Top Christmas Holidays 2018
Now the summer is over with until next year and everyone is starting to prepare for Christmas, it’s a good time to considering those winter destinations. If cooking and hosting the Christmas Day feast isn’t for you then going on holiday at Christmas is the perfect way to spend quality time with family. You get a break from the norm while the children get a gift they’ll never forget – an amazing Christmas holiday!
A family holiday at Christmas time can be done with various budgets, either in the UK or abroad and don’t forget that if you are flying abroad and sticking to a tight budget you can save money by travelling on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day from many airports.
Christmas roads will be busy, so allow extra time for getting to the airport if you choose to fly away. Make sure the public transport that may be included in your travel plans are actually open as the times might differ around this time of the year. If you are travelling with presents It’s a good idea to leave them unwrapped, in case security need to check your luggage. Pack the wrapping essentials separately (gift-wrap, tape, ribbons, bows, etc..) and remember to pack your scissors in your hold luggage as these can’t be carried in your hand luggage. You should keep receipts for your gifts or other goods and make sure your travel insurance covers your additional items. Oh, and don’t forget to write to Father Christmas, say how good you and your family has been this year and give him your holiday address.
But where to go? Here’s our recommendations…
Lapland, United Kingdom
When husband and wife team Mike and Alison Battle had the original and innovative idea of recreating Father Christmas’ mythical Arctic homeland here in the UK. The company was born out of their personal frustration at the lack of quality magical Christmas experiences on offer to their own four children Michael, Matthew, and twins Joseph & Christian. They have created a family Christmas experience like no other. It was disappointing and frustrating to Mike and Alison that nowhere in the UK was really catering for the needs and wishes of parents by offering a magical experience where both children and their families could celebrate the joys of childhood innocence and traditional Christmas values in a charming, high quality and authentic way for those few wonderful but fleeting years in a family’s life when children wholly believe in Father Christmas.
A visit to LaplandUK (picture above) isn’t simply a visit to see Father Christmas – it’s the best Christmas experience that you will ever have in the UK and you may even see a celebrity or two while you are here. They have had visits from David Beckham, Sir Elton John, Emma Willis, Emma Bunton and many more famous faces and their beautiful families have all enjoyed a visit in the past. The forest has been transformed into a snowy winter wonderland, where you walk through a guided theatrical tour, meeting certain characters along the way. During your 4 hour journey you experience a Narnia like wonderland of snow covered trees and pathways, beautiful snow covered buildings and brilliant actors. All activities including toy making, gingerbread decorating, ice skating, meeting the husky dogs, a beautiful gift for each child and a souvenir family photograph with Father Christmas are included.
A visit to Lapland UK is definitely a visit you will never forget and LaplandUK is situated at Whitmoor Forest, Swinley Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 8BD. It is approximately 1.5 miles from Ascot Station and offers free onsite car park. Travelling by flying reindeer is strictly reserved for Father Christmas and any elves caught flying reindeer without permission will be told off.
Our recommend accommodation is Hampden Apartments - The Meghan. The apartment features a balcony, 2 bedrooms, a living room and a well-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is available. Price for a 2 weeks holiday from 21st Dec to 4th Jan for a family of four is approximately £2810 (12th August 2018).
Lapland, Finland
Lapland makes up about 1/3 of Finland’s total areas, and it is a region, not a country. For some perspective, Lapland is as big as Belgium, Holland and Switzerland all put together. Lapland is sparsely populated – only 3.6% of the total Finnish population live in Lapland and this is what makes Lapland so special, as it is a true natural wilderness, mostly undisturbed by humans.
Santa’s Aurora offers a magical experience for families including all the magic from our traditional Santa’s magic package. The new Aurora experience also includes a unique Aurora Wilderness Dinner, an extended Husky ride, an interactive Igloo experience to learn about the local legends around the Northern Lights and a separate Snowmobile Safari across the Lapland landscape. Come find Santa’s secret cabin on a fairy-tale reindeer ride and visit the Husky farm where you can take control of your own team of Huskies who will be eagerly waiting to take you on a thrilling journey across the snowy landscape!
Santa’s Aurora guests will be based in the luxurious 4* Star Arctic Hotel at the top of the fell in Saariselkä, it’s the perfect spot to view the Northern Lights from the comfort of your accommodation. With high standard accommodation and modern elegance, this hotel is perfect for families who want to experience Lapland in style. This really is a most magical Christmas destination. Flying out to see Santa in his homeland couldn’t be easier, with the non-stop flights he has organised for you, direct to Saariselkä’s own local airport of Ivalo.
U.S.A and Caribbean Cruise
Dreams really do come true for the whole family on-board a Disney cruise, with many choices of destinations and even the stay and cruise option. You will be spoilt for choice on where to cruise to. With all the magic of Disney, combined with legendary service, spacious staterooms and delicious dining, a Disney Cruise Line holiday is the perfect way to spend quality family time together. Why not combine your cruise with a stay at Walt Disney World Resort? There’s so much to do for all the family, from live shows and entertainment to thrills and spills.
Across Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line, there are dozens of world-class live shows and entertainment options to pick from! At Walt Disney World, choose from incredible stage shows, amazing parades and spectacular fireworks displays! On Disney Cruise Line, catch a performance each night of your sailing in our state-of-the-art theatre, marvel at the first fireworks at sea during a deck party, or relax watching a Disney movie under the stars. Tailored for all ages, their clubs on-board Disney Cruise Line offer waves of adventure and the longest operating hours at sea. Adults can relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity with the knowledge that their kids are being looked after by Disney Youth Coordinators.
Spain
Christmas in Spain is my personal favourite and my family all enjoy celebrating with the Spanish. If you want to mix both having a large family meal on Christmas Day at home but you don’t want to miss celebrating abroad then Spain would be the perfect destination for you. The most important day to be in Spain is the 5th of January, when the parades of the Three Kings are celebrated throughout the country. This exciting experience represents the journey of the Kings travelling on and following the star until they came to the stable in Bethlehem where Jesus was born.
The biggest processions are spectacular, with floats carrying children’s characters as well as the Kings, all throwing sweets into the crowd and waving at the awestruck children. You should find a traditional parade near to any destination you choose to visit for Christmas in Spain. In Barcelona the Kings arrive on a boat and Alcoy (Alicante) hosts the oldest parade in Spain. Cadiz is my personal favourite but whichever town you choose no matter how large or small you and your family will be amazed at the celebration.
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