Reindeers on Parade

THE annual #reindeer parade and Christmas procession through Truro, #Cornwall happens on Wednesday November 30 this year and is a favourite in the family festive calendar, heralding the start of late night shopping in the city.

The reindeer parade starts at 6.45pm from Victoria Square and travels via Little Castle Street, River Street, St Nicholas Street, King Street, Princes Street, Green Street, Lemon Quay and Lower Lemon Street and finally ending in Victoria Square.

There are chances to enjoy looking at the reindeer along route, which takes about an hour.

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Picture Credit: tomylees flickr.com/photos/71256895@N00/31138361081 331:365, 2016, Ready for Christmas IMG_0349 via photopin

Warwick Castle festive treats

DECK the halls! The festive celebrations commence with the arrival of the 25-foot-high Christmas tree on 14 November. Hand decorated from tip to trunk, the tree will grace the iconic Great Hall until 3 January 2017.

Santa’s Stately Breakfast, a magical feast for families inspiring lifelong memories.For the first time in the Castle’s 1,100-years guests can feast at Mr. and Mrs. Claus’ very own private dining table set in the Castle’s fairytale State Dining Room. Children can enjoy games and festivities with Mrs. Claus and the elves while Santa presents a personalised gift to each child.

Santa Sleepover ( December 2,3,9,10,17-23) complete with an Elf wakeup call. Guests enjoy exclusive storytime with Santa after breakfast and can add an evening meal with Mr and Mrs Claus to their stay. 

Welcome 2017 with the New Year’s Eve Great Hall Ball, a captivating evening of enthralling entertainment from some of Warwick Castle’s best-loved characters, with fine food served in the distinguished surroundings of The Great Hall.

For more information and dates, go to: www.warwick-castle.com. To book an event for a private group of to join a shared party, email events@warwick-castle.com or call 01926 406 660.

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5 million Brits plan Xmas escape

AN ESTIMATED five million Britons are planning to #escape the weather and family politics this #Christmas by jetting off to sunnier climes, based on a survey of 10,000 UK holidaymakers. 

Research by insurance and travel specialist Staysure reveals that more than two thirds (68%) of people put the weather at the top of their list of reasons for the great festive get-away, followed by avoiding having to cook Christmas dinner (30%). One in five is keen to skip the stress of hosting family and friends (20%), and steer clear of family politics (13%).

The Canary Islands remain a firm favourite for short haul winter sun, while Florida, Sydney and New York top the list for long haul #destinations.

For those staying home during the festive period – one in five cannot get away due to family obligations, while one in ten feel they must stay home to look after their pets.

Top 10 Christmas/New Year destinations

1. Lanzarote
2. Gran Canaria
3. Algarve
4. Fuerteventura
5. Florida
6. Sydney
7. Malta
8. Barcelona
9. New York
10. Majorca

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Christmas is coming!

THERE are hundreds of Christmas markets in Europe. Here are some of the biggest and best: 

Berlin … The home of more than 60 Christmas markets from the middle of November to end of December every year, Berlin has to be on this list. A favorite is the one at Charlottenburg Palace, lit up by lights. The market has a great mixture of art crafts, food, and drinks. 

Stuttgart … Stuttgart's inner city hosts the city's Christmas market, or Weihnachtmarkt, which was established in 1692. Shop for Christmas tree decorations, toys, woodcraft, candles, and lambskin. A friendly market with a dedicated area for the children.

London … London hosts many different Christmas markets all around the city, but Covent Garden is one of a kind. The decorating begins at the beginning of November and over the next two months, the piazza is lit up by 150,000 pealights and a giant silver reindeer. Expect antiques, arts and crafts, pictures, and clothes.

York … York's St. Nicholas Fayre is one of UK's favourite Christmas markets. You’ll find entertainers, arts and crafts, tasty treats, and hot mulled wine.

Gothenburg … With millions of Christmas lights, Liseberg Christmas market glows. Choose between homemade sweets, roasted almonds, hot chocolate and other delicacies for the Christmas table. Visit the arts and crafts area for Scandinavian designs.

Lille … Lille in Northern France has one of Europe's best Christmas markets.
Take a trip on the Ferris Wheel with a view over the market and the city.

Tallinn … A traditional Christmas market in the town hall square. Since 1441, the Christmas tree has been set up in the square, making it one of the earliest evidence of decorated trees for the Yuletide season. Wood decorations, hand-knitted jumpers, and other arts and crafts.

Prague … Prague has one of Europe's most popular Christmas markets, on the Old Town Square. It offers traditional Czech handcraft, Christmas ornaments, holiday decorations, Czech sweets, clothes, handmade wooden toys, plus concerts and plays.

Strasbourg … Strasbourg hosts one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. It was first held in 1570 and now has more than 300 stalls at 11 locations in the city centre. The main area is around the cathedral.

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/32029534@N00/11330847766">swift like a rainbow : christmas ornaments on a tree, san francisco (2013)</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">(license)