Will it be a white Christmas in Leeds? Latest odds on Christmas Day snow in 2017

There's nothing quite as magical as opening your curtains on Christmas Day to see flakes falling and a covering of snow.

So whether you're excited about the thought or fancy a flutter, we have the current odds and the information you need to know.

Will we see snow like this in Leeds at Christmas?placeholder image
Will we see snow like this in Leeds at Christmas?

What makes a white Christmas 'official'?

The rules are quite strict on what constitutes a white Christmas. Even if there's snow on the ground, bookies will be reluctant to hand over any cash as at least one snowflake has to fall on December 25 for it to be classed as a white Christmas.

Snow can be magical at Christmas but also a hindrance for those who have to travel.placeholder image
Snow can be magical at Christmas but also a hindrance for those who have to travel.

Snow which has fallen earlier in December does not count.

Most bookmakers only accept snowfall that is recorded at the city's main international airport weather station. In the case of cities with more than one international airport, the airport with the highest number of annual passengers will be used.

When was the UK's last white Christmas?

Snow can be magical at Christmas but also a hindrance for those who have to travel.placeholder image
Snow can be magical at Christmas but also a hindrance for those who have to travel.

Our last white Christmas was in 2010, when snow or sleet fell at 19 per cent of stations, according to the Met Office.

At least one snowflake has fallen on Christmas Day 38 times in the last 54 years, so we should see a white Christmas around once every two years.

But the white Christmas of adverts and cards has only happened four times in the last 51 years.

The Met Office say it’s difficult to accurately predict snow until five days beforehand.

What are the odds of snow falling on Christmas Day?

For Leeds, odds currently sit at around 3/1, which is the same for London and Manchester.

Bookies have Scotland's cities and Newcastle at a shorter 2/1 while Liverpool and Birmingham are thought to be less likely to see snow at 4/1.

Celebrating 135 years of telling Leeds' stories
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice