It's that time of year again, when the holiday season has us dreaming of hot chocolate and snow. Here are 17 gorgeous photos that prove that no matter where you are, or when you are, there's something magical about new-fallen snow.

Boston, Massachusetts, 1875

Lovely weather for a sleigh ride.
Lovely weather for a sleigh ride.
By J.J. Hawes [Public domain]/ via Wikimedia Commons

Chile, 1890

The mountains of Chile may be snowy most of the year, but they are still beautiful.
The mountains of Chile may be snowy most of the year, but they are still beautiful.
By Frank G. Carpenter/loc.gov

St. Petersburg, Russia, 1910

A light dusting of snow  over some of St. Petersburg's iconic architecture.
A light dusting of snow  over some of St. Petersburg's iconic architecture.
By Internet Archive Book Images [No restrictions]/Wikimedia Commons

Lafayette Park, Washington D.C., 1909

A quiet snow walk through Washington D.C.
A quiet snow walk through Washington D.C.
Courtesy of loc.gov

Shimla, India, 1875

India may be famously hot, but up in the mountains, the snow days are beautiful.
India may be famously hot, but up in the mountains, the snow days are beautiful.
By James Craddock/bl.uk

New York, New York, 1907

New York's morning commute in the winter has always been tough.
New York's morning commute in the winter has always been tough.
By Alfred Stieglitz/loc.gov

New South Wales, Australia, 1950

Those are some high-tech vintage skis that attach to ski boots with leather straps.
Those are some high-tech vintage skis that attach to ski boots with leather straps.
By National Library of Australia from Canberra, Australia [No restrictions], via Wikimedia Commons

Beijing, China, 1920

If it weren't for the distinct architecture, snow-covered Beijing could be anywhere.
If it weren't for the distinct architecture, snow-covered Beijing could be anywhere.
By Bundesarchiv, Bild/Wikimedia Commons

England, 1889

Looks perfect for ice-skating!
Looks perfect for ice-skating!
By Peter Henry Emerson/bl.uk

Paris, France, 1940

A classic.
A classic.
By whatsthatpicture from Hanwell, London, UK/Wikimedia Commons ca 1940

Russia, 1900

Festive decorations on a horse-drawn sleigh.
Festive decorations on a horse-drawn sleigh.
By Frank G. Carpenter/loc.gov

Detroit, Michigan, 1900

Peeking through the snow-covered trees in Detroit.
Peeking through the snow-covered trees in Detroit.
By Detroit Publishing Company/loc.gov

Murree, Pakistan, 1865

Like India, Pakistan is not usually thought of as a snowy country, but these powder-covered mountains are proof enough.
Like India, Pakistan is not usually thought of as a snowy country, but these powder-covered mountains are proof enough.
By Baker and Burke/bl.uk

Victoria, Australia, 1905

Who's up for a snowball fight?
Who's up for a snowball fight?
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Japan, 1974

There's something extra romantic about trains in the snow.
There's something extra romantic about trains in the snow.
By Toshimasa TANABE/Wikimedia Commons

Canada, cica 1900

It's all fun and games until the family dog refuses to play along.
It's all fun and games until the family dog refuses to play along.
Courtesy of loc.gov

>>Next: Stranger Than Santa: Europe's Most Unusal Christmas Characters