Yes Christmas is here, in just a few shirt weeks it will get crazy!
Now for those that like a change of scenery during this festive period, take a look below at some alternatives
1 Lapland’s Northern Lights
If you’ve a yearning to see Father Christmas or the Northern Lights, then head for Luosto, an unspoilt national park in Finnish Lapland. Here, night-time snowmobile safaris are the order of the, er, night.
2 Manhattan malls and falls
A snow-covered Christmas in New York is always likely, allowing you to combine a merry atmosphere with some indulgent shopping and buzzing city vibe. Choose between Fifth Avenue glam and downtown chic, and hit Nolita and the Meatpacking District to explore the city’s latest sartorial offerings. The shops at Columbus Circle and Trump Tower malls are great one-stop shops, especially if you’re pressed for time and need that last-minute gift.
A snow-covered Christmas in New York is always likely, allowing you to combine a merry atmosphere with some indulgent shopping and buzzing city vibe. Choose between Fifth Avenue glam and downtown chic, and hit Nolita and the Meatpacking District to explore the city’s latest sartorial offerings. The shops at Columbus Circle and Trump Tower malls are great one-stop shops, especially if you’re pressed for time and need that last-minute gift.
3 London’s seasonal South Bank
Of the many exotic Christmas markets that set up shop each year in the capital, the South Bank’s German Market in situ from late November onwards – is worth a ‘prost’ or two, whether you’re after a sausage butty and mulled wine, silver jewellery or unusual glass ornaments for the Christmas tree. Minutes away from the market is the London Eye , great for seeing the whole of London from a different perspective, whether it’s a blue, crisp and even winter’s day or there’s a blizzard to ride up into.
Of the many exotic Christmas markets that set up shop each year in the capital, the South Bank’s German Market in situ from late November onwards – is worth a ‘prost’ or two, whether you’re after a sausage butty and mulled wine, silver jewellery or unusual glass ornaments for the Christmas tree. Minutes away from the market is the London Eye , great for seeing the whole of London from a different perspective, whether it’s a blue, crisp and even winter’s day or there’s a blizzard to ride up into.
4 Festive Fife, Scotland
Christmas in Fife, Scotland, can guarantee you romance and relaxation, as well as some festive, malt-sipping merriment. Choose between distillery tours, cycling, coastal walks, trips to St Andrews or – if you’re well greased up – watersports in Fife Harbour.
Christmas in Fife, Scotland, can guarantee you romance and relaxation, as well as some festive, malt-sipping merriment. Choose between distillery tours, cycling, coastal walks, trips to St Andrews or – if you’re well greased up – watersports in Fife Harbour.
5 Grand Christmas in Graz, Austria
The Franciscan Quarter Christmas in Graz market is good for everything from regional farm goodies to hot punch, and is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. For the kids there’s a merry-go-round and toy stalls.
The Franciscan Quarter Christmas in Graz market is good for everything from regional farm goodies to hot punch, and is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. For the kids there’s a merry-go-round and toy stalls.
6 Bah humbug: a Jesus-free Christmas in Libya
Libya can cater extremely well to those who don’t or won’t celebrate Christmas. It’s also warm and surrounded by desert, so instead of mumbling hymns about kings of orient, you can feel like one – and if you don’t fancy a camel ride, then go on a 4x4 excursion into the Sahara. You will be shown ancient petroglyphs and a granary castle of Nalut in a spectacular position atop an escarpment.
Libya can cater extremely well to those who don’t or won’t celebrate Christmas. It’s also warm and surrounded by desert, so instead of mumbling hymns about kings of orient, you can feel like one – and if you don’t fancy a camel ride, then go on a 4x4 excursion into the Sahara. You will be shown ancient petroglyphs and a granary castle of Nalut in a spectacular position atop an escarpment.
7 A proper winter, in Iceland
Britain in winter time is cold, wet and windy but just not very snowy, or even that cold. Iceland’s steamy Blue Lagoon, open to the general public, is fed by mineral-rich heated sea-water, and is a good place to mingle with the locals, smearing yourself with white mud while you chat about how cheap everything is, at last.
Britain in winter time is cold, wet and windy but just not very snowy, or even that cold. Iceland’s steamy Blue Lagoon, open to the general public, is fed by mineral-rich heated sea-water, and is a good place to mingle with the locals, smearing yourself with white mud while you chat about how cheap everything is, at last.
8 Holy Holiday in Palestine
It’s so corny, it’s original. How many of your friends have spent Christmas in the place where it all started: Bethlehem? Palestine’s history is on show as soon as you arrive and you can book tours to holy sites – including Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, in the heart of the town – and to refugee camps.
It’s so corny, it’s original. How many of your friends have spent Christmas in the place where it all started: Bethlehem? Palestine’s history is on show as soon as you arrive and you can book tours to holy sites – including Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, in the heart of the town – and to refugee camps.
Until da next Tyme !
