\">France<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/lp\/spain\/flights\">Spain<\/a>, Andorra excels at just about anything that involves snow. Nestled in the Pyrenees mountains, it\u2019s a country that is known for its 5-star hotels, ski resorts and tax haven status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also read: <a href=\"https:\/\/travelstartstg.wpenginepowered.com\/guide-to-skiing-in-andorra\/\">Your Ultimate Guide to Skiing in Andorra<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-73317 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Chantelle-im21_800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-73317\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\">Chantelle Flores<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/hotels.travelstart.com\/hotel\/ad\/sport-hermitage-spa.en-gb.html?aid=1590825;sid=09c5e97a88f924a7e36d58199b1e74f5;dest_id=-1397029;dest_type=city;dist=0;group_adults=2;group_children=0;hapos=1;hpos=1;no_rooms=1;room1=A%2CA;sb_price_type=total;sr_order=popularity;srepoch=1574692806;srpvid=16876723428801cd;type=total;ucfs=1&amp;#hotelTmpl\">Sport Hermitage in Soldeu<\/a> is a favourite with mountain view rooms combining luxury and comfort. If you\u2019re seeking to escape for some unforgettable romance during Christmas, this is a locale you must not miss. The hotel spa is a haven for serenity in which to enjoy a remineralising, hydrating or energising treatment. Guests here can enjoy a private helicopter transfer to a nearby ski station, or take a private guided snowmobile tour.&nbsp; There are two dining restaurants and guests can enjoy a drink in a glass bar.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-73318 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Chantelle-im22_800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-73318\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\">Chantelle Flores<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Vallnord offers some great snow-filled activities. Amongst Andorra\u2019s glacial landscapes, steep valleys and open pastures, one can find 300 kilometres of endless ski slopes for nearly every level. Skiing is not the only activity you can do here \u2013 thrilling buggy trail rides are a must. Yet another one of those white Christmas destinations offering adventure to add to your bucket list!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The UNESCO world heritage site of Madriu-Perafita-Claror covers 10 percent of the whole country and is a well worth attraction to visit. Its two high streets is a shopper paradise seeing people flock here each year for tax-free shopping. There are over 2,000 stores packed into a country that you can drive through in an hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best time to visit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">November &#8211; March<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-73322 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Chantelle-im24_800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-73322\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\">Chantelle Flores<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visa Requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">South Africans do not require a visa for Andorra. However, since you can only access the country via Spain or France you will be required to apply for a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schengen visa.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visa applications can be done through <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BLS International. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;Allow over 15 working days for the visa application. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting there<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Like all great places in the world, travelling to Andorra requires a bit of effort. Book your cheap flights to either<a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/lp\/cheap-flights-to-barcelona\"> Barcelona<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/lp\/toulouse\/flights\">Toulouse<\/a>, Carcassonne and Perpignan. Travel by car rental for three hours before reaching Andorra\u2019s city centre. An international driving permit is required and can be obtained through any of the AA\u2019s centres.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-73323 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Chantelle-im25_800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-73323\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\">Chantelle Flores<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Now that you\u2019re ready to add more white Christmas destinations to your winter bucket list! Where will you go first?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While you\u2019re thinking of where to go, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/lp\/sign-up\">subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> for fantastic deals to many of these locales and others around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your plans are set, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\">book your cheap flights<\/a> ,and you could be off faster than you can say, \u2018ho ho ho!\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are there other places you think should be listed among the best white Christmas destinations? We\u2019d love to hear from you in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*Disclaimer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i>All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice from the original source. Travelstart is not affiliated with immigration authorities or their application centres and will not be liable for loss or inconvenience arising from the use of information from this website.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[Updated December 2024] South Africans dreaming of a white Christmas should add these white Christmas destinations to their winter bucket lists.&nbsp; This season turns the world\u2019s soaring mountains and summer destinations into perfect natural playgrounds for travellers seeking an unforgettable Christmas experience. Whether hurtling down a mountain on a snowboard, sharing romantic moments while the Northern Lights dance above you, or having a cuppa with &#8230; <a title=\"White Christmas Destinations to Add to Your Winter Bucket List\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/visit-winter-bucket-list-places\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about White Christmas Destinations to Add to Your Winter Bucket List\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":104730,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[72,16,445,448],"tags":[125],"class_list":["post-104714","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-travel","category-destinations-travel","category-inspiration-travel","tag-cheap-flights","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>White Christmas Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Find the best white Christmas destinations to add to your winter bucket list with Travelstart! 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