Christmas markets and destinations

I have decided to start a (mini) blog, first time ever doing something like this so any feedback would be welcomed, along with any suggestions of something you might like me to write about. Off the bat, I need to apologise for the theme of the first one, as it is about the 'C' word ???? which seemed a fitting way to start considering we are now 100 days away! Anyone else excited for the festivities, but haven't got a clue what presents to buy?! I am excited most for the lead up, hot chocolate ?Christmas food ?? mince pies ?? Christmas jumpers ?? but most of all I am looking forward to Christmas markets ??. So far I have planned Leeds Christmas market, first one in four years and sounds incredible. York, I did this a few years ago with the kids and visited the Museum Gardens Christmas lights. I visited Manchester last year, so excited to go again this year. We are in discussions of doing Edinburgh, tiktok keeps showing me videos tempting me in! I thought it would be nice to share some tips and ideas of Christmas breaks and holidays. ???? 3 unique Christmas markets to visit in 2023 ?Valkenburg’s Christmas Market in the Netherlands. Some of the stall are in the caves and tunnels of the 18-century Gemeentegrot quarry, sounds eerie but exciting! This market runs from late/Mid-November to early January and includes regular overground stall with products from the Limberg region if tunnels are not your vibe. ?Gothenburg in Sweden Host to the fabulous Liseberg amusement park, with traditional rides and hi-tech coasters. The Christmas market has a host of festive stalls, restaurants, ice skating and a Santa's village with workshops run by elves! ?Zagreb in Croatia This may not cross your mind as a festive destination, but Zrinjevac Park hosts a winter wonderland with lanterns, wooden huts and festive stalls selling treats such as štrukli pastries with soft cheese, I think this sounds like the picture perfect Christmas market. Zagreb advent runs across the city for six weeks from late November, and includes live music and various ice rinks. If markets are not your thing and you are looking more for a getaway over the Christmas break, check out ???? 3 of the best ways to spend Christmas ??Many hotels and resorts around the world see visits by Santa, but few match his arrival by helicopter at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah in Muscat. Spread across two wings, one family-friendly, this resort has amazing facilities and amenities that make it great for winter sun. And in December, you benefit from milder temperatures that are perfect for both lounging on the beach and for exploring. ??Alternatively, embrace the cold with a private wilderness escape in Scandinavia, at Octola – a ten-bedroom chalet on a private forested reserve in the Finnish part of Lapland, that's ideal for families and groups. For a true winter wonderland feel, you can explore the surrounds with a wilderness guide and there’s also Nordic dining from your private chef, check out the photo, Christmas dinner (prepared by a chef) with that view, wow! ?? If like me Christmas destinations makes you think of New York City, I am not surprised, the City really comes into its own at Christmas. With must-see sights including ice rinks, festive markets, famous live window displays by iconic department stores, and classic entertainment including Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, the New York City Ballet's The Nutcracker, and Handel's Messiah at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. This has been on my bucket list since I saw the Rockefeller tree on Home Alone! If you want a bit of sunshine over the Christmas period, check out ????Where to spend Christmas in the sun ??Christmas Day on safari, anyone? You can do all this and more with a Christmas trip to South Africa, which is in full summer bloom at this time of year. That said, because of its history, the country has public holidays around this time of year. Take part in popular activities including trips to the beach, hiking, and visits to mountains, forests, waterfalls, and national parks – including Kruger with its opportunity to spot the Big Five. ?Or celebrate Christmas before everyone else with a big trip to Australia. Kids here are on their summer holidays from mid-December, and there are Christmas festivals and carol services, big Christmas lunches (usually of seafood and cold dishes), and Boxing Day beach barbecues. Boxing Day also sees a famous yacht race from Sydney to Tasmania that’s well-worth a watch. ??Then there’s Barbados, a party-loving island perfect for a festive getaway and a relaxed Christmas Day on the beach – but also for light displays and other festive decorations, carol singing, and holiday markets.