Christmas and New Year
York’s ‘hot’ winter festival season kicks off
With the nights drawing-in and the first signs of frost beginning to appear, York is beginning to prepare for its winter festival season, with a wide-ranging programme of events setting the city up to rival other traditionally popular winter break destinations across the UK and beyond.
Have yourself a very merry Twixmas
Emotions will be running high after the family get-together on Christmas Day and there may be a tinge of excitement for the arrival of 2013 . . . but what to do for Twixmas, that lull period in the run-up to midnight on New Year’s Eve?
Soak up the spirit of Christmas in Cornwall's only city
Whilst Cornwall may be renowned for its beaches and coastline, its Cathedral City of Truro (the only city in the county) is also a wonderful destination for a short UK Festive getaway.
Christmas markets in Italy
Christmas traditions are cherished by the people all over Italy. Christmas markets in Italy (often known as Mercatino di Natale) are incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike.
North Jutland, Denmark's 'Land of Light' shines brightly for Christmas
North Jutland, Denmark's most northerly region, known for its wonderful natural light - said to lift the spirits and awaken the senses - is lavishly illuminated at this time of year by thousands upon thousands of bright, festive lights strung through villages and towns in celebration of Christmas.
Sicilian Treats: Festive house-party holidays in Sicily
Swap mince pies and Christmas pudding for 'panettone' and other Sicilian Christmas delicacies and enjoy mild temperatures and a house-party style atmosphere on a Christmas or New Year break in Sicily.
Cheap Dublin Christmas market breaks
Irish Ferries Holidays has a self-drive Dublin break from just £183 per person (saving £42 per person) for any three nights’ bed and breakfast, before 23 December, at the Sandymount Hotel, a perfect base from which to visit the city’s Christmas Markets.
Gothenburg and West Sweden - Christmas breaks and new tours
Here’s an overview of inspirational new holiday ideas and travel news - from a festivity-filled break in Gothenburg to new walking trips in Dalsland’s lake district, hotel openings and plans to expand the famous Shellfish Journey.
Escape to Devon this Christmas for a magical festive break of fun
Devon has Christmas all wrapped up this year with a host of magical seasonal events which promise to delight all members of the family and guarantee some Christmas cheer.
Family Christmas in a Cornish cottage
Going away in the UK for Christmas rather than heading overseas is the popular choice for many families for a variety of reasons; taking wrapped presents through airport security is difficult, it is a lot more cost effective and even the family dog can come along to join in the festivities (selected properties only).
New Year ski-house party in the Pyrenees
Once the turkey has been stuffed and the last dry fino has been quaffed, why not head out to the French Pyrenees for some superb skiing or boarding and a private house party to celebrate New Year in style?
Give the kids the gift of adventure travel this Christmas Day
Whatever toys and games are on this year’s ‘must have’ Christmas list, nothing beats giving the gift of travel to your family and leaving them with memories that will stay with them forever.
Discover Swedish Lapland this Christmas at IceHotel
Discover the World has just launched its latest collection of IceHotel Christmas breaks to Swedish Lapland for Winter 2012/13 with exclusive direct flights to Kiruna from London Heathrow (just 3.5 hours).
Loch Lomond Arms Hotel has Christmas wrapped up
The newly opened Loch Lomond Arms Hotel, situated in picturesque Luss, is set to celebrate its first Christmas with a seasonal offering that ensures all can join in the festivities.
Festive fun in Shakespeare Country
Enjoy a whole host of festive activities in Shakespeare Country with spectacular Christmas lights, festive markets, traditional carols, candlelit tours, storytelling, craft fairs, wreath making workshops, ghost tours and a Royal Shakespeare Company performance of ‘The Mouse and His Child’.