Experience a fairytale Christmas in Tallinn's Old Town 

Considered one of Europe's best Christmas markets, Tallinn is a perfect city for a pre-Christmas break. In the picturesque Old Town, the preserved medieval streets give a fairy-tale quality to the market, with visitors experiencing Christmas traditions amongst the Hanseatic architecture. Visit the charming stalls to find handmade Christmas gifts, and to sample some of the traditional festive refreshments on offer. The large Christmas tree has already been erected in the Town Hall Square, a tradition that dates back to 1441. The tree is adorned with quaint heart-shaped ornaments, chosen not only as the symbol of love, but also as they match the shape of the Old Town when viewed from above.  

The Tallinn Christmas Market runs from 25 November 2022 – 1 January 2023. For more information visit www.visitestonia.com   

Cox & Kings (www.coxandkings.co.uk; 03330 603 303) offers a three-night Christmas Markets break in Tallinn, Estonia from £1,655pp based on two people sharing. Includes flights, transfers and accommodation on a B&B basis and guiding 

 

Spending the Festive Season on Alderney, Channel Islands – a 'Christmas card Christmas'  

The town of Saint Anne comes alive to provide visitors with a picture book, traditional Christmas    

Father Christmas on the Alderney Railway 

Alderney is not so remote to be lacking in entertainment! The 'Santa Special' means that the Channel Islands' only railway opens up during the festive season, providing the perfect activity for families to join Santa and his helpers.  

New Year's Swim 

On January 1st, New Years Day, a crowd of brave souls venture into Alderney's waters, to remedy the groggy heads of the morning. This event, hosted every New Years Day, is the perfect way to start the New Year off right, amongst a flock of cheerful, local faces.  

The Blonde Hedgehog, a cosy Christmas escape 

The hotel, located within the cobbled streets of Alderney's Saint Anne's, boasts a series of cosy, restored buildings and cottages, that allow visitors to retreat from the harsh winter elements, and enjoy the warm glow of its many fireplaces. The hotel prides itself on its knowledge of the island, and consequently the hotel's concierge is extremely forthcoming with information about all that the island has to offer!  

Rooms at the hotel start from £170 per night. For more information about pricing or all the hotel has to offer please visit https://blondehedgehog.com 

 

A Different Christmas in Tenerife 

Just like most European cities and towns, Christmas Markets are also part of Tenerife's festivities. Visit the markets in Santa Cruz, Puerto de la Cruz and Adeje with the beautiful nativity scenes, local wines, theatre and carol singing. There are concerts, arts and crafts in Plaza Salytien with activities for all the family and traditionally, on 23 December, Los Sabadeños offer a Christmas performance in the Plaza de España. Fully decorated for the holiday season, La Orotava also hosts markets, workshops and concerts for everyone highlighting the Ruta de Belenes as their main celebration. Tenerife is a special place in winter where the snow is visible in the mount Teide but temperatures are pleasant and the sun is usually out. It provides an alternative option for travellers looking for a different Christmas celebration this year.  

Christmas Markets in Tenerife run from 27 December with celebrations until the 5th or 6th of January when locals attend the Three Kings Parade, another Christmas tradition held in the island.  

Where to stay:  

Landmar Playa La Arena offers a standard room for two adults for four nights on a Bed & Breakfast basis from £708. Wizz Air and Vueling offer flights to Tenerife from £298 per person. This is based on dates between 23 and 27 December.  

Landmar Costa Los Gigantes offers a double room for two adults for four nights on a Bed & Breakfast basis from £887. Wizz Air and Vueling offer flights to Tenerife from £298 per person. This is based on dates between 23 and 27 December. 

 

Enjoy a lesser-known Christmas market in Trentino 

The lesser-known region of Trentino situated in the heart of the Italian Alps in Northern Italy is a charming destination with mesmerising views of the majestic peaks of the Dolomite mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site abundant with a diverse landscape, almost 300 crystalline lakes and emerald forests.  

The main city - Trento - boasts magnificent views of the snow-capped mountains and a great variety of monuments, ancient castles and culinary delights, perfect for an autumn/winter getaway as fascinating Alpine and Italian traditions are fused. This is perfectly encapsulated by visiting the Trento Christmas Market heavily influenced by traditions of the mountains, against the backdrop of the distinctly Italian Piazza Duomo as Italians enjoy an aperitivo at the end of the working day, as dusk descends on the majestic Dolomites and regularly enjoy pasta followed by a fruit strudel for dessert!  

Recognised as the greenest city in Italy (according to the Italian environmentalist association Legambiente) and one of the top Italian cities to live in, Trento is the perfect starting point to discover the Trentino region. The cosmopolitan city is rich in heritage, buzzing bars and restaurants that highlight La Dolce Vita in any season. The fascinating inner city, restored over the last several years, is brimming with ancient sites waiting to be discovered, including Roman remains, a beautiful main square dotted with cafes, the Buonconsiglio Castle, Palazzo Pretorio, the fountain of Neptune, as well as churches and cathedrals.   

Enjoy a seven-night stay at 3* Al Marinaio from £635 for two adults. Based on two people sharing, bed and breakfast basis. Dates: 20 – 26 November 2022. Book here 

For more information, please visit www.visittrentino.info/en 

 

A Tuscan Christmas in Lucca 

The winter months are the perfect time to explore the charm of Lucca, Tuscany, with fewer crowds and the beautiful city adorned with sparkling Christmas lights and markets. In Lucca there are Christmas markets and events for every taste. Throughout the month of December and into the New Year, there are a variety of market stalls and antiques fairs selling a plethora of Christmas gifts, handmade decorations, as well as Tuscan cuisine. Similarly, with Tuscany renowned for its elaborate Nativity scenes, Lucca is no exception, with live animals frequently used to create real-life nativity scenes, and opportunities for younger children to get involved, or even meet Father Christmas. Things don't stop with Christmas, however, as on New Year's Eve, live music and glasses of sparkling wine are shared in the Piazza San Martino, creating a vibrant and unforgettable atmosphere. 

Stay at the 5* Grand Universe Lucca 

Located in the heart of Tuscany in the town of Lucca, Grand Universe Lucca is a five-star luxury hotel that strives to provide guests with an experience where they can immerse themselves in their Italian surroundings. Whilst the building is steeped in history and culture, the hotel prides itself on its modern features that ensure guests have a holiday reflective of 21st century elegance. The hotel is perfect for those looking to create a festive atmosphere, surrounded by warm fires, and starry skies on the hotels very own 'Champagne Rooftop', where views of the sparkling city and its Christmas celebrations can be seen for miles.   

Double rooms at Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection are priced from £220, room only. https://www.granduniverselucca.com/ 

 

A Candie Christmas on the island of Guernsey 

With various festive activities occurring across the island throughout the month of December, some of the islands highlights include a 'Candie Christmas', a series of market stalls and workshops hosted at Guernsey Museum every year, as well as the Christmas light switch-on at St Peter's Port. 

A 'Candie Christmas' 

With events held every Sunday of December (except the 27th) at Guernsey Museum, there is something for all ages at 'Candie Christmas'. With activities including; a visit to Santa's Grotto, market stalls selling handmade gifts and decorations, festive arts and crafts workshops, themed explore trails and family-friendly Christmas film showings in the Frossard Theatre, Guernsey really comes alive during the Christmas season. Open from 10.00 to 16.00 every Sunday in December. 

Christmas Light Switch-On in St Peter's Port 

On Saturday 26th November Father Christmas will arrive on Guernsey to switch on St Peter's Port's twinkling lights in the Market Square, and collect letters from the island's younger visitors. A fantastic spectacle for which much of the island's inhabitants turn out to witness, it's the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!  

For more information please visitguernsey.com 

 

Winter Efteling – a magical winter wonderland in the Netherlands 

For a magical wintery family getaway, Efteling – the fairytale theme park in the south of Holland – hosts its 24th 'Winter Efteling'. From 14 November 2022 until 5 March 2023, the Dutch theme park resort will transport guests to a winter wonderland, decorated with crackling bonfires, beautiful garlands, and thousands of sparkling lights. 

Favourites such as the ice-skating rink will return to Warme Winter Weide - a nostalgic winter garden – alongside live and heart-warming entertainment and mouth-watering food and drink.  

Children will be welcomed by Pardoes, the Magic Jester, and Princess Pardijn in the sleigh, while Fay de Fee and Pinocchio will try to make it snow. The famous adrenaline-inducing outdoor rollercoasters, as well as gentle rides, will be open as usual if the weather permits.   

A recent addition, the Witches' Camp will be located in the beautifully lit Fairytale Forest, and the park show Raveleijn will add extra show times during Winter Efteling. Each day will end with the spectacular water show Aquanura. 

Kids and adults will enjoy becoming the characters of their own fairy-tale while staying at Efteling Hotel and one of its 20 enchanting theme suites. Alternatively, enjoy the peace in Holiday Park Bosrijk or sleep between treetops or by the water at Efteling Loonsche Land or in the middle of nature in Loonsche Land Hotel. 

For more information about Winter Efteling, please visit here 

 

Lincoln Christmas Markets celebrate their 40th Anniversary  

Thursday 1 December – Sunday 4 December   

In 1982, the markets were formed of just 11 stalls. This has steadily expanded to over 200 located across the Cathedral Quarter, selling artisanal goods from speciality cheese to handmade knitwear, against a historic backdrop of the gothic cathedral and Norman castle. A highlight in the Lincoln calendar, the treasured event draws thousands of repeat visitors. In honour of is German origins, traders from Neustadt bring their local products to the city. The scent of mulled wine fills the night air as shoppers eat, drink and shop their way around the bustling stalls. To celebrate the 40th milestone, there will be an opening ceremony with live music at 12 noon on Thursday 1st December, before the traditional opening from 6pm at Lincoln Cathedral. The City of Lincoln Council will also be launching some new elements to the market including a stage for musical performances and additional light installations. 

Accommodation & Getting There  

From luxury hotel rooms, self-contained holiday homes, glamping sites and B&Bs, there is a wide range of accommodations to suit all tastes in Lincoln, such as the White Hart Hotel on the doorstep of the Castle and Cathedral, or Thorganby Hall, situated in the heart of the Lincolnshire Woods. Find out more about accommodation here. 

Via the LNER railway line, Lincoln is just a 1 hour and 55-minute trip away from London King's Cross. Trains depart every two hours. Tickets start from £36 for a day return. 

 

Spend Christmas browsing the artisanal Christmas markets in Spain's sunny Region of Murcia 

Receiving over 300 days of glorious sunshine a year and with highs of 18 degrees in winter months, the Region of Murcia, Spain is the perfect place for a sunny Christmas break.  

From the beginning of December, the cities and towns of the Region of Murcia are draped with colourful lights and host a number of amazingly detailed nativity scenes that picture the local rural landscapes, known as bélens, are installed public spaces and in shop windows. The celebrations on Christmas Eve start with the “Cuadrillas de Ánimas” and “Campanas de Auroros”, brotherhoods that walk the paths of the Huerta and sing Christmas carols. 

The arrival of Christmas highlights the importance of craftsmanship in the culture and traditions of the Region of Murcia. The Craft Fair on Gran Vía Alfonso X in Murcia City is held every year and offers visitors the chance to browse the stalls selling local artisanal products such as pottery, jewellery, metalwork, leather accessories, textiles and food such as local cheeses, Christmas sweets and incredible wines. A traditional Three Kings Parade is also held in Murcia City on 5 January, along with other Christmas events that brighten up the festivities for citizens and visitors alike.  

easyJet.com has a four-night stay at the four-star Santos Nelva in Murcia City, with a remarkable pool and gym priced from £244 per person based on two adults sharing, including return flights from Gatwick departing on 20 December.  

 

(For imagery, please see HERE)

 

For more information or enquiries, please contact ella@wearelotus.co.uk