Eye On Travel: Rocking around the Departure Lounge: Festive Adventures

Elf and Safety: Not all Laplands are the same

Following the traditional unveiling of the John Lewis ad, it is now full steam ahead to Christmas. Across the country, the bad jumpers are appearing, the shops are getting busier and alcohol consumption is on the up.

So how best to get into the Christmas spirit? Let’s look at some Christmas themed getaways that will deck your halls, jingle your bells and make you wish it could be Christmas every day.

Munich: A beer is not just for October

If you like lederhosen, sausages and boiled wine then you’ll be looking for a German Christmas market. These days they are everywhere but the best?

Germany of course. Cologne or Berlin are up there but my personal favourite is Munich. Multiple markets (including outside the airport), a great city to explore and the beer’s not bad either. It’s busy and can be cold but worth it.

GET THERE: Fly direct from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Southampton or Bristol.
GET AROUND: The S-Bahn, U-Bahn and Trams are cheap, quick and easy to use
DON’T MISS: A hearty Bavarian meal & beer at The Hofbrauhaus with Oompah music

New York: Start spreading the Credit Cards

If Black Friday is your festive alarm then forget market trinkets and finding a Saturday morning parking spot in town. Instead head to the glitz and glamour of shopperholic Manhattan.

New York knows how to put on a show so make time for the sights and lights and shop 'till you drop. Or 'till your cards are maxed out. Never understated, you will feel like you’re in a film but the real star is the city itself.

GET THERE: Fly direct from UK airports to Newark or JFK. Arrive late for jet lag adjustment.
GET AROUND: Plenty of walking, the fast Subway or a yellow cab if you know the way.
DON’T MISS: Central Park with its ice rink to pretend you’re starring in a Rom Com.

Proper Lapland: Looks like Rein, deer

If everything else just feels too fake then the answer is to go to source with a mini trip to Lapland. Packaged trips will allow you to experience the far north of Finland, use local transport and visit Santa’s Post Office.

At night, which will be most of the time, there is also an excellent chance to see the Northern Lights. Clothing and boots are included along with huskies and reindeers - you can’t keep them though.

GET THERE: Fly from Gatwick or Manchester to Kittila. Bring warm clothes and a torch.
GET AROUND: Packages include sleighs, sleds, skidoos and winter clothing.
DON’T MISS: If you can’t see the Northern Lights here, don’t bother buying a lottery ticket.

Bondi: Put another sprout on the barbie

Finally, if you like everything about Christmas apart from the cold and dark then there is another way. With 9 hours of sunshine and 25c average temperatures, Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia is a traditional Christmas Day destination with a difference.

If a barbecue and beers seems an odd way to spend Christmas, the sunshine will make the long trip worthwhile. Just make sure the sharks have had their lunch before swimming!

GET THERE: Fly via Middle East or Asia. Take a stopover if time permits as a bonus.
GET AROUND: Maximise your time with open jaw flights and domestic sectors.

DON’T MISS: Wearing shorts on Christmas Day at the beach. Or Boxing Day at the cricket.

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