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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.”

WHAT do you get if you cross Dragons’ Den with ice swimming? Frozen assets? It was time to find out . . . 

I was in Oulu, on the north-west coast of Finland, which last year welcomed the return of televised event, Polar Bear Pitching.

Visitors pay to watch up-and-coming entrepreneurs pitch ideas to a row of cash-fuelled investors, just like the BBC show.

Except these hopefuls must do it from a frozen lake, their pitch lasting as long as they can withstand the freezing waters.

It gave me goosebumps, and not just because of the -20°C chill.

I may not have had any start-up ideas to pitch but that didn’t stop me plunging into the chilling waters while I was here.

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The Icebreaker experience is one I’ll never forget.

Dressed in a warm, waterproof bodysuit, I boarded a large boat which slowly made its way across the chilling sea, its hull carving a pathway as it broke through the ice.

We came to a halt and then it was time.

Hurling myself in, I bobbed between huge ice blocks in my floating suit, in awe of my surroundings.

This is an experience that will set you back a fair whack, but it’s absolutely something for the bucket list.

And with so many free things to do in the city, you can save your cash elsewhere.

Oulu is filled with wonderful traditions – so much so it’s been named the European Capital of Culture for 2026.

It’s calmer than Helsinki, with just 215,000 people, but no less fun.

The Frozen People Festival, a drum and bass-filled evening in the Pikisaari district, doesn’t cost a penny.

The event, traditionally held on a frozen lake, will take place on February 28 next year, with DJs, art installations and movies.

Due to climate change, we had to party on firm ground this year, but that didn’t stop me dancing the night away with a local cider in hand as snow fell.

Reindeer stew

Unfortunately, I missed out on the World Air Guitar Championships, a phenomenal spectacle that attracts contestants from all over the globe.

But this free event, held every August in the town’s square, is a fun must-see if you can make it.

With snow on the ground, it seemed only right to celebrate Christmas a little early with a trip to the Arkadia Reindeer Farm where Rudolph and his mates pulled me on a sleigh.

Later, I regressed into a giggling child when feeding them dinner.

Awkwardly, my dinner was a yummy reindeer stew served at the farm’s cosy cabin.

If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can head to the Arctic Foodlab, home to a collection of cafes, bakeries and breweries.

I sampled salmon soup and rossypottu, a potato, smoked pork and blood sausage stew.

Both are local delicacies and great for warming you through.

If you’re still not warm enough, pay a visit to the sauna — you’ll find one in most hotels in the city.

The Finnish proudly enter naked, but my English propriety won out, and I wore a swimsuit. I was willing to try one tradition, though – running out into the snow afterwards.

As I pelted into the powdery white, wearing just my cossie and Doc Martens, something stopped me in my tracks.

A flash of green flickered in the sky and several colours danced between the trees above.

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The final item on my bucket list had just been ticked off — seeing the Northern Lights.

Even the air’s bitter bite couldn’t distract me from that magical sight.

WE’VE all dreamt of having a white Christmas, and there are a number of places within three hours from the UK where it will most likely be snowy this festive period.

Festive films always show snowy destinations with pretty markets and twinkling lights.

And whilst the UK can be very pretty at Christmas, we don’t often get snow.

So here are the top places in Europe you can expect snow this Christmas with flights that take less than or around three hours from the UK.

Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck in Austria is the capital of the Tyrol region and at Christmas transforms into a living fairytale, according to Innsbruck Tourismus.

On November 15, the Old Town and Market Squares launch with oversized fairytale figures lining many of the medieval alleyways.

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At the markets, kids can enjoy a vintage carousel, puppet shows and even a virtual sleigh ride.

Visitors should also visit Wiltener Platzl, where you can experience traditional Tyrolean culture with local food and handmade goods.

Then from November 25, there will be the Maria-Theresien-Strasse Market with lots of stalls selling decorative trinkets and handcrafted gifts.

December temperatures: Highs of 4C and lows of -1C.

Snowfall: The average snowfall in Innsbruck in December is 73cm, with an average base depth of 12cm.

Return flights in December cost as little as £39 per person from Birmingham Airport to Innsbruck and each way takes around two hours.

Salzburg, Austria

The Austrian city of Salzburg sits on the border of Germany and has views of the Eastern Alps.

And over the festive season, the city is home to a brilliant Christmas market.

The Salzburger Christkindlmarkt hosts everything you’d expect of a normal Christmas market and more, including Mozart concerts and a parade.

The market is even one of the oldest in the world and is a great spot to enjoy seasonal foods.

December temperatures: Highs of 5C and lows of -2C.

Snowfall: The average snowfall in Salzburg in December is 8cm.

Return flights in December cost as little as £33 per person from London Stansted to Salzburg and each way takes around two hours.

Tallinn, Estonia

The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, is home to one of Europe‘s oldest Christmas markets which is often compared to Disney fairytale cities.

Located in Old Town’s Town Hall Square, visitors can explore a number of wooden chalets selling gifts and food and see a giant Christmas tree.

For the duration of the market, visitors can also catch a glimpse of street performers, glowing lights and carollers.

Make sure to try some traditional Estonian Christmas food such as blood sausage and roasted potatoes.

December temperatures: Highs of 1C and lows of -5C.

Snowfall: The average snowfall in Tallinn in December is 13.2cm.

Return flights in December cost as little as £35 per person from London Stansted or London Luton to Tallinn and each way takes around two hours and 45 minutes.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Lithuania‘s capital, Vilnius, is full of baroque architecture and has a quaint Old Town.

And when Christmas comes, this area feels like a festive village.

In the Cathedral Square, visitors will find a unique Christmas tree surrounded by a bustling market that includes ice sculptures and folk performances.

Then throughout the town there are light installations to find.

The city is even home to a festive train experience and an ice skating rink by the Town Hall.

December temperatures: Highs of 0C and lows of -4C.

Snowfall: The average snowfall in Vilnius in December is 5.9cm.

Return flights in December cost as little as £49 per person from London Luton to Vilnius and each way takes around two hours and 40 minutes.

Stockholm, Sweden

Over in Sweden, Stockholm features cobblestone streets and grand buildings including a 13th century cathedral.

At Christmas, the city lights up with twinkling lights and cosy markets.

One market, Gamla Stan’s Stortorget square features ice skating and a Julbord, which is a Christmas buffet.

Skansen open-air museum also has a Christmas market with illuminated streets and festive window displays.

The city also hosts a Santa Run, where hundreds of people dress as Santa and go on a run for charity.

December temperatures: Highs of 2C and lows of -1C.

Snowfall: The average snowfall in Stockholm in December is 20.3cm.

Return flights in December cost as little as £42 per person from London Luton to Stockholm and each way takes around two and a half hours.

Chambery, France

In France, you could head to the Alpine town of Chambery, known for its medieval Castle of the Dukes of Savoy.

In the historic town centre, there are a number of family-friendly festive activities and shows to watch.

The town’s ancient streets and squares then come alive with lights and stalls selling handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats such as hot spiced wine.

December temperatures: Highs of 7C and lows of 0C.

Snowfall: The average snowfall in Chambery in December is 3.3cm.

Return flights in December cost as little as £62 per person from Edinburgh to Chambery and each way takes around two hours and 40 minutes.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik sits on the coast of Iceland and is both the country’s capital and largest city.

For festive things to do in the city, head to Reykjavík Northern Lights Market, which is near Grotta Lighthouse.

The market is set in a great spot to catch the Northern Lights whilst also having a wander around a number of stalls selling local crafts and geothermal footbaths.

The market also boasts street food, live storytelling and music by the fire.

Another cosy spot to head to in the city is the Bookstore Bar, which looks like a library on the inside.

December temperatures: Highs of 3C and lows of -2C.

Snowfall: The average snowfall in Reykjavik in December is 5cm.

Return flights in December cost as little as £53 per person from Bristol Airport to Innsbruck and each way takes just under three hours.

Helsinki, Finland

Finland‘s southern capital, Helsinki, is known for its architecture as well as being a business hub.

And at Christmas, the city becomes a wonderland of festive cheer.

The city’s main Christmas market is called Tuomaan Markkinat and is located in Senate Square.

It features a number of different attractions including a historic carousel for children.

Seasonal foods at the market include reindeer meat and mulled wine served with almonds and raisins.

And for something a little more luxurious, Helsinki has a lot of saunas that are open throughout the holidays.

December temperatures: Highs of 1C and lows of -4C.

Snowfall: The average snowfall in Helsinki in December is 6cm.

Return flights in December cost as little as £81 per person from London Stansted to Helsinki and it takes about two hours and 50 minutes to get there.

The flight back takes just over three hours, at three hours and five minutes.

Rovaniemi, Finland

According to travel booking platform Omio, the most magical market to experience this Christmas season is Finland‘s ‘Christmas Village’, also known as ‘Santa Claus Village’.

Located in Rovaniemi, the village includes visits from Santa himself, letter writing, crafting opportunities, rides, attractions and even the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.

December temperatures: Highs of -4C and lows of -11C.

Snowfall: The average snowfall in Rovaniemi in December is 52 cm, with an average base depth of 20 to 40 cm.

Return flights in December cost as little as £51 per person from Birmingham Airport to Rovaniemi and each way spills just over three hours, coming in at around three hours and 15 minutes.

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MONDAY night is DJ night at Hotel Ibiza and the bar/lounge area is filled with ambient house tunes as pink neon lights flash in time with the beat.

But despite the name of the place, we’re nowhere near the Balearic Island.

We’re in Les Deux Alpes in France, one of the most snow-sure ski resorts in Europe, and the terrace outside looks across to the glistening peaks of the Parc National des Ecrins. 

It’s the week before Christmas and a group of us have brought our teenagers for some festive fun on the slopes.

They’re not yet old enough to venture out alone into the resort’s bars and clubs, but they’re still keen to do their own thing so the entertainment here is ticking all the teen boxes.

While we sit a­t the bar, chatting with barman Costas as he expertly mixes our pre-dinner drinks, the kids have gone downstairs again for another game of air hockey.

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The huge basement games room, which also has ping-pong, table football, arcade games and a dozen or so sofas to laze on, is proving to be a big hit.

But it’s dinner time and I know the restaurant buffet will easily tempt away Freddie, our 15-year-old, because it is serving lasagne — his favourite dish — among a host of other options.

Like most teenage boys, Freddie is a big eater and as I watch him tuck into his third portion I feel relieved that we went for the all-inclusive option.

Feeding a growing lad is expensive at the best of times but particularly so in a ski resort.

Luckily, the Hotel Ibiza offers a super deal throughout the winter season, with kids under 18 staying free when sharing a room with their parents at the same board.

You can go for B&B or half- board, but families usually make the most of the kids-go-free offer and splash out on all-inclusive.

It makes sense, especially when you factor in the drinks.

Soft drinks, wine and beer with meals, and a selection of spirits for pre- and post-dinner drinks are part of the deal, and Costas keeps them coming, along with bowls of peanuts and tortilla chips, until 10pm.

After that, you can carry on drinking at your own expense, but you’ll probably want to be tucked up in bed by then, exhausted by a day’s activity in the mountain air. 

It was early in the season but already the snow conditions were good.

The sun was shining (Les Deux Alpes boasts above-average sunshine too) and with heavy snow and white-outs forecast for later in the week, we were making the most of the blue skies. 

We loved the Jandri Express, the resort’s sparkling new state-of-the-art cable car that whizzes you up to 3,200m in just 17 minutes, half the time the old gondola took.

It takes up to 32 people at a time — 24 seated and eight standing — and gives you plenty of time to adjust boots or have a snack.

One morning we joined First Tracks, where you accompany the Ski Patrollers, who prepare the slopes daily, spending two hours learning about what is involved.

It costs €22 (£19.40) per person, including breakfast at La Toura Restaurant, and can be booked through the tourist office.

Best of all, it means you get to go up before the lifts open to the public and can be the first to ski down.

With freshly-groomed slopes to ourselves, it’s when we got our best photos.

We also tried yoonering — a bit like sledging but on a seat 20cm above the ground, with your legs stretched out in front to act as brakes, gliding down and leaning left or right to turn. It was easy to get the hang of it and went surprisingly fast.

We all loved it. 

‘QUIRKY AND FUN’

On a few evenings we stopped off for a beer or a vin chaud at one of the bars near the bottom of the Jandri, but most nights we got straight on the free shuttle bus for the five-minute hop home and did our après ski back at the hotel bar/lounge, enticed by the all- inclusive drinks and the chilled out, family-friendly vibe.

The hotel’s decor somehow manages to make it cosy and cool at the same time.

There’s a retro, musical theme, with prints of rock and pop legends along the corridors and coffee tables in the lounge, which double up as Monopoly boards or glass-topped exhibits of Barbies and Action Men.

It’s quirky and fun.

Our room, one of 60, was a two-bed family one, with balcony and bath.

Each room comes with bath robes and slippers for the walk down to the basement spa, with its sauna, steam room and indoor heated pool all free for guests.

The food was excellent for a three-star hotel, particularly the evening meals, when you could take a bowl and help yourself from the salad or soup bar, followed by an array of hot meat, fish and veggie dishes, plus a surprising amount of veggie sides, which is often lacking in ski hotels.

The desserts were so generous that even Freddie agreed to share.

After dinner we’d sink into the comfy lounge sofas en famille and play cards or games.

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One night after dinner, two of the younger children played Christmas songs on the grand piano and we all joined in — even the teens!

With only a few more years before they’ll probably be off skiing with their mates, it was a moment to be cherished.

A UK SEASIDE resort’s only Christmas market has been axed after just one year.

No one has come forward to run the event after the organisers decided to “take a break” this year.

Business owners Anne-Marie Chebib, Becky Stevens and Lisa Norman brought the first Winter Fayre to Brighton’s Valley Gardens last year.

However, they have now decided to take a break from running the event after only one year.

The website Brightonwinter states: “The team have decided to take a break from the Brighton Winter Fayre this year.

“We’re so grateful for all the support the event has had, and we hope to bring it back in the future.”

END OF AN ERA

Popular Christmas market cancelled in seaside village after 30 years

ho ho no

True cost of Christmas activities revealed – from Santa’s grotto to panto trips

Brighton and Hove City Council has confirmed no one suitable has come forward to take on a similar event in time for Christmas reports The Argus.

The popular Winter Fayre included food and drink stalls as well as a Santa’s grotto, plus children’s workshops and carol singers.

There were also winter night events for adults and live music which were deemed popular.

But, last year’s event was hit with a series of unfortunate events when it was forced to close due to the arrival of Storm Darragh.

Sadly, on opening day, the fair had to be evacuated due to high winds and a tent poll collapsing in a marquee.

Luckily it was reported that no-one was badly injured due to the incident and the team were quick to respond and make sure the marquee was cleared.

However, the fair’s final weekend also had to be cancelled due to more bad weather.

The Winter Fayre came after Brighton was left without a Christmas market back in 2023 when it was run under different organisers.

E3 Events who organised the 2022 event was forced to end their deal earlier due to Covid, rising costs and supply chain problems.

Brighton and Hove City Council then faced a race against time to find a commercial partner able to chip in around £70,000.

Sadly, they were unable to find anyone in 2023 and the fair didn’t go ahead then either.

Speaking of this year’s event, Councillor Birgit Miller, cabinet member for culture, heritage and tourism at Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “As always there will be plenty of festive events taking place across the city but, unfortunately, following the decision by the private operators of the Brighton Winter Fayre to take a break this year, there is unlikely to be a market-style event.

“This was a privately venture, not a council event, and the reality is nobody suitable has come forward offering to run a similar event in its place.”