Every so often, the stars align and Mother Nature gifts us one of the most magical feelings of all: waking up on Christmas morning to snowflakes drifting down and a sparkling winter wonderland outside your window. And with Santa’s big day inching closer, the question on everyone’s mind is the same–could NYC actually see a white Christmas this year?
Temperatures have already taken a dramatic dip, with the city recently experiencing its coldest day in 10 months and wind chills that felt close to zero. So the idea of flurries falling on December 25th isn’t completely far-fetched.
Now, weather experts have stepped in with answers. Forecasters over at the Almanac (and no, not that Almanac–the one set to end after 200 years) just released their special Christmas Forecast 2025, offering a first look at whether or not there will be snow for sleighing this Christmas.
❄️ Will it snow on Christmas Day this year?
As in years past, The Old Farmer’s Almanac has broken down the U.S. by region to indicate where flurries will accumulate, but spoiler alert: though we may be shivering on Christmas Day, we shouldn’t expect any snow. Maybe it’s time to start sleeping with that spoon under our pillows…
Don’t feel left out, though, because it’s not just us–the Almanac writes, “most of the United States will be seeing a milder, gentler winter than average.” If you just felt an overwhelming sense of déjà vu you’re not alone–the Almanac said the same thing last year.
In the Atlantic Corridor (that’s us!) the report writes that there will not be a white Christmas this year. We’re trying really hard not to side eye our neighbors in the Northeast, who are in luck for sleigh rides and snowball fights this Christmas.
Unfortunately we could have predicted ourselves, sans meteorology degrees, that it wouldn’t be our year for snow.
Based on historical climate data from 1981-2010 via the NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), NYC only has a 11-25% chance of seeing a white Christmas this year.
Plus, the last time New York City had a true White Christmas (which is defined as 1+ inch of snow on the ground) was in 2009, when Central Park had 2 inches. But the last time it actually snowed on Christmas Day with accumulation was in 2002, when 5 inches fell.
With that being said, it’s not too late to add something to your Christmas list–and maybe if you’ve been nice this year, Santa can pull some strings with Mother Nature.