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Exotic places to spend Christmas Holidays

Sometimes Christmas with the whole extended family can be a bit too much hassle. There are always arguments, Mum gets stressed out trying to cook the perfect dinner, the kids start fighting over their new toys, and there just is not enough time to take poor old Sparky the dog for a walk. Sometimes it is just easier, and more fun, to get away.

Luckily, we have found some great places to escape to. They are sure to bring back your sense of Christmas spirit and get you in the festive mood.

London

You are sure to have a jolly good Christmas in London. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park always brings in a crowd, drawing in 15 million visitors since it first opened its doors in 2007. The attraction boasts a fairground, Santa Land (complete with grotto), two circuses, a 60m observation wheel, the biggest ice rink in the UK, a magical ice kingdom with animal sculptures, and plenty of themed bars.

If you are a little behind on your Christmas shopping, London has some of the best markets in the world. Pick up some unusual gifts, while sipping mulled wine, eating minced pies, and listening to buskers singing Christmas songs. If the markets are not enough to feed your shopping needs, then pay a visit to some of the capital’s most loved department stores. Shops such as Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Selfridges, Liberty, John Lewis and Fortnum and Mason go all out at this time of year. They are worth visiting if only to look at the stunning window displays they have on show.

And it wouldn’t be Christmas time in England if you didn’t make time to go and see apantomime. This year you can see Snow White at the Richmond Theatre, Sleeping Beauty at the Queen’s Theatre, or Beauty and the Beast at the Theatre Royal Stratford East.

Paris

Home to Disneyland Paris, there is nothing more festive than a parade filled with some of yourfavouriteDisney characters. Children will love watching Mickey, Minnie and friends marching along to Christmas carols and fireworks. This year they have incorporated the latest film, Frozen, in the parade. Whether you wish to be taken back to your childhood, or you want to spoil your children, you will be sure to get a warm glow watching this.

But there is much more to Paris. The City of Light really comes to life at Christmas, and it is worth checking out the illuminations at Place Vendome Illumine, Bercy Village and Champs Elysees Noel. The city is just as precious about its trees, and festive spruces can be seen atGaleriesLafayette, and Le Forum des Halles. On the 20thDecember, 300 multicolouredmetal trees will appear at a mystery location in Paris. To claim one, hopefuls must be in Christmas dress, and keep an eye online at 6pm when the location will be revealed.

The city is also well known for its carousels in most of its public parks. At Christmas, most are free, so you will be able to let your little ones indulge in some merry-go-round fun while you sit and take in the sights.

New Delhi

In India, where only 2% of the people are Christian, you would be forgiven for thinking that Christmas is not celebrated. Despite the lack of religious excuses, it is still possible to have a great festive holiday in New Delhi. The best place to visit is Connaught Place between the 20 and 25thof December. It transforms into a Christmas wonderland with decorations, lights, market stalls and food vendors. Santa can be seen handing sweets out to the children, and Christmas songs can be heard.

The Winter Carnival is another fun place to go. It is located inDilliHaat on the 21stDecember. There are rides, magic shows, puppet shows and swings, as well as a giant Christmas tree to admire.

For the religious, the Sacred Heart Cathedral is an essential visit.It is the oldest church in India and holds a Christmas vigil service at 11pm on Christmas Eve.Morning mass is also held on Christmas morning.

Singapore

Christmas in the scorching hot sun might seem strange, but Singapore still knows how to celebrate.A religious group run a festival called CCIS (celebrate Christmas in Singapore) from the 18th-25thDecember.It is a music-based event, with two stages set up for Christmas singers and dancers.On Christmas Eve there is a mass choir singing carols, and on Christmas day, the concerts continue.There are babysitting services available so that parents can get some lastminuteshopping done. While mum and dad are away, the children can take part in the 60 second Christmas challenge.

Orchard Road is also a popular attraction. The buildings all compete for the best dressed award, resulting in an amazing festive sight. There are street performers, and all the shops run special discounts. When you are hungry, pop into one of the local hotels to sample the Christmas buffet, but be sure to book, as tables sell out quickly.

Wherever you choose to go, you can be sure you will have a Christmasunlikeany you have had before. Why not make Christmas 2014 a memorable one, and celebrate in style.

William Smith

I am a digital marketing manager with www.thesqua.re serviced apartments. We deal with customized accommodations for corporate travelers....(Read More)

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