Traditional Christmas markets aren’t the only places to explore this winter

From candy cane Christmas trees to real life gingerbread houses, there are some incredible attractions on offer at Christmas markets across the globe for travel lovers to explore. 

Some of the most unusual include floating market stalls in The Netherlands, and the chance to experience a walk back in time to a Victorian Christmas in California. 

James Cole, founder and MD of Panache Cruises said: “Christmas markets are a wonderful and fantastic way to enjoy the festive season and there are some incredible Christmas markets for travellers who are prepared to explore that little bit further.  

“Some cities around the world really take their Christmas markets to the max, for example, in Toronto they have a life-size gingerbread house you can actually walk around and in The Netherlands there is a massive market in caves underneath the city’s castle ruins.  

“There are also some unusual markets in the UK too: York offers a haunted tour of the ghosts of Christmas past, and Edinburugh has a massive Street of Light which illuminates across the whole city. 

“You can really get into the festive spirit by exploring some of the most unusual Christmas markets different countries around the world have to offer.” 

1. Leiden, The Netherlands - The Markets on Water   

Leiden’s famous floating Christmas market is rated one of the best year on year. On top of the city’s oldest canal is where visitors will find boats filled with almost 100 stalls selling food, drinks and handmade gifts. There is even a floating ice rink and regular stage performances. Just 30 minutes away from Amsterdam, Leiden’s market on water is one of the most unique Christmas activities to visit.  

2. Gardens by the Bay, Singapore - Candy Cane Christmas Tree 

Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay attracts millions of visitors each year to visit the Christmassy displays. Magnificent light sculptures cover the park and an ice cave home to impressive floral ice sculptures. But one of the most popular attractions at the gardens during the festive period is the so-called candy cane Christmas tree. Decorated in red and white poinsettia flowers the tree stands at eight metres tall and six metres wide, bringing Christmas to Singapore in a spectacular way.  

3. Toronto, Canada - Life-size Gingerbread House 

Those in Toronto know Christmas is coming when the city’s lifesize gingerbread house is put up at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. Consisting of almost 9000 gingerbread bricks, visitors can actually walk through the two-storey gingerbread display but they must fight the temptation to have a nibble on the walls. There are also market stalls selling crafts, foods and drinks to check out too, to fill visitors with Christmas joy and delicious treats.  

4. NYC, USA - Winter Village Igloos  

The Bank of America Winter Village is one of the most jam-packed Christmas markets in the world. With a 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink is completely free to use, over 170 glasshouse market stalls to explore, the opportunity to try out iceless curling and best of all, cosy igloo for private hire to truly feel like a winter wonderland experience served with gourmet food and drinks  

5. Valkenburg, The Netherlands - Underground Cave Markets 

Valkenburg is home to Europe’s largest underground Christmas market. The caves are underneath the city’s castle ruins and are filled with festive market stalls, spectacular decorations, life-size nativity sculptures and Christmas trees. The caves are turned into an extraordinary underground winter wonderland over the festive season.  

6. California, USA - A Victorian Christmas  

Although more of a common sight in Britain, a Victorian Christmas has made its way to the west coast of America, with a Charles Dickens theme to it. The Dickens Fair offers visitors a step back in time with theatres, pubs, shops, stalls and music halls. With regular entertainment shows acting out Dickens’ stories, the Fair is a wonderful place to explore a Victorian-themed Christmas.  

7. Bariloche, Argentina - The ‘Little Switzerland’ in South America 

The city of Bariloche is tucked away in the Andes and has been called the ‘Little Switzerland’ of Argentina. Wooden huts, ski resorts, bar cabins and chocolate shops adorn the streets to make this South American city feel like a snowy European destination. Picturesque landscapes make visitors feel as though they really are experiencing Christmas in the Swiss Alps.  

8. Bondi Beach, Australia - Christmas in the Sun 

A Christmas in summertime is not what a usual festive image is, but for Australians, Christmas in the sun is the norm. Visiting the Bondi Beach Christmas markets is a completely different festive experience for many of us. With shorts instead of coats and flip flops instead of gloves, the market stalls line the seafront selling food, drinks and handcrafted gifts. 

9. Edinburgh, Scotland - The Street of Light 

With the backdrop of the historic 900 year old castle, Edinburgh knows how to put on a fantastic Christmas market. With rides, food, crafts, drinks and activities for visitors, the city also hosts a virtual Christmas market for those who can’t travel to Scotland. One of the interesting parts of the market is the 60,000 lights installation along the ‘Street of Light’ - a colourful kaleidoscope of festive lights and lasers is one of the best light shows in the world. 

10. York, England - The Ghosts of Christmas Past Tour  

York is often named the most haunted city in the world - and for Christmas visitors to the city, a festive ghost tour is a must-do. Certainly one of the most unusual Christmas activities, the walking ghost tour takes two hours and tells many haunted December stories along the way about the ghosts of Christmas past. And no trip to York at Christmastime is complete without a visit to the markets to offer a wonderful wintery experience before the haunted night-time falls. 

To find out more about luxury cruising to these Christmas market destinations and many more please visit www.panachecruises.com.

(Image courtesy of jan schoenmaekers and Pixabay)

That's Food and Drink: Bunga Bunga Launches Nonna's Attico

That's Food and Drink: Bunga Bunga Launches Nonna's Attico: This December, Bunga Bunga Covent Garden, the immersive bar and restaurant, will be unveiling Nonna's Attico, a private karaoke bar and ...

Over third of Christmas shoppers to spend less, says Oxfam, but will still buy gifts

Over a third of Christmas shoppers (35%) are aiming to spend less on gifts this Christmas, with some reducing their budget by 50%, says research commissioned by Oxfam.

A mixture of the cost-of-living crisis (66%), concerns over energy bills (42%), a desire not to get into debt), and trying to save money (39%), are encouraging people to tighten their belts.

But the research brings some comfort, with nearly three quarters (74%) of the 2772 adults surveyed say they believe meaningful gifts, that don’t cost much, are best.

Concerns over the environmental impact of Christmas such as plastic waste and emissions (47% per) plus a desire to along with a desire to shop ethically (20%) are also driving shopping decisions as 23% of those who responded revealed they'd buy second-hand gifts this Christmas, as it's "greener."

It also emerged 27% are going to opt for gifts with a positive social impact, such as charity gift cards or donations to a good cause.

Also, 17% agreed some of the best presents they’ve ever received were ones that didn’t cost that much.

Lorna Fallon, director of retail for Oxfam said: “Giving presents shouldn’t be about how much you spend.

“This year we hope people won’t feel pressurised into spending more they can afford, especially at a time where many are worried about the cost of living crisis.

“Bringing happiness to loved ones on Christmas day doesn't need to be costly or expensive, but it can be thoughtful.”

The research also found when it comes to giving and receiving Christmas gifts 43% per said they believe it’s the thought that counts.

With over one in ten (12%) buying second-hand gifts as books, particularly fiction, are revealed as top of people’s charity shop wish list (23%).

Conducted via OnePoll, the study also found 28% feel pressured to buy gifts at Christmas, with nearly a quarter (24%( feeling relief that they have agreed with family and friends to cut back on giving this year.

Although 34% of those buying for others plan to spend less per person this year compared to last.

With the average number of people on a Christmas gift list reducing by one person, from 10 in 2021 to nine this year.

It also emerged, regardless of household income, everyone is set to feel the squeeze this year as 41% of shoppers with a household income of £20,001 to £25,000 want their money to stretch further.

While a near equal percentage (42%) of those with a household income of £60,001 to £70,000 feel the same way.

Lorna Fallon added: “We’re finding more people are shopping for books this year and Christmas shopping is well underway for unique gifts that aren't going to break the bank.

“Womenswear and menswear sales in our shops are also up, suggesting customers are turning to charity shops to make their pound go as far as possible whilst also supporting good causes.

“Browsing in a charity shop this year for just some of your presents will make your budget stretch further, plus bringing a smile to your family with one-off, more sustainable, thoughtful and ethical gifts. 

"For the friend or relative who has everything, or if you’re short on time or stuck for ideas, choose Oxfam Unwrapped gift cards. Funds raised from these cards support communities to make positive changes, by providing essentials like clean water and sanitation."

Top 10 reasons Brits are cutting spend on gifts this Christmas

The cost-of-living crisis

Not being able to afford as much this year

Just being careful as things get more expensive

Worries about paying gas and electricity bills

Trying to be thrifty with my spending

Not wanting to get into debt

Not feeling the need to spend money to enjoy Christmas

They spent too much money last year

Wanting to put more thought into gifts rather than spending lots on them

Worries about interest rates on credit cards

Top 10 ways Brits will spend less on Christmas gifts this year

Reducing spend per person

Only buying for immediate family

Reducing spending circle (the total number of people to buy for)

Purchasing fewer, more thoughtful presents

Agreeing in advance with family where to spend less

Only buying for the children in the family

Buying second-hand gifts that are high value but lower in price

Buying barely used or excellent condition second-hand books

Giving more home-made presents

Pooling together with friends and family to buy one gift for each family member

To learn more about Oxfam you can visit https://www.oxfam.org.uk where you can also find your nearest Oxfam shop.

Pud a smile on the face of your family and guests with Aldi's award-garnering Christmas pudding range

Nothing says tradition quite like a glorious Christmas pudding, which is why Aldi has unveiled a new range of super indulgent delights to help Christmas shoppers celebrate in style this festive season.

Along with some returning favourites, including the award-winning Damson Gin Christmas Pudding, Aldi shoppers can expect to find a charming Champagne Pudding, a fabulously chocolatey Firecracker Pudding, and Aldi’s most exquisite Christmas pudding  ever, in the delectable Exquisite Heritage Pedro Ximénez Christmas Pudding. 

The range will be available in-store from now until Christmas Eve, or as long as stocks last.

A brand-new addition to the range is the luxurious Specially Selected Exquisite Heritage Pedro Ximénez Christmas Pudding (£12.99, 907g), a gloriously decadent Christmas pudding crammed with the finest of vine fruits, plums and glacé cherries steeped in brandy. With almonds, walnuts, citrus peel, and spices laced with cider, brandy, and Pedro Ximénez sherry, this boozy dessert is truly bursting with festive flavour. On sale 11th December onward.

Chocolate lovers rejoice! Aldi’s brand NEW Specially Selected Firecracker Pudding (£7.99, 400g) is sure to fire up shoppers’ taste buds. Made with vine fruits, cider, Amontillado sherry and luxurious chunks oif delicious chocolate and delicately infused with an orange and chilli flavour sauce. What’s more, it includes a delicious, salted chocolate sauce and a sachet of coated popping candy. Also on sale from 11th December.

Fizz the season to be jolly! Back by popular demand, last year’s Quality Food Award Winner Specially Selected Champagne Pudding (£4.99, 400g) celebrates the festive season with plump juicy vine fruits, glacé cherries, cranberries, and nuts blended with cider, brandy, and Champagne. Topped with whole glacé red and black cherries and almonds and finished with a splash of Marc de Champagne brandy, this pudding is the perfect centrepiece for the Christmas table.  

The Specially Selected Bucks Fizz Christmas Pudding (£4.99, 400g) is made with light moist sponge, Turkish vine fruits, cider and candied citrus peel, a splash of prosecco and orange juice, and hand topped with glacé cherries and crunchy almonds. Both are already on sale.

A returning favourite and winner of the prestigious Good Housekeeping Institute Food Awards 2021, shoppers can tantalise their yearning tastebuds with Aldi’s Specially Selected Damson Gin Christmas Pudding (£8.99, 800g). An elegant Christmas dessert, this pudding is packed with juicy vine fruits, diced plum pieces, purple glacé cherries, and almonds. Infused with two types of gin and a hidden Victoria plum gin sauce centre, the flavours are endless. On sale now.

The Specially Selected Millionaire’s Pudding (£6.49, 450g) is back, making a delightful centrepiece for Aldi shoppers this Christmas. Made with a decadent chocolate sponge, luxurious chocolate chunks, mini fudge cubes, and drizzled with a sticky salted caramel sauce and coated in edible glitter, this is sure to fly off the shelves.

Also back by popular demand is Aldi’s Specially Selected Gingerbread and Butterscotch Christmas Pudding (£6.49, 450g) made with a moist butter sponge that’s lightly spiced with ginger and cinnamon and enriched with treacle for extra flavour. Finished with a silky butterscotch sauce and a topping of fudge, biscuit pieces, and chocolate chips. On sale now.

Specially Selected Gingerbread and Butterscotch Christmas Pudding

For those looking for something a little sweeter, the Specially Selected Sticky Toffee Pudding (£8.99, 800g) is equally sure to shine. This fruited Christmas pudding is made with a dash of white rum, candied citrus peel and gooey toffee sauce. On sale now.

For more information including details of your nearest Aldi store please visit www.aldi.co.uk.

Make your Christmas greener this year with the National Trust

The take up of recycling by many households throughout the UK show that most of us are keen to do our bit to be "greener." 

And the National Trust has pointed out a variety of steps that the average family can take to have a greener Christmas this year.

"If you're dreaming of a more sustainable, greener Christmas, you might be surprised to learn how easy it is to achieve with the help of our top tips and ideas. From making your own decorations to giving nature a helpful hand, learn how you could make a real difference to the environment over the festive period with just a few simple changes.

Use less, recycle more

Make your own decorations

Why not try decorating your home for Christmas without a trip to the shops? Try making your own paper chains with used wrapping paper, or pick up a handful of pine cones from your local woodland. 

For a fragrant addition to your decorations, bake slices of oranges studded with cloves and fasten to your tree with red ribbon. What's more, if you store your decorations carefully at the end of the Christmas season, you can reuse them for many years to come.

Lessen the impact of lights

If you're thinking of buying a new set of Christmas lights, use consider choose solar powered lights for outside and use LED Christmas lights indoors to minimise the energy needed to keep them burning. Better for the environment and better for your wallet, too!

Plan seasonal meals

Spark joy this Christmas with warming dishes packed full of goodness and seasonal, low-carbon ingredients. Sprouts, cabbages, leeks, pears and cranberries are some of the tasty fruit and veg you can harvest yourself or buy locally in December.

Minimise your food waste

With some quite simple steps, you can help reduce food waste this Christmas. Buy only what you need, compost or make stock with your vegetable peelings, be creative with leftovers and, if you’ve bought too much, give what’s spare to a food bank.

Shop greener

Save paper and plastic

If you’re throwing a party, resist using disposable plates and cutlery, if you can. Maybe ask guests to bring crockery with them? and take turns doing the washing up. When it comes to wrapping paper, go for recycled brands, or simply wrap your presents in brown paper and a reusable ribbon. Your gifts will look festive and authentic and you’ll save money too.

Steer clear of glitter

Although it can look pretty, glitter is difficult to recycle and may escape into the environment. Even biodegradable glitter needs special treatment to break it down. Try to avoid buying anything that's decorated with glitter, including some kinds of wrapping paper and Christmas cards.

Buy local

We love sustainably produced, local food and gifts because they're better for the places we look after and the planet as a whole. If you'd like to reduce your carbon footprint this Christmas, try buying from local craft makers or stopping by one of our farm shops or a nearby farmer’s market. You’ll find small-scale producers selling some of the best food your region has to offer.

Buy British Christmas trees

If you choose to buy a real Christmas tree, make sure it's grown in Britain, ideally as close to where you live as possible. Look out for the British Christmas Tree Growers Association mark. If you buy a potted tree, look for one that's been grown in peat-free compost. If you look after it well, you can reuse your potted tree for years to come.

Give back to nature

Care for wildlife

Would you like to give the birds in your neighbourhood a helping hand this winter? Easy-to-make, natural bird feeders such as fat cakes are a great way to keep your feathered friends happy and full over the winter and early spring.

Go on a winter walk

Whether you’re celebrating with family or looking to meet new people, there are plenty of fun things to do at National Trust places over Christmas that have a minimal cost to you and the environment. What's more, the time you spend with us during winter helps us look after nature, beauty and history for everyone to enjoy."

(Image used courtesy of the National Trust. It shows Christmas gifts wrapped in brown paper underneath the tree at Polesden Lacey. © National Trust Images/John Millar)

Incidentally you can find some nice Christmas gifts at all National Trust properties which have shops attached. Learn where your nearest suitable National Trust property is at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Also, if you are looking for greener, more eco-friendly Christmas presents if you look back through the posts on That's Christmas you will find a range of businesses and retailers who are offering greener options for this Christmas, so please check them out. 

Christmas Fair at The Argory

The Christmas period cannot be considered to be complete without making a visit to the annual Christmas Fair at The Argory on Sat 3 and Sun 4 Dec.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a wide and eclectic variety of local craft, food and drink stalls, plus stunningly good traditional festive entertainment.

Soak up the amazing and wonderful atmosphere and see the house decorated for Christmas. 

Families will also have the fantastic chance to meet Santa and his elves in Santa's very own, special grotto.

Available dates and times Third and Fourth of December, 11am to 5pm on both days. 

There is no extra fee for this event, but the usual admission charges apply for the venue.

Other Christmas events are being staged throughout the month of December including Christmas Cupcake Decorating and a Christmas Wreath Making Workshop.

The Argory is at Dungannon, County Armagh, Northern Ireland. 

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/the-argory.

(Image courtesy the National Trust)

Asda, quality wines for Christmas at affordable prices!

There's now less than a month to go until Christmas and Asda has revealed an unmissable offer across one of the most important categories of the festive ‘big shop’ - wine!

Asda's offering customers a startling 25% off when they purchase six or more bottles of wine. The offer is available on selected wines which are priced at £4.75 or over, including wines already offered at a reduce price, so this means Asda customers can make massive savings just in time for Christmas.

Shoppers will receive 25% off the total cost of all six bottles (or more) and the offer can be used to ‘mix and match’ or buy six or more of the same variety. It really is your choice!

Whether Asda customers are in the market for a family-favourite wine, the perfect tipple for those cosy winter weekends, or they’re looking to stock up on extra special bottles that’ll make Christmas dinner that little bit more magical, there is something for everyone with Asda’s current offer.

Best-sellers available in the offer include:

Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva Red Wine, was £9.50, now £8.50 – just £6.39 in the Buy 6 deal

Jam Shed Shiraz, was £7, now £5.50 – just £4.12 in the Buy 6 deal

Barefoot Pinot Grigio, was £6.75, now £5.99 – just £4.49 in the Buy 6 deal

Freixenet Prosecco D.O.C., was £12, now £10 – just £7.50 in the Buy 6 deal

Premium wines available in the offer include:

Extra Special Chateauneuf-du-Pape, was £18, now £16 – just £12 in the Buy 6 deal

Ferrari Trento Rosé, was £22, now £21 – just £15.75 in the Buy 6 deal

Extra Special Chablis Domaine La Levee, was £15, now £14 – just £10.50 in the Buy 6 deal

Asquith Gardens Traditional English Sparkling Wine, was £16.50, now £16.00 – just £12 in the Buy 6 deal.

For shoppers in Scotland, the Buy 6 deal does not apply, but Asda shoppers can make huge savings across premium and own brand wines until 11th December. Available on selected bottles including:

Montagne Saint Emilion, was £8.50 - now £7.50

Extra Special Chateauneuf-du-Pape, was £18 - now £16

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, was £10.25 - now £8.50

Louis Jadot Les Petites Pierres, was £11 now £9 (Scotland only price)

There's some very good quality wines available in this offer. I especially love Freixenet Prosecco D.O.C., which I think goes with pretty much anything, including the traditional Christmas dinner.