Pennsylvania’s Chances for a White Christmas Are Changing

Everybody talks about getting a white Christmas, but what actually is a white Christmas? According to the National Weather Service, the actual definition for a white Christmas is one inch of snow on the ground by 7 a.m. Dec. 25.

While a white Christmas in Pennsylvania seemed impossible a few weeks ago, judging by long-term projections, the possibility is getting a little bit higher. This is thanks to a storm system currently moving into the Northeast and another snow-maker in the extended forecast.

According to the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the best shot for seeing a white Christmas, historically, are in parts of the upper peninsula of Michigan, Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, Wyoming, Wisconsin, upstate New York, the Allegheny mountains of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and the western Rockies and Sierra mountains. No big surprise here, as those areas are in higher elevations.

Looking at another areas, Almanac.com has come out with new projections on getting a white Christmas. They say, based on historical observation, "Northern Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota, Michigan, and Wisconsin can practically guarantee a blanket of snow on Christmas Day, since snow begins falling earlier in the month and these northern areas have freezing temperature to avoid snow melt. In Minneapolis, it’s an 80% chance. Over northern Michigan and especially the Upper Peninsula, as well as northern Minnesota, 3 out of every 4 years on average feature a white Christmas. Even greater odds exist over northern North Dakota."

There's also an interactive map from NOAA that you can use to look up your town HERE. I zoomed in on Philadelphia, and we have about an 11% chance of a white Christmas. Finally, according to the extended forecast via Weather.com. For Christmas day, Philadelphia has a 24% chance of snow. That might not seem like much, but it's higher than it was a few weeks ago. I personally don't like driving in the white stuff, so I would be totally fine with not having a white Christmas.

Winter is here, and it goes without saying that Pennsylvania is a beautiful place to be during the cold months. Sure, we do get freezing here, but we also have beautiful, picturesque views of snowfall and winter creatures that many other states don't enjoy.

Now, two Pennsylvania towns have been named the most "Magical Winter Wonderland Towns in the U.S." The list comes from Trips To Discover, and it names the most "magical" spots to visit in the winter in America.

"Instead of trying to beat the winter blues by traveling to a tropical beach, why not delve into the season?" they state in the article. "There's an invigorating feeling that comes from being in a snowy wonderland, enjoying the fresh air and often all sorts of fun activities like building a snowman, skiing, tubing, or even old-fashioned sleigh rides. In America’s most magical winter wonderland towns, you’re guaranteed breathtaking surroundings and often charming streets lined with historical buildings or perhaps simply an ideal eatery for sitting next to a roaring fire, a glass of wine, or a cup of hot cocoa in hand."

I'm admittedly not a winter fan, but seeing this list of charming Pennsylvania towns in the winter does make me look forward to the cozy months. Read on for the full list of Pennsylvania towns, as well as some outside of the state. Find the full list here.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, sounds like a great Christmas town, judging by the name, and it is a perfect holiday spot. Trips to Discover states, "Bethlehem is an obvious place to visit for Christmas, with its annual Christkindlmarkt inspired by the markets of Germany and a top Christmas market in the U.S., but it offers a whole lot more throughout the winter months." It's a great area for skiing and snowboarding.

New Hope, Pennsylvania, is beautiful this time of year. Trips to Discover states, "New Hope is like walking into an antique snow globe in the winter and as you stroll the streets downtown, you can check out unique boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and more."

Heading to the New York area? Lake Placid, New York, is a choice stop for the holidays. Trips to Discover states, "Nestled in the Adirondacks, Lake Placid has hosted the Olympic Winter Games twice, so you know your odds are good when it comes to snow and winter activities. Visitors can even ride the Lake Placid Toboggan Chut, which was converted from a 30-foot-high ski jump."

There's no city like New York City! Trips to Discover states, "Temperatures may be below freezing, but New York City will be livelier than ever in the winter. Enjoy the scene at Rockefeller Center with its famous ice rink, snow-covered Central Park, and winter markets throughout the season, or visit for larger-than-life holiday attractions, including the Times Square Ball, which drops from a height of 141 feet to mark the New Year." If you've never been to New York City during the holidays, now if your chance.

Another popular New York holiday destination is Skaneateles. Trips to Discover states, "Set on one of the scenic Finger Lakes in Upstate, the town of Skaneateles has a vibrant downtown with lots of festivities to enjoy during the holidays along with plenty of dining, shopping, and opportunities to sample the local wine." It offers plenty of skiing, too.

Of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, Trips to Discover states, "The charming town of Elkhart Lake is the quintessential winter wonderland during the season. You’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy it from snowshoeing and ice fishing to spa experiences and brewery tastings."

Frankenmuth is the Christmas spotlight of America. Trips to Discover states, "Frankenmuth is a Bavarian-style town that’s ideal to visit around Christmas, drawing many to enjoy the festivities that include everything from a Christmas tree light show to sleigh rides." It offers so much holiday fun.

Going up north to Marquette, Trips to Discover states, "Marquette sees an annual average of 200 inches of snowfall. It sits along the shores of Lake Superior and is often blanketed in the white powder while nearly 75 miles of cross-country ski trails, 60 miles of groomed trails for fat bikes, and 400 miles of snowmobile trails await. The daring can even try winter surfing." It's certainly beautiful this time of year.

Of course Holland, Michigan, is on this list. My uncle lives near there, and it's a delightful spot. Trips to Discover states, "Nestled along Lake Michigan, Holland may be medium sized but it feels more like a small town."

Munising, Michigan, is one of the top picks on Trips to Discover's list. The outlet states, "The breathtaking ice walls can be marveled at from various angles, or even climbed, with rental equipment and lessons available for beginners. Over the second weekend in February, the annual Michigan Ice Fest offers climbing classes and seminars conducted by world-class climbers." Sounds like fun!

Find the full list here.