When was the last white Christmas in London?

With Christmas approaching, many of us hope to see Big Ben dressed in white for the big day.

But when was the last time London had a white Christmas? And what are the chances that we will get one this year?

Here’s everything you need to know.

When was the last time there was a white Christmas in London?

The last time this happened was in 2021, with 2020 and 2017 also classified as a white Christmas.

However, the capital has not seen a white Christmas for over 20 years.

Using the snowflake definition above, London has technically had six white Christmases since 1960: 1964, 1968, 1970, 1976, 1996 and 1999.

Snow is more likely to fall in the UK in January and February than in December, with snow or sleet falling for an average of 3.9 days in December – compared to more than five days in January and February.

However, white Christmases were not always so rare in London.

According to the Met Office, “the winters of 1550 to 1850 were particularly stubborn and severe” when Britain (and the entire Northern Hemisphere) was experiencing what is known as the Little Ice Age.

This is why we see such harsh descriptions of winter in Charles Dickens’ novels, such as A Christmas Carol.

Snowfall was common during this period and the Thames even froze completely meaning people could ice skate on it.

Soccer fields, bowling games, fruit sellers, shoemakers and even hairdressers were also set up on the ice, in the so-called frost markets – can you still imagine that?

Is London Likely To Have A White Christmas This Year?

Bookmakers seem optimistic about the odds of a white Christmas in the UK this year.

Ladbrokes’ Alex Apati said: “The White Christmas players should get their wish this year given the latest opportunities.”

Ladbrokes currently estimates the probability of snowfall across the UK on December 25th at 11/10

However, there is less chance of snow in London on the big day itself 8/1 – much more promising with the likes of Aberdeen and Edinburgh 7/2

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