Every year, as soon as the clocks go back and the nights draw in, we feel the approach of Christmas. It’s in the air, on the supermarket shelves in the shape of chocolate selection boxes and in the streets in the form of lights and even the occasional inflatable reindeer.
Most of us have some time off over Christmas, even if it’s just a few days. You might think about escaping the cold, dark and mayhem of Christmas. Or, alternatively, you might fancy heading to where there is guaranteed snow and the odd Reindeer or two.
Santa in Lapland
Far above the Arctic Circle is Lapland, spread between Norway, Sweden and Finland. Hailed as the last great unspoiled wilderness of Europe, this kingdom of frost has some of the world’s cleanest air, as well as lots of reindeer and lots to do.
You can zoom off into the snow on a skidoo (snowmobile), command a team of sled-dogs or spend a night under the stars. If you’re lucky, you could see the Northern Lights the heavens awesome display of ever-changing colours and shapes. The Vikings used to call the Northern Lights the “Sky Curtain” and it’s easy to see why.
Ice Hotel or Snow Igloo?
While you’re waiting for this celestial display you can stay at Swedish Lapland’s most famous location – the Ice Hotel at Jukkasjarvi. Sweden is an amazing Christmas destination with some amazing landscapes, lakes, forests and skies as well as a warm welcome. This hotel, 200km north of the Arctic Circle and 17km east of Kiruna, is newly-built each spring and each iteration is more impressive than the previous one. You’ll have a fairytale experience at the Ice Hotel. There’s an ice art gallery, an ice bar for some warming spirits, ice sculptures and enough lights to drive out the dark. Everything in your room is made from ice, except for your bedding, thankfully!
If the Ice Hotel is booked out then you could try a glass-topped igloo complete with toilet, shower and compact kitchen. There’s also a motorised double bed so that you can lie and gaze upwards to catch the always-moving Northern Lights.
Harbin Ice Festival – China
If you make the journey to China over the New Year period then you’ll be able to visit the Harbin Ice Festival that sees the small town of Harbin come alive with neon lights and ice sculptures. This unique festival, established in 1985, is renowned across the world for its amazing, if somewhat impermanent, works of art.
Sculptors come from all over the globe to try to outdo one another with their innovative and sometimes towering structures. The festival also offers visitors an ideal opportunity to do some skating and sleighing.
Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Mexico
For a change of climate, you could head down Mexico way to the Day of the Virgin in Guadalupe. This event is one of the biggest in the Catholic calendar and it offers people dancing, fun, music and lots of food. The day honours the Virgin Mary, with people taking pilgrimages to old and new basilicas; it’s a national holiday preceded by a week of celebration. You can walk the streets to take in the dancing, crafts and street food.
St. Petersburg – Russia
Russia is always an enticing destination, but especially so around Christmas when there’s snow and the chance to wander around in an ushanka (fur earflap hat ). There’s a wealth of artistic traditions and history so take the time to visit the many museums, galleries and landmarks.
St. Petersburg is ideal for a four-day city break or a longer stay as you can pack in lots over a long weekend or spend longer, wandering the romantically icy streets and the 800-plus bridges. When you do start to feel the cold, you can dip into one of the many indoor Christmas attractions or restaurants. Try the State Hermitage Museum and the nearby Winter Palace, as well as the stunning Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood.
Festive Cheer – London
There might not be much snow in London, but the Brits really know how to do Christmas and the city comes alive during the festive season. Head to Hyde Park for a festive activity or go window shopping along Regent Street and Oxford Street – you’ll be so transfixed by the illuminations that you’ll forget to actually do any shopping. If you are craving the white stuff then you can glide along on one of the pop-up ice rinks, visit the enormous Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square, or nestle down in a cosy pub.
What about a personalised Moroccan tour over Christmas?
If you really want to escape Christmas then you could take yourself and the family for a trek in Morocco. Forget all about snow, slush and darkness and head off to the mountains on top of a camel. Some tours involve a night or two in the Sahara Desert, which is
an unforgettable and somewhat unworldly experience. You can also head to Fes, one of the world’s largest best-preserved and vibrant medieval cities. There are markets galore to haggle in and all the colours you can imagine.
From Fes you can head out to a number of UNESCO sites, including the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the famous blue city of Chefchaouen, around three hours from Fes. If you’re in Morocco for a few days then you mustn’t forget to look in on Marrakech, either for a day trip or for a longer stay. Explore the souks and the alleyways for the real Morocco experience, or climb onto a camel and head out into the desert near the city. If camels aren’t your thing, then you can always hire quad bikes and zoom along the sand for a really adrenaline-filled thrill.
