Christmas

THE UK isn’t short of light trails when it comes to the winter period, but high street favourite, John Lewis, is now joining the club.

This year John Lewis is bringing its 2025 Christmas advert – ‘Where Love Lies’ – to life as part of the Northern Lights Manchester at Heaton Park.

This year’s John Lewis Christmas tells the story of a teenage boy and his father who struggle to communicate, yet when it comes to Christmas the boy gives him a music record that helps them to reconnect.

Running from November 20 to December 31, the event will mark the first time the retailer has brought its annual Christmas advert off the screen.

According to the Northern Lights Manchester website, John Lewis will join this year’s “brand new large-scale winter light trail”.

The website adds that the high street brand will join “Northern Lights to firmly establish Manchester’s newest seasonal tradition from year one”.

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Visitors can expect an in-person experience with music that is designed to connect visitors to the story of John Lewis’ Christmas advert – think feelings of joy, nostalgia and festive cheer.

The Northern Lights trail at Heaton Park is brand new for this year and in total stretches a mile long.

Venturing around the trail visitors will find 14 illumination zones and there will also be a number of food spots along the way.

The illumination zones include the Frosted Forest, Laser Garden and Runway to the Sky.

In addition, there will be a Christmas Village with local food, drinks and more music.

The village will have eight foodie destinations in total including God Save the Toasties, The Sausage Factory and the Super Sweet Fry Guys – who serve Terry’s Chocolate Orange churros, battered mince pies with boozy cream and hot chocolate with a dash of Salford Rum and topped with a Tunnock’s Marshmallow Snowball.

There is also the Bees Knees Tavern, a heated alpine-themed bar, where visitors can grab a range of alcoholic and soft drinks, including mulled wine.

Hotel Chocolat will even have its own van selling velvety, hot chocolate.

There are four types of ticket prices in total.

For super off-peak tickets, it costs £15 per adult and £5 per child.

For off-peak tickets, it costs £19.50 per adult and £13.95 per child.

For a standard entry ticket, it costs £21.50 per adult and £14.95 per child.

And finally, for a peak entry ticket, it costs £23.95 per adult and £16.50 per child.

Rosie Hanley, brand director, added: “At John Lewis, we love bringing people together to create shared experiences and magical Christmas memories.

“This spectacular light trail is a brilliant way for us to share the spirit of the season with Manchester and its communities, and we are excited to be a part of it.”

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For other festive experiences in the UK, here are 27 free festive experiences across the UK for families including light trails and Santa’s grotto.

Plus, the top Christmas train experiences around the UK – including a festive ‘theatre on rails’ and ‘journey of lights’.

THERE have been worrying mutterings in my six-year-old son’s school
playground that Father Christmas isn’t actually the real deal.

But it took a simple sentence from a Lapland UK Santa to make Alex
firmly believe again.

He told him: “I hear you’ve been line leader at school Alex. How fantastic is that!”

His jaw dropped with amazement that the big man knew this – while my
eyes filled up with tears at the magical moment.

We were at Lapland Manchester which opened this year after the success
of its first site Lapland Ascot.

When tickets launched in March, more than 750,000 people joined a virtual queue for tickets ranging from £65 up to £155 per person, depending on the date, with both kids and adults paying the same.

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As we arrived at the grand Capesthorne Hall, near Macclesfield in
Cheshire, excitement was high.

We were guided through the first of many sparkly walkways and
transported into a fairytale magical world where for the next four and
a half hours each and every member of staff constantly remained in
character.

At the woodland check in, porter Buzz wished us a “cheery-hi” and
put his thumb on his nose and wiggled his fingers.

It was the Lapland gesture we were all doing in return by the end of the day!

He gave Alex and my goddaughter Maia an “Elvn Passport” so they could
pass through an enchanted forest to meet Father Christmas and his
elves.

Tickets suggest arriving here 45 minutes before your allotted time –
I would double that so you can get a coffee and exchange your money
for Jingles, the Lapland currency.

We, together with about 200 people, were led to a woodland area where
a theatrical show explained there’s strictly no “grump-a-Lumps”
allowed in Lapland.

Then another walkway led to a performance where we had to wiggle our fingers, squash our noses, blink three times and curl our toes so a huge door could open for the next stage to the Toy Factory.

Alex finally started to understand what was really going on.

After booking your Lapland tickets you receive an invite “from Santa”
explaining he is so busy this year he needs “kind” kids to help him
save Christmas.

Alex was put to task making a soft toy polar bear.

He silently went to work and then put the polar bear on a conveyor belt to Santa.

He was proud as punch with a job well done.

Next was The Lapland Bakery with another show from Mother Christmas but Alex only really cared about decorating a gingerbread house – and eating it.

Then my favourite part of the experience.

The Elven Village – a magical world with a starry ceiling and snow covered trees.

You have 90 minutes there to send a letter to Father Christmas from
the Post Office, visit the library or buy sweets, toys or decorations
in the shops.

I was gutted we had booked Lapland in the middle of the day because
Alex was starving.

The food was great and he loved the £10 kids meal deal of sourdough pizza, chunky chips and juice.

But it meant we had to rush around – and didn’t have time to wait in the queue for the ice skating rink.

I placated my tearful child with a chocolate coated giant marshmallow
on a stick, and winced at the £6 price tag.

Next came the Reindeer Lodge before entering a grand waiting room to see Santa.

This was organised beautifully.

Staff quietly confirmed details from your booking confirmation that Alex had been “line leader” before an elf took us down a long forest pathway.

Finally we arrived at a little wooden house… and Santa himself.

This was no garden centre Santa.

He was a wide girthed, full bearded jolly version (with a very strong west midland accent!), and a bit of cheeky banter about him, too.

Santa thanked the kids for making the polar bears, made them honorary elves, gave them a soft toy gift and discussed their achievements.

It was perfectly done, we didn’t feel rushed for a second and after
saying goodbye Alex said he now knew Santa was “real”.

When he wakes on Christmas morning that will be confirmed because,
before leaving, I was discreetly handed a replica toy polar bear
together with a thank you note from Santa for December 25.

That is guaranteed to keep his – and my – Christmas dreams alive so we
can return to the magic of Lapland UK next year.

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For other Christmas experiences in the UK, you could also head to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London.

Or perhaps head on one of these 27 free festive experiences across the UK for families including light trails and Santa’s grotto.

The lesser-known Christmas market, nestled in an ancient cave with corridors, is one of the largest underground markets in Europe, so it’s a spectacle not to be missed

It may only be November, but festivities are in full swing as Christmas markets have decorated high streets with wooden chalets, assorted wreaths, seasonal treats and the scent of spiced mulled wine. There’s a catalogue of markets to visit across Europe for a wintery weekend getaway, and there’s one that’s just over four hours from the UK by train that is completely underground.

In the charming Dutch town of Valkenburg, you can find Europe’s largest underground Christmas market in the Municipal Cave. Visitors can wander through the ancient passageways of the cave, adorned with colourful, twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and figures like Father Christmas, creating an enchanting and magical atmosphere.

Beyond the decorations that bring festive cheer, around 50 stands offer a wide choice of Christmas gifts and goodies for something extra special, or you can purchase an ornament to hang on your tree back home. The experience of wandering around the cave and its winding corridors is what makes this Christmas market so extraordinary, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most famous in Europe.

Taking a break from shopping, there’s a foodie section in the cave where you can sample a range of local delicacies. Alternatively, you can dine al fresco in the square just outside the cave to fully immerse yourself in the Christmas magic that transforms the town.

During your visit, you can explore another marl cave called Velvet Cave, which also hosts part of the underground Christmas market. This is nestled beneath castle ruins with secret passageways leading to Valkenburg Castle, but during the festive season it welcomes the delights of sparkling decorations and cosy cafes – not to mention its renowned 18th-century chapel.

The Municipal and Velvet Cave Christmas markets are part of the Christmas Town Valkenburg, so there’s even more festivities once you’ve finished marvelling at the underground markets and snapped up your gifts. The streets are brimming with additional wooden chalets offering delightful goods, while Christmas lights illuminate the town as the holiday season takes over.

As part of the celebrations, a fairytale parade will take place through the old streets of Valkenburg aan de Geul, which is held twice a week due to its popularity. Additionally, a winter wonderland, Santa’s village and a culinary walking route through Valkenburg are all part of the enchanting experience.

Maps are available to download, so visitors can follow the paths and trails of the grand festivities that form part of Christmas Town Valkenburg’s annual and beloved tradition. Just last year, Christmas Town Valkenburg scooped up the award for the best Christmas market in the Netherlands and for the best Christmas parade in Europe.

Christmas Town Valkenburg is open from November 14 to January 4, with the Municipal and Velvet Cave available to visit during these dates. And it’s certainly worth a visit, as you can hop on the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Valkenburg in just four hours and 25 minutes.

There’s also plenty to explore beyond the Christmas markets, with local eateries offering a chance to sample some tasty Dutch dishes, or high street shops for a browse. Valkenburg is also known for its stunning landscapes, castle ruins and quaint streets lined with historic yellow buildings.

For more information, visit the Christmas Town Valkenburg website.

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This year’s Christmas Day kids story is The Scarecrow’s Wedding but the story had to be changed for TV

Author Julia Donaldson has told how she had to rewrite one of her best selling books in order to get the green light for it to be turned into a BBC animation for Christmas Day.

This year millions will settle down to watch The Scarecrows’ Wedding, the latest adaptation of Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler’s stories which have become a festival staple.

The half-hour animated special features an all-star voice cast, with Gavin and Stacey star Rob Brydon voicing Reginald Rake, Hamnet actress Jessie Buckley as Betty O’Barley, and The Paper star Domhnall Gleeson as Harry O’Hay.

The story, about two devoted scarecrows Betty and Harry planning a wedding to remember, will be narrated by Slow Horses actress Sophie Okonedo.

But Julia revealed for the first time in 13 adaptations that she needed to make big changes to the storyline because it originally featured sinister scarecrow Reginald Rake smoking a cigar and accidentally starting a fire in the field.

Julia said: “There had to be a fire in the story and the water was going to put out the fire, so I had to think of reasons for the fire.

“In the book, the fire is started by Reginald Rake through smoking. I thought that was really good because it shows him in a really bad light. He is a baddie and he is smoking and in the original book Betty says ‘smoking is bad for you’ and he gets a terrible cough and starts a fire so it shows how bad smoking is.

“But apparently in the world of children’s films you are not allowed to show anyone smoking. I personally think it would be better for children to come across smoking in a film or a book and then their parents can talk about it and say it is not a great thing, rather than see someone in a doorway.”

Julia was then asked by Magic Light Pictures who animate her stories if she “would consider” changing this one over lunch.

She added: “I said ‘absolutely not’ and then went home and went straight to the computer because by that stage we had the pictures and I knew Betty had a pink dress and Reginald had the white suit, so I thought he could start the fire by cooking something and then I thought of pink and white marshmallows. I wrote it and I think it works really well that way. I am sorry in a way to lose the smoking but I think marshmallows do work well.”

The Scarecrows’ Wedding was first published in 2014 and book versions still contain Reginald choking on a cigar.

Asked about the creation of the characters, Julia added: “I was looking for a female character because previously it was Zog and Highway Rat and lots of male characters. So Betty was the first character that came to mind.

“It took me ages to write because I had to send Harry off on a journey and it took a long time to work out that part of the storyline.

“In a way it is a Hollywood love story and it is very much like a light Italian opera where there is a humble peasant boy and girl and then a peddler comes along and almost seduces the heroine. I was thinking along those lines.”

The animation means Rob Brydon will be back on BBC1 on Christmas Day, having been one of the star’s of Gavin & Stacey last year. He has also been voicing Julia’s characters since they first started being made into animations.

On playing the cad in the story, Rob: “There is a hint of Leslie Phillips and that sort of thing, just natural and instinctive. As ever it is just a delight to be part of such a quality venture.

“This is one of my favourites because I have not played this sort of role in Julia’s world. I am normally nice.”

Last year’s animation, Tiddler, saw an audience of 7.3 million and the highest audience share on Christmas Day for a Magic Light Pictures film since The Gruffalo in 2009.

The Gruffalo will return in book form in 2026 but Julia was keeping tight-lipped about the details.

She said: “I am not allowed to say very much. I can say I finished writing it early last year and it is coming out in the Autumn next year, that is really all I can say.”

* The Scarecrow’s Wedding will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One this Christmas Day.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

This destination also has the most beautiful Christmas tree and it’s easy to see why

If you’re yearning for a festive break that won’t leave you skint or battling the crowds, one European city has just been hailed as the cheapest place in Europe to visit at Christmas. According to Skyscanner, you can jet off there in December for a mere £35.

Vilnius, the stunning capital of Lithuania, isn’t just a bargain; its Christmas tree has been voted the most beautiful in Europe on several occasions, including 2019 and 2020. It’s now been dubbed the European Christmas Capital for 2025 by the Christmas Cities Network.

Vilnius kicks off its Christmas festivities on 29 November, when its dazzling Christmas tree is illuminated in Cathedral Square. The colossal tree, a winter highlight in the city, will stay put until 6 January 2026, giving both visitors and locals plenty of time to soak up the holiday spirit.

Folks can wander around the city’s enchanting Christmas Market, glide on the Vilnius ice rink nestled in the heart of the Old Town, and hop on the Christmas train, which meanders through Vilnius’ most festively adorned streets.

Out of 15 cities, Vilnius clinched the top spot on the list of Europe’s best-value festive getaways in the annual Post Office Christmas Markets Barometer, thanks to its impressively low cost of £509 for a two-night weekend escape, reports the Express.

This price includes return flights, two nights in three or four-star digs, airport transfers, two evening meals with wine, coffee, festive tipples and Christmas Market nibbles.

Costs have stayed largely the same since last year and have actually dropped by 0.4% compared to 2024, making it an unusual bargain at a time when numerous European destinations have become pricier.

The destination is 8% more affordable than Riga, which came second, where costs have risen by 1.8% despite meals, beverages and airport transfers being cheaper in Riga than in Vilnius.

The research also revealed that costs have declined in half of the destinations examined, despite sterling having weakened against several European currencies.

Laura Plunkett, head of travel money at Post Office, said: “A short break to one of Europe’s colourful Christmas markets is an attractive holiday option at this time of year.

“However, sterling’s drop in value is an important factor for travellers to consider before booking a trip because this varies between currencies. The pound’s fall against the euro is smaller than against other European currencies – five per cent compared with 10.6 per cent against the Hungarian forint and 10.9 per cent against the Swedish kronor.”

She added: “Budget-conscious travellers stand to save hundreds of pounds if they choose carefully.”

Travel photographer, Jacqueline, journeyby_jacq, wrote on Instagram that Vilnius is “pure magic without the crazy crowds” during the festive season.

“This city is decked out from head to toe, almost every storefront has a stunning display, and the city is just oozing with charm.”

Another TikTok user shared: “November In Vilnius is a big Christmas vibe, lights in every corner, ice-skate rings being prepared and everyone looking forward to the Christmas markets. Christmas in Vilnius, Lithuania is worth the trip!”.

A different user named Karolis added: “Vilnius is a hidden gem if you want to really feel Christmas. Amazing Christmas markets, Christmas decorations and honestly just Christmas in Vilnius. With nominations of the best Christmas tree, it’s a place not to skip.”

THE UK is pretty good at creating food markets – think Camden Market and Borough Market in London or Bury Market in Greater Manchester – but now there’s a new kid on the block and it is technically already a viral hit.

Enter Tod’s Festive Feast – a new festive food market with viral food, created by influencer Eating With Tod.

Located next to The Outernet just steps away from Tottenham Court Road Station in central London, you will find the influencer’s – who is followed by 2.1million people – latest venture.

Known for trying some of the craziest and most viral dishes in the UK, Tod’s festive food market has gathered some of his favourites all together in the same place.

The influencer said: “I got bored of seeing the same food year after year at every Xmas market up and down the country, so it’s time we reinvented the wheel.

“Proper food, proper chefs with unmatched quality.”

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There are many viral hits across the market including the famous Roll Boys cinnamon rolls – which were sadly closed on my visit.

Other sweet options include Bread Ahead doughnuts, with their much-loved creme brulee doughnut.

Visitors won’t be short for choice when it comes to savory options either with top hits like Truffle London and Ruben’s Reubens.

Jumi Cheese was a literal feast for both the eyes and the people eating it with giant Raclette with different flavours like rosemary and smoked bacon.

For example, you could have ‘Alpinist’ with crispy pancetta, rosemary roast potatoes and rocket for £13.90.

The classic ‘Herbivore’ features a cheese of your choosing, as well as rosemary roast potatoes, kimchi, mustard and caramelised red onion chutney.

One thing I want to try next time I visit is from The Ashes‘ Christmas Del Piero Doughnut which features smoked whole hog, cranberry sauce, stuffing crumb, all served in a sugar doughnut for £10.50.

The best thing about the market? There wasn’t a single, over-grilled Bratwurst sausage for £12 to be seen (here’s looking at you Winter Wonderland).

If you do like your sausages though, Ruben’s Reubens Ballpark features a double smoked pork sausage, caramelised onions, mustard, ketchup and crispy shallots for just a tenner.

Still expect standard London prices for food, but compared to other Christmas markets it isn’t too over inflated.

The Duck Shed

For my main meal, I tried out The Duck Shed, which features a simple concept.

First you choose if you want a burger, wrap or salad box and then you decide on the filling.

Options included vegan duck for £12.50 and French duck with grilled Raclette cheese and onion chutney for £13.95.

But I of course had to try The British Christmas Quacker with slow roasted pulled duck, cranberry and bacon jam, smashed pigs in blankets, brie and spinach for £13.50.

I had it as a burger, and not going to lie, was a little disappointed.

Admittedly, I had big hopes but thinking about it logically, duck is usually better as a wrap, instead the bread was dry.

The filling is good and I really like the twist on a classic Christmas sandwich, though it could have done with a teaspoon more of sauce.

The portion is super generous though and it is cooked right in front of you.

Chin Chin

For my sweet treat, I bee-lined for Chin Chin.

We have all seen videos on social media of their decadent hot chocolate with ooey-gooey marshmallow on top, that is then burnt in front of you.

Considering the cold turn in the weather, I don’t think anything would be quite as satisfying as this hot chocolate.

It costs £5.95 a cup and it isn’t the biggest, but it really does fill you up with the generous amount of marshmallow.

As a big fan of hot chocolates, making sure to try one in every country I visit, I was impressed that the drink itself was actually super smooth, not too bitter or rich, but lovely and creamy.

It was an instant win, and helps warm up your insides.

Whilst you there…

With the market being located right next door to Tottenham Court Road Tube Station, there are a lot of others things you can do and explore nearby.

For example, you could head onto Oxford Street for a spot of Christmas shopping.

Or perhaps catch one of the nearby shows.

But even closer to the market is Outernet – a free attraction with Europe‘s largest and most advanced digital screens that often broadcast magical worlds, making it an immersive experience for the viewer.

And the attraction is now showing some festive features, including Nature Relaxation: Cozy Christmas Fireplace which lasts one minute.

Though, the real showstopper was the Ice Palace feature, which lasts seven minutes.

All walls of the Outernet become frosty and reveal an ice castle, that looks like it is straight out of Disney‘s Frozen.

The palace then awakens with life and music, with icy fireworks travelling across the ceiling.

And there is even snow, which feels oddly realistic, as if it is falling on you.

Tod’s Festive Feast is open everyday from 11am until December 28.

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For other Christmas markets, here’s what we thought of this year’s Winter Wonderland.

Plus, UK’s largest one-day Christmas market to return after being cancelled last year – exact date to hit 120 festive stalls.

SOME like to jet off when the weather gets chilly here in the UK – but what about those who like to feel Christmassy in November?

Sun Travel has revealed our favourite destinations across both Britain and the world that make us feel the most festive, with cosy fireside pubs, snowy scenes, Christmas markets and Santa’s actual home.

Cotswolds, UK

Sometimes you just can’t beat a festive staycation – Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey said: “One of my favourite things to do at Christmas is drive through pretty country villages and go on a free light show.

“And having grown up in the Cotswolds, I wasn’t short of huge beautiful manor houses and pubs wanting to show off their Christmas lights.

“I recommend driving from Burford to Broadway, with stops in Bourton-on-the-Water and Moreton-in-Marsh where you will see them a mile away because of the sheer volume of lights.

“Then if you need a cosy pub to warm up in, head over to the town of Witney where you have a huge amount of choice on the high street.

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“My favourites are the Holly Bush, with low ceiling and delicious mulled cider, or The Plough, the town’s oldest pub dating back to the 17th century.”

Copenhagen, Denmark

After a recent trip to the Danish capital of Copenhagen, Travel Reporter Alice Penwill recommends heading there to embrace the cold.

She said: “Copenhagen thrives during autumn and winter – and another plus point is that the city is dressed up for Christmas from early November.

“Festive markets pop up with new stalls – they sell everything from Christmas decorations to tasty treats and my favourite, hot chocolate or spiced Gløgg.

“Make sure to grab a Danish pastry from one of the many bakeries in the city and then take a mooch around Strøget – the famous shopping street. Or head down to the famous colourful Nyhavn with plenty of outside bars underneath outdoor heaters so you won’t feel too chilly.

“For a bit of peace and quiet, head to the Botanical Gardens where the trees have bright yellow and orange leaves.”

Lapland, Finland

Head of Sun Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire suggests heading to Finland: “This is an obvious one, but I took my child to Lapland with TUI last
year and nothing can compare to being in Santa’s ACTUAL homeland at
Christmas.

“Yes, it’s exhausting getting up before the crack of dawn to catch a
flight, but the airline staff were a joy from check-in onwards, where
they greeted travellers with festive headgear.

“On the plane, we enjoyed a cooked breakfast and sang Xmas songs,
before landing and being immediately sized up for our Arctic snow
gear.

“A coach transfer complete with its own elf guide takes you to the snow
village, for a day of gingerbread decorating, snowmobiling, husky
sleigh riding, ice hotel exploration and a visit to the big man
himself.

“Then you’re flying home with a plane Christmas dinner.
it’s a full-on itinerary, but having done 4 nights in Lapland before,
the one-day trip makes sure to tick off all the big hitters every
family dreams of.”

Edinburgh, Scotland

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding said: “Harry Potter fans and festive fanatics must head to Edinburgh around the Christmas period.

“The Scottish capital is special all-year round, but at Christmas it comes alive with decorated shop fronts, dazzling lights and a vast market.

“For a refreshing hike with the wind in your hair and spectacular views, head up Arthur‘s Seat. If you prefer to wander, then head to W Bow – a 17th century cobbled street with endless independent businesses set behind the colourful facades of buildings.

“If you do like Harry Potter, make sure to nip into Museum Context, which sells wizardy merch. And for a hot drink make sure to head into Black Medicine Coffee Co, which is super cosy – so much so I didn’t want to leave.

“The Christmas Market transforms the city centre into a festive village and has a great mix of everything including traditional markets, rides and food and drink stalls.”

Scottish Sun’s Travel Editor Heather Lowrie also recommends Edinburgh for a festive visit.

She said: “The city’s historic Princes Street Gardens are awash with festive lights which brighten any gloomy night sky and you’ll find there are merry-go-rounds, a big wheel and other funfair rides for youngsters.

“There’s also the ‘try if you dare’ Around the World Starflyer – an 80m tall tower with swings that spin you around for views of the city  which probably rival those Santa gets from his sleigh as he flies through the sky.

“In George Street (just behind iconic Princess Street) you’ll find an ice-rink,  so grab some skates and go gliding  and dancing (and falling if you’re anything  like me!).

“And new for this year is glittering frozen world of The Ice Queen’s Castle, complete with ice carvings and intricate wall etchings – the perfect winter wonderland.”

New York, USA

Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski suggests heading to the Big Apple for festive cheer.

She said: “This may sound cliché, but there really is no better time to visit New York City than during the festive period. Perhaps I’ve attached some sentimental value to the city at Christmas as it was around this time of year that I visited for the first time ever.

“Woozy from jet-lag, I gazed in awe at neon lights beaming from the mighty skyscrapers of Times Square, while city-goers dashed past, wrapped in their woollen scarves, shielding from the bitter chill.

“The Rockefeller Tree, one of the city’s most prized festive traditions, dazzled in a blur of tiny, multi-coloured lights, while a queue formed outside Macy’s department store, whose windows were drenched in holly and splashes of red and white paint.

“It was everything I’d expected, my very own Big Apple rom-com.
I’ve returned to the city around Christmas three times since – and it gets no less magical.

“My routine rarely changes: a visit to Bryant Park’s markets, laden with wooden stalls – grab a hot choccie while you’re here and watch the skaters twirl on an ice rink.

“I’ll always visit Bloomingdale’s, too, on Fifth Avenue to buy a tacky tree decoration, making sure to stroll past Saks, which puts on a Christmas light show every year.

“The bars of Manhattan often feel packed, but the atmosphere is electric as people pass back mulled wine through the crowd, full of festive enthusiasm.”

Reykjavik, Iceland

As its name suggests Iceland is a great spot for anyone seeking cooler weather, which is rare for Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey: “As someone who hates the cold, you will normally find me in warmer climates during Christmas, having spent Decembers in Morocco, St Kitts and Dubai.

“But one place I didn’t mind braving the cold for was Iceland – after all, the point is to feel the chill!

“There’s nothing better than wrapping up in all the layers before heading out to see stunning geysers, dramatic waterfalls and icy landscapes, ending by warming up in the famous Blue Lagoon.

“I highly recommend staying at the Grandi by Center Hotel in Reykjavik. I spent the evenings with glasses of wine and board games in the lobby, overlooked by twinkling Christmas tree lights and a roaring fire.”

Pitlochry, Scotland

Lynn Kernan, Features Editor at The Scottish Sun said: “To me there is nothing more festive than being curled up in front of a roaring fire with a twinkling tree and a warming dram.

“And that’s exactly what you get in Pitlochry’s Port-Na-Craig inn.

“The little guest house, right on the River Tummel and in the shadow of Perthshire’s snow-capped mountains, dates back to the 1600s and knows how to do an old school Christmas in style.

“Its dining room is transformed into a winter wonderland at this time of year, with glittering baubles hanging from the ceiling and festive trinkets adorning every surface.

“Inside, it’s breathtaking for a festive fan – while outside, the beer garden is an illuminated sanctuary.

“The inn is in Pitlochry, one of Scotland’s prettiest towns with cute cafes, independent shops and top notch restaurants which all make an effort at this time of year.

“It’s also where the Enchanted Forest is held in the run up to the festive season. The nearby Faskally Wood is brought to life with stunning light shows in October and November.

“If you’re looking for me in December I’ll be at the inn, with a single malt, marvelling at the decadent decorations and singing Jingle Bells.”

Luxembourg

Head of Sun Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire added: “Luxembourg isn’t exactly must-visit destination among European
capitals, but the city comes into its own at Christmas time.

“Best explored on foot (which allows for extra mulled wine), the old
town of Luxembourg city is both grand and quaint – and perfect for
exploring in chilly weather, when you can nip into the bars and
bakeries for a warming drink.

“There are also Christmas markets spread throughout the city as part of
the annual Winterlights festival, which also features festive
concerts, exhibitions, performances and crafts for kids.

“Given how quick the flight is to Luxembourg (1 hour and 15 minutes)
and the time it takes to get from the airport to the city centre (20
minutes by tram), this is a really easy trip to do in just 24 hours.”

Lisbon, Portugal

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill suggests a short trip over the one popular European spot. She said: “Yes, Portugal is beautiful in the summer, but the city of Lisbon is easy to explore at any time of year.

“I went to the city two years ago and weather-wise it was actually fairly mild but still very festive, especially as the shops had the lights on display.

“Major attractions include Wonderland Lisboa and Rossio Christmas Market plus you still have to take a ride on the tram and of course, take a walk on the famous Pink Street.“

Cairngorms, Scotland

Scottish Sun’s Travel Editor Heather Lowrie said: “Situated in historic Royal Deeside – just a few miles from the Royal family’s private Balmoral Castle  – the beautiful Cairngorms destination almost guarantees snow, transforming it into a  true winter wonderland.

“The village celebrates Christmas with a traditional Christmas lights switch on, with carols and mulled wine and there’s even a reindeer parade on Christmas Eve.

“The Cranford Guesthouse is famed for its delicious home baking and will be adorned with decorations and lights to turn up that festive feeling.

“If money is no object then book into the award-winning Fife Arms Hotel, where they even put on a Fondue Hut from November where you can indulge in all things melted cheese or if you’d rather get back to nature then go glamping at the dog friendly Braemar Glamping Pods and go star-gazing.

“Skiers will be in Christmas heaven too, as the Glenshee & Lecht Ski Centres are nearby where Christmas on the slopes is a real thing.

“Head out at night with Mountain Skies Braemar where, if you’re lucky, you  might catch a glimpse of the Northern lights!”

Tallinn, Estonia

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding has got some pending Christmas plans to Eastern Europe. She said: “Next week, I will be heading off to Tallinn – the capital of Estonia – which is often dubbed a fairytale city.

“I’m super excited to head to the Christmas market in the medieval Old Town’s Town Hall Square, with a huge decorated tree – the first tree to ever be displayed in Europe – and carol performances.

“The market has also previously been named one of the best in Europe so I am keen to see whether it lives up to the title. For food and drink, the gingerbread cookies are meant to be a hit, as well as the hot mulled wine, known as glogi.

“Temperatures in November sit around zero degrees, so I am hoping there will be snow to make it feel even more Christmassy.”

St Albans, UK

Some like to head to the city for Christmas, but Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski said she prefers to stick to the countryside.

She said: “What can beat a proper British pub at Christmas time? Several worn armchairs scattered around a crackling fire, a pile of board games on the shelf in the corner, and a heated vat of mulled wine propped on the bar.

“The city of St Albans is home to the kind of stereotypical cottage-style boozers you see in festive rom-coms like The Holiday. It’s also the pub capital of the UK, claiming to have more pubs per square mile than any other region in the country.

“Many of these drinking holes are listed properties, so they have that higgledy-piggledy feel to them with timber beams and low ceilings that enhance the cosy factor.

“Talking of cosy, the recently opened Cosy Club restaurant-cum-bar is a great spot for those looking to amp up the party, The menu features jam-packed burgers and pasta dishes, alongside heady cocktails, all of which are cracking value.

“During the festive season The Odyssey, a restored Art Deco cinema, shows classic Christmas movies, like It’s A Wonderful Life – book one of the table seats in the downstairs section and order yourself a glass of wine and cheese platter from the bar.

“Pop into one of the many local bakeries for a festive treat – Brad and Dills, a coffee and bagel joint founded by a local duo, does a cracking brew and often has fun spins on classic festive flavours crammed into their moreish bagels.”

London, UK

Of course, how could you leave the country’s capital off the list? Head of Sun Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire said: “Brits spend a fortune travelling to festive destinations abroad when we have one of the best places for celebrating Christmas on our doorstep – London.

“In my opinion, there are few places in the world that are more
festive, starting with the traditional London pub.

“Paper hat on your head, pint in hand, everyone packed in like sardines as with condensation mists the drafty Victorian window panes and they sing
along to Fairytale of New York – there’s nothing that signals December
has arrived more.

“But of course, there is plenty to do other than pubs too. It has
plenty of haters, but Winter Wonderland is one of the biggest
Christmas attractions in the world and you can choose everything from
market shopping to fancy grub, beer halls, fair grounds, Santa’s
grotto and ice bars.

“Don’t fancy that one? How about the ice skating at Somerset House with
the fancy Virgin Clubhouse for a drink afterwards, or Glide at
Battersea – or even the new rink in Leicester Square.

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“And then there’s all the Christmas theatre shows – The Snowman, Elf,
The Nutcracker, Santa Needs a Wee, Jack And The Beanstalk… there are
enough shows on and off London’s West End to see one every day now
until December 25.

“The restaurants are all decked out in their festive best, the shops
are the best in the country… so unless you’re looking for some peace
and quiet, there’s no better place get in the festive mood.”

ONE of the most famous streets in London is going car-free for one very festive day.

Without the hassle of dodging cars and going up and down the pavements, it means you can shop and even dance on a party bus well into the evening.

On Saturday, December 6, Regent Street will close to traffic and will be turned into a winter wonderland.

All of the festive mile will be completely walkable between 2pm and 9pm and as well as exploring the shops, there will be plenty of other fun festive activities too.

Parked up on Regent Street will be three vintage red buses with a different surprise in each.

In one will be The Spirit of Christmas Selfie Station where there will be an ‘Instagrammable’ selfie spot on the top deck with the backdrop of the iconic angel light displays.

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On another vintage bus will be a disco from ‘Choose Love’ where you can enjoy a boogie under flashing lights.

There will also be live music from choirs and DJs who bring the festive cheer.

Then make sure to check out The Gift Wrap and Festive Crafts Bus where you’ll find all sorts from wreath making or children’s Christmas crafting – you might have to book in advance for some so head here for more info.

If you’ve bought some gifts from the shops along Regent Street, take them onto the bus and take advantage of the free wrapping station.

Just show the receipt from a Regent Street or St James’s store and leave with a perfectly wrapped present.

This is the first time since 2020 that the busy shopping street has closed for a Christmas shopping afternoon.

Some of your favourite shops are holding special offers too – at NEOM you can have a go on the spin-to-win wheel.

If you land on the right spot, you’ll get your hands on some goodies and enjoy a complimentary travel candle (with any £20 purchase).

Marc Jacobs are having an exclusive in their shop with a DJ set and drinks.

66°North are giving out drinks to customers and if you choose to dine at Ziggy Green – the Soho Saint Brass Band will be playing in the background.

Or head over to Bentley’s where there will be Christmas carols on the terrace which you can listen to while sipping on mulled wine or having oysters – which you can also take away.

For Christmas, The Choose love Shop will return to Regent Street as part of the charity’s 10^th birthday.

Free gift wrapping will also be available in-store on December 11, 14, 20 – all that’s needed is a valid receipt from a shop in Regent Street or St James’s.

While this experience is just for one day, the road in the West End that runs between Piccadilly Circus and St James’s Park.

As part of the proposal, Regent Street St James would be prioritised for pedestrians, and Haymarket would become a two-way street for motors.

Some surrounding side streets would be restricted for vehicles too in order to make space for pedestrians, and possibly outdoor cafes too.

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It will introduce safer cycling routes, better pedestrian crossings and the removal of the central island on Regent Street itself.

Other areas that could become car-free include Oxford Street and Camden.

Here’s what you’ll find at Winter Wonderland this year…

Winter Wonderland in London – which was recently named the UK’s best Christmas market – will launch on November 14 and run for six weeks until January 1.

Santa Land has been revamped this year with a new interactive Elves Workshop experience.

Visitors can play puzzles, spin giant cogs and help the elves bring Santa’s toys to life. Families can also uncover hidden treasures and get Santa’s autograph.

Part of the revamped Santa Land will also be a free Santa’s Grotto experience.

Visitors will head off on a journey through the new Elves Workshop and see Mrs Claus before meeting the big man himself.

Completely new for this year is the world’s first street food market just for kids.

Known as Jingle Bell Bistro, inside elves have collected the top foodie finds from across the globe for kids to enjoy.

Whilst the Magical Ice Kingdom is nothing new, it will have a new theme this year – ‘A Mystical, Mythical Fantasy World’.

Visitors will be able to adventure through the Four Realms of Earth, Fire, Air and Water, which will all be made from 500 tonnes of snow and ice by sculptors from the UK and Belgium.

The Magical Ice Kingdom is rather chilly at -10C and it is one of Europe‘s largest ice attractions.

Over in the much-loved Bavarian Village – where there is usually live music, traditional German food and mulled wine – there will be a new Apres-Ski themed village.

Here visitors will be able to grab a festive-themed drink, bratwursts and enjoy live DJ sets.

The iconic Luminarie light arches were introduced to Winter Wonderland back in 2015, but this year will feature a new extension with an additional 50,260 LED bulbs.

It will also feature a market selling unique and traditional festive gifts.

This year the award-winning Cirque Berserk will return with their “most thrilling exclusive show yet” called Ignite.

It will include a number of daredevil performers, including motorbike stunts and fire acts.

In ten years of parenting, this is the most epic, and extravagant, Christmas attraction I’ve ever been to, writes Dianne Bourne

Parents were sent into a frenzy when Lapland UK announced it was opening a second location. The original Ascot site has been visited by thousands of families over 19 years and I’ve seen the rave reviews and photos year after year from those lucky enough to get a ticket.

When tickets went on sale for the new Manchester site earlier this year they swiftly all sold out even with the eye-watering price tag of £65-£155 per person, with both adults and children paying the same price.

Since opening last week in the grounds of Capesthorne Hall near Macclesfield, Cheshire, it’s been a bit of a baptism of fire for organisers. On the first preview days some slightly negative reviews started to appear on Lapland Manchester fan groups then on Friday Storm Claudia hit and the event had to be stopped, with families evacuated from the site. So it was with a bit of trepidation that I headed along on Sunday on a pre-planned press visit with my two children, 10 and 5, wondering quite what was in store for us.

Thankfully the storm had passed and it was a lovely tranquil, if rather cold, morning when we headed to the attraction. One of the main differences of the Cheshire site to Ascot is that it is all under cover rather than with open woodland areas, but the first thing I’d say is you still definitely need your winter coats on.

We found it really chilly on both the walk over and through a lot of the walkways inside, where I think the temperature is purposefully set to be cold to give the ambiance of a real-life snowy Lapland. But the benefit of being inside is no need to worry about rain or mud.

Once inside though, you cannot fail to be swept away by the festive magic that unfolds.

And many signs on the way encourage you to leave any grouchiness at the door with the “Strictly No Grump-a-Lumps” signs that amused us all on the way in. From the moment we checked in at the departure lounge, collecting the kids’ “Elven Passports”, it really is like being transported to another world.

It feels like a traditional Christmas show at the start of the day as you are introduced into the Lapland world by the colourful cast of Elves, with children (and parents) encouraged to use the “cheery-hi” greeting of fingers waggling on your nose – this will come in handy to greet any of the Elven folk throughout the adventure.

It’s then through to a vast magical woodland that will take your breath away. If you don’t want any spoilers about what happens next, then I’d probably look away now. From this point, the families in your time slot will then split into two groups, to head to the more interactive elements of the day.

We all gazed in wonder as we entered the huge Toy Factory, a spectacular space complete with magic wishing jars and festooned with toys.

Here, children get to help the elves make some toys – an adorable polar bear that they then get to take over to a conveyor belt to help Father Christmas out, which was a truly enchanting experience.

It’s then on to Mother Christmas’ kitchen where kids get to decorate their own gingerbread house, again an activity that my two boys absolutely loved.

What follows is an adventure into the vast Elven Village, where you have 90 minutes to spend between ice skating, writing a letter to Father Christmas, a range of hot food and drinks and browsing the assorted Lapland shops.

The finale of the day is walking through the Reindeer Lodge before the big one – a meeting with Father Christmas. Here at Lapland the bearded one seems to know an awful lot about your kids (if you know you know), checks if they’re on the Good List and is happy to pose for loads of photos.

You can choose one souvenir photo to take away from the day included in the price – or you can opt to pay for more of these on your way out if you wish. There’s really no doubting this is the most epic, and extravagant, Christmas attraction I’ve ever been to in terms of scale and attention to detail.

And that’s from a mum who has spent ten years trudging around all sorts of festive events, lights, grottos, Christmas farms and Santa adventures with my kids.

The Lapland Manchester experience takes 4.5 hours in total, so you also need to be prepared for a full-on festive day out. As this was our first time there are some things I’d wished I’d done a bit differently, so below are some of our tips and advice from navigating it all.

But remember, most importantly of all, if you are one of those lucky enough to have secured a ticket, you’re in for one heck of a festive time.

Get there early

On your booking confirmation it recommends arriving 45 minutes early. By that, we thought that meant to arrive in the car park 45 minutes early.

Realistically though you want to be at the entrance itself 45 minutes before your allocated time slot, so we didn’t factor in the ten minute walk from the car park to the magical entrance itself, so I’d suggest arriving at the car park an hour early.

It’s a lovely walk though through woodland and past the splendid Capesthorne Hall though, so especially if it’s a nice day, you might want to take your time.

But what it all meant was, due to queuing to the departure desks at the start, we had barely five minutes in the marketplace (not enough time to get a coffee much to my despair) before we were called in to start at 11.20am. Nor did we have time to look in the first shop.

In hindsight, we could have actually stayed in the coffee queue for a bit longer, as the main show didn’t really start until 11.25am, but we didn’t want to miss our slot so went straight in.

Be prepared for the walking

This is a HUGE attraction spread out across acres and acres of the Capesthorne Estate. And that means there is a lot of walking involved. Sparkly, tree-lined tunnels connect all the different areas which we found fun to walk through, but that’s because my two kids are now fully mobile and able to run off without my assistance.

I know that if you’re still parenting in the toddler stage it may become more of an issue walking with lots of bags and prams etc over the distances involved. Don’t worry about mud though – inside the venue is all undercover, and outside the car park itself is all completely boarded and the path to the entrance is all wood-chipped so it’s a really good route.

Be prepared for lots of questions from your kids

As the whole thing is billed as LaplandUK, and with the intricacy of the invites and Elven Passports etc, I know that many parents treat this experience as if you’re really going through a magical portal to Lapland itself. Some folk even freeze the invites to present to their kids on the day of the event.

But if you’re going to this level of planning, then prepare to have inquisitive kids batter you with a barrage of questions – and what to answer them with. From my two kids I had the likes of “Is this indoors or outdoors?” “Why is there a roof on?” “Are they real elves?” “Are they real reindeer?” “Is this real Lapland?” “What’s in that bag, is it for me?”

Oh and the piece de resistance at the end of it all: “Mum, why is it light outside when it was dark in there? Which is real?”

The number of people in your session

I didn’t know what to expect on this front, although seeing other Facebook posts did prepare me a bit. I thought we’d be in fairly small groups, but in our time session of 11.30am I counted around 200 people. That is split into two groups, so you’re either Team Husky or Team Little Rudi.

For the start you are all together, but then each group splits so you have around 100 people in each themed interactive area, like the Gingerbread making. It sounds like a lot of people, but actually it’s so well organised, it’s not like you’re fighting over seats or anything – there are enough for everybody. But what it does mean is that inevitably you will have to queue for a little bit going in and out of each zone.

If you’re not a fan of a queue, my advice as a parent would be to eye up where the next doorway is when you enter a zone, and then find the seats closest to it. This helps in getting into the next zone more quickly if you don’t feel you want to be queuing.

The biggest queue we saw on the day was for the ice skating rink – although we managed to avoid this by heading straight to this area when we first entered the Elven Village.

When we eventually slid off the rink around a half an hour later into our session, the queue was quite long we noticed.

If there’s more than one adult in your group, my advice would be to get one to queue for skating while the rest of the group go and do other activities so as not to squander time in this area.

The food and drink

I’ve seen many people on Facebook groups saying they prefer not to eat and drink while inside the event to try and save on time (and money), and now that I’ve been for myself I can understand what they mean.

If I did the experience again, I would definitely take food and drink in with me for the kids to eat – especially as our time slot ran straight over lunchtime starting at 11.30am.

We didn’t get through to the Elven Village, where the main food and drink area is, until 1.30pm, by which point the kids were really hungry.

But this is also where we wanted to do the most activities, so it ended up being a bit of a hectic run-around with the kids staying with their dad to do the letter to Santa, while I ran over to the food stations to order food for everybody.

The other thing, of course, is the prices. We ended up spending £80 on hot food and drink in this section.

I made the mistake of buying two of the colourful marshmallow lollies for the kids without asking their price first, and couldn’t quite believe it when I checked the receipt afterwards and found they were £6 each. Even worse, we dropped one, so that was £6 straight down the drain.

The hot food we had though was pretty delicious. We had a smash burger on a pretzel bun that was massive (£13) a tasty pepperoni pizza (£13) and a hot dog and chips from the Small Folk Menu (£10 which includes drink and side).

Oh and the Lapland Hot Chocolate is worth every penny of the £6 – trust me on that one.

As you might be able to tell, there was not much in the way of healthy options, aside from apple slices which you can order as a side for kids.

However, what I would say is that everything was served up very quickly and there was loads of seating for families.

What do you get for your money?

On the date we went, the tickets were £105 each (that’s for adults and children alike). So there’s no getting away from the fact that for a family of four, you’re looking at shelling out a lot of money for this attraction.

For me, I was keen to see what you get for that kind of money and whether it represents value for money. What I would say is that when you break down everything you experience during the day, and how much you would usually spend for things like skating for a family on a day out, you can start to see why the price tag is what it is.

Essentially you get a Christmas show, skating, gingerbread making, meeting Santa, a cuddly toy for the kids and an extra surprise that parents get to take home at the end too (no spoilers) as well as one free souvenir photo in a presentation booklet.

Sadly, parents don’t get to partake of activities like toy-making or getting a toy from santa, but you do get to watch the joy on your child’s face so it depends what kind of price tag you put on that.

Ultimately, it’s an experience you either buy into or you don’t. In for a penny, in for a pound and all that.

What else can you buy?

Apart from food and drinks, there are lots of shops dotted around the Lapland Manchester experience – at the start, in the Elven Village, and one you can’t avoid that you walk through at the end to get out.

You can buy “Jingles” which are gold coins in a pouch for your kids at the start which they can then use to buy treats in the shops, but we didn’t have time to do this.

But basically 1 Jingle equals 1 pound and you can buy everything on cards throughout the day if you don’t have the Jingles.

You can buy everything from Christmas baubles (from around £5) to cuddly toys (from around £10) and outfits for the husky every child gets (from £15).

You get one official photo free, and then you have to buy any extras – we ended up buying the all-inclusive photo package for £40 which meant we got all 10 photos taken during the day as prints, as well as the full digital package.

This was the only thing I purchased on the day aside from food and drink, as I kept telling the kids “you’ve already got your present from Father Christmas” and miraculously this seemed to work.

The kid verdict

My ten-year-old and five-year-old as you might imagine were pretty impressed with it all.

It was my youngest child’s first time ice skating which he absolutely adored, and both kids were made up with their presents from Father Christmas.

“I want to go back”, summed up the eldest. He might want to start saving up now is my thought!

I visited the UK’s most popular Christmas Market to see if it was better than Edinburgh’s – and I was not disappointed

For me, Christmas has always been about beach barbecues as summer kicks off, sun-drenched mornings around the tree and barefoot garden parties. However, since relocating to London from New Zealand last year, I’ve been attempting to embrace the winter Christmas spirit.

Last year, I experienced my first-ever winter Christmas Market in Edinburgh, and it wasn’t quite my cup of tea. I believe in giving everything a second chance, so this year I returned to the markets – but with a twist.

Instead of braving the crowds at Edinburgh’s market, I ventured to Manchester. My visit happened to coincide with Manchester’s market being crowned the best in the UK by both Time Out and holiday gurus at Christmas Tree World – and I can understand why.

The day I visited, the sun was out and the markets were teeming with activity. I opted to visit the market in Albert Square, but if you’re keen to explore Manchester’s markets, they are dotted throughout the city, reports the Express.

The one in Albert Square boasted a helter skelter and a Ferris wheel, but I had a single-minded mission: I was after a Yorkshire pudding wrap.

My boyfriend was busy expressing his doubts that I would find one because it didn’t seem particularly Christmassy, but as we turned a corner, I spotted a sign selling exactly what I was craving.

I opted to have my wrap served in a bowl, selecting pork as my protein. It cost me £11 and the portion was absolutely enormous.

It was precisely what I craved, the meat was beautifully seasoned, all the accompaniments were cooked to perfection, and the gravy was thick, rich and salty – exactly how I like it.

Despite how tasty it was, the serving was so substantial that I genuinely couldn’t manage it all, much to my embarrassment.

Next on my list was another first: mulled wine. At the Edinburgh Market last year I sampled a mulled cider and thoroughly disliked it so this was somewhat nerve-wracking.

I selected an apple and blackberry mulled wine, which I believed was £6.50 but ended up setting me back £10 because I had overlooked the “mug deposit” fee of £3.50.

Fortunately, this was absolutely worth the confusion because, unlike my previous mulled alcoholic drink, this one was completely delicious. It tasted somewhat like hot Ribena, which I adore anyway and warmed me straight through.

It felt like the ideal beverage for enjoying beside the fire as the rain hammered down outside. I was a massive fan; though, I am still awaiting my refund for returning my mug to the stall.

My final experience at the Manchester Christmas Market was a crumble. I spent £8 for an apple and cinnamon crumble with vanilla custard, and whilst it wasn’t the finest I have ever tasted in my life, it was sweet, delicious and satisfied me perfectly.

In my view, the Manchester Market completely outshines Edinburgh. Despite being bustling and lively, I could still navigate through it easily and never had to queue for more than five minutes for anything.

Moreover, the food was superior, and all the stalls were manned by friendly, cheerful staff. I left feeling energised and eager for Christmas – and I strongly suggest anyone in the vicinity give it a visit.

The UK’s Christmas markets are back and bigger than ever, with a huge variety of food and drink on offer – but Christopher Megrath made a mistake with during his first visit

The Liverpool Christmas Markets are in full swing, with a tantalising array of mouth-watering scents wafting through St George’s Plateau.

The North West city’s festive fair has been named one of the nine best in the country this year, following a poll of Which? readers. It outperformed its larger sibling market in Manchester.

Clarke Events, the masterminds behind the markets, have hinted that this could be the “best year yet”, and they might just be right. The annual market attracts thousands of visitors each year, and with the event running until Christmas Eve, there’s ample time for shoppers to pop by and soak up the festive vibes.

Since relocating from Church Street in 2016, the markets have found a successful home at St George’s Plateau. Christopher was among the first wave of visitors when the gates opened this morning and was instantly spoilt for choice.

In a moment of gastronomic folly shortly after arriving at the Liverpool market, Reach’s Christopher Megrath made a beeline for one of the most ostentatious food trucks in sight – a decision he would soon rue.

Nestled towards the back of the plateau, near St John’s Gardens, is the festive pie truck. With four fillings on offer and all the trimmings, it was Christopher’s first port of call on this culinary Christmas journey.

Christopher was warmly welcomed by two delightful staff members who good-naturedly ribbed him for ordering at the wrong side. The ensuing chat was a surprisingly pleasant exchange he hadn’t anticipated over a pie, reports the Liverpool Echo.

On offer were beef, ham and vegetable pies, but Christopher opted for turkey with all the trimmings, smothered in gravy. For those wanting a bit more, apple sauce and cranberry are also available.

After bidding goodbye to the traders, Christopher found the most inviting patch of damp ground to sit and tuck into his meal.

Christopher’s cardboard pot was filled with a turkey pie, two pigs in blankets, a couple of carrots and Brussels sprouts, a dollop of mashed potato and stuffing, all smothered in just the right amount of gravy, setting him back £13.

The filling was predominantly vegetables, including cabbage, turnip and even more Brussels sprouts, interspersed with a few chunks of turkey. The crust was a bit on the tough side for his liking, but the filling was scrumptious.

It took him about five minutes to polish off the lot, ensuring not a drop of gravy was wasted.

Overall, Christopher relished the meal, but quickly realised that starting his market visit with a makeshift roast on-the-go was a terrible idea. He spent another hour meandering around the grounds, sampling light bites and sweet treats, but the festive pie had done him in.

Christopher was delightfully stuffed.

If you want to keep your energy levels up for the rest of the evening, Christopher would recommend visiting the truck at the end of your journey. Christopher felt like taking a nap afterwards. Do make sure to sample a bit of everything, as the variety on offer is truly splendid, he explained.

Liverpool Christmas Market is also set to tantalise taste buds with a vast array of international flavours. Regular favourites will include Yorkshire pudding wraps, bratwurst, noodles, salt and pepper chicken, halloumi, Greek gyros and souvlaki, roast pork baps, mac n cheese, burgers, siu mai, donuts, waffles, crepes, fudge, sweets, home bakes and hot crumble pudding.

For those with a sweet tooth, there’ll be brownies, cookies, hot cookie dough, candy floss, popcorn, toasted marshmallows, fresh baked macaroons, churros, candy and hot roasted chestnuts. A full list of traders and prices can be found here.

We’re dreaming of a white Christmas… and there’s a UK city with one of the best seasonal markets, which is expected to get snow this year, for the enchanting backdrop we envision each year

With the festive season approaching, many of us will be longing for a classic white Christmas, for the ultimate Hallmark movie backdrop. Fortunately, there’s one city with the top-rated Christmas market in the UK that is forecast to welcome snow during the holiday season.

Edinburgh has been highlighted as the only UK destination on a list of European Christmas markets most likely to be dusted with snow this season. The renowned Christmas market, which adorns East Princes Street Gardens, has joined a list of more than 30 European countries expected to offer visitors that authentic and sought-after white Christmas.

To compile the results, Omio, a leading multi-modal travel booking platform, gathered weather data for 51 European Christmas market locations in November and December, and calculated the average lowest temperature from this data. Omio identified which markets are most likely to be chilled by temperatures of 2°C or below, resulting in a higher likelihood of snowfall during the last two months of the year, and, ultimately, when the Christmas markets are open. The data was sourced from NOAA.

READ MORE: The best 9 UK Christmas markets named – with 4 places completely overlookedREAD MORE: Magical market town surrounded by mountains and islands voted best place to live

However, a cold snap expected in the UK this week could prove the study wrong. Snow is forecast in parts of the North East and North West, meaning highly ranked Christmas market cities such as Chester, Liverpool, York and Durham could get a dusting.

Already one of the UK’s most picturesque cities, Edinburgh is famed for its Christmas market, which runs from 15 November to 4 January this year. Among the quaint huts packed with festive gifts and snug stocking fillers, you’ll find international foods such as German sausages and crepes, as well as a warming cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine.

The market also boasts a mini-funfair with a helter-skelter, swing carousel that almost brushes the Gothic Scott Monument, and a big wheel providing a view of Edinburgh’s imposing medieval castle and ancient hill, Arthur’s Seat. So, the thought of wandering around the Edinburgh Christmas market, adorned with charming wooden chalets, in a flurry of snow, is enough to entice anyone to the Scottish capital.

But if you needed another excuse to visit, Edinburgh was also ranked among the top nine UK Christmas markets to visit this year, following extensive research from Which? in its annual tradition. In addition to its hugely popular Christmas market, Edinburgh is also famous for hosting one of the UK’s most famous New Year’s Eve (Hogmanay) celebrations.

So with hundreds of Christmas markets dotted across the UK and Europe, this just might be the best spot in the UK to visit during the festive season. Plus, visitors can take in the city’s allure even further with a leisurely walk around the winter gardens, a glide around the ice rink, or by exploring the New Town for more retail therapy in the city.

However, if you’re looking to venture a little further afield, there are more than 30 other European Christmas markets predicted to welcome snow this year, according to Omio.

European Christmas markets expecting snow

• Christmas Village, Rovaniemi, Finland
• Christmas Market at Senate Square, Helsinki, Finland
• Christmas Markets at Market Square, Turku, Finland
• Christmas Market at Main Market Square, Kraków, Poland
• Old Town Christmas Market, Innsbruck, Austria
• Advent Market at Hauptplatz, Graz, Austria
• Christmas Markets at Náměstí Svobody, Brno, Czech Republic
• Christkindlmarkt at Domplatz, Salzburg, Austria
• Advent Feast at the Great Forest, Debrecen, Hungary
• Christmas Market at Rynek, Wrocław, Poland
• Christmas Markets at Hlavná ulica, Košice, Slovakia
• Christkindlesmarkt at Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany
• Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz, Munich, Germany
• Skansen Christmas Market, Stockholm, Sweden
• Christmas Markets in Old Town, Colmar, France
• Christmas Market at Targ Węglowy, Gdańsk, Poland
• Marché de Noël at Parc des Bastions, Geneva, Switzerland
• Christmas Market at Den Gamle By, Aarhus, Denmark
• H.C. Andersen Christmas Market, Odense, Denmark
• Christkindelsmärik at Place Kléber, Strasbourg, France
• Marché de Noël at Place Saint-Louis, Metz, France
• Striezelmarkt at Altmarkt, Dresden, Germany
• Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market, Berlin, Germany
• Liseberg Christmas Market, Gothenburg, Sweden
• Christmas Market at Gustav Adolfs Torg, Malmö, Sweden
• Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic
• Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square, Budapest, Hungary
• Christmas Markets in Caves, Valkenburg, Netherlands
• Christmas Markets at Hlavné námestie, Bratislava, Slovakia
• Christkindlmarkt at Main Train Station, Zurich, Switzerland
• Weihnachtsmarkt at Barfüsserplatz, Basel, Switzerland
• Christmas Market at East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, UK

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I can’t name a single song by the Jonas Brothers, but I can tell you their names — Joe, Kevin and Nick — and that they made a sitcom, “Jonas” (second season titled “Jonas L.A.”), back in 2009 that I liked a lot. The memory of that show was enough to get me kind of excited for “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie,” premiering Friday on Disney+ — which, as it happens, I also like. The humor is self-deprecating, the setting international, the weather wintry, the company good.

The plot, which is basically “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” minus Steve Martin, John Candy and Thanksgiving, plus the Jonas Brothers, Christmas and magic, finds the boys — are they boys or are they men, it’s a point of discussion — in London, a few days before Christmas on the last night of a six-month tour. While they are good at being the capital-B Jonas Brothers onstage facing screaming thousands, they are less adept at being the small-b brothers after the curtain comes down. Their relationship seems pretty normal to me, but to each his own necessity.

Here they delineate their characters.

Joe (to Nick): You’re the uptight responsible one.

Kevin (to Joe): You’re the relatable tramp. I’m the relatable —

Nick: — human cardboard.

Joe: — forgettable Curly.

Nick: — the world’s most unlikely rock star.

Joe: Not Nick or Joe.

Kevin: I was going to say “handsome, relatable everyman,” but fine.

Anyway! The tour is over and the relatable tramp wants to go out and party, suggesting it could be epic. “We are three extremely exhausted dads in our 30s,” replies the uptight one, “how epic could it be?” And so, while his siblings FaceTime with their IRL families, Joe finds himself on a British barstool — a pubstool — beside a bearded stranger in a red leather jacket. You will recognize the actor as Jesse Tyler Ferguson and the character as St. Nick, barely disguised. Touched by Joe’s story of sibling alienation — “Our Christmas plans are to get the hell away from each other” — Santa works his wonders to keep them together until they get their brotherly magic back. For a start, he sends lightning to blow up the plane they’re scheduled to fly home on. (No one was aboard, we assume.)

“We should be able to function in the real world,” says Nick to Joe, who is about to phone their manager (Randall Park) to fix things.

“That would be ideal,” replies Joe, “but we’ve been famous since we were little kids, so it is what it is.”

Further supernatural complications ensue, allowing Joe to have a “Before Sunrise” episode with childhood friend Lucy (Chloe Bennet), cute-met on a train that should be going to Paris but is headed to Amsterdam, and Nick to hate-duet with frenemy Ethan (Andrew Barth Feldman), whose father he played in a fictional version of “Home Alone: The Musical” (“Being home alone / It’s like being with no / With no people”). Other talents swelling the ranks: Laverne Cox as their agent; Billie Lourd as travel agent Cassidy; Will Ferrell as Will Ferrell, No.1 Jonas fan; and Andrea Martin as a rideshare driver.

The songs feel mechanical — easy on the auto-tune, fellas, I’ve seen your Tiny Desk concert and you don’t need it — though the accompanying production numbers are fun. (You knew there would be production numbers.) But like the Beatles and Monkees before them, the brothers are natural, genuine actors; it’s my own Christmas wish that they find more to do in this line. A little breeze would blow the plot away, but keep the windows shut and you’ll be fine.