Christmas

This year’s edition of a famous Christmas market has been the target of criticism, mainly for overlooking one important thing.

Forget London or Manchester — according to expert testing platform Which?, the best Christmas market in Britain is the one in Bath.

The historic city was voted Which? Readers’ favourite medium-sized city, and is renowned for hosting one of the UK’s biggest and most established Christmas markets every year, with over 200 stalls.

Which? praised the Bath Christmas Market for its reputation for offering good food, drink, and festive activities.

Visitors can browse everything from handmade wooden furniture and garden sculptures to knitwear, fragrances, and gifts for pets, while also sampling regional delicacies such as foraged jams and seasonal baked treats.

However, despite its accolades and picturesque setting, the market does not appear to please everyone. In a recent Mail on Sunday feature analysing UK Christmas markets, Bath was rated only “OK” for a weekday visit.

According to Jane Fryer’s feature, although the market was not as overcrowded as previous visitors had complained, it fell short of expectations in one key area: the lack of Christmas spirit. This included music, limited lighting, or the absence of traditional seasonal touches, such as Santa or entertainers.

She noted that many stalls sold everyday market items, such as bags, coats, and T-shirts, rather than the expected festive goods and crafts. While the occasional stall offering local arts and foods was “charming,” the overall impression was that the place felt much less Christmas-ready than it should.

She also highlighted a broader trend among visitors nationwide, noting complaints about high prices, repetitive stalls, and overcrowding at many festive markets.

Fryer reported a mix of reactions from Bath’s visitors. Some had travelled specifically to see the market and were delighted by the traditional mulled wine, local foods, and the town’s scenic backdrop. Others, however, expressed disappointment, describing the experience as “not very Christmassy” due to the lack of music or entertainment.

Across social media and travel review platforms, Bath has been widely labelled underwhelming this year — not only because of logistical or layout issues but, primarily, due to a perceived lack of festive atmosphere.

Elsewhere in her piece, Fryer praised other seasonal markets she visited, particularly those with strong visual theming, live entertainment, and an overall more festive ambience, highlighting how these elements can significantly enhance the visitor experience.

Amsterdam’s iconic Christmas market serves glühwein, raclette and festive treats just one hour from the UK – it needs to be on your radar this winter.

There’s only so much time to soak up the Christmas spirit before the big day, and despite work and life becoming more hectic than usual, I managed to swap the hustle and bustle of London for Amsterdam. It was my first trip back to the Dutch capital in a decade, with my arrival coinciding with the start of one of the city’s most iconic Christmas markets, reports the Express.

Christmas markets in the UK can be hit or miss, and I must admit, the ones I’ve visited over the years have never quite matched those on the continent. The first time I realised our markets didn’t measure up was just a few years ago when I visited Vienna, which can only be described as Christmas on steroids.

The largest Christmas market in Amsterdam springs up in the shadow of the Rijksmuseum on Museumplein, where you can blend the festive spirit with a visit to some of the city’s most renowned museums and galleries.

We arrived on its opening day, and even though we visited in the evening, we managed to dodge the wall-to-wall crowds. This was something I never experienced in Vienna, and on this occasion, I was extremely grateful for it.

Entry to the market is free, but you’ll have to fork out €16 for the joy of skating on its ice rink. Much like other European markets, Amsterdam’s was adorned with wooden chalets offering everything from knick-knacks to treats, piping hot cups of glühwein and food from all around the world.

There was even a cabin flying the Union Jack selling fudge. Who would have thought that British fudge was such a hit overseas?

No visit to a Christmas market would be complete without trying some of the local specialities. A Dutch wurst is a robust cured pork sausage typically served with stamppot, a blend of mashed potatoes and kale. However, it seemed we had arrived too late. No wursts for us.

So we settled for the next best thing: barbeque jumbo sausages served on toasted slices of bread with pickled onions and gherkins, topped with crispy onions and mayo. This isn’t your average sausage sandwich. Trying to tackle every bite is a mouthful, overflowing with chunks of smoky sausage and crumbly onions.

It was evidently a popular choice, with crowds gathering around the open flame grill right in the heart of the action, with sausages sizzling and emitting a tantalising aroma. A barbeque might not be what you expect in the depths of winter, but blimey, was it needed.

Sadly, the warmth emanating from the grill wasn’t enough to heat our bones while we waited, so two cups of glühwein were called for. Glühwein is traditional German mulled wine, delicately spiced with cinnamon, cloves, star anise.

I’m not entirely certain what the secret is, but somehow the Germans manage to perfectly balance the red wine and spices in a way that all the mulled wine I’ve sampled at UK Christmas markets always seem far too acidic. Glühwein is the ideal beverage to warm you to your core, particularly in a freezing city in December, even if the city is renowned for its beer.

When our sausages finally turned up, they were heaped with pickled onions and gherkins. Much like a Scandi open sandwich, it was bursting with diverse flavours, so unlike any festive fare you’d find back home.

You received an entire jumbo sausage on one slice of bread, quartered to actually fit into your mouth. The smoky pork was wonderfully offset by the sharp tang from the pickles, with a different texture provided by crispy onions. This isn’t your typical Christmas market grub, but it was delightful to sample some local specialities.

However, no Christmas is complete without a generous helping of cheese. A classic choice at European Christmas markets is bubbling, ooey, gooey raclette.

We opted for the traditional pairing of raclette and potatoes. What could be more perfect? The humble new potato smothered in smoky melted cheese.

The cheesy spuds were served with some more crispy onions and a fresh coleslaw. Now this is what Christmas is truly about. I would devour a bucketful of raclette if they’d offered one.

Sausages, glühwein and raclette: the holy trinity of Christmas market food.

Even though it was late at night and the crowds were thinning, there was still a buzz among the youngsters and families huddled around the electric heaters trying to stay warm, sipping from steaming cups, welcoming the festive season. Compared to Vienna, Amsterdam’s markets offer a more tranquil start to the Christmas season.

Is this the best Christmas market I’ve ever visited? Probably not, but I’m always fascinated to see how other countries embrace the festive season.

Amsterdam is one of those cities where you can spend hours just wandering around, and we certainly did plenty of that. You can meander from spot to spot with ease, particularly if navigating foreign public transport baffles you. That being said, Amsterdam’s public transport runs like clockwork.

From the moment you step out of Amsterdam Centraal, you can sense the Christmas spirit in the air. I returned to the city for the first time in ten years, and up until this point, I hadn’t felt all that festive.

Amsterdam served as a stepping stone into Christmas for me before I head back to Vienna again for round two of Christmas on steroids. If there’s anywhere you should flee to in December, it’s Amsterdam. It’s only a train journey away.

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Love Island star Hayley Hughes has announced her engagement to a mystery partner, sharing photos of her huge ring as well as her adorable son Cody

A former Love Island star has announced her engagement.

Hayley Hughes has shared a collection of glamorous proposal photographs from Dubai on Instagram, showcasing her stunning engagement ring.

The blonde bombshell appeared on the fourth series of the ITV2 reality programme in 2018, which saw Dani Dyer and Jack Fincham crowned winners.

She captioned the post: “12/12 – my forever love. I love you so much.”

Hayley has chosen to maintain her partner’s privacy by cleverly cropping his face from photographs and avoiding any social media tags, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Her son Cody, born in 2023, features in the images, with one touching moment showing Hayley’s fiancé cradling the youngster.

Unsurprisingly, Hayley’s announcement has sparked an avalanche of congratulatory messages from her supporters.

Rosie Williams, who starred alongside Hayley in the same Love Island series, commented: “Congratulations my girl! So happy for you.”

Fellow Islander Liberty Poole, from series seven, simply added: “Congratulations”.

One fan gushed: “Omg huge congratulationsssss. The ringgg. The flowerssssss.”

Another enthused: “Ahhh best news ever! ! So happy for you, wifey era pending.”

Hayley entered Love Island as an original islander in 2018, but following unsuccessful romantic pursuits with Eyal Brooker – who memorably declared “I’m not your hun, hun” – and Charlie Brake, she departed the villa.

Following her Love Island exit, she embarked on a relationship with DJ Tom Zanetti, even appearing in one of his music videos, though their romance concluded after seven months. As 2023 kicked off, Hayley penned a post about spending “another year” with her enigmatic beau.

In a chat with RadioTimes.com following her villa exit, Hayley reflected: “I did really think that Eyal was a bit full on with Megan [Barton Hanson] so soon and he wouldn’t really let Alex [George] have a chance to get to know and speak to her.”

She added: “Obviously I feel like I genuinely am Team Alex in every way because I genuinely want him to meet someone that he has a connection with, because he does have low confidence and things.”

Love Island is available to stream on ITVX

This beautiful Christmas market has been dubbed one of the “most beautiful” in Europe thanks to its picturesque backdrop and winter atmosphere as travellers are left “in tears” at sight of it

If you are tired of the expensive Christmas markets nestled amongst city squares, this beautiful location could be your answer to feeling extra festive this season. The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market offers something very different.

Hidden deep in the Black Forest’s Höllental (Hell Valley), this market doesn’t rely on medieval town halls for its backdrop. Instead, it is nestled in a steep, wooded canyon beneath a towering stone viaduct. The magic happens when the sun sets.

The massive stone arches of the railway bridge are illuminated in shifting violets, blues, and reds. Every twenty minutes or so, a regional train rumbles overhead, looking like a toy train in the distance, while snow (often reliable here) dusts the wooden huts below.

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Travellers Claudia and Kaan, from Toronto, US, visited the German market last week and were shocked when they stumbled upon the picture-perfect scene.

The couple wrote on their TikTok video: “We nearly cried. Tucked deep in the Black Forest with a massive stone viaduct glowing above you is one of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas Markets.”

Those who have visited have argued it’s one of the most romantic markets, with the isolation of the gorge meaning no background city noise and a backdrop of brass bands, the crunch of snow and the murmur of the crowd.

It’s also less busy than most Christmas markets thanks to its ticketed system and timed entry, avoiding the dangerous overcrowding seen at major markets like Cologne or Munich.

2025 Guide

Dates & Opening Hours

The market is only open on weekends (Fri-Sun) during Advent.

• Dates: Nov 28 – Dec 21, 2025
• Fridays: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Saturdays: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Sundays: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Ticket Prices (2025 Estimates)

Entry is strictly ticketed. You cannot buy tickets at the gate.

• Adults: €6.50/£5.71 (entry before 4 PM) / €8.50/£7.46 (entry after 4 PM)
• Children (6-15): Free entry (but may need a shuttle ticket)
• Golden Rule: Tickets go on sale in mid-October (usually Oct 14th). Set an alarm; the evening slots sell out within days.

How to Get There

Due to its remote location, you can’t drive up to the market gate. Private parking is non-existent at the gorge itself for general visitors.

1. The Shuttle Bus

Most visitors take the shuttle bus. When you buy your market ticket online, you must select your shuttle departure point.

• From Hinterzarten or Himmelreich: These are the main shuttle hubs with parking lots and train stations. You park there (or arrive by train) and take the 10-minute bus ride.
• From Freiburg: There is a direct shuttle from Freiburg main station (approx 30 mins).
• Cost: Approx. €24/£21 (includes market entry and roundtrip bus). This is the stress-free “VIP” option if you are staying in the city.

2. The Winter Hike

For the full Black Forest experience, skip the bus and walk.

• The Route: Park in Hinterzarten and hike the Löffeltal path.
• Details: It is a paved, cleared winter hiking trail that takes about 45–60 minutes. It is downhill/flat on the way there.
• Torchlight: Many visitors bring headlamps or torches for the walk back, though the shuttle is a welcome sight for tired legs on the return journey.

Food and drink

The market hosts around 40 wooden chalets. The focus here is strictly regional, meaning local delicacies and small businesses.

A cup of mulled wine can be as cheap as €5/£4.30, while food costs vary.

• Wildschweinbratwurst: Wild boar sausage, a specialty of the forest.
• Flammlachs: Salmon smoked over an open fire on wooden planks.
• Black Forest Ham: Sold by the slab to take home.
• Glühwein: The mulled wine here is excellent, often made from local Badischer wine.
• Dünnele: A regional flatbread similar to Flammkuchen, topped with sour cream, bacon, and onions.

Tips for visiting

• Dress for the cold: The gorge traps cold air. It will be significantly colder here than in nearby Freiburg. Wear thermal boots; you will be standing on snow or frozen gravel for hours.
• Cash to hand: While some vendors take cards, signal in the gorge is spotty. Bring plenty of Euro coins and small bills.
• The “Magic Hour”: Book the 4pm-6pm slot. You arrive in twilight to see the gorge features, and by 5:00 PM, the lights are fully on for the complete experience.

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A new service could welcome direct trains from London to major German cities, making it even easier to explore Europe and visit their famed Christmas markets

Proposals for a fresh high-speed rail link connecting Britain and Germany could make future festive market getaways simpler than ever before.

At present, Brits hoping to reach Cologne or Frankfurt via Eurostar must change trains at either Brussels or Paris, turning the journey into a several-hour trek fraught with the hassle of switching services. But direct trains between these destinations are now “one step closer” to reality, following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed this week between Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany’s national railway operator.

This development could see high-speed links between London and key German cities operational as soon as 2030. The service would deploy Eurostar’s new double-decker Celestia fleet, which offers significantly increased passenger capacity along the route, reports the Express.

Suggested itineraries include a direct London to Cologne service that takes four hours, and a London to Frankfurt connection completed in five hours, providing a swift and comfortable alternative to air travel. In a statement, Keir Starmer said: “This brings us one step closer to a new rail link that will put Britain at the heart of a better-connected Europe and paves the way for increased trade, tourism and investment.”

A direct service would allow Brits to access beloved destinations such as Germany’s famous Christmas markets more easily, without requiring air travel. Frankfurt Christmas Market, one of the oldest in the country and a favourite among tourists, dazzles with its half-timbered buildings in Römerberg and Paulsplatz town squares, adorned with festive lights.

Alongside the main market, smaller themed markets operate during Advent, including the Frankfurt Artists’ Christmas Market and the new Frankfurt Children’s Christmas Market, featuring trees decorated by children, storytelling tents, entertainment, and child-friendly food.

Cologne, with its multiple Christmas markets spread across the city, would undoubtedly become a popular destination for Brits given a direct Eurostar link. The Cologne Cathedral Market, located in Roncalliplatz, offers a traditional German market experience and is the most frequented.

The Harbour Christmas Market also attracts many visitors, boasting a massive Ferris wheel that provides panoramic views of the Rhine.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that Eurostar plans to introduce direct services from London to Geneva, connecting the British capital with one of Switzerland’s key financial centres. The BBC reported over the summer that this new link could reduce travel time between London and Geneva to just five hours.

However, concerns were raised about whether Eurostar’s East London depot had sufficient space to accommodate the larger trains needed for such continental journeys.

Eurostar is also facing fresh competition from rival operators keen to launch UK-to-Europe rail services, including Virgin, which revealed in October that it was “on track” to introduce its own Channel Tunnel operation. The competing service plans to link London St Pancras International with Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam by 2030, with ambitions to extend to additional European destinations thereafter.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

WILLY Wonka star Timothée Chalamet showed his real-life love of chocolates — by buying £3,500 worth in a spree.

The star, 29, called at posh Harrods department store to snap up lots of boxes of the goodies made by top Italian maker Venchi.

He whisked the lot back to his five-star hotel, The Emory London, where four staff unloaded the haul onto a baggage trolley.

Timothée rented out the penthouse suite, which costs £11,000 a night, for his British jaunt.

A source said: “Timothée loves the chocolate.

“He wanted to buy as much of it as possible.

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“He plans to give it as Christmas gifts to friends and family in the US.

“He didn’t mind splashing the cash as he’s had a successful year.”

Timothée starred in 2023’s musical fantasy film Wonka, a prequel to 1964 Roald Dahl novel Charlie and the Chocloate Factory.

The actor, who is dating Kylie Jenner, 28, was in London to appear on BBC One’s The Graham Norton Show to promote his new flick Marty Supreme.

In it, he plays an aspiring table tennis player based on real-life ping-pong great Marty Reisman.

centre:MK shopping centre in Milton Keynes hosts the UK’s ‘biggest’ indoor Christmas grotto, featuring Santa visits, Peter Rabbit characters, festive rides and magical light displays for families

There’s something rather apt about Milton Keynes, the host of the UK’s ‘largest’ indoor Christmas grotto.

The new town – officially recognised as a city from 2022 – has its fair share of critics, but the reality of MK is that it’s not all as it seems. What initially strikes you as a concrete jungle upon arrival in Central Milton Keynes is actually a lush, vibrant and expansive city teeming with vast green spaces and waterways.

So, those visiting the city’s premier shopping centre – centre:MK, once the longest undercover mall in Europe – might find the location of the Christmas grotto a bit peculiar. But we locals know the real deal – and it’s enchanting.

A visit to the grotto is an absolute must for our little clan. It’s my three-year-old’s third visit, while our youngest is experiencing Christmas for the first time.

He was understandably puzzled by the parade that marches through centre:MK to officially usher in the festive season. But his older brother particularly loved the ‘big people’ – elves on stilts – that accompanied Santa’s sleigh.

This visit was also our eldest’s inaugural encounter with Santa in a grotto setting. And it’s safe to say, he was absolutely thrilled.

Middleton Hall – a spacious, typically open area within the centre – often undergoes transformations depending on the season. In the summer, it morphs into a beachside retreat, for instance.

But come the festive season, it truly comes to life. This year, it has been reimagined as ‘Starlight Square’, where festive sights and sounds can be enjoyed free of charge until January.

There are numerous standalone light displays to marvel at, including a massive mushroom you can stroll through, a charming water fountain with a pair of singing reindeer my son is obsessed with every year, and more Christmas trees than you could possibly count. The centre’s glass walls create an illusion of infinite lights, adding to the enchantment.

Then there are the rides – featuring a rather delightful little train that takes you around some of the illuminated installations. A nostalgic Victorian-style carousel, costing £3 per ride, is a lovely nod to the past, while a VR sleigh ride brings you right back to the present with plenty of family fun for £6 per person.

All these elements combined to create a special, unforgettable day for our family. My Christmas-obsessed toddler thoroughly enjoyed the train ride – which, at £2.50 per person, could have been a bit longer – and the helter skelter will be one to look forward to in the future at £2 per slide or £3 for two slides.

But there’s so much to see and savour while wandering around the lights that it makes it more than worthwhile. That was the recurring theme from our time at Starlight Square.

The main attraction, however, was Santa’s Grotto itself. We were greeted at the entrance by lively elves who really helped make the experience magical for the children.

After being ushered inside a quaint display home, we took our seats to hear tales of missing Christmas gifts from Peter Rabbit’s mother. Shortly afterwards, a secret passageway was unveiled – much to my son’s delight, as he crawled through with great enthusiasm.

Characters from Peter’s tales came alive alongside the elves as we crafted and decorated gingerbread biscuits to present to Santa. As that session concluded, we were graced with a visit from Peter Rabbit himself, who was a delight for all the excited children.

Then came the moment we’d all been eagerly anticipating. After strolling through a brightly illuminated corridor to heighten the suspense, we entered Santa’s Chamber and met Father Christmas himself.

A cosy living room setting greeted us, and Santa was warm and inviting – particularly towards our usually talkative son, who had momentarily become a bit bashful. Once he mustered the courage to wish Merry Christmas and thank Santa for a gift – I won’t ruin the surprise, but it was apt for our experience – we took a photo and headed back to Starlight Square.

Having attended this festive event every year since relocating to MK in 2018, I felt somewhat overqualified to critique it. So instead, I’ll let the sparkle in my son’s eyes narrate the tale.

Some of the prices are a tad high – a family of four would have to shell out £24 just for the virtual sleigh ride, which is hard to justify considering the often long queues. Meeting Santa would set the same family back at least £30, depending on the age of your youngest member.

But, without wanting to sound overly sentimental, it’s easy to be swept up in the festive spirit. Seeing the joy on your little ones’ faces as they explore this enchanting indoor wonderland is nearly priceless.

I LOVES the ’Diff – that’s a phrase I wasn’t familiar with until last weekend.

This won’t be news to our Welsh readers but, for my fellow English, it means “I love Cardiff”.

And after spending a festive weekend there, I really do.

I went with my husband and our two girls to visit the Welsh capital’s Christmas light trail in Bute Park.

We’ve done similar excursions nearer to home, but this was on a whole different level.

Snaking its way around the beautiful grounds of Cardiff Castle – which is well worth a visit, too – is a mile-long wonderland of dreamy lights, mind-bending LED tunnels and laser displays that leave you awestruck.

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Each of the trail’s 15 magical segments, with names such as Water Willow and Rainbow Riot, is as breathtaking as the last.

And the interactive elements at many of the stops will delight children and big kids alike.

For the mothers and fathers, I counted three refreshment stops along the way, serving mulled wine and pints of local beer.

And there’s all manner of hot food in the Christmas Village, served up by local traders, and including Oh My Sausage, Let’s Wrap fried chicken and Cattle & Co.

Of course, my girls, Flo, five, and Phillie, three, were far more interested in the marshmallow toasting stations and an opportunity to post a letter to Father Christmas.

Emerging from the trail, you are bang in the middle of The ’Diff.

I can’t believe I never visited in my twenties – because Cardiff likes to party.

Think bustling streets, live music in the air and revellers in fancy dress but not being too rowdy.

Our base was the imposing Voco St David’s hotel, which looms large like a ship’s sail over the rejuvenated Cardiff Bay area. Commanding stunning views, the hotel is ideal for families because it’s slightly away from the city centre – which I imagine can get a little hectic the longer the night wears on – but still offers plenty to see and do nearby.

Once a hub for trading ships, the docks are now home to shops, restaurants and museums.

A must-visit is The Dock bar and restaurant which serves elevated gastropub classics, including traditional Welsh cawl – a delicious lamb stew.

We had a fantastic meal there while watching Wales take on South Africa on home soil in Autumn Nations rugby.

The result didn’t go Wales’ way –  to put it lightly – but even that didn’t dampen the spirits of the locals, who continued to dance to the live band long after the final whistle.

Speaking of rugby, the South African squad were also staying at the St David’s hotel. It created one hell of a buzz, and I got to see my husband star-struck for the first time.

Dinner that night was in the hotel’s Tir a Mor (Land and Sea) restaurant.

The food was excellent and, for the ladies, the view was just as nice as the South African rugby players drifted in and out.

But that was just the cherry on top of what was an all-round magical weekend with the family.

All I can say is that we will be going back  . . . and that I loves The ’Diff.

ARE you dreaming of a white Christmas? Well, maybe you should be dreaming of a wet Christmas . . . and by wet, I mean a thrilling flume like no other in the UK.

OK, a waterpark doesn’t sound that festive – but for my family a visit to Splash Landings was the surprise standout of our Santa Sleepover at Alton Towers.

Yes, the Staffordshire theme park has everything for a cool yule, but nothing topped a ride on Master Blaster – at 682ft, Britain’s longest water coaster.

My gang – sons Wilf, eight, Jasper, six, and dad Simon – agreed this was the best waterslide we’d been on.

And there’s so much to pack in, from lazy rivers and play areas to the steaming Bubbly Wubbly outdoor pool.

But of course we were there for some Santa magic, and we got a sackful.

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We’d arrived promptly on the first day as we knew a Santa Sleepover comes with a busy schedule and the festive wow factor kicked in immediately, with dozens of twinkling Christmas trees on the entrance plaza.

All of CBeebies Land is open and the boys loved the Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure and In The Night Garden Magical Boat Ride.

A theme park in December is not going to be warm and you’ll be outdoors a lot, so dress appropriately.

But not all attractions are open-air, including Andy’s Adventures Dinosaur Dig immersive dinosaur show and Justin’s Pie-O-Matic Factory play area.
You’ll also find ample places to stop for lunch, and the coffee corner offers warming drinks.

Soon, it was our turn to queue for Father Christmas in his charming North Pole wooden grotto. Every family will get their own special time with a friendly Santa who chatted to our shy children then gave us a little present each.

Next up was pirate-themed Mutiny Bay, where the boys and their dad enjoyed wildly spinning barrels on Marauder’s Mayhem and Heave Ho! – a rocking and twisting ship.

And don’t miss Alton Towers’ own SeaLife Centre, Sharkbait Reef. It was a resounding success, with an immersive starfish exhibition and a glass tunnel where huge sharks swim around you.

Then it was time to head to the hotel, which ticked all the Christmas boxes with beautiful decor.

Our awesome Arctic Explorer room added to the atmosphere with its polar mission theme and came with a single bed each for the boys and a double for mum and dad

Via the Dragon Bar, where singers performed Christmas tunes, we headed for dinner in the Secret Garden carvery, with the yule log a big family hit.

The action never stops and next up was The Tale of Cinderella and Prince Charming panto, which left the boys transfixed.

After posting a letter to Santa it was time to snuggle up in our room, waking up to a letter each for Wilf and Jasper from Father Christmas. Pure family joy.

Before heading home after our Splash Landings blast, we grabbed a delicious lunch at the Talbot Inn just outside the park and all agreed we’d had a flume-ing fabulous festive break.

• THE overnight Alton Towers Santa Sleepover costs from £91pp and is on until December 23. For more information or to book, see altontowers.com.

WHO doesn’t love a Christmas market?  

But there’s so much more to love about a quick, easy train journey that promises the chance to enjoy some festive fun with continental flair and fabulous food. 

Step aboard the Eurostar from London St Pancras and just one hour and 24 minutes later you could be in Lille – then 30 minutes farther and the delights of Brussels await. 

With fares from £39 each way if booked in advance, it’s the perfect way to sprinkle some magic on your festive season. 

So Lisa Minot and Kara Godfrey took to the Eurostar this month to check out the cities – and their Christmas markets. 

Lisa in Lille 

WITH beautifully decorated stores in Lille’s Old Town, a fabulous Ferris Wheel in the Grand Place and a charming Christmas market on Place Rihour featuring 90 wooden chalets, Lille is a great place to hop over to for a quick festive break.

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With a compact city centre and oodles of lovely independent shops, Lille also promises hearty French fare in its traditional ‘estaminet’ restaurants to keep you fuelled. 

BEST SNACK 

COME hungry to the Christmas Market as there are endless stalls offering hearty snacks.

From baguettes to paninis and oysters, caviar and salmon as well as waffles and crepes, there’s a huge amount of choice.  

But for a French speciality, it has to be the aligot. A truly indulgent dish of ultra-creamy mashed potatoes mixed with garlic, butter, cream and gooey cheese, a generous portion costs just £8.70.  

Or perhaps go for the traditional Savoie dish of tartiflette — slices of potato with onions, bacon and reblochon cheese. 

BEST DRINK 

YOU’LL find mulled wine everywhere. This is France, after all!  

In the Christmas Market, a large cup costs seven euros but you’ll get two euros back when you return the eco-friendly cups, so a warming drink will set you back just £4.40.

At the traditional Lille estaminet restaurant, Au Vieux de la Vieille, your mulled wine comes with a shot of Amaretto on the side for a nutty alternative and costs £5.70. 

BEST VIEW 

ADMIRE the festive lights around the streets of Lille from high above on the Ferris Wheel, at the centre of the Grand Place.  

Soaring 164ft into the air in the gondolas gives you a fabulous view of the city and beyond. Book ahead to avoid the queues.  

Sunset is a perfect time to take in the views with the lights of the town and market a delight.

Prices start from £6.10 for adults and £4.40 for children. See lagrande rouedelille.com. 

For those without a head for heights, you can also get a fantastic view from the balcony of the City Hall’s Belfry — getting there involves climbing up 109 steps. 

BEST SHOPPING 

LILLE’S compact, cobbled old town is a delight for shopaholics. There are plenty of independent gift stores as well as lots of options for clothes and shoes.  

To bring back a reminder of your stay, head to the legendary Meert — famed for being one of the oldest pastry shops in the world.  

The ornate building is even more festive at Christmas and it’s the perfect place to pick up one of their signature waffles, from a recipe first invented in the 1840s.

You can also buy a huge range of cakes, chocolates and a variety of exotic tea blends. The tea room is a delight. Just be sure to book in advance. 

BEST RESTAURANT 

FOR a relaxed but sophisticated dinner with a fantastic view, head to Nu, close to the train station. This rooftop restaurant and bar is fabulously festively decorated at Christmas but it’s the food that is undoubtedly the star of the show.  

As well as a selection of tapas-style dishes starting from £7.90, there’s a host of French classics.

We enjoyed a decadent lobster dish and a delicious seared tuna finished with a cafe gourmand — where your cup comes with a selection of their best desserts.  

For truly authentic dishes from the North of France, head to Estaminet Au Vieux de la Vielle.  

Booking is essential at this tiny, historic restaurant and locals flock here for carbonnade flamande, where chunks of beef are cooked in beer and spices.  

Also amazing was the Welsh au maroilles — beer-soaked bread topped with ham and then drenched in melty maroilles cheese. Come hungry!  

BEST HOTEL  

HOTEL l’Arbre Voyageur is ideal for a weekend break — just an eight minute stroll from the train station.  

The 4H hotel has 48 rooms with comfy beds and L’Occitane toiletries.  

With two restaurants and its own patisserie, food is top notch. Rooms are from £143 per night, with breakfast. See hotelarbrevoyageur.com. 

Kara in Brussels 

WITH more than 250 stalls and chalets to browse, the Christmas Markets in Brussels are certainly an extravaganza. 

Called the Winter Wonders, this also includes the popular Ferris Wheel, an ice skating and curling rink and the huge light show in the Grand Place. 

The largest section is in Marché aux Poissons, where you will find 200 of the stalls. It runs until January 4, so you have more than enough time to fit in a quick weekend trip. 

BEST SNACK 

IF you spot a long queue, it’s most likely outside Fritland. Right next to the Christmas markets, the much-loved shop has been serving up huge portions of chips since 1978 (from £3).  

There are many sauces to choose from, with the tomatoey Dallas tasting delightfully zingy.  

If you need something sweet afterwards, the other busy spot is the stunning Maison Dandoy, where you’ll find some of the city’s best waffles.

Even with the rich Speculoos spread slathered on top, the waffles are so light they are easy to eat even on a full stomach. 

BEST DRINK 

YOU can’t go wrong with a mulled wine, or gluhwein, which can be found throughout the markets.

A glass will set you back around £4.30, although keep an extra 90p if you don’t have your own cup.  

It is the right amount of sweetness and warmth to keep you cosy in the chilly winter weather.

Not a wine fan? Most of the stalls also sell hot chocolate. 

BEST VIEW 

FOR some of the best vistas across the city, you can’t beat the Ferris Wheel.

With tickets around £8.70, the ten-minute trip is stunning both during the day and with the twinkling lights at night.  

But if you want a secret way to see the picturesque Grand Place light show without the crowds, keep an eye out for the Christmas Fairies door.  

Walk through a fairy light tunnel, up a winding staircase and past Santa to grab your spot at the window overlooking the huge tree that lights up every hour. 

Tickets from £7 per adult. See christmasfairiesbxl.com. 

BEST SHOPPING 

THE markets are great for gift shopping, from slippers and scarfs to hot sauces and toys.

One of the most unique trinkets you will spot is of the Manneken Pis — the famous peeing boy statue in Brussels.  

The mini figurine will set you back about £4.30 but is certainly one of the more unique souvenirs on offer.

Make sure to spot its other family members Jeanneke Pis, his peeing sister, and Het Zinneke, the peeing dog.  

Brussels has some other fantastic shops to explore too. Urban Therapy has the best interiors and presents, many of which are locally sourced.

And you can’t leave Belgium without some chocolates, with Chocolaterie Mary selling some amazing luxury truffles. 

BEST RESTAURANT 

IF you need a break from the bratwurst and sweets, the city is home to some amazing pizza joints. One is Nona, near the trendy Rue de Flandres.  

The pizza here is exactly what you want — light fluffy crusts, rich tomato sauce and the best cheese pull. 

If you’re travelling with fussy eaters, make a stop at Wolf, an indoor food hall with numerous restaurants around a central bar. 

BEST HOTEL  

HILTON’S Doubletree is a short walk from the centre of the city, or you can hop on the tram right outside. 

The hotel sucks you straight into Christmas as you step in, with gold decorated trees filling the lobby and a new Winter Lounge area to relax in. 

Plus it comes with that famous Doubletree cookie at check in.  

The rooms are spacious and modern, with everything from tea and coffee making facilities to complimentary Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries.  

The breakfast hall itself is beautiful too, with vaulted ceilings and Art Deco chandeliers. Rooms from £131 per night. See hilton.com. 

I’VE found the best holiday park to spend the Christmas holidays at – and we’re returning as a family again this year.

My family of five has visited Haven, Butlin’s, Center Parcs and Away Resorts for a seasonal staycay in recent times, but we always end up back at our favourite.

Park Holidays‘ Broadland Sands near Great Yarmouth, is our fail-safe every year, even when none of the park facilities like the pool or the climbing wall are open in December.

But for a cosy Christmas getaway, it’s all about the accommodation for us.

With a big open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, there’s enough space (and crockery) to host a sit-down meal for a dozen people, so its ideal for hosting larger families.

It’s so much easier than trying to gather everyone together at home, hunting for extra chairs, working out how we can all fit around the table and cleaning the house before guests arrive.

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Instead it feels like a real treat to be staying in a spotless space where everyone can chip in with the cooking without treading on anyone’s toes.

My top tip would be to bring a slow cooker or an air fryer so you’ve got a back-up plan if you can’t fit everything in the oven, especially if you’ve got a lot of mouths to feed. 

The lodges at Broadland Sands are tucked away at one end of the park and it really does feel like you’re a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of normal life, waking up to the sun glistening through frosty trees outside.

Next door is St Bartholomew’s, a semi-ruined church that still hosts some Sunday services.

And just up the lane is the Lodge at Woburn Farm, which offers music nights and food, so you can enjoy a party atmosphere if the mood takes you.

I like to bring a stash of cosy treats, like fluffy socks, matching PJs and hot chocolate with marshmallows so we can really make the most of our comfortable accommodation and take a bit of time to get some R&R during the festivities.

While we love our quiet Christmas away, there’s also something to be said for heading to Haven or Butlin’s for full-on family fun.

Last year we spent Twixmas at Haven’s Seashore park and had a great time, splashing in the pool and watching the panto in the entertainment venue.

But the best bit of the break was wandering along a deserted beach in the late December sunshine and cosying up in our caravan for a family film night.

The festive season is already so busy with nights out, children’s parties and end-of-term activities that we all just want a bit of peace and quiet by the time we go on our Yuletide getaway. 

That’s why going to a luxury lodge on a closed park proves perfect most years.

Happily it also tends to be the most cost-effective option.

We spent around £250 for the weekend, compared to the steep £1,400 at Center Parcs Elveden Forest or £1,060 for a seaview lodge at Haven Seashore.

Having said that, we do also enjoy an occasional seasonal staycay elsewhere, especially now so many more UK parks have opened up until the New Year.

We quite often make a cheeky midweek visit to Butlin’s, which is usually a bargain £50 for four nights.

One year, there was even a free ice-skating rink at Skegness, so it really did give my family that festive feel for next to nothing.

Now’s the perfect time to bag a bargain break to end 2025 with a bang, so get booking!

MODEL Emily Ratajkowski looks fab-yule-ous as she poses in a red dress for a festive event.

The 34-year-old wore the minidress, tights and heels at the event for hair brand Kérastase in New York on Thursday evening.

Emily was recently seen on a date with singer Dua Lipa’s ex, Romain Gavras.

They were spotted last month kissing during a romantic winter stroll through New York City.

Emily was recently linked to Elvis star Austin Butler after the pair enjoyed an evening of cocktails together.

She has a four-year-old son Sylvester Apollo Bear, who she shares with her ex-husband Sebastian Bear-McClard. 

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Emily finalized her divorce with the film producer, who faced a slew of sexual misconduct allegations, in July, after filing for divorce in September 2022.

Emily recently bared her soul about how she suffered from self-doubt. 

She revealed how writing her 2021 memoir My Body had sparked feelings of inadequacy.

The model explained: “I had imposter syndrome.” 

A Christmas market in a seaside city features unique gifts, delicious food stalls and live music with traders from across the UK and Ireland. It’s a great place to find presents

A festive market is buzzing just a short stroll from where I am. I’ve already made a few visits to this Christmas spectacle and the atmosphere is truly enchanting. There’s an extensive array of stocking fillers, unique clothing at fantastic prices, and a delicious assortment of food and drink.

The city of Plymouth is aglow with twinkling lights and brimming with festive cheer. Live music fills the Piazza, featuring Christmas carols as well as rock, pop, soul and more — and traders have travelled from all corners to showcase their specialities here this December.

Market vendors have expressed their love for the “vibrant” locale, with many sellers making their first trip to the coastal city. Having frequented the Plymouth Christmas Market for a decade, I can confidently say that this December, it’s radiating a particularly sparkling energy.

Nestled between the breathtaking scenery of Dartmoor National Park, which also offers a stunning winter backdrop, and the beautiful county of Cornwall to its west, Plymouth is ideally situated, reports the Express.

Local traders Adam and Nicola Webb, who run Nicky’s Glow Beads & Gifts in the nearby Cornish town of Saltash, have set up a fantastic stall at this year’s Plymouth Christmas Market, offering top-quality Italian jumpers for sale.

I snagged a cosy red jumper for £18 from this market stall, and I’m smitten with it. But it’s not just about jumpers in every colour of the rainbow, they also offer glow bead bracelets — a charming gift that comes in various hues and glows in the dark.

Sparkling festive brooches are up for grabs at this stall for a mere £5, along with some rather unique and appealing aroma diffusers. I reckon most shoppers could unearth a thrilling gift here.

The business has been flourishing since 2014 under the care of the husband-and-wife team of Adam and Nicky, who claim that quitting their jobs to start the venture was the “best thing” they’ve ever done.

Adam and Nicky craft all the beadware, including the glow bracelets, and also peddle clothing, accessories and gifts. I’ll certainly be making a return visit to this stall before the market wraps up on December 21.

But the next stall I dropped by was equally enchanting — and the gin on offer really caught my eye. Stall holder Hamish Thoburn of Garden Libations, a Plymouth first-timer, described the city as “very vibrant” and said he’d met “lots of lovely people” at the Christmas market while trading.

He journeyed down from Wales to sell his distinctive beverages. Speaking about his gin, Hamish revealed: “Stinging nettle gin is our biggest seller, a little tart at the beginning and it goes well with sparkling water, a slice of lime and a sprig of mint to make a nettle mojito.”

Naturally, I had to sample the nettle gin. It was remarkable and unique — it would make a fantastic gift, making this stall a must-visit.

Also trading at Plymouth’s festive market for the first time is Karl Toyne, who journeyed down from Lincolnshire. His business, Aunt Annie’s Fudge, has been around since 1966, offering intriguing flavours like lemon meringue, banana swirl and Ferrero Rocher — and it’s “award winning”.

Karl revealed: “I like the city, I’ve never been this far south before, it’s my first time ever in Plymouth and it’s a nice place. I’ve been running this family business for 15 years, but Aunt Annie’s Fudge has been going for a long time.”

I also had a chat with Damien Morgan from Tam Events. He travelled from Ireland to serve hungry customers delicious bratwurst, adding a continental flair to the Christmas market.

Damien shared: “I’ve been doing this since I was 18 years old. I’m now 33, travelling around the UK doing the markets and doing these Christmas markets.

“This is our first year in Plymouth, the crowds here are exciting, we’ve seen good reviews on it and the people are just lovely — it’s a lovely seaside city too, very beautiful.”

Local lady Mary Freeman has been a trader at Plymouth Christmas Market for 12 years. Her business, M & N Freemans, serves up a scrumptious festive feast encased in a massive Yorkshire pudding, which I’ve sampled and can attest that it’s utterly heavenly, plus it’s very Christmassy.

Mary shared why she loves to trade here: “I’m local, I was born and bred in Plymouth, every year we come in and get a unit, it’s my hometown. I love the atmosphere, especially when it’s lively. This year, there’s a lot of new traders, different food and different things, so hopefully it’s the busiest yet.”

Plymouth Christmas Market is on for several more days, with the final day being Sunday, December 21, when the Armed Forces Choir from Theatre Royal Plymouth will perform from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

If you pop by, don’t forget to check out the Snow Globe, surrounded by “swirling snow and sparkling lights”. It’s an absolutely perfect spot to snap a festive photo with your family or mates.

The AA examined parking charges at the UK’s top Christmas markets to reveal the most expensive places to park – one hotspot costs £44 for four hours

As hoards of excited gift-hunters head into town for Christmas markets this winter, new research from breakdown experts shows where drivers will pay the most to park for a short festive visit, as well as the cities where prices have risen the fastest since 2024.

The AA examined parking charges at the UK’s top Christmas markets to reveal the most expensive places to park – including cities hiking fees by 50 percent.

The breakdown recovery experts found that Leicester Square Christmas Market in London is the most expensive in the country for parking at an eye-watering £22.00 for a two-hour visit, as per The AA.

Covent Garden, Edinburgh, York and Greenwich also rank among the top ten most expensive markets to park at, with each costing over £10.00 for a two-hour stay.

York and Liverpool are the cities with the biggest parking price hikes since December 2024, each increasing fees by 50% – including a new ‘event day’ fee from York Council for 2025. Bristol, Greenwich and Birmingham also feature among the top price hikers.

One of the smaller Christmas markets, Leicester Square Christmas Market is a free entry festive pop-up in the heart of London’s West End. However, parking is not free and costs £22 for a two-hour stay.

Winter Wonderland is London’s most well-known Christmas market with over 150 rides and attractions including a free Santa’s Grotto, and the UK’s largest open-air ice rink centred around the park’s bandstand. A two-hour parking stay costs £21.

Differing from traditional German-style markets, Covent Garden’s free Christmas experience is a festive takeover of the Piazza, Apple Market, and surrounding streets, and it features 300,000 lights. Parking for two hours costs £16.

Taking place across East Princes Street Gardens, West Princes Street Gardens and George Street, Edinburgh Christmas Market is also free to enter. The market features a mix of alpine-style chalets selling Scottish artisan products and Christmas gifts. A two-hour parking ticket costs £14.

York St Nicholas’ fair is a charming, free-to-enter festive event is held in the city centre in Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square and is home to 75 alpine-style chalets offering handmade crafts, seasonal food, decorations and local produce. For two hours parking costs £10.60. York Council have introduced an ‘event day’ parking charge at the Coppergate Centre car park during the 2025 markets. Prices have increased 50% for a 2-hour stay and 29% for a 4-hour stay, although after 6pm there is a flat evening rate of £4.80.

“Christmas markets are a fantastic seasonal draw, but drivers should be aware that parking charges vary dramatically by city and by car park,” says Shaun Jones, AA Patrol of the Year. “If you’re planning a short festive trip, check the latest local parking tariffs before you go and consider public transport or park-and-ride options in city centres where parking is most expensive.”

Motorists are urged to check prices before they arrive, as many councils and car-park operators publish rates online. You should book in advance where possible using pre-booked parking as this often works out cheaper. Consider park-and-ride or outer-ring car parks- a short bus or tram ride can be cheaper and faster during peak market times.

Look for evening rates as some car parks run special evening prices that may be cheaper for market visits. Drivers are also urged to pay attention to permit or event day pricing. Markets in central locations sometimes trigger event tariffs that are higher than usual, like those in York.

For all those in search of pop star-infused festive cheer, Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar opened earlier this month at the Mondrian Hotel’s Skybar.

The pop-up’s Los Angeles debut is steeped with the signature seasonal touch from the Queen of Christmas — neon signs of her lyrics light up the room, massive portraits of the star fill the space and every single song that plays — holiday-themed or not — is from Carey’s discography. (Disclaimer: “All I Want For Christmas Is You” does play every 30 minutes.)

“For as long as I’ve known Christmas, Mariah has always been there. It signals to me that childlike wonder and excitement of Christmas time that kind of harkens back to when I was a kid,” said Cathy Kwon, who was posing for a photo on the decorative sleigh. “The fact that the song itself [‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’] has stayed this popular for this long is remarkable.”

Ever since releasing her holiday album, “Merry Christmas,” in 1994, Carey has established herself as a permanent fixture in the holiday season. Every year, the 56-year-old singer has gift-wrapped a new festivity for her fans.

Last year, she embarked on Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time tour to celebrate the album’s 30th anniversary and this year, she’s doing a Vegas residency called “Christmastime in Las Vegas.” She’s also previously hosted several holiday specials for Apple TV and CBS. And nearly every year, her modern holiday classic, “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” climbs to the top of the charts.

Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar will be open until Dec. 28.

(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)

For her holiday bars, she partnered with the event company Bucket Listers to open four locations across the country, in Los Angeles, New York City, Miami and Las Vegas. The WeHo bar is complete with endless photo ops, including life-size cutouts and large-scale holiday-themed portraiture of the “Obsessed” singer, as well as cocktails featuring her own liqueur company, Black Irish. The bar’s pool is filled with candy cane floaties, twinkling Christmas trees decadently line every walkway and bursts of soapy snow fly through the air (occasionally landing in a cocktail or two).

Bucket Listers founder Andy Lederman says the demand for this experience has “surpassed every expectation” that the company had.

“She’s the queen of Christmas. Outside of Santa Claus and the Grinch, I don’t know if there’s anything more iconic,” Lederman said. “There’s really nothing like her during this time of year. It gives you such a great feeling to be able to celebrate her and to be a part of her wonderland with the people you love.”

Though Carey has since built out her holiday world far beyond its original soundtrack, many of the bar’s patrons came to indulge in the nostalgia provided by the 1994 holiday album. The record is a 10-track collection of reworked classic holiday covers and a handful of originals, offering a diverse selection of love songs, traditional festive tunes and modernized religious hymns.

Shannon Armah was sitting in the bar, catching up with a group of friends. The Miracle Mile resident grew up with the Mariah Carey Christmas album on repeat and describes early memories of listening to its songs in a car seat. To her, it’s the perfect balance of “fun and playful music” and music that is rooted in the religious “reason for the season.”

“We went to a Baptist church growing up, so hearing the gospel influence in the album is reminiscent of our usual Sunday experience,” Armah said. “It was very relatable. It also taps into the ‘90s nostalgia and brings back that feeling of simpler times.”

Maria Castillo takes a picture of Amanda Rico at the pop-up Mariah Carey Holiday Bar at the Mondrian Hotel.

(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)

Beyond being played in almost every festive setting, the eternally cheery earworm has tied for yet another record this year. Despite its release 31 years ago, the single currently sits at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It is now tied with Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus for most weeks on top. The track is also Carey’s 19th No. 1 on the Hot 100, the most for any solo artist.

Anthony Escalante, a real estate agent and manager of a luxury retail store, came to the Christmas bar dressed in his holiday best — a well-fitted, all-white vest and matching pants. He says he admires Carey’s holiday music for its ability to tell a story beyond the typical seasonal festivities.

“She’s the pioneer of reinventing modern Christmas songs,” said Escalante. “She speaks beyond a generic Christmas. [‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’] is about experiencing a holiday without the love of your life. She sets a tone for something that is more than just another Christmas song.”

People attend the pop-up Mariah Carey Holiday Bar at the Mondrian Hotel.

(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)

The track’s ability to amass popularity year after year is what makes it one of the few contemporary holiday classics. Decked out in their Carey holiday apparel, Sara Rushton and Benji Flowers credit the singer as being one of the few pop stars to successfully put a modern twist on Christmas.

“Growing up, everything Christmas was old-fashioned. Christmas movies were really old, and there wasn’t really a new version of Christmas for millennials, or postmillennials,” said Rushton, who received her first Carey record in her stocking as kid. “But Mariah was someone who celebrates Christmas in a different festive way.”

Flowers, who works as a yoga instructor, looks to the pop star as one of the last exciting elements of the season. He proposes that the Mariah Carey bars should stay open all year, as Carey’s discography can lend itself to more than just the holiday season.

“I do think that it could be like a year-round thing, and they could have seasonal changes to it. She has a song for every moment in life. She’s got slow romantic songs and heartbreak. She’s got hip-hop and old disco. I mean, I can go on and on,” Flowers said. “It’s not a bad idea. At night, it could be all about the EDM remixes of her songs.”

Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar will be open until Dec. 28.

SHE’s the ultimate Queen of Christmas, best known for her soulful pop tunes, but I can reveal Mariah Carey’s next record will surprise fans.

After years of speculation, I’m told the Hero singer will release her long lost GRUNGE album next year.

While the exact date is still being worked out by the label, I hear it will drop in the second half of 2026.

The record, which is called Someone’s Ugly Daughter, was secretly recorded by Mariah back in the Nineties.

A source said: “Ever since she let slip about the existence of the record, fans have been desperate for it to be officially released and put on streaming.

“After years of casual talks about what to do, everyone has now agreed the album will be released in the second half of 2026.

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“It’s been a long time coming, but hopefully fans think it’s worth the wait.

“It’s certainly Mariah as you’ve never heard her before.”

The first anyone knew of the record was when Mariah let slip about it in 2020 memoir, The Meaning Of Mariah Carey.

She said: “I think this unearthed version will become, yes, something we should hear. I’m working on a version of something where there’ll be another artist working on this with me as well.”

‘So carefree’

Mariah says the reason she made the album was to push back at being over-controlled by her record label, adding: “I had no freedom during that time. That was my freedom, making that record.”

In the book, she said: “I was playing with the style of the breezy-grunge, punk-light white female singers who were popular at the time. You know, the ones who seemed to be so carefree with their feelings and their image.

“I honestly wanted to put the record out back then under, you know, the same pseudonym, just put it out and be like, you know whatever, let them discover that it’s me.

“But that idea was kind of stomped and squashed.”

I wait with bated breath . . . 

Hardworking Rita worth even m-Ora

EVEN if you’re not a fan of her music, it’s impossible to deny that Rita Ora is a hustler.

The I Will Never Let You Down singer is busy landing jobs doing everything from acting and presenting to modelling and working as a charity ambassador.

Which is why it comes as no surprise to us that the latest accounts for Ora Live and Ora Multi Services reveal she’s topped up her fortune with £4.8 million in profits.

It’s a sure sign Rita is going nowhere anytime soon as the figure is more than double the £2.3 million she made the year before.

Her companies manage her various income streams and reflect her broad career beyond singing.

Multi-talented Rita has also served as a judge on The X Factor and The Masked Singer and even had a film role in the Fifty Shades movie series.

Rita’s takings – which work out at £13,000 per day over the year to April – has helped to increase her net worth to £31 million.

It’s not a bad life, eh?

Kath: LA life not for me

CANADIAN comedian Katherine Ryan has ruled out moving to Hollywood after admitting she hates everything about Tinsel Town.

Letting rip, she said: “I would love some opportunities to do some comedy acting but I will never move to Hollywood because people seem quite sick there . . . in the head.

“I like England. I like people who aren’t positive all the time.

“I like the British way of telling the truth. I like a bit of taking the mick out of one another without getting offended.”

Not stopping there, Kath added: “Hollywood to me seems too sanitised. I would not be welcome.

“I’ve already not been welcome. I had a glass of vino in the morning when my daughter was swimming, they were like, ‘Maam, orange juice?’.

“I was like, ‘No, alcohol’. They nearly called the police.”

Taylor in her stride

TAYLOR SWIFT has hit back at critics who say she should take time out from the industry to give other artists space to shine.

The superstar seemingly breaks every possible record with each new track, causing some music fans to get Taylor-fatigue.

Appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Taylor said: “There are corners that are like, ‘Give someone else a turn! Can’t you just go away so we can talk about how good you were?’.

“And like . . . ‘I don’t want to’.”

This morning, the first two episodes dropped of The End Of An Era – a six- part Disney+ docuseries that goes behind the scenes of her record-breaking Eras Tour.

You can bet come next week the show will have broken a few more records.

Tate: Why I can be a pop girl

TATE McRAE has opened up about her on-stage alter-ego Tatiana.

The Canadian star explained: “I started to black out onstage and become this person that I couldn’t explain, nor could my family or my friends, and I needed a reason for it.

“And I think it helps me grasp the strange theory of why I’m not nervous in front of 15,000 people, and why I can be nervous at a dinner party with four people.”

She added to Rolling Stone magazine: “Tate is this very introspective, very sensitive, very introverted, awkward Canadian.

“Maybe more on the shy side. I’m observant, and I feel very internal, all the time.

“And then, this persona that I’ve created is my way of being this confident pop girl.”

Sam: Stay with me, Ed

SAM SMITH made sure the final of their To Be Free: New York City residency went off with a bang.

The Stay With Me singer was joined on stage at Warsaw in Brooklyn by Ed Sheeran and Brandi Carlile.

Brandi and Sam duetted on her song Party Of One, while Sam and Ed gave a rendition of Who We Love – a track on Sam’s 2023 album Gloria.

The show was watched by American Vogue’s ice-queen former editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

In February, Sam’s residency will move to San Francisco and will play at the historic Castro Theatre for eight nights.

While nothing has even been hinted at, I wouldn’t be surprised if a run of shows in London is announced in the New Year.

Liam’s trackie record

HIS dress sense is similar to my own, so I was shocked to see Liam Gallagher named in Vogue’s inaugural 50 best dressed list.

The Oasis rocker was mentioned in the Dedicated Dressers category alongside Iris Law, Miquita Oliver and Amal Clooney.

Meanwhile, my favourite pop star Dua Lipa was in the Music Makers category alongside a line-up of stellar talent including Skepta, Central Cee, Lily Allen and Charli XCX.

Even those with a slightly eclectic taste were catered for, with The Traitors host Claudia Winkleman, and actors Cynthia Erivo, Richard E Grant and Emma Corrin all getting a nod.

I never knew my Adidas tracksuit and tatty old Parka were so cool.

Xmas hit battle

THE official race for Christmas No1 kicks off today – with a new single from Kylie Minogue and WHAM!’s Last Christmas tipped as the front-runners.

Kylie’s song Xmas, which is on track to become her highest entry in the UK charts since 2010’s All The Lovers, leads the pack, while Denise Welch’s Slayyy Bells and Tom Fletcher’s One Of Us, from Paddington The Musical, are also in the running.

Classics including Shakin’ Stevens’ Merry Christmas Everyone, The Pogues’ Fairytale Of New York, and Kelly Clarkson’s Underneath The Tree are also expected to climb the chart.

There are a load of non-festive tunes vying for a shot too, with Raye’s Where Is My Husband, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s For Good and Labrinth’s Where Love Lives.

Once again Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You is tipped to finish in the top five.

The winner of the Christmas No1 will be revealed live on Radio 1 next Friday.

As David Walliams looks ahead to a lonely Christmas, a PR expert has shed light on the transitional period he faces, against a backdrop of lost friendships and shifting tastes in comedy

Once the toast of talent show television, David Walliams is now looking ahead to a lonely Christmas, and a PR expert warns he could be in for a “brutal reset”.

While discussing his new children’s book, Santa & Son, the former Little Britain star spoke about spending Christmas Day away from his 12-year-old son, Alfred, whom he co-parents with ex-wife Lara Stone.

David, 58, shared: “I don’t have him for Christmas. I was thinking a bit about sometimes the pain you feel as a parent when you don’t have your child at Christmas.”

This comes at a transitional time for David, three years on after disparaging off-camera comments he made about Britain’s Got Talent contestants were leaked. This included one incident where he referred to a pensioner as a ‘c***’ while filming the 2020 series.

READ MORE: David Walliams’ lonely life after being ‘cancelled’ as he spends Christmas without son

Comedian and writer David apologised for the “disrespectful comments”, which were made during filming breaks, and subsequently announced his departure from the long-running ITV show, where he’d been a fixture for ten years.

Remarking upon this relatively quiet new chapter in David’s career, PR to the stars Mayah Riaz told the Mirror: “When it comes to David Walliams, this is a classic case of a public figure going through a period of reset. Fame can be incredibly loud, then suddenly very quiet, and that shift can feel brutal.”

With the dust from the initial controversy somewhat settled, David is reportedly still rather distant from his old showbiz pals, including his once-close friend, Simon Cowell, whom a source claims he no longer speaks to “at all”. But what effect will this distancing have on his future prospects in the limelight?

On this note, personal branding expert Mayah reflected: “The distance from Simon Cowell is interesting because that relationship once acted as a powerful engine for David and his visibility.

“When a star steps away from a partnership like that, it is not just a personal shift. It has a ripple effect on their public momentum, too. Losing that sort of alliance will have the industry wondering what the next chapter for him will look like.”

Of course, audience tastes have changed dramatically since the first episode of Little Britain first aired back in 2003, and jokes, particularly those which feel as though they might be punching down or otherwise insensitive, are viewed through a much different lens.

Indeed, back in 2020, the BBC removed Little Britain from iPlayer altogether after citing that “times have changed” since it was first broadcast. Both David and his co-star Matt Lucas expressed regret at the time for portraying people from other races, including sketches which saw them using Blackface.

According to Mayah: “The comedy world has changed so fast, and I’m not sure many performers were ready for that. What audiences once brushed off as cheeky or edgy now lands very differently. I think David was hit hard by that shift.

“He came from an era where the boundaries were looser, but now the cultural temperature is very different. Comedy has moved towards compassion and awareness, and he was caught in the middle of that evolution.”

However, Mayah believes there is still an opportunity for David to “write a new chapter for himself”, highlighting his talent for storytelling which audiences have long since admired.

Predicting a potential “redemption arc” ahead, Mayah considered: “I think there is always room for a comeback. The public can and do forgive, but they will want to see growth first. If David shows that he understands why the landscape has changed, he could easily write a new chapter for himself. People love a redemption arc.

“There is something very British about rooting for someone to get back up after a fall. Right now, though, he feels like a man in transition. It is a lonely place when the spotlight moves on, especially for someone who has lived inside it for so long. But isolation can also refocus a career.”

She continued: “Plenty of big names have stepped back, rebuilt quietly and then we see them return stronger. David is still a talented storyteller, and audiences have not forgotten that.

“If he uses this quieter period to reintroduce himself in a more grounded and contemporary way, then a comeback is absolutely on the table. The door is never truly closed in this industry. It just depends on how he chooses to walk back through it.”

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com. Follow Mirror Celebs on Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

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The city is home to one of the UK’s best Christmas markets with tourists regularly visiting each year to try the food and mulled wine

The enchanting city of Bath was recently crowned the world’s most beautiful during autumn, but its charm doesn’t fade with the seasons. According to consumer watchdog Which?, it also hosts one of Britain’s top Christmas markets.

The market is a winter wonderland complete with an ice rink and countless stalls to peruse. Most stallholders hail from the South West, showcasing a wide variety of goods – from garden decorations to handcrafted wooden furniture.

Shoppers can find everything from cosy knitwear to fragrances and even gifts for their pets.

Of course, no Christmas market would be complete without a feast of food, and Bath’s market doesn’t disappoint.

Visitors will be spoilt for choice with regional delicacies, festive flapjacks and more on offer, reports the Express.

But it’s not just the market that’s won accolades. Bath has been named the UK’s most picturesque city in autumn and winter by travel experts at Premier Inn.

The historic city has outshone global competitors like Chicago and Cape Town to take the top spot in worldwide beauty rankings.

Bath Abbey, rated the top local attraction by Tripadvisor, has been a sacred site for over a millennium.

Tripadvisor users have heaped praise on the abbey, with one visitor noting: “A beautiful and peaceful space to spend time.”

Another visitor shared their enthusiasm: “Visited more than once. So much to see and appreciate the history and architectural beauty.”

Whilst some tourists express frustration at being unable to swim in the Roman Baths themselves, the attraction comes alive through its captivating displays.

Amongst the intriguing artefacts housed at the Baths is a remarkable collection of curse tablets, where angry Romans etched their complaints seeking revenge from the gods before throwing them into Minerva’s Spring.

Although the ancient Baths remain closed for bathing, the Thermae Bath Spa provides adults with an indulgent spa retreat using the city’s naturally warm, mineral-enriched waters.

For anyone seeking a welcoming café, Bath features numerous comfortable venues, offering the opportunity to sample the famous ‘Bath Bun’, a sweet pastry topped with fruit and crystallised sugar.

Bath is celebrated for its impressive range of beautiful architecture, a characteristic that has secured the city’s position as a designated UNESCO site.

Tourists might spot recognisable locations throughout the city from hit programmes including Bridgerton, Poldark and The Sixth Commandment.

The new Entry-Exit system (EES) has been rolled out across Europe, and UK holidaymakers have been warned to expect long queues at airports this festive season — here’s how to avoid delays

Brits planning a festive getaway have been warned to brace themselves for queues of up to four hours at European airports, following the launch of the new Entry-Exit system (EES) on October 12. The EES, which swaps traditional passport stamping for biometric checks, requires every non-EU traveller to undergo fingerprinting and facial scans.

This extra step, combined with the influx of passengers travelling during the holiday season, can cause significant delays when multiple flights land at the same time.

Early signs show that major hubs like Paris and Amsterdam are already struggling with congestion during busy times, and with Christmas fast approaching, more chaos is anticipated. Representing one of the biggest overhauls to European border control in years, the EES applies to all non-EU travellers — including Brits — entering the ‘Schengen area’ (29 EU countries including France, Italy, and Spain).

While registration only takes a few minutes per person, when multiplied by hundreds of passengers, it leads to lengthy queues.

This alert comes as winter holidays continue to rise in popularity, with 51% of Brits planning to jet off abroad between November and February. To help holidaymakers dodge the mayhem, travel guru Jane Bolton from ski holiday specialist Erna Low shares her top tips for navigating the new rules and ensuring a hassle-free trip, reports the Express.

Arrive well in advance

“Airport wait times can vary, but with the new EES checks, queues of up to four hours are expected at peak times,” Jane explains. “In the past, travellers were advised to arrive at the airport two hours prior to a domestic flight and three hours for an international flight. Now, it’s worth allowing more time than usual – especially during school holidays and weekends. I’d recommend arriving at least three to four hours before your flight to make sure you don’t miss it.”

Keep tabs on your departure airport’s latest information

Jane advises: “As the EES rolls out across Europe, it is unavoidable for airports to be at different stages of this process, given the scale of the system. Some major airports like Charles-de-Gaulle (France), Düsseldorf (Germany), and Rome Fiumicino (Italy) have already implemented self-service EES kiosks, while others will still be manually registering the biometric facial and fingerprint recognitions.

“Those doing it manually are expected to take longer, so check your airport’s website before you leave home to plan appropriately.”

Choose ‘fast track passes’ wherever available

With lengthy queues anticipated, passengers are urged to consider alternative time-saving options. The travel expert’s advice?

“Purchasing fast-track tickets for security is a great method for reducing the time needed prior to a flight. These tickets cost between £3 and £12 per person, depending on the airline, and can shave off hours within peak travel times. It’s a relatively small investment for peace of mind.”

Allow additional time when travelling with families

Jane explains: “Whilst the new system requires facial and fingerprint recognition, children under twelve are exempt from this requirement and instead must be linked to an accompanying adult who is registered on the system.

“For families or large parties travelling, allowing extra time at the airport is essential. This process will take longer than average, so plan ahead and keep all documents ready.”

Verify passport validity

Jane warns: “Since Brexit, many Brits have been caught out by new passport rules. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before your travel date and be valid for at least three months after departure.”

The travel specialist further adds: “The key date to look at is the issue date rather than expiration. For example, a passport issued in March 2015 and expiring in December 2025 won’t be valid for EU travel after March 2025. Checking this before you book is essential to avoid being turned away at the airport.

“Whilst the new entry/exit system may seem likely to cause chaos for your upcoming travels, holidaymakers should be assured that this process will, in the long-term, streamline your travel. Once registered, the travel process will become much smoother for those travelling within the Schengen area.”

The travel expert concludes: “If you check your passports, allow extra time for queues, purchase fast track where possible and check your departure airport for updates, your holiday should be off to a great start.”

Ahead of one of the busiest times to travel, the National Rail has issued a warning and outlined some of the changes that could impact your train journey during the festive season

Train travel changes to be aware of between Christmas and New Year

• Plan and check your journey before you travel
• There will be no National Rail services running on Christmas Day
• Most train operators will not be in service on Boxing Day. However, there will be very limited services on some train operators, including Chiltern Railways, London Overground, Merseyrail, ScotRail, Southern and Stansted Express
• Timetables could be subject to change during the festive period, including late-notice changes, which runs from Tuesday, 23 December, until Friday, 2 January
• No trains will run to or from London Liverpool Street station from Saturday, 27 December, to Thursday, 1 January
• No trains will run to or from London Waterloo Station or Vauxhall on Saturday, 27 December, and Sunday, 28 December
• Bus replacements will be in operation between Milton Keynes Central and Rugby/Northampton from Saturday, 27 December to Sunday, 4 January
• There will be an amended service between Preston and Carlisle from Wednesday, 31 December to Thursday, 15 January
• Bus replacements will be in operation between Carlisle and Lockerbie from Thursday, 1 January, to Wednesday, 7 January
• An amended service will be in place between Leeds and York from Saturday, 27 December, to Friday, 2 January
• No trains will run between Cambridge and Cambridge North, Bury St Edmunds, and Stansted Airport from Saturday, 27 December, to Sunday, 4 January
• Bus services will replace trains between Dalmuir and Balloch/Helensburgh from Saturday, 27 December, until Wednesday, 31 December

National Rail stated that there will be “lots of planned essential engineering works and upgrades taking place as Network Rail works to improve the railway” over Christmas and the New Year. This may result in changes to train timetables, so it’s best to check your journey before setting off.

For further details or to check your journey, you can visit the National Rail website.

READ MORE: Your refund rights if you face Christmas travel chaos as UK strikes loom

The festive season is one of the busiest times for travel, and it’s handy to know your rights when it comes to getting a refund and compensation for any delays or cancellations you may encounter

The Christmas period is famously one of the most chaotic times for travel, with thousands of Brits hopping on planes or trains to reunite with family and friends, whether that’s within the UK or abroad. With travel disruption already anticipated in the run-up to Christmas, it’s essential to understand your entitlements regarding refunds and compensation should you face any delays or cancellations.

Multiple strikes have already been confirmed, threatening to cause significant disruption to holiday travel. Approximately 200 check-in and baggage handling workers employed by easyJet at London Luton Airport are set to strike during the final two weekends of December amid an ongoing pay row.

Meanwhile, Heathrow Airport is bracing itself to handle seven million passengers across its four terminals throughout the festive period. It has also emerged that Friday, 20 December, and Sunday, 28 December, are set to be the busiest days for UK airports.

Furthermore, National Rail has confirmed there will be “planned essential engineering works and upgrades taking place as Network Rail works to improve the railway” over the festive period. There may also be reduced services, with some train operators making alterations to their schedules.

So if you’re journeying during the hectic festive season and encounter delays or cancellations, here’s your complete guide to refunds and compensation entitlements.

Flight refunds

If your flight gets cancelled while you’re travelling to or from the UK, you’re legally entitled to either a refund or an alternative flight to your destination, according to MoneySavingExpert. However, there are a few key points that passengers should be aware of:

• The airline is responsible, even if your booking was made through an online travel agency
• If you booked a package holiday, the responsibility lies with the tour operator
• You’re entitled to an alternative flight at the earliest opportunity, and it doesn’t need to be with the same airline
• You can request a different flight, but don’t go ahead and book one yourself

Moreover, if your flight is significantly delayed, which could range from two to four hours, Citizens Advice states that the airline must provide you with:

• Food and drink
• Access to phone calls and emails
• Accommodation if you’re delayed overnight – along with transport between the airport and hotel

For more details, you can visit the Citizens’ Advice website. It’s also advisable to check directly with your airline to see if you qualify for a refund.

Flight compensation

When it comes to flight compensation for delays or cancellations on journeys to or from the UK, the rules can vary. It’s crucial to remember that even if an airline offers a credit note in lieu of a refund, you’re entirely within your rights to demand a cash reimbursement, potentially of up to £520.

As outlined by MoneySavingExpert, under the UK/EU flight delay compensation scheme, certain flights qualify for compensation at a fixed rate. For your flight to be eligible, it must satisfy the following conditions:

• Your flight arrived more than three hours late at its destination
• The flight was scheduled in the past six years
• The delay was the airline’s fault

You may also be eligible for compensation if you were unable to board your flight due to overbooking.

MoneySavingExpert highlights that compensation under EU/UK regulations concerns the “inconvenience of a delay”, rather than reimbursement of the ticket cost. The amount you could claim depends on how long your delay lasted and the distance of your journey.

Furthermore, what matters is your arrival time, not your departure time. Travellers become eligible for compensation when their flight lands more than three hours after the scheduled arrival time.

To determine if you qualify for compensation, you should check directly with your airline.

Rail refunds

National Rail states that if your train experiences delays or cancellations and you choose not to travel, you can secure a refund for your unused ticket without facing any fees from the original seller. If you purchased your ticket from a railway company, their contact information can be found on National Rail’s Find a Train Company page.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that tickets purchased from self-service machines at stations often include instructions on how to request a refund.

Train compensation

Regarding compensation for rail journeys, National Rail confirms that passengers who arrive late at their destination due to cancelled or delayed services may be eligible to claim money back directly from the train operator.

National Rail states that eligibility depends on several factors:

• Train company you travelled with – different companies have different guidelines, but they all offer compensation
• Type of train ticket – compensation is calculated differently depending on the ticket purchased
• Length of the delay – each train company has its own “compensation threshold”

The most effective way to establish whether you qualify for train travel compensation is to check directly with the operator you booked through. Claims can usually be submitted online, and sometimes via post, or even through designated staff at stations.

For further details, you can visit the National Rail website.