Christmas is one of my favourite times of year it is one of the few occasions that our family is physically together in one place. And this year will be extra special as we celebrate the first Christmas with my gorgeous granddaughter, who will undoubtedly be spoiled by Santa (and grandma)!
While this year will be spent soaking up the summer heat of Queensland, I can’t help but feel a little excited in anticipation of our Christmas Tale Tour in 2015. A white Christmas sojourn across the other side of the globe is calling my name. Next December we will visit three of the prettiest, fairy tale cities in Europe to experience just that – Vienna, Budapest & Prague.
For now though, I will sit myself in the cool shade with a cold champagne and take a look at how others are celebrating this festive season around the globe.
Christmas in Vienna
There could be no better place to get into the seasonal spirit than Vienna and its magical Christmas Markets. With over 70 vendors coming together to sell handmade holiday goods, such as gorgeous one of a kind handmade toys and decorations, in front of the picturesque backdrop of Vienna’s Sch nbrunn Palace, the Sch nbrunn market truly feels like a magical Christmas wonderland.
Christmas in Paris
Christmas time in Paris provides some of the best boutique shopping experiences in the world. Les Marchés de No l, a name for the number of traditional Christmas markets in Paris, offers fabulous pieces of handmade French arts, and crafts. Also, don’t forget about the iconic fashion houses that have put Paris on the map, their Christmas window displays are a part of what make a Parisian Christmas tr’s magnifique!
Christmas in Prague
Prague is truly a fairy tale city if ever there was one. Words cannot describe how beautiful Prague is, especially in the winter time. The Christmas markets are devine, as are the fine restaurants and great shopping to answer all of your retail therapy desires! Why not try the traditional Czech Christmas Dinner of carp and potato salad, sometimes preceded by mushroom, sauerkraut or fish soup while you are there. Bear in mind, the Czech name for Christmas literally means “Generous Day”, probably for the wealth of food that has traditionally been served for Christmas dinner.
Christmas in Budapest
Every year from early December, you can enjoy the special Christmas Streetcar ride in Budapest to explore some of the scenic routes in the city. The “Christmas Light Tram is a gorgeous and convenient way to see the city with some old fashioned elegance.
Thermal hot springs are also popular in Budapest. Stepping into the warm water and out of the crisp cool air is a bliss in winter time. Finally, indulge in a spa treatment and massage who says you can’t treat yourself at Christmas?
If you are dreaming of a white Christmas, check out our Christmas Tale Tour 2015 now online.
Whatever your plans are this holiday season, I wish you all a merry Christmas and a fabulous new year.
Chief Diva, Andrea xo
