When we think of a White Christmas, our minds drift to snow globe dreaminess, straight out of a Christmas film. However, the reality of what classes as a 'White Christmas' is a bit less magical. As explained by the Met Office, for a Christmas to be considered a white one, it only takes one snowflake to be seen falling on December 25. Many parts of the UK were treated to a flurry of the good stuff just last week, with areas like the Lake District seeing more than a generous helping. The disruption that followed in and around the Lakes after this weather, highlighted the reality of the cold conditions. With frozen pipes, stranded cars and general chaos, it reminded us that, the older we get, the less we become enthralled in the wonder of snowfall, and more disgruntled with the reality of it. BUT, for many of us, Christmas Day can be somewhat of an exception. The one day of the year when (those of us lucky enough to not have to work), can hunker down, put the fire on, eat our body weight in stuffing & turkey, and (maybe) watch the snow come down from the comfort of the sofa. Well, will this romantic daydream come true? Let's take a look.

The Met Office

The Met Office's latest long-range forecast, which runs from December 20 to January 3, has reported that the weather is set to be more "unsettled" in this period. Okay, it's a good start, but does that mean snow?!

Well, you may want to skip this part... A spokesperson for the Met Office said "The chance of a colder spell of weather, with hazards such as snow and ice, does increase later in December and into the New Year period. "However, conditions are more likely to remain generally mild and wet" Mild and wet?! That's certainly not in the script! Right, that's enough of the Met Office, what do they know about weather anyway?

Previous Years

There was no snow recorded in 2018 or 2019, at any of the Met Office stations. The last widespread White Christmas came in 2010, when there was snow at 83 percent of stations in the UK. In 2022, 9 percent of Met Office weather stations recorded snow falling. What does this tell us? Well, with the last 'proper' White Christmas being 2010, 13 years later, you could say we're due one. Looking back, the snowfall of 2010 started pretty early in the season, with downfalls first appearing on November 24th. In a desperate scramble to draw trends between 2010 and 2023, to make us feel more hopeful about a snowy Christmas, you could say we have seen a similar picture this year with widespread snow starting on the 2nd & 3rd of December. We'll leave you to draw your own conclusions, tenuous link or nailed on snow? You decide. 

The Bookies

If the excitement of a flurry of snow on the 25th isn't quite enough, and you are after a flurry in the betting markets when it comes to the likelihood of the event, here's what the bookmakers have (as of 7th December). We found the odds for snowfall in many of the UK airports, as a measure that covers a wide range of locations: 

Gamble Responsibly 

So, there we have it. Whilst it may be inconclusive, if nothing else, it's put us in the Christmas spirit, and we hope it has done the same for you. Well, if you, like us are dreaming of a White Christmas, we hope you aren't disappointed. And if you are lucky enough to open your curtains on Christmas morning to a blanket of white, make sure you tag us in your posts and stories @HiddenUKGems, where we'll be sure to share!

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