Courtesy Laura Porter

Leave it to London to have one of the most festive atmospheres for Christmas. The British city goes all out with large light displays, towering Christmas trees, pudding races, ballet performances, and cheerful holiday markets selling local handicrafts and treats (including many mulled wines). Make sure to plan your trip in advance to make the most of Christmas with the Queen.

Go Ice Skating

Every winter, outdoor ice skating rinks appear all over London. Most rinks operate from mid-November to mid-January and many stay open late into the evening. A number of rinks host special events throughout the holiday season, and you can rent skates at many of them.

The annual Winter Wonderland pop-up in Hyde Park has the UK’s largest open-air skating rink (next to the Victorian bandstand). The carnival-like atmosphere includes fairground rides, traditional German beer halls, a circus, food stalls, grottos, and 200+ Bavarian-style wooden chalets selling gifts and trinkets. You’ll also find ice skating rinks outside some famous historic sites, such as Somerset House, the Tower of London, and Hampton Court Palace.

See the West End Christmas Lights

London lights up at Christmas. It’s definitely worth visiting the big stores on Oxford Street and Regent Street in London’s West End, where window shopping under the lights won’t cost you a penny. The display comes on nightly beginning in early November.

Oxford Street’s lights go on November 6, 2018 and Regent Street will debut its displays on November 15, 2018. The Brunswick Centre near Russell Square also hosts its own Christmas extravaganza on November 7, 2018, with live music from West End performers and gospel choirs, plus stilt walkers and other entertainment.

Visit the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree

Norway gifts London with a huge Christmas tree for Trafalgar Square each year as a thank you for the country’s help during World War II. The tree typically reaches more than 20 meters high and averages between 50 and 60 years old.

The lights come on in the evening on the first Thursday in December. The tree usually stays put until the Twelfth Night of Christmas on January 6, when it gets dismantled and carted off to be chipped and composted.

Meet Father Christmas

You can meet Santa in London’s department stores, including Harrods, Selfridges, and John Lewis. Sit on Santa’s knee and tell him what you want him to bring you for Christmas. Of course, he prefers to meet small children, but Santa welcomes everyone from early November through Christmas Eve.

Shop at Christmas Markets and Fairs

Shopping becomes a national sport throughout December, and Christmas markets and fairs pop up throughout the city during the holiday season.

Watch the English National Ballet

The English National Ballet Christmas season has included The Nutcracker since 1950. Set in a world of frosty Edwardian elegance designed by Peter Farmer, this captivating production takes audiences on an enchanting journey with Clara, her Nutcracker doll, and the magician Drosselmeyer. From December 13 to December 30, 2018, the English National Ballet’s dancers will bring to life Tchaikovsky’s eternally popular score.

Get Tickets for Pantomime

A long English tradition of pantomime theater has men dressing as fat ugly women and women starring as the lead “boy.” With great audience participation and shouts of “He’s behind you!” when the protagonists can’t see the antagonists, it promises to be a fun time for the whole family. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Hackney Empire will present Aladdin for Christmas season performances from November 24, 2018 through January 6, 2019.

Join the Great Christmas Pudding Race

On a Saturday morning in December, about 150 race contestants wear fancy dress and run around Covent Garden while trying to balance a Christmas pudding on a plate. Obstacles such as balloons full of flour make it even more fun to watch. Logging its 38th year, it’s a charity event to raise money for Cancer Research UK. It will be held on Saturday, December 8, 2018.

Explore the Geffrye Museum’s Christmas Past

Each year, the Geffrye Museum‘s 12 period rooms are decorated in authentic festive style, providing a magical glimpse into Christmases of auld lang syne. From mid-November to early January, the Christmas Past exhibit explores the origins and meanings of some of the more common Christmas customs, from kissing under the mistletoe to decorating the tree and throwing cocktail parties.

Sing Christmas Carols

Christmas carolers from around the country come to​ Trafalgar Square for two weeks in mid-December. More than 40 carol groups sing for an hour beneath the Christmas tree to raise money for charities. Performances occur between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays, and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on weekends. There is no performance on 15 December. Expect to hear classic Christmas songs like Deck the Halls and Ding Dong Merrily on High.

Norway’s Best Kept Secret Revealed in 50 Degrees North’s New Signature Tour for 2019

Nordic Travel Specialist, 50 Degrees North, has introduced an innovative new 8-day tour for 2019: ‘The Western Fjords of Norway’. Although largely unknown to international visitors, the Western fjords are a rare gem: The landscape is pristine and exceptionally beautiful even by Norwegian standards!

However, the landscape is not the only factor that makes ‘The Western Fjords of Norway’ tour exceptional. It’s the ease to access such a unique and remote region without having to face peak summer traffic. This journey takes travelers off the beaten path as it showcases sites that aren’t known by many travelers. 50 Degrees North eases the experience by offering private transportation to the various sites in the comfort of a spacious and yet intimate minivan (1 to 12 people) which offers safety, flexibility and convenience, more so for solo travelers.

“The Western Fjords of Norway’ is designed for people who wish to see a more authentic Norway while still visiting some of the most breathtaking locations that Norway has to offer”, said Tietse Stelma, 50 Degrees North’s CEO and co-founder. “The most famous routes in Norway get very crowded, and we recognise the importance of introducing travelers alternatives routes and lesser known experiences”, added Stelma.

The self-guided tour starts from Bergen and finishes in Ålesund. In between, travelers get to join the locals on a spectacular coastal ferry ride from Bergen to Måløy, followed by a 3-day minivan journey through the fjords with the picturesque village of Loen as the main base from where to explore nearby glaciers, waterfalls, as well as local history, food, and culture. The last leg of the journey follows the Hjørundfjord, a stunning fjord surrounded by lush forests and small, scenic villages. For those in search of a more authentic Nordic holiday, this is an itinerary not to be missed!

The trip runs weekly from May to September with fixed departures from Bergen every Friday. It can also be combined with its sister tour, Beautiful Norway, thus making it the ultimate 14-day tour across the fjords (5995 AUD / 4395 USD per person).

More information on ‘The Western Fjords of Norway’ tour

More information on ‘Beautiful Norway’ tour

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If you are looking to surprise that person in your life who has seen it all, traveled the globe and is hard to please. Sit down, relax, we’ve done the research for you. Here is a gift guide that has something special for all those spectacular people in your world!

1. Siege Brands Soap

My favorite brand of natural handmade soaps is Costa D’Oro by Siege. This moisturizing soap created with shea butter leaves my skin smooth and soft. I adore their scents and gorgeous packaging. The soaps are safe to use on adults and children as they don’t contain parabens, phthalates or detergents and are not tested on animals. It’s a perfect gift and I always take a bar or two when I travel, to use and also so the scent will keep my clothes fresh and ready to use.

2. Tapp Lock

The Tapp Lock is a great gift for the traveler because it has a variety of uses. It can be used by backpackers to lock up their gear to home owners who have people come to their home to clean their pool or tend to their gardens when on the road. It uses technology to have fingerprints lock and unlock in under a second. Each lock stores up to 500 fingerprints and is water resistant. It can also be remotely unlocked using a corresponding app.

3. Kwilt Shoebox Backup Photos

The Kwilt Shoebox Plus creates a private, personal cloud. It is great for the person who takes endless photos and videos.

Users can offload photos and videos from their smart phones and still access their content anytime, anywhere. What makes it unique is that all of the content is saved in its original format and resolution.

Also, all of your photos are stored on your own personal hardware device so you have total control over content and can easily move it from one device to another. This also ensures more privacy as you store the photos and videos on your own personal cloud. Also there are no monthly fees – just a one-time purchase.

4. David J Witchell Spa Line

I never travel without a few of my favorite products from the all-natural David J Witchell Spa line.

To wash my face I use the effervescent Matcha Wash, which gives me the same feeling as being at a spa. Then from the Shaman Collection, try the Longevity oil that is a serum loaded with vitamins. It illuminates the tone and texture of your skin and its scent is divine. To hydrate your skin use the Time Traveler which is a formula that brightens, hydrates and protects your skin.

Finally- forget about buying conditioner – the Indra Hair Tonic which has a gorgeous scent serves as an amazing conditioner and makes your hair look sleek and styled.

5. Myphoto.com

Bring your photos to life with MyPhoto.com. They offer a variety of ways to publish your photos in fun ways from glass to wood. It’s a simple and easy process, just find that favorite photo and email it from your phone to 123@myphoto.com.

They offer free shipping and delivery within 5 business days.

6. MZ Wallace

MZ Wallace bags are beautiful, useful and their colors especially the elderberry and boysenberry bags are so delightful you can’t help but smile and want to take one home with you.

MZ Wallace prides themselves on bags that are high quality, easy to clean and are great for traveling. Check out the Thompson Hobo for a fun night on the town, while the Marlene Backpack is great for everything you need plus snacks for the kids. If you are going on a trip check out the Soho Travel, it’s roomy, stylish and has a built in luggage sleeve which is an added bonus.

Thompson Hobo

Marlena Backpack

Soho Travel

7. A Good Book: Tip of the Iceberg

Curling up on the couch with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate is a dreamy way to spend a day. One book that will both chill and thrill is by author Mark Adams who takes the reader on an Alaskan journey through time and travel in his book “Tip of the Iceberg”.

It illustrates his 3,000 mile journey around Alaska with interesting stories and a historical background to events.

8. Rocketbook

The Everlast notebook is similar to a regular pen and paper, but it has the ability through an app to transfer your notes to your laptop and phone. It is reusable and can be cleaned with water. It’s a way to take notes while at work, travel or on the road without having to use up your phone battery and have to be typing away.

9. Vivobarefoot

Travelers are always on their feet – and perhaps a new brand to explore is the Vivobarefoot. The shoe brand takes a whole new view and philosophy on shoes and on the science behind walking. They offer stylish shoes that are akin to walking barefoot.

The science behind their shoes comes with a variety of benefits as feet can provide sensory messages to the brain when barefoot. Their shoes for both men and women are versatile, stylish, lightweight and comfortable.

10. The Comfy

I admit the Comfy, this blanket meets sweatshirt seemed so silly at first and with once size fits all — it felt really big. Then I started using it and just fell for it as did the rest of my family. It is luxurious, warm, soft and perfect for cool winter days. It comes in a variety of colors and can be used to wear, sleep in, sleep on and just get cozy with on the couch.

11. Vertellis

A fun, lightweight game that is great for road trips or relaxing chats around the dinner table is the Vertellis. It's a game with a list of questions to guide families to engage in meaningful conversations about family, life and world-views. It’s a great way to facilitate fun and impactful conversations.

The game aims to get people to truly connect, the old fashioned way — by conversing with one another. It comes in three versions. Vertellis Classic for friends and family. The Relationship Edition for couples and the Family Edition for parents and children eight and older.

12. Marketplace Africa

Marketplace Africa is a unique place to shop, as it is a shopping portal that supports entrepreneurs and artisans in emerging African markets.

You can find a plethora of gorgeous items from women’s and men’s fashions to jewelry, body care, handbags and works of art.

DHL works with the website to deliver and verify products prior to shipping.

13. Arcopedico’s Shoes

These boots are made for walking – and that exactly what you can do in the Liana boots. They are lightweight, only weighing 14 ounces, comfortable, stylish and washable. They are easy to pack and great for traveling.

If regular shoes are more your style and for your season check out the LS – Arcopedico knit shoe. And for a more classic shoe the Net 3 is a great option and has a removable insole with arch support.

14. Baskits

For your traveler who enjoys staying home for a few minutes — why not bring Canada’s delicacies to them. Baskits, Canada’s leading luxury gift service company, based out of Toronto produces wonderful options. They have adorable Baskits with yummy Canadian products ranges from the sweet to the savory.

The “Oh Sweet Canada” Baskit is a tasty option. It includes tasty items such Truffini Cappuccino Crisp Truffles, Newfoundland Cilk's Extra Smooth Pure Milk Chocolate and Muskoka Roastery Coffee's Butter Pecan Coffee.

They also custom build Baskits with a wide range of options from spa themed to ones specifically for kids.

15. OGIO ALPHA Convoy 525 Backpack

One of the most essential pieces of travel gear is a backpack and the OGIO ALPHA Convoy 525 Backpack is a great option. It is made from discarded and recycled plastic and is good for everything from day to day use to hiking long distances.

What I like about it is there are so many pockets, as well as a hidden compartment on the side where you can store and easily access personal items such as a wallet and cell phone. Additionally, there are two pockets for water bottles. The OGIO backpack makes it easy to be organized and is constructed with durable material.

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