10 U.S. Cities That See White Christmases Every Year

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Located in Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole sees an average of 18.6 inches of snowfall in December.

On December 25, 2014, the city saw 8.5 inches of new snowfall in one day—its third snowiest Christmas on record.

Winthrop, Washington

With the Pacific coastline to its east and the North Cascades to its west, Winthrop is perfectly positioned to get the moisture, cold air, and lift needed to generate significant snowfall.

In December, this popular cross-country skiing city boasts an average of 22.2 inches of snowfall. What's more, its December high temperatures tend to stay well below freezing, so if there's precipitation, the odds are it'll be snow. And at those temperatures, any snow that falls in the days leading up to Christmas will stay on the ground.

Mammoth Lakes, California

Thanks to its high elevation of nearly 8,000 feet, the town of Mammoth Lakes sees long, snowy winters.

Snowfall is particularly heavy from December to March, with over 45 inches falling on average in December alone.

Duluth, Minnesota

Situated on the westernmost point of the Great Lakes on Lake Superior's north shore, Duluth is one of the northernmost cities on this list. In December, the city sees 17.7 inches of snowfall on average, and its maximum temperatures remain nearly 10 F below freezing for the month.

One of Duluth's snowiest Christmases occurred in 2009 when 12.5 inches of the white stuff blanketed the city. Lake effect snow contributes to its greater than 90% white Christmas probability.

Bozeman, Montana

Bozeman is the second city located in Yellowstone National Park to make this white Christmas list. It receives the lowest average December snowfall in this compilation (11.9 inches), but thanks to December lows in the 10 F to 15 F range, snow tends to linger around the landscape regardless of whether or not new snowfall falls on Christmas day.

Many residents remember the Christmas of 1996 when 14 inches of snow fell over the city creating snowdrifts of over 2 feet.

Marquette, Michigan

Thanks to its location in the Snowbelt region of the Great Lakes, Marquette is no stranger to snow in December, nor to snow in any other winter month. In fact, it is named the third snowiest location in the contiguous United States, with an average annual snowfall of nearly 150 inches!

Marquette has had an inch or more of snow on the ground on Christmas since 2002.

Utica, New York

Located at New York State's geographic center and seated at the southwestern base of the Adirondack Mountains, Utica is another location that gets a snow boost from the nearby Great Lakes, specifically Lakes Erie and Ontario. However, unlike other Great Lakes cities, Utica's valley location and susceptibility to north winds make it colder on average.

The city's December snowfall average is 20.8 inches.

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen's high elevation means the city's snow season can begin as early as September or October and the accumulation of snow or "snowpack" gradually add up over the course of the winter. By the time December arrives, Aspen's snowfall average has risen to 23.1 inches, on average.

Crested Butte, Colorado

If you're looking for a near 100% white Christmas guarantee, Crested Butte delivers. The city not only sees significant snowfall during the month of December (34.3 inches of it on average), but its average high temperatures for the month are below freezing. The benefit? Even if no snowflakes fall on December 25, there will still be snow on the ground from recent winter storms to give you your coveted white Christmas.

International Falls, Minnesota

With nicknames like "Icebox of the Nation" and "Frostbite Falls," the city of International Falls is a must for this list. It is the farthest north and among the coldest cities mentioned.

The city's December snowfall average is only 15.2 inches (the second-lowest among the cities listed), but it isn't for copious amounts of Christmas morning snowfall that International Falls earns its spot on this list. It does so largely due to it's bitterly cold December temperatures. By the time December arrives, the normal daily high temperatures have dipped to the 19 F mark; that's cold enough to keep whatever snow is already accumulated on the ground from going anywhere by late December.