Christmas Break Ideas
If you want to head to the coast, then Mousehole in Cornwall is hard to beat around Christmas time. The small town’s famous harbour lights attract visitors from all over the country as they illuminate the streets, the beach and even the sea. Take some spectacular photos that you can treasure forever, and indulge in some true festive cheer. Now in their 48th year, the lights are switched on each evening between 5pm and 11pm, until 3 January 2012. Aside from the lights, Mousehole has much else to offer including traditional Cornish souvenir shops, cosy pubs and great restaurants.
If you’d rather stay inland, then Birmingham is a great destination for a Christmas break. The city’s annual Frankfurt Christmas Market, the largest outdoor Christmas market in the country, is hugely popular. With its stalls of arts and crafts, unique gifts and mouth-watering food, you’ll be spoiled for choice! Try a variety of German sausages, and indulge in a pint or two to keep warm. Of course, Birmingham also has a wide range of other shops so you can satisfy any last-minute Christmas shopping needs. It’s also a great city for fine dining, so cosy up for a family meal or a candlelit dinner.
Scotland has much to offer at Christmas. If you visit Edinburgh you can sample life in Scotland’s capital city, amongst beautiful architecture, a great festive spirit and shopping to die for. There is also a fun outdoor skating rink where you can test your skills on the ice! Away from the city, you can relax in a cosy cottage on the edge of a Scottish loch, where the views are second-to-none and you can enjoy festive walks in the countryside.
If you want to head a little further afield, then the Disney theme parks in Paris are the ultimate Christmas break destination. With Disney rides, shows, parades and more, Disneyland is magical at any time of year – but at Christmas it really comes alive. From 7 November 2011 to 8 January 2012, the celebrations offer something for everyone, no matter what age you are! The parks are decorated with glittering lights and with a giant Christmas tree, you’re guaranteed to get in a festive mood. Meet characters including Mickey Mouse in all their festive finery, and have your photo taken with them to capture the magical memories. At the Santa Claus Village, you can even send your wish list to St Nick himself, as well as watching him live in the ‘Once Upon a Dream’ parade. If you want to give your kids (and yourself) a Christmas to remember, then Disneyland is definitely the place to be!
