I’ve had a thoroughly festive few days in London and it has been fantastic! As I mentioned in my Christmas on Both Sides of the World post, there’s something about a London Christmas that feels very traditional to me. The gorgeous decorations and lights twinkling in the evening sky, Christmas markets, mulled wine – it sure gets me in the spirit! This was further aided by my recent Christmassy activities. [Read more…]
I’ve been hinting at it for a while but now it’s finally time to say – I am going home to visit New Zealand for Christmas! I’m SO excited to enjoy six whole weeks of catching up with my nearest and dearest, lying on the beach, enjoying all of NZ’s beautiful green space, and attending the wedding of my best school friend. It is going to be heavenly. 
Looking forward to a lot more of this action in my parents’ back-garden
With the countdown top of my mind (19 days til I fly now, would you like to know how many hours?!), for this month’s festive-themed travel linkup I’m sharing a bit about what I love about Christmas on each side of the world. I generally find those of us who grew up with a “hot” December 25th (always dependent on the NZ climate playing ball) are more comfortable with the idea of cold festivities than vice versa. I put this down to also having been heavily exposed to a cold Christmas through holiday cards, movies and songs. While cold may seem more traditional to many, there’s so much to love about a Southern Hemisphere celebration too. Read on… [Read more…]
This weekend I visited Cologne in Germany for my last dose of festive cheer before the big day! We flew in late on Friday night and were instantly drawn in by the beautiful lights and decorations everywhere. Cologne has Christmas markets scattered all through its central streets, each with its own character and theme from the Heinzelmännchen in the Alter Markt and Heumarkt to the Angels in the Neumarkt. It felt like we stumbled on a new market around each corner and I loved how fully the town had entered into the Christmas spirit!
Looking down on the Christmas Markets from the top of the Cathedral!
The busiest market by far was by the Cologne Cathedral, with over 160 stalls and a huge Christmas tree in the middle. We didn’t spend as much time here although the stalls had a huge variety, just because at some points it was difficult to move!
Mmm Brezel
The biggest Christmas tree in the Rhineland
Such an amazing setting below the Cathedral!
Early morning in the Alter Markt
The Alter Markt was one of two of the markets populated by the Heinzelmännchen, little gnome-like figures whom legend has it are responsible for all the Christmas goodness on display in the markets. It had lots of craft stalls and delicious food options, and was handily located between the Cathedral market and the Heumarkt.
Now that is an outfit
Beautiful chandeliers
The Angel Market was possibly my favourite – I loved the eponymous angels scattered everywhere, the stalls were full of goodies I wanted, and it wasn’t quite as crowded as it was a little further out from the centre. It also looked like it would be great at night, with a few different bars to choose from and lights festooning the trees. Funnily enough, although it’s the “Neu” market, this is Cologne’s oldest Christmas market!
Delicious glühwein with slightly creepy clown angels!
Delicious deep-fried Mutzen
Wrapped up warm – prost!
The Harbour Market was a short stroll along the Rhine from the centre of Cologne and had a fabulous location on the river’s edge. I loved the nautical decorations everywhere and the gorgeous glühwein mugs!
Kate, Anita and I enjoying a warming glühwein with amaretto
Also handily located by the Chocolate Museum!
The busy market at the Heumarkt with its massive skating rink and gorgeous lights is another home of the Heinzelmännchen and we loved how they were keeping an eye on the proceedings, from the tops of the stalls, bars and even ski-lift!
Busy times around the bar!
We met up with the lovely Sara of Big World, Small Me and Amy of Amy and the Great World, and their charming partners, and had a fabulous evening at the Buble Alpe, even if we were slightly concerned about the aged nature of the ice-skates suspended above us!
I highly recommend a visit to Cologne for its quirky Christmas markets – for more information click here. As this is my last post before the big day, I’d like to wish all who celebrate it a very Merry Christmas – I hope you have a lovely day!
Sorry, there just wasn’t really any other title possible, was there?!
Last night I visited London’s Winter Wonderland, a huge funfair held every year in Hyde Park. I wasn’t too sure what to expect – would it be kitsch and a bit of a rip-off, or the perfect way to get into the festive spirit and a fun night?
Thankfully, it was most definitely the latter. I had a fantastic time wandering round sipping mulled wine, laughing at the sideshows, listening to great live music, and marvelling at the crazy rides. While in the past I’ve loved the Oktoberfest roller-coaster and crazy spinning things, this time round the best ride I went on was the (amazing) carousel bar!
First things first…
Yes, those are people whizzing around in tiny chairs. No, I have not and probably never will go on this ride. Although I bet they had some incredible views!!
Met a festive friend along the way…
Double-decker carousel!
While I’m sure kids love Winter Wonderland during the day, by night it’s most definitely a whole bunch of fun for adults too. As much as anything else, I liked just wandering around and watching people having fun in Santa hats, Christmas jumpers, and a vast array of festive trimmings. But there were also Bavarian beer halls that took me straight back to Oktoberfest (complete with the Ein Prosit song!), a load of different bars, food stalls and side shows, and some great live music.
The Beer Hall in full swing – and song!
This sign cracked me up… only in England!
I purposely visited Winter Wonderland on a weeknight a couple of weeks before Christmas, as last year I left it too late and heard horror stories of huge queues just to get in, let alone visit any of the bars or rides. It was definitely the right decision, as it was busy without being crazy or a crush! But if you’re into Christmas it might not bother you anyway – the vibe is certainly bright and happy.
Everyone loves a penguin photo!
If you’re in London, make sure you head along to Winter Wonderland for a whole lot of Christmas fun! For more information click here – and if you go let me know what you think!
