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WHEN there’s no snow anywhere else, there’s still a bit of powder in Obertauern.

This tiny Alpine town has more snow than anywhere else in Austria, and its season lasts from November until May.

So it’s no wonder when The Beatles were looking for a snow-sure location to film scenes for their 1965 movie Help! they opted for the once-unknown village 56 miles from Salzburg.

Body doubles were hired to perform the band’s action shots on skis — and Paul McCartney’s stand-in still lives here today.

This year marks the 60th year since the filming took place — transforming a previously quiet mountain village into the centre of pop culture for a few unforgettable days.

The global attention sparked by the Fab Four’s visit marked a turning point for Obertauern.

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Beatles fans still make pilgrimages to the village, and scattered throughout the village are three monuments to commemorate the band.

And if, like The Beatles, you aren’t much of a skier, you can still catch a gondola to the peaks to enjoy the restaurants, with deckchairs overlooking the mountains.

But, of course, Obertauern is all about the snow, which reaches a maximum depth of 8½ft.

In the evenings, I’d watch snowfall from the cosy window seat in my room at Kesselspitze Chalet & Hotel, on the edge of town.

It fell so heavily I couldn’t see beyond it — not lights in the windows of nearby buildings, nor the mountains behind. It was everything a winter wonderland should be.

I hadn’t skied for a while, so I booked beginners lessons, and it is true what they say about teachers — the good ones make a massive difference. Mine made it look a doddle.

I may have stuck to safety on the nursery slopes while I practised my turns, but my classmates got the hang of it in no time.

Leg massage

It meant they could graduate to tougher challenges on the blue, red and black routes, including the Gamsleiten 2 — a scary 45- degree ski-run.

Back in town, the Eurobeat was booming in the apres-ski bars.

Still in full gear with skis parked against railings, people downed beers, wine and cocktails while they stomped to the beat.

A pint of beer costs an average of €6 while a glass of good Austrian wine is around €4.30.

If you’re not partying or skiing, there are shops to browse, plus restaurants and cafes to enjoy.

A highlight of the trip for me, however, was the hotel and its facilities.

The 4*+ Kesselspitze is one of three in the town owned by Croatia-based Valamar.

It is everything I expected from an Alpine hotel: Lots of wood, stone and rich colours, with a real fire in the bar, while the decor in my room was luxurious yet homely.

The food, a combination of help-yourself buffet and a la carte, was amazing, and there was so much of it that I always felt well-fuelled before and after hitting the slopes.

I loved the hotel’s Balance Spa. Tired and aching, I recuperated in the sauna, steam room and Finnish sauna (much hotter) and booked in for a leg massage to soothe my throbbing calves.

There’s something spectacular about relaxing in an outdoor Jacuzzi while it is snowing — the heat of the bubbles clashing with the cold, and the mountains right in front of you.

It is the perfect way to soak away any aches and pains, ready for another day on the slopes.

ONE small village around an hour from Nice transforms into an open-air Christmas scene in the wintertime.

It has the most amount of nativity scenes in France with a dedicated trail to see them all – and it draws in thousands of visitors from around the world.

The medieval village is called Lucéram which is just 15 miles from the coast, but sits up on a rocky hilltop in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region – and it has a reputation for Christmas decorations.

Every year the locals set up around 500 nativity scenes, or as they’re known in French, crèches – this is the most of any place in the country.

Across the village are model replicas of the nativity set around the cobbled streets, at churches, schools, barns and even in the village bread oven.

They can range from miniature scenes on window ledges to life-size displays.

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The traditional nativity trail is called Circuit des Crèches, it has been running for nearly two decades and is completely free.

The trail is open every day from 10am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 5.30pm, with afternoon-only opening on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

This year Lucéram even has a nighttime candlelit trail on Friday 19 December.

And there are two Christmas markets on two Sundays – December 14 and 21.

If you want a glimpse of the decorations then you’ll want to head out soon as the trail concludes on January 4, 2026.

The village sits on a hilltop and isn’t just pretty thanks to its Christmas scenes.

Lucéram has retained it’s medieval charm with stone houses that have terracotta-tiled roofs and vaulted passageways.

Also in the village are two chapels with impressive wall murals and an old olive oil mill.

Another popular activity is hiking to the nearby Vallée des Merveilles.

Brits can get to Lucéram by flying to Nice, a route which is offered by airlines like British Airways and easyJet.

From there, Lucéram can be reached in under 40 minutes by car or just over an hour on public transport.

This tiny European town is what people describe as a real-life Disney village…

With brightly coloured timber houses and window boxes full of flowers, Riquewihr in France has been compared to villages from Disney films.

Riquewihr is a village in the Alsace region known for having a blend of French and German culture resulting in picture perfect communes.

These have half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and vineyards.

Unlike surrounding towns like Colmar, Riquewihr is much quieter when it comes to high season.

While it doesn’t have the canals that Colmar does, the town of Riquewihr has been called just as beautiful by visitors.

One visitors wrote on Tripadvisor: “This town is so cute you’ll think it was made for a Disney movie. we were here at Christmas and it gets EVEN CUTER with the decorations. you won’t believe it. i think it’s the cutest of all the Alsatian towns.”

Another added: “Picturesque would be an understatement. It’s a fairy tale village that doesn’t seem real.”

You’ll find the town between the Vosges mountains and the Alsatian vineyards, which only adds to its beauty.

For more pretty French villages, this one regularly tops list of France’s most beautiful places thanks to medieval homes, car ban and cute vineyards.

And the world’s most beautiful village is just two hours from the UK – with classic car tours and fairytale lavender fields.

FASHIONISTA Gwen Stefani has shown her fans how to slay Christmas style. 

Gwen, 56, performed in front of a Disneyland castle in a sneak peek of her Christmas Day TV special in a tiny dress and fur.

She was dressed in head-to-toe winter white, including a cropped fur jacket and sky-high platform boots. 

The chic outfit also included a tiny tiered white skirt which exposed itty bitty lace shorts underneath. 

In the post, the crooner told fans to “tune in Christmas morning,” for the Sleeping Beauty’s Castle for Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade.

Fans expressed their excitement for the Christmas concert in the comments on Instagram. 

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“I absolutely can’t wait to watch your performance, Gwen! Also you look like a gorgeous Disney princess,” one commenter wrote. 

“Yay, cannot wait for your performance of my all-time favorite version of “White Christmas!” another fan commented. 

A third fan stated, “You are stunning. How don’t you age!?”

The concert, which will play on ABC, Disney+, and Hulu, is slated for performances by Coco Jones, Bebe Rexha, and Nicole Scherzinger. 

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The parade will be hosted by Dancing with the Stars alum Alfonso Ribeiro and Ginnifer Goodwin, with Maia Kealoha serving as parade correspondent. 

HAPPY MARRIAGE?

Gwen fans recently suspected relationship challenges with her 49-year-old husband, Blake Shelton.

Their marriage was called into question ever since Blake released a cryptic breakup song entitled Hang On earlier this year.

Rumors ran rampant when they didn’t attend the CMA Awards in 2025, even though Blake received a nomination.

Days later, Gwen posted a photo on her Instagram Story where she received a sweet kiss from Blake – indicating all was well.

A source close to the couple told The U.S. Sun: “They’ve gone through real challenges, nothing manufactured.”  

“There were times when the tension was high enough that people close to them quietly wondered if the relationship could take the strain.

But the source insisted that Gwen and Blake are committed to making their marriage work: “They showed up for each other instead of checking out.”

HELEN Flanagan offered up some festive sizzle for her Instagram fans as she stripped to a plunging bra, thong and suspender stockings.

The former Coronation Street actress, 35, flashed a smile while modelling her racy black and red lace lingerie which clung to her curves.

She opted for high-waisted knickers with lace up detail and sexy semi-sheer tights from Ann Summers for her at-home photoshoot.

Ever the stylish star, mum of three Helen perfectly matched her red lippie to the shade of her garments and styled her platinum blonde hair into a bouncy blow dry.

For one snap she posed on a grey sofa positioned next to a Christmas wreath spiralled around a staircase.

The ITV actress then stood for a full-length snap before sprawling around under a pretty white tree.

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CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS

Helen Flanagan strips to plunging red lingerie and flashes bum in thong

Other images saw her perched on her staircase while her final saucy snap captured her from behind, giving a glimpse of her derriere as she walked up the stairs.

In her caption, the Rosie Webster actress joked: “On the naughty list.”

A fan then wrote: “Dream woman,” as another gushed: “Just fabulous.”

A third posted: “Wow Helen you look absolutely incredible.”

The beauty, who will soon be back on screen after The Sun exclusively revealed she had signed up for Ex On The Beach, 

The snaps came after she recently posed in a plunging black corset after her new telly role came to light.

Last week, she also stripped to further festive lingerie – and clapped back at trolls who slammed her saucy snaps.

SCREEN RETURN

The star recently took a swipe at her ex Scott Sinclair, a former footballer with whom she shares her children.

The TV star who split from the sports star in 2022, has continued to co-parent their brood, and took a dig at him in reference to their arrangement.

And she may well spill more secrets on their tricky relationship after signing up to wild MTV series, Ex On The Beach.

Coronation Street’s 2024 shock exits

Corrie has said goodbye to several cast members this year. Let’s break down who’s left the famous soap:

Eliza Woodrow (Savannah Kunyo) has said farewell to Corrie to start a new life in Germany.

The youngster moved to live with her dad Dom Everett, who went back on the £10,000 bribe Eliza’s grandfather Stu had offered to keep him out of her life.

Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) will bow out of the soap this summer when he loses his fight with motor neurone disease (MND) in tragic scenes.

After being diagnosed last year, the fan favourite was devastated to learn he only had months left to live.

Viewers know he is planning to take his own life to end his suffering.

Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) departed the cobbles after being offered the opportunity of a lifetime to study in America.

Though she struggled to decide with her stepdad Paul’s impending death from MND, she was convinced she had to live her life to the full.

Simon Barlow (Alex Bain) has struggled with the sudden departure of his father Peter from the cobbles.

The Weatherfield legend left his family and loved ones behind on Boxing Day, 2023, when his wife Carla Connor encouraged him to travel around the world with a friend.

Simon’s been on a downward spiral ever since and his exit could end in tragedy.

Alya Nazir is set to leave the cobbles as actress Sair Khan prepares to go on maternity leave ahead of the birth of her first child.

It looks likely she’ll be heading to Dublin after securing a lucrative new job, leaving her colleague and fling Adam Barlow behind.

Show stalwart Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen Grimshaw, is taking a break to star in the Sister Act The Musical UK tour. She will be back filming in May once her dates on the tour come to an end.

Her character left the Street after her son Jason broke his back after falling off a moped in Asia.

Sources have told us she is planning on causing fireworks with her stint on the show.

She has been single since splitting with her boyfriend Robbie Talbot in May.

A source said: “Helen was so excited to take part on Celebrity Ex On The Beach.

“She is a massive signing for MTV and they know what she can bring to the table.

“Helen is sexy, feisty, and won’t hold back on the show and she wants to cause some fireworks.

“This is a big show for her because it’s opening her up to a whole new audience who might not be familiar with what she’s done before.

“Helen is going to give Ex On The Beach her all and is out there now filming for the show.”

The Sun previously revealed Towie star Ella Rae Wise and Love Islander Anton Danyluk were taking part.

Helen, who has also previously appeared on I’m A Celebrity and Celebrity Super Spa, was last on screen on Celebs Go Dating last year.

She exclusively told The Sun she was “ready” for a Corrie comeback too – but bosses haven’t called.

HEIDI Klum turned up the heat as she stripped topless and soaked up the sunshine by a pool.

The German supermodel, 52, looked blissfully happy as she closed her eyes and raised her head towards the sun while lying on her front on a towel.

She left her blonde hair in loose waves framing her face and went make-up free as she captured her chill time in a short video posted to Instagram.

Heidi, who was fresh from her role as a World Cup 2026 Draw Presenter last week, positioned the camera directly under her face at the start of her saucy clip.

At the end of her video, the America’s Got Talent judge gave a cheeky glimpse at her purple bikini bottoms and the pool behind her before she panned the camera back to her face and shook her head.

She captioned it with a bikini, smiling face and sunshine Emoji icons.

Heidi then completed the upload by adding the Mamas and Papas song, Monday Monday in the background.

Over on Reddit, fans were quick to gush over the racy upload.

One wrote: “Still got it.”

Another wrote: “Still fire and sexy.”

The eyebrow-raising clip came after Heidi confused fans last month by posting a video of her feet as she stepped into sky-high heels.

The model is no stranger to daring attire, recently flashing her chest as she posed in a completely see-though dress.

She also stunned as she stripped to a figure-hugging bodysuit for a photoshoot with daughter Leni.

Sadly, the duo have been subject to cruel trolling from online who shamed them for their ultra sexy photoshoots together.

NEW ROLE

Last week, Heidi changed tack and joined forces with Robbie Williams at the World Cup 2026 draw in Washington DC.

Heidi Klum’s Halloweens throughout the years

Supermodel Heidi Klum is known for her extravagant Halloween costumes at her annual party. Here’s a look at her iconic disguises throughout the years:

2000: Dominatrix

2001: Lady Godiva

2002: Betty Boop

2003: Gold alien

2004: Red witch

2005: Vampire

2006: Biblical forbidden apple and snake

2007: Cat

2008: Hindu goddess Kali

2009: Crows with her then-husband Seal

2010: Giant robots with Seal

2011: Realistic apes with Seal

2012: Cleopatra

2013: Old lady

2014: Butterfly

2015: Jessica Rabbit

2016: Heidi Klum clones with five doppelgangers

2017: Werewolf from Michael Jackson’s Thriller music video

2018: Fiona and Shrek with her now-husband Tom Kaulitz

2019: Alien science experiment

2022: Giant worm with Kaulitz as a fisherman

2023: Peacock

She donned two different dresses, switching up from a red sparkling number to a black blouse and diamante skirt.

She hosted the World Cup draw alongside comedian Kevin Hart and actor Danny Ramirez at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC.

And the supermodel, who previously took part in the 2006 tournament draw in her native Germany, was among the first names on the red carpet.

As Heidi switched into a third dress for the actual draw ceremony – this being a glittering gold number – things seemingly went downhill.

The Fifa production of the event featured Heidi and Kevin hosting to a very quiet room.

Both Kevin’s banter, and the jokes Heidi was presenting to him, appeared to fall flat.

Heidi and Kevin were then slammed on social media for what viewers deemed the “horrific and cringe” draw as fans urged the pair to “get on with it.”

Crickhowell in Powys, Wales, has been named as the UK’s Best High Street, and is a place where small businesses thrive and locals are fiercely proud of their town centre

A charming market town boasts one of Britain’s finest independent high streets.

Crickhowell in Wales has earned recognition as a thriving hub for small businesses. The town has claimed the UK’s Best High Street award and bucks the national trend with its well-loved and frequently visited shops. Remarkably, Crickhowell has no vacant units on its High Street, which features family-run establishments that have been in operation for generations.

For those seeking a peaceful pint, The Bear comes highly recommended. This historic pub spans more than six centuries and features a cobbled forecourt with an ancient archway opening onto an interior courtyard. The Good Pub Guide crowned it Inn of the Year in 2010. Though considerably younger, Webbs has been woven into the town’s fabric since 1936. The enterprise began when its founder launched a paraffin delivery service, before transforming into a hardware and ironmongers that steadily grew over the decades into today’s department store. Local commentators describe Webbs as “the grande dame of Crickhowell’s shopping scene.”

The town offers an impressive array of outstanding retailers, including Black Mountains Smokery, Minster Auctions, the award-winning Bacchus Off Licence and Antur Brew, a microbrewery, tap room and bottle shop situated on the Elvicta Estate just outside Crickhowell. In an age where the high street is slowly dying, with chain stores, vape shops and betting outlets increasingly taking over, towns like Crickhowell – where independent businesses genuinely dominate the town centre and are cherished by residents – are becoming increasingly rare.

Do you have recommendations for places you think we should visit? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

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Visit Crickhowell describes what makes the town unique. “Crickhowell High Street is one of the few shopping streets left in the country where local businesses sell local produce and local products. It recalls a long-lost era when all high streets reflected the character of their town and had their own identity. Here you will be welcomed by friendly and knowledgeable shopkeepers who take a real pride in what they sell,” its website states.

The Telegraph recently ranked Crickhowell amongst the top ten high streets in Britain. “Crickhowell is tiny, but you’ll nevertheless stop every few metres to nose around its shops… Locals have staunchly resisted the tidal wave of chains and here the great British high street lives on, with a butcher, baker and a sprinkling of independent shops from delis to art galleries and bookshops. A vision of pastel-painted Georgian loveliness, Crickhowell feels especially festive in the blue of dusk, when there’s a nip in the air and the lights are aglow in its houses and pubs,” the newspaper wrote.

Crickhowell also boasts a rich historical heritage. Crickhowell Castle began as a motte-and-bailey structure, likely constructed in the 12th century, before Sir Grimbald Pauncefote rebuilt it in stone in 1272. Whilst only remnants survive today, the Grade I listed Porth-Mawr two-storey gatehouse remains beautifully preserved and is definitely worth visiting.

These qualities have endeared the town to residents, who shared with WalesOnline why they hold it in such high regard. One local remarked: “It’s no surprise to see Crickhowell on the list, considering the Brecon Beacons town was crowned Best High Street of the Year in 2018.”

The town may be small, but it is mighty. In 2022, there was just one chain shop in the town, with locals preferring to put their money behind local butchers and bakers. Crickhowell spent years attempting to block plans for a Co-op, while locals say that the high street’s late-night shopping is like a street party.

The town’s tourism board promotes Crickhowell as an ideal base for discovering the southern Black Mountains and surrounding areas. Throughout the Christmas period, the town hosts a well-attended late-night shopping evening and festive market, featuring stalls, handcrafted items, presents and live entertainment.