Christmas Getaway Ideas

With Dubai featuring heavily last year as one of the ultimate festive season trips abroad for snowbound Brits, top of my wish list for the finale of 2012 would be somewhere cool, with a monumental Christmas celebratory atmosphere.

I was rather surprised to read various columns suggesting Christmas trips to countries such as Zambia and Tanzania. Having lived in both of these countries, my family and I used to wish we were anywhere but there during the month of December. After living in the UK for 5 years, with an abundance of long, cold winters, I can see why folk would be tempted to head off to where the sun shines. However, with high temperatures, a rainy season firmly in place and associated soaring humidity levels, our dogs, girls, mum and dad would all jostle for a place as close to the air-conditioning units as possible. Personally, I would opt for snowy weather, log fires and mulled wine. So, dear readers let us see where that train of thought leads us.

Rovaniemi – Santa Claus Village, Finland by Tarja Mitrovic

Vancouver, Canada, evokes images of everything related to Christmas and for some family fun, perhaps plan to visit this winter spectacle. The Bright Nights event runs from 30th November to 02nd January and is all about Stanley Park, being lit up with 2 million sparkly lights, along with the excitement of rides on the miniature train and the gorgeous aromas of hot chocolate and roasting nuts. This is a ‘must-book in advance’ event.

If you happen to be in this part of the world on 4th December, you will be caught up in the Rogers Santa Clause Parade; with around 60 marching bands, dance troupes and aptly decorated floats, downtown is the place to be. It warms my heart to note that both of these events raise funds through a percentage of ticket sales for worthy charities such as the Vancouver Food Bank Society and the Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund.

Last but not least, head to Grouse Mountain, a mere 15 minutes via public transport from the city. The festive season kicks off in style from 24th November and runs for a month. From mountain-top sleigh rides to breakfast with Santa, along with an impressive 8000 square foot ice-skating pond, this promises to be a happy holiday for you and your family.

Perhaps the idea of booking flights to the Arctic Circle for a bit of genuine Christmas spirit will not appeal to everyone, but a chance to witness the full glory of the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights is worth the visit. I am talking about Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Lapland, of course. This Scandinavian country goes all out to immerse visitors in the story behind Christmas trees, brightly-wrapped presents and the man in the red suit.

Of course, these are but two of the hundreds of destinations. Other options beg to be explored, such as crossing that broad expanse of Atlantic Ocean for sophisticated New York holidays; one just has to witness iconic American retailers in play such as Macy’s (avoid the majority of the crowds over weekends and midday), FAO Schwartz and the well-loved venue of the Rockefeller Centre Plaza with its big tree paying homage to Christmas with over 30 000 lights.

Tags: air conditioning units, bright nights, celebratory atmosphere, dance troupes, dogs girls, fire fighters burn fund, high temperatures, humidity levels, log fires, miniature train, mum and dad, professional fire fighters, roasting nuts, santa clause parade, snowy weather, stanley park, vancouver canada, vancouver food bank, weather log, worthy charities

Category: Travel Tips