Winter

SHE’S one of the biggest stars in the world, but Kylie Minogue is dreaming of the simple life this Christmas.

Sitting down with Bizarre as she counts down to the big day, the I Should Be So Lucky singer reveals there are no diamonds on her festive wishlist.

Instead, the singer dreams of being invited to a good old-fashioned office Christmas party.

Her new festive album, Kylie Christmas (Fully Wrapped) — out on Friday — even has a track dedicated to the often messy annual do.

On the innuendo-filled song, Office Party, a sultry Kylie can be heard saying: “You know, I’ve never really been to one, but I hear they are lots of fun. So tell me, can we go to one?”

When Bizarre’s Jack questions if Kylie has really never been to an office do via her record label, or if it’s simply artistic licence to make a good song, the chart-topper laughs: “I’ve not! It’s coming from my perspective as I wrote it.

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“We’ve had office parties but it’s backstage somewhere. I’ve never worked in an office so it’s kind of like a fantasy for me.”

After we joke that she’s really glamourising the mundane nine-to-five that most people endure, Kylie giggles: “I appreciate it’s the day-to-day but it’s kind of, like, everything changes at the office party.

“One of the countries we went to on the Tension Tour, the work visa magically puts everyone in a suit. It was hilarious to us but that planted a seed in my mind that for our party, we need to all rock up in grey suits.”

Fair enough, we hear you loud and clear, Kylie.

Seeing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and way to win some serious brownie points at work, Jack quickly invited Kylie to our own bash.

Sadly she had to politely decline as she will be back home in Australia by the time The Sun kicks off the celebrations.

But Jack promised to do a rendition of Can’t Get You Out Of My Head on the karaoke in her honour.

It might be just as well she’ll miss the do if previous years’ excesses are anything to go by.

This time, Jack has been put on a four-drink rule, while Amir from the newsdesk has never truly recovered from 2023’s party.

Also on Kylie’s new album is XMAS — the record’s lead single, which is a collaboration with Amazon Music.

Kylie tells us the track, inspired by the Village People’s 1978 hit YMCA, has been a decade in the making.

She explains: “The song comes from 2015. I was at Soho House in Berlin, it was summer on the terrace and we’d just done the first Christmas album. We’d had a couple of glasses of wine — it wasn’t Kylie Wines back then — and it came to us like YMCA but XMAS. I’ve been sitting on the chorus for ten years.”

The song comes from 2015. I was at Soho House in Berlin, it was summer on the terrace and we’d just done the first Christmas album

Kylie Minogue

The video for the single will be out later this month and sees Kylie perform the famous flying dance move from 1987 film, Dirty Dancing.

Despite being a dancing pro, Kylie feared she would never be able to pull off the move.

She admits: “I was a bit scared as I’ve never done it before. It was a fantasy moment. I was told not to overthink it.

“We did a couple of practices before we did the main one. The thing is, you just need to trust the other person.

“The first one I got up, but I overshot it. The second was fine. The third one was good. The bruises were worth it the next day,” she laughs.

As for her own Christmas plans, Kylie will see in the big day back home in Australia.

Worked relentlessly

She says: “I will probably be tucked away, planning a BBQ. I love a cold Christmas, though. You will see on Fully Wrapped, I am very influenced by a British Christmas.

“I think it can be too hot and we are doing other things in Australia. We celebrate, but it’s different here. Any Aussie will tell you that.”

Next year will see Kylie step back from the spotlight, having worked relentlessly for two years, racking up two UK No1 albums and a 66-date world tour.

But that doesn’t mean she’s putting her feet up.

I will probably be tucked away, planning a BBQ. I love a cold Christmas, though. You will see on Fully Wrapped, I am very influenced by a British Christmas

Kylie Minogue

Kylie says: “It feels like I haven’t stopped. It’s been a gigantic year but I imagine I will be making music just for the love of it and maybe banking some things.

“I could happily be in the studio most of my time. I love it. I find it just gets richer and more satisfying.

“Doing the Christmas album in my breaks of the Tension Tour was maybe not so wise, but I love it.”

Keen not to get fans’ hopes up for a new Kylie record in 2026, she adds: “I don’t know about releasing. I think I should just do the background work . . .  maybe.”

Honestly Kylie, we adore your work ethic and the amount of music you’ve given us recently, but if you want to put your feet up when you’re back in Oz, we totally understand.

XMAS ON HIGH IN No1 RACE

KYLIE will be Spinning Around in excitement now her festive single XMAS, above, has officially entered the race for Christmas No 1.

Last night, the Official Charts revealed the track has jumped 55 places in the midweek charts – leaping from 64 to nine.

Insisting she’s playing down any idea she could nab the top spot, Kylie said: “I’m not counting on it.

“It would be crazy but that’s definitely parked to one side for me.

“I am just happy that ten years have passed since my last Christmas album and we are all here still going.”

KYLIE fans looking for early Christmas presents are in luck.

A Kylie pop-up shop is coming to London’s Battersea Power Station this Friday.

Open all weekend, it will offer gifts such as signed test pressings and limited-edition vinyl.

I SHOULD BE SO PLUCKY  

KYLIE has done things in her career the rest of us can only dream of.
But she’s never cooked a turkey.

The singer admits she leaves the cooking to sister Dannii and brother Brendan.

She said: “I’ve never cooked a turkey, though I have roasted other things. But I’m not a natural. It’s not my natural habitat, no.”

She adds: “My brother and sister are very present in the kitchen.

“I’m there, I’m sous chef and I’m available for anything that needs doing.

“But everyone’s families are like that, aren’t they? You know your place, don’t rock the system, don’t rock the boat. We all just want to get through Christmas.”

I WATCH the sun slowly drop away behind the sandy horizon, as the sky transforms into a dozen magical shades of yellow and orange.

My tour group had decided to make a quick photo stop ahead of our dune-bashing tour in the Qatari desert, with aptly named driver Basham.

And we were so glad we did.

This is my first time visiting the Middle East and a 4×4 excursion across the vast sands is the perfect start to my stay in Doha, Qatar’s capital.

After soaking up the sunset, I’m led back to my huge vehicle by Basham who spends the next 30 minutes putting both car and passengers through their paces.

It’s an exhilarating experience, soaring over the ridges of the tall dunes and veering towards the edges of sandbanks at ferociously high speed.

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Doha certainly isn’t short of action-packed day trips for adrenaline junkies.

If the dune-bashing isn’t your thing, visitors can also get their kicks at Doha Quest, an indoor theme park that is home to more than 30 rides and attractions including the world’s tallest indoor rollercoaster Epiq Coaster.

If you’re more of a sun worshipper, the Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park at the Hilton Salwa Beach Resort will be the place for you.

There are 30 thrilling slides and rides here, although the lazy river is the most addictive in my opinion — I could spend hours bobbing around on the water, floating serenely around the park.

But if you prefer an adrenaline hit, there are spine-tingling rides here, too.

I swear that I saw some airtime on the Whizzard Mat Racer, a sheer-drop slide that sends riders plummeting towards a blue foam mat.

Qatar isn’t just about thrills and spills, though.

The Middle Eastern country is also a hub for major sporting events, including Formula 1.

Experiencing the Qatar Grand Prix up close is a must for any petrolhead — and I was able to do just that through a package booking with Qatar Airways, a global partner of Formula 1.

Affordable luxury

The airline rolls flights, hotel and F1 tickets into one, making it much easier for Brits who have maybe never visited Qatar before.

I relished every second of watching drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris speed around the circuit, lap after lap.

You can be sure that I jumped at the chance to go on a pit-lane walk, too, which took me past the teams’ garages where I could take hundreds of pictures and videos.

And you would be a fool to miss out on a tour of the track in a huge open-top truck before the race gets under way — I was able to feel all the twists and turns that the racers would be experiencing during the race, although at an admittedly much slower speed.

After all that excitement, I was grateful that my hotel, the Hilton Salwa Beach Resort, has just over two miles of private beaches, where I could flop on a sun lounger with fantastic views over the glittering Arabian Gulf.

Even the most basic room here feels luxurious, thanks to the huge wooden headboard towering behind the plush bed, a spacious sofa area where holidaymakers can relax to the max after a day of snoozing by the pool, and glass double doors opening on to a large balcony.

That’s the real highlight of Doha — luxury has a much more affordable price tag. Rooms here cost from around £188 with breakfast, which considering the quality and detail is impressive value.

The food is high-end, too. For classic Qatari and Middle Eastern flavours, head to the on-site Levantine restaurant, where you can pick up some excellent kofte for under £20.

If you’re looking to really push the boat out, though, the Raffles Doha hotel will blow your socks off.

Rooms cost from £335 per night here, but this is still a a lot less than most other hotels in the Raffles chain, including The OWO in London where rooms can cost just shy of £1,000 per night.

Raffles Doha occupies half of the prestigious Katara Towers. These U-shaped buildings are a symbol of Qatar’s national seal, representing traditional scimitar swords.

It’s the height of luxury, from its grand lobby all the way through to its suites and restaurants — and the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion.

Decked out with hardwood floors, mirrors and golden motifs, my spacious suite was a luxurious haven — and even came with a personalised butler service.

The huge floor-to-ceiling windows offered fantastic views over the Arabian Gulf and, if you can brave the morning heat, a warm brew on the terrace is the perfect way to start your day.

I was too focused on heading to downstairs to eat at L’Artisan, a restaurant that whips up the very best breakfast omelettes I’ve ever eaten.

You might want to keep food to a minimum if you’re heading out dune-bashing, though.

I sat stock-still on a bench fashioned from a fallen silver birch, scanning the woods for a sudden movement or a flash of blue. Deer and kingfisher visit this secluded copse and its stream, and I hoped to spot at least one of them. There was a rustle in the undergrowth, but it was only a more familiar winter visitor: a cheery robin.

It was a chilly day for wildlife-watching, but that didn’t matter to me – I was inside a sizzling sauna, gazing out of a large picture window. In fact, I was soon sweating so much, I nipped out to the icy-cold shower to cool off. The next time I overheated, I braved a plunge in the cold-water tub.

A winter storm blanketed much of the central Midwest with snow on Sunday at the end of the Thanksgiving weekend, bringing blizzard-like conditions that grounded hundreds of flights and forced the closure of major highways on one of the busiest travel days of the year.

“It’s going to be messy,” said Todd Kluber, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service who is based in suburban Chicago.

With much of the central Plains and Great Lakes region under blizzard or winter storm warnings, about 1,200 flights headed to or from the U.S. had been canceled as of Sunday evening, according to the flight-tracking website FlightAware.

Most were supposed to be routed through Chicago or Kansas City, Mo. — areas forecast to be hit hard by the storm.

Strong winds and snow created blizzard conditions across much of Nebraska and parts of Kansas, Iowa and Missouri. The National Weather Service was warning that those conditions would make travel difficult in places.

By midday, the blizzard warning was extended to parts of eastern Illinois near Chicago, where snow is forecast to fall at a rate of about 2 inches an hour.

Other parts of the central Plains and Great Lakes region were under a winter storm warning that could see a foot or more of snow dumped in some places by the end of the day.

In eastern Nebraska, part of Interstate 80 between Lincoln and Omaha was closed Sunday morning because of multiple accidents after snow blanketed that area. That included semitrailer trucks jackknifed across the highway. It was reopened by Sunday afternoon.

In Kansas, Gov. Jeff Colyer issued a state of emergency declaration. The action came as a large stretch of Interstate 70, spanning much of the state, was closed between Junction City and WaKeeney.

in Missouri, a portion of Interstate 29 was shut down near the Iowa border.

As much as a foot was expected in Chicago. Four to 6 inches of snow was expected in the Kansas City area. Forecasters predict more than a foot of snow is likely in southeastern Nebraska, northeastern Kansas, northwestern Missouri and southwestern Iowa.

By Monday morning, the storm was expected to hit parts of northern Indiana and southern Michigan.

Kluber said that the storm was expected to hit the Chicago region Sunday night and that rain will give way to heavy snowfall and “near whiteout conditions” that will make for dangerous travel.

The Foreign Office has issued a warning to Brits who are planning on heading to a popular European winter holiday spot in the coming weeks, as they could be at risk of hospitalisation or even death

British holidaymakers planning their dream winter getaway in the coming weeks face potential hospitalisation or even death, according to Foreign Office warnings. More than 20 million people flock to the European destination each year, with over one million of those being UK travellers.

Renowned for its tranquil landscapes and stunning mountain views, Switzerland remains a favoured destination for those keen on winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. However, the Foreign Office has warned that some Brits may be engaging in ‘risky’ activities that might not be covered by their insurance policies.

Being inadequately prepared could result in serious consequences for both your well-being and your finances, particularly if you haven’t been careful about selecting the right insurance cover for your trip. In certain circumstances, you might find yourself liable for more than £3,000 if you lack proper travel insurance protection, and that’s excluding medical expenses and hospital bills.

Foreign Office guidance warns: “Adventure sports can be risky. British nationals in the Swiss Alps have been involved in accidents and have been hospitalised or died. Check the company you are using is well-established and that your travel insurance covers any specific activity.

“For sports activities like skiing, potholing and mountaineering, and for sports classed as particularly dangerous (for example, off-piste skiing, mountain biking, climbing, paragliding or BASE jumping), you could get into difficulty and need emergency rescue. Adventure sports can be risky. British nationals in the Swiss Alps have been involved in accidents and have been hospitalised or died.

“Check the company you are using is well-established and that your travel insurance covers any specific activity. For sports activities like skiing, potholing and mountaineering, and for sports classed as particularly dangerous (for example, off-piste skiing, mountain biking, climbing, paragliding or BASE jumping), you could get into difficulty and need emergency rescue.”

Making sure you’ve got the right cover for your winter holiday

If you’re planning a trip to a ski resort this winter, it’s crucial to make sure any activities you intend to participate in are covered by your travel insurance. When sorting out your policy, ensure you’re fully clued up on any exclusions included in the policy and when you won’t be protected.

It’s also vital to consider medical costs, and when your insurance policy will foot the bill for you, especially if you plan on using rental gear, as this likely won’t be covered. Moreover, those hitting the slopes off-piste without a guide may not typically be covered by their insurance.

According to SOS 144, a helicopter rescue in the Swiss Alps can cost as much as 3,500 CHF (£3,293).

IF you want a thrill on water, then how about trying the world’s tallest waterslide?

Called RIG 1938, its found at Meryal Waterpark in Qatar.

Having only opened last year, it stands at 85m tall, meaning it currently holds the Guinness World Record for tallest waterslide.

But it isn’t actually one slide – and is actually a structure made up of 12 slides.

Others include The Fractionator, where you can pick your own music as you go down.

This slide also holds a record, being the world’s tallest body slide.

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Or there is Vertigo, with a 76m drop, as well as The Broiler which is more like a water rollercoaster with twists and turns

Meryal Waterpark is the biggest waterpark in Qatar.

And if you aren’t a slide enthusiast, then there lots of other attractions to choose from, with nearly 70 in total.

Across the six-acre resort, there are also lazy rivers, wave pools and toddler splash parks.

You can even book a cabana for the day which includes bottles of water, towels and snacks.

For dining options, guests can choose from kid-friendly menus to Italian, Asian and international restaurants.

One tourist said it was the “world’s best waterpark”.

They added: “We love water parks and we have been to Atlantis, Siam Park, Volcano Bay etc … but this place is our number 1.

“Seriously amazing.”

Another agreed, saying: “Fun waterpark for all ages. Crazy slides and very safe.

“The rides were very thrilling. Kids enjoyed it. By far the best waterpark in the world.”

The park is open from 10am-6pm, from November to February, closing on February 26, 2026.

Tickets cost 100 Qatari Riyal (£21) if you book online, while cabanas start from 599 Qatari Riyal (£126).

Guests staying at the nearby Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North hotel get free entry to the waterpark.

If you want to find the world’s best waterpark, Siam Park in Tenerife is often named one of the best.

For the biggest indoor waterpark in Europe, head to Poland to find Suntago.

Our writer Sarah White – and frequent skier – discovered stunning views and thrilling activities on a family trip to the French ski resort of Les Arcs

On arrival at Arc 1800, one of five resorts in the Les Arcs ski region in southeast France, we were surprised to discover a 4ft dump of snow had fallen overnight. Skis were parked up, snowmen were being built and snowballs were flying through the air like scenes from a Christmas movie.

Although the extreme snowfall had temporarily closed some of the ski lifts, it freed up time on our first day to explore the village’s bustling pedestrianised centre. It’s well equipped with restaurants, bars, ski shops for the inevitable lost gloves, and patisseries with fancy cakes that wouldn’t look out of place in a capital city.

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What to do in Les Arcs

Our apartment at Pierre & Vacances Premium Résidence Le Roselend offered impressive views of Mont Blanc direct from our balcony. Our daily ritual quickly became an early morning walk down the hill to the village bakery to buy delicacies for our afternoon tea. The steps back up to our accommodation were a steep but short journey, and were a good warm-up for the day of skiing ahead.

Part of the Paradiski ski circuit, Arc 1800 gives you easy access to Les Arcs’ highest slope at 3,226m, at the top of the Aiguille Rouge mountain – and with 70% of the ski area above 2,000m, you can expect fantastic snow coverage throughout the season.

As you would expect, the views from the top are truly impressive, and they’re not the only attraction at the summit. There’s a new awareness area where skiers can learn how the glacier has evolved over time and discover the problems surrounding its existence, so you can educate yourself while taking in your surroundings on the Varet panoramic terrace.

Also up here is an eco-friendly café, where the produce is organic and locally sourced, alongside another popular attraction, the Aiguille Rouge Zipline. This exhilarating ride is a speedy, 1.8km descent from 2,680m, offering breathtaking views of the Alpine landscape – if you have your eyes open, that is!

Adrenaline levels still pumping? You might want to seek out some après ski at Folie Douce for an unforgettable experience. Nestled into the mountain near the Arc 1800 village, it’s easily accessible by skis or by foot via the Villards gondola and Dahu cable car. It boasts the world’s highest cabaret show and a 360° stage for performing dancers and aerial artists.

DJs provide first-class entertainment while revellers dance on tables, making dancing in ski boots look ridiculously easy. Families are welcome to join in the fun or you can sit back and just enjoy the people watching, as we did. A little tip: remember where you put your skis upon arrival if you want to avoid playing an Alpine edition of Where’s Wally? at home time.

What else to do in the Paradiski area

Les Arcs makes up only half of the Paradiski area, so you might also fancy skiing over to neighbouring La Plagne. Make a day of it but check the weather conditions before you set off.

Ski down to Peisey-Vallandry, where stunning forested slopes meet tree-lined runs that connect you to the Vanoise Express cable car for your onward journey to La Plagne. Ensure you have the accessible Paradiski lift pass to get to the other side of the mountain, otherwise your journey will end here.

The Vanoise Express is the world’s largest double-decker cable car, with two levels that can carry 200 people across the valley at once. The crossing is 380m above the ground, giving you a birds-eye view of the snow-capped scenery, and the journey takes less than five minutes. Travel in the lower level for the thrill of seeing the valley through the glass floor.

Do check lift closing times with the brilliant Yuge app, a must when skiing in this area. It gives you live information to avoid busy periods, instant GPS tracking and live weather updates, and you can even buy passes and reserve activities through it. All this saves you precious ski time and aching legs when searching for those sometimes hard-to-find ticket offices.

After each full-on day, we would head back to Le Roselend, prise off our ski boots and enjoy the well-deserved afternoon tea and cakes we purchased in the morning. Also on the agenda was a swim in the residence’s indoor pool, a sauna or hammam to help our muscles recover and planning the next day’s activities – including which cakes to buy.

Five best things to do in the Paradiski ski region

• The Mountain Animals Museum: A museum dedicated to mountain fauna with more than 30 animal species on display, including wolves, deer and bears.
• First Track event: Be among the first to carve your line on freshly groomed runs. Take in the sunrise at the top of the slopes and share breakfast with the ski patrol.
• The Illuminated Murals of the Aiguille Rouge: An immersive installation inside a converted ski lift garage, where you can experience all the seasons of the mountain in a light show.
• Aerolive: A gondola like no other! Strap on a harness, clip onto the open-sided gondola and feel the fresh mountain air rushing around you. You’re completely exposed to the elements on your ascent with no windows to block the view.
• Icefall: Scale the 24m-high artificial ice tower, suitable for beginners and experienced climbers alike.

How much does it cost to visit Les Arcs?

2026 rates at Pierre & Vacances Premium Résidence Le Roselend start from £1,357 for a seven-night stay for five people. For more information on Les Arcs, click here.

For more ski holidays to Les Arcs, have a browse of Neilson’s and Iglu Ski’s offerings.

LOVEHOLIDAYS has kicked off its biggest ever Black Friday sale until midnight on December 2.

So if you’re planning a last-minute winter sun break or planning for a spectacular summer 2026 trip, you’re in luck, as there are huge savings on your next getaway.

loveholidays Black Friday deals

From classic Canary escapes to budget-friendly visits to Tunisia, these deals are delivering serious value for money.

The standout offer for would-be travellers is up to £550 off selected package holidays, based on bookings for four people.

On top of that, holidaymakers can get extra savings of up to £200 off bookings when using the code BFEXTRA at checkout, which is until 2 December.

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There’s also extra price cuts on flights and transfers, with deposits starting from as little as £19 per person.

If you spot something good for the dates you want, we’d recommend snapping it up, as winter sun at these prices rarely sticks around.

Prices are also expected to fall even further, so it’s worth checking the loveholidays website through Cyber weekend for new offers.

loveholidays Black Friday deals not to be missed

These are some of the top offers we found in the Black Friday sale to book between now and 2026

• Pebbles Resort St Paul’s Bay, Malta – Flights and room only, 2 people for 7 nights from £298 (was £335) – book here
• Ona Hollywood Mirage Tenerife, Canary Islands – Flights and room only, 2 people for 7 nights from £698 (was £749) – book here
• Be Live Collection Marrakech (Adults Only) Morrocco – Flights and all inclusive, 2 people for 7 nights from £1038 (was £1160) – book here
• Aska Lara Resort & Spa Antalya, Turkey – Flights and all inclusive, 2 people for 7 nights from £718 (was £775) – book here
• MGM Grand Las Vegas, USA – Flights and room only, 2 people for 7 nights from £569pp (£200 below peak price) – book here
• TRS Yucatan Hotel, Mexico – Flights and all inclusive, 2 people for 7 nights from £2778 (was £2962) – book here

Remember, some of these deals are last-minute for 2025, and many are deals for those who want to book ahead of the 2026 rush.

Head over to loveholidays to find the best Black Friday deals for you while they last.

THE countdown to Christmas is well and truly on.

With the holiday fast approaching, the calendar is stacked with fun shows guaranteed to spread festive cheer.

The Sun has handpicked an exciting range of productions across the country that are aimed specially at a younger audience.

And with everything from enchanting puppet shows to cheeky pantos on offer across England‘s major cities, families planning their next trip to the theatre are spoilt for choice.

London

Elf The Musical

Based on the hit holiday film, this musical adaptation brings the tale of main character Buddy – a human raised by elves – to the West End.

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Follow Buddy as he journeys from the North Pole to New York City, and enjoy a soundtrack that has seen it crowned the “ultimate Christmas show”.

Aldwych Theatre: October 28, 2025 – January 3, 2026 (ages 4+)

Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas

CBeebies star Maddie Moate has earned an Olivier Award nomination for Best Family Show with this science-y performance.

Maddie – along with elves Tinker and Goggles – makes a bit of a mess of Santa’s workshop with her fun experiments, so can the audience help her fix it up?

Garrick Theatre: December 12, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (ages 4+)

The Nutcracker: English National Ballet

It doesn’t get much more Christmassy than getting lost in the world of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

English National Ballet returns with a truly magical production of over 100 dancers that will amaze child audiences and leave them dreaming of tutus and the Land of Sweets.

London Coliseum: December 11, 2025 – January 11, 2026 (ages 5+)

Cinderella (Panto)

Cinderella, the Ugly Sisters and her Fairy Godmother are back on stage for the ultimate seasonal pantomime.

From outlandish costumes to show tunes and plenty of audience participation, get ready for a theatre extravaganza that all the family can enjoy.

Hackney Empire: November 22 – December 31, 2025 (all ages)

The Snowflake

This feel-good show tells the story of a little girl, her Pappie and a snowflake who are all searching for something.

Benji Davies’ picture book is transformed into an imaginative production complete with puppetry that will leave little ones charmed.

Polka Theatre: November 29, 2025 – January 25, 2026 (all ages)

The Snowman

Back for its 28th year, it’s safe to say that this dance-filled spectacle has become a winter favourite.

Hear the orchestra play the famous song Walking in the Air while The Snowman and his friends whisk you off to a dreamy wonderland.

Peacock Theatre: November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (all ages)

Jack and the Beanstalk

Join Jack on his climb up the beanstalk for an evening of slapstick humour and catchy numbers.

Reimagined as a milkman, Jack prepares to confront the giant with a can of squirty cream.

King’s Head Theatre: November 23, 2025 – January 6, 2026 (all ages)

Manchester

The Muppet Christmas Carol In Concert

Watching the Muppet version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a holiday staple for many families.

You can turn the magic up a notch at this concert and film viewing, where a live orchestra accompanies Kermit, Gonzo, Rizzo and Scrooge on the big screen.

The Bridgewater Hall: November 22, 2025

Robin Hood: The Magical Panto Adventure

The Merry Men live up to their name in this action-packed panto starring Jason Manford.

Expect mischief as the timeless story takes on a festive, musical theatre twist.

Opera House Manchester: December 6, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Rumpelstiltskin

This fairytale is brought to life by an all-local Mancunian cast.

Grumpy Rumpelstiltskin fills the theatre with holiday cheer and all the trimmings of a great pantomime, getting five-star reviews.

Contact Theatre: December 11 – 31, 2025 (all ages)

Birmingham

The Owl Who Came for Christmas

When Rosie the Owl finds herself in a family’s Christmas tree, her new hosts must help her find her way back home.

The audience can get involved in this charming production as performers and puppeteers tell Rosie’s story.

Midlands Arts Centre: December 1 – 28, 2025 (ages 3+)

The Nutcracker: Birmingham Royal Ballet

You don’t need to go to London to see world-class ballerinas, and Birmingham Royal Ballet’s “wow-factor” Christmas production boasts everything from snowfall to swordfights.

Audio described, signed and relaxed performances are available, meaning children with additional needs can also be enchanted in a way that’s comfortable for them.

Birmingham Hippodrome: November 21 – December 13, 2025

No Such Thing As Wolves

Hettie Hedgehog and Sydney Squirrel take centre stage in the latest show by My First Musical – then wolves step on the scene.

Spend an evening howling with laughter while Hettie and Sydney try to make new friends on their wintry adventure.

Birmingham Hippodrome: December 6, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (ages 3+)

Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas

London’s most iconic detective does some seasonal sleuthing in this comedy whodunnit with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

It’s best for those aged 10 and upwards, but kids as young as five are welcome.

Birmingham Rep: November 14, 2025 – January 18, 2026 (ages 10+)

Liverpool

Little Bear with the Christmas Lights

Despite her Christmas prep almost being complete, Little Bear is missing the perfect twinkly lights.

Little ones can accompany her on an interactive, sensory adventure to find the perfect lights – but watch out for snowballs!

Shakespeare North Playhouse: December 18, 2025 – December 24, 2025

Horrible Histories: Horrible Christmas

One brave boy is on a mission to save Christmas from Santa himself, and he’ll be encountering Victorian villains and Medieval monks along the way.

There are only two performances of this show, so secure a ticket while you can.

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall: December 18, 2025 (ages 4+)

Cinderella

If you prefer a play to a panto, this new production brings the spellbinding fairytale to life in a new way.

Adapted with a local twist, Prince Flarf must search the Kingdom of Prescotisia to find the owner of the glass slipper.

Shakespeare North Playhouse: November 21, 2025 – January 10, 2026 (all ages)

Leeds

Stick Man

Stick Man gets into a bit of a pickle when he goes out for a morning jog in the snow.

Freckle Productions’ award-winning show features music, dancing and puppetry by its trio of actors as Stick Man tries to get back to his family tree.

Leeds Playhouse: December 6, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (ages 3+)

Aladdin: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto

Celebrated as “the pinnacle of panto”, this festive production sees Aladdin return on his flying carpet.

Plus, all its rock ‘n’ roll numbers are performed live on stage by a cast of multi-talented actor-musicians.

City Varieties Music Hall: November 28, 2025 – January 11, 2026 (ages 4+)

The Elves and the Storyteller

The Storyteller once held so much magic, but now, they seem to have lost their sparkle – can two little elves complete a mission from Father Christmas to help them get it back?

This show has a ‘Pay What You Can’ pricing system, so it can even be enjoyed on a tight budget.

Leeds Central Library: December 6 – 31, 2025 (ages 4+)

Christopher’s Christmas

Written specially for younger kids, this chaotic Christmassy tale is all about Christopher Nibble the guinea pig.

Father Christmas gets lost after his Santa Nav breaks, and it’s all up to Christopher and his family to try and save the holiday.

Carriageworks Theatre: December 14 – 31, 2025 (ages 2+)

Newcastle

The Big Family Christmas Show!

A family comedy show that’s appropriate but funny for all ages is back by popular demand, complete with sketches, songs and stand-up.

There’s only one performance of this “must-do event”, so grab a ticket early to avoid disappointment.

The Stand Comedy Club: December 21, 2025 (ages 5+)

Rockin’ Reindeer

Nestled within Newcastle’s Christmas Village but with sheltered seating, the Rockin’ Reindeer stage is where you’ll find a range of mini shows bringing iconic Christmas characters to life.

Pick between The Grinch, Santa’s Superstars, The Ice Kingdom and Tinsel Tots.

Old Eldon Square: November 15 – December 24, 2025

Where Do All The Kittiwakes Go At Christmas?

Without any fish ‘n’ chips to steal on the winter beaches, a couple seaside birds find somewhere else to go.

This alternative production is performed with a two-person cast and has been created using ideas from local schoolchildren.

Live Theatre: December 9 – 21, 2025 (all ages)

Bristol

A Christmas Carol

Prepare to spend a ghostly evening with Ebenezer Scrooge.

Dickens’ classic tale will take you on a journey from “Bah, humbug!” to yuletide warmth using humour – and just a little bit of haunting.

Redgrave Theatre: November 24 – 29, 2025 (ages 8+)

Rapunzel: A Hairy Tale

Original music, playful plot twists and plenty of hair are at the heart of this mischievous adaptation of the famous Brothers Grimm fairytale.

You can also enjoy BSL interpreted performances as well as captioned shows on selected dates.

Factory Theatre: November 27, 2025 – January 17, 2026 (ages 7+)

Antarctica

In the space of “a magical 50 minutes”, Antarctica transports the audience to the snowy South Pole to join penguins and explorers.

For an extra cosy evening, book a pyjama night performance and watch the story unfold while wearing your comfies and sipping on a hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.

The Weston Studio: December 5, 2025 – January 10, 2026 (all ages)

All Wrapped Up

Performers of all ages star in this showstopping, foot-tapping treat.

The venue also offers pre-show pizzas, so you can fill your tummy before the belly-aching laughter begins.

Hen & Chicken Studio: December 15 – 17, 2025

The Snowman in Concert: Music, Story & Performance

Spellbinding narrators, aerial performers and a live musicians come together in a theatrical triple-whammy.

Feel the magic of well-known story as this enchanting production melts your heart.

Spiegeltent: December 13, 2025 (all ages)

Winning tip: peace in the Peak District

After a beautiful wintry walk along the Roaches in Staffordshire (having been fuelled with Staffordshire oatcakes), we stayed at the historic YHA Hartington Hall youth hostel, a period drama setting for a cosy bunk. We woke up to find the Peak District under a blanket of snow, calm and with that magical silence that makes the world feel at peace.
Ruth Campbell

The power of the Gower in winter

Winter on the Gower is a windswept wonder – the peninsula’s long, empty beaches stretch beneath dramatic skies, perfect for invigorating dog walks and lungfuls of fresh sea air. After exploring the dunes and salt marshes, warm up in the cosy Britannia Inn at Llanmadoc, where you can tuck into a serving of tender salt marsh lamb, rich with the taste of the land and sea. There is also a community shop and cafe selling great homebaked cakes.
Kayleigh Witts-Thomas

Whisky and climbing in Eryri (Snowdonia)

The Pen-Y-Gwryd hotel at the top of the Nant Gwynant valley was the UK training base for Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s successful 1953 Everest expedition, and the tiny Smoke Room bar is a time capsule of that period. This wood-panelled snug is lit up by a roaring fire, where guests huddle together for a post-dinner whisky and to share tales of their days on Yr Wyddfa (Mt Snowdon), or the rain-lashed peak Glyderau on whose bedrock it is built. Test your resolve in the beautiful natural pool at the top of the garden; there’s a sauna to revive yourself in afterwards.
Gareth Roberts

Narrowboats and mountain passes in Clwyd

Last year, we spent a perfect weekend in the Clwydian Range national landscape, in north-east Wales. Our stay at Faraway Follies – charming cottages nestled in the hills outside Llangollen – was made magical by wood-fired hot tubs under crisp November skies. The drive into town along the Horseshoe Pass was breathtaking, and gliding by narrowboat over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct unforgettable. Llangollen itself brimmed with warmth: a maze of cosy pubs, flickering fires, and hearty food that made every evening feel like coming home.
Mike

Walking with Neolithic ancestors in Wiltshire

Basing ourselves at the George in Amesbury for a winter break last year, we set off on a pilgrimage through a landscape sculpted by our Neolithic ancestors into a vast temple dedicated to midwinter. From Durrington Walls, to where ancient peoples may have travelled hundreds of miles to join in celebratory feasts, past the burial mounds of forgotten chiefs, and finally to Stonehenge. We spent the evenings in cosy historic pubs, honouring the season with feasting of our own.
Emily Gray

Ancient ways in Herefordshire

Ledbury, the small market town in Herefordshire, seemed an unlikely place for a university friends’ reunion. But its impressive Tudor buildings, 17th-century market hall and Michelin star restaurant – 33 the Homend – soon won us over. The 12-mile ridge of the Malvern Hills was only 15 minutes’ drive away and provided a wealth of walking options through ancient woodlands and across common land, with magnificent views of three counties. Accommodation was a cosy Airbnb down a narrow alleyway, a short stroll from the welcoming Prince of Wales free house for a pint of local draught cider.
Jane

Cosy yurts near Rye, East Sussex

A November break in Barefoot Yurts, East Sussex, was almost too cosy. Two simply furnished but chic yurts, one a bedroom and one a lounge, look out over open fields studded with sheep and horses. A well-equipped semi outdoor kitchen and eco bathroom make up the rest of this isolated off-grid palace. Lying in bed with a wood-fired stove crackling, watching the morning sun disperse the mist, before a brisk roam across Winchelsea beach, enormous burgers at the Ship Inn in Rye and campfire s’mores made for a perfect late autumn weekend.
Cath

Hiking in the Highlands

Visit Easter Ross, north of Inverness, and stay in a four-poster bed at ancient Tulloch Castle on the edge of Dingwall. Take a walk to see the deep eerie canyon at Black Rock Gorge, or really get the blood pumping with a steep hike up Fyrish Hill and be rewarded with panoramic views at the summit alongside the 18th-century Fyrish Monument. Turn up hungry at The Storehouse to enjoy a pork belly poke bowl overlooking the waters edge of the Cromarty Firth and gazing out to the Black Isle peninsula.
Eilidh

Hot whiskies and weather in Co Fermanagh

Even arriving at Lusty Beg Island Resort and Spa in County Fermanagh is special: you have to get a two-car ferry across Lough Erne. Once you’re over it’s like being unplugged from the world, although unfortunately they have great wifi. We brought everything we needed – the kids, the dog and a paddleboard. Our cabin was warm and spacious with views of the lough from both sides. We spent our days walking or out on the water, followed by hot whiskies in the cosy bar and restaurant. The weather, in true Fermanagh style, was atrocious but this only made it feel even more cut off.
Ciaran Kearney

Toasty times in the Forest of Bowland

We love visiting the Forest of Bowland when it gets chilly, and Little Oakhurst near Clitheroe is our favourite place to stay. There are toasty shepherd huts and lovely walks nearby (with great pubs). It’s a very good area for birding, but getting in the hot tub when it’s icy out may be our favourite activity. Our favourite cabin to stay in, when it’s available, is the Ivy Shepherds Hut.
Amanda

JET2 is restarting flights to a Brit-loved holiday destination for the first time in more than a decade.

The airline will start flights to two destinations in Egypt, after scrapping routes back in 2011.

The Egyptian Cabinet Presidency has reported that there will be seven weekly flights to both Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada with Jet2 from 2027.

It added that Brits can get to the two cities from Birmingham, Manchester and London Stansted which will each offer two flights a week.

There will also be a weekly flight to Sharm El Sheikh from Edinburgh and a weekly flight to Hurghada from Glasgow.

Reports say Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy and Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy met at World Travel Market London earlier this month to discuss the flights.

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The Minister reportedly described the new flights as a significant step towards boosting British tourism to Egypt.

Details have also been published on Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Facebook page.

A spokesperson for Jet2 told Sun Travel: “As the UK’s favourite airline and tour operator, we continually review our flight and holiday programmes to ensure that they meet the needs of our customers.

“We are in the process of finalising a very exciting programme to Egypt and we will communicate the details, including a fantastic launch offer, with customers next week.

“With guaranteed sunshine and a great launch offer coming, our advice is to watch this space!”

While it’s not the first time that Jet2 has operated flights to Egypt, but has been 14 years since the last ones took off.

Jet2 previously offered flights to both Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, but these were pulled in 2011.

Egypt remains a very popular tourist destination for Brits, especially the Red Sea resort towns which are known for their stretching sandy beaches and plush holiday resorts.

In just five hours Brits can enjoy sun, sea and sand as well as affordable food and drink.

Of course the resort cities are perfect for winter sun as during the colder season there are average highs of 22C – even in December and January.

During the summer it’s very hot with temperatures reaching 38C.

In recent years, Egypt has been named the ‘best value for money’ destination, according to the Post Office Travel Money.

Brits stopped going to Egypt as much – leading to the 2011 flight cancellations – due to conflict within the region.

This was the year that the Egyptian Revolution started with demonstrations happening all over the country.

Some resorts were still visited, but then in 2015 there was a terror attack on a Russian passenger plane which killed all 224 onboard.

As a result, flights from the UK were stopped for at least four years, with TUI reintroducing holiday packages in 2019.

This was following the UK Foreign Office issuing new guidance which said certain destinations were considered safe with upgrades to things like airport security.

Now, many fly to Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, like EgyptAir, easyJet, TUI, Wizz Air, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines.

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For more on Egypt, here’s the perfect destination for families seeking adventure from scaling pyramids to snorkelling and desert safari.

Plus, one writer headed to another African city home to a new £900million museum – and you can get there with easyJet flights.

An amber weather warning has been issued on an island loved by Brits as locals and tourists have been told to stay ‘vigilant’ amid harsh conditions

A major Spanish island loved by British tourists has been hit by a winter storm that has covered the hotspot in snow and seen it battered by massive waves.

Locals and visitors sought cover from a freak hailstorm that brough extreme weather to Majorca, with a weather warning being issued for today. Tourist resorts on the island were turned white when a blanket of snow fell amid chilly temperatures on the Balearic island. The Spanish weather agency AEMET issued an orange weather warning on Thursday and told people on the island to be careful as even more harsh conditions could batter the holiday hotspot.

AEMET said: “Be vigilant and check the current weather forecast regularly.”

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The agency also warned people to be especially careful while visiting beaches and the coast, as 40ft waves are expected to batter the east of Majorca. The AEMET added: “Damage to people and property is possible, especially to vulnerable individuals or those in exposed locations.”

This storm led to terrifying 90kmph winds, which are expected to continue into the day. The shock winter storm also brought a blanket of snow to the island on Wednesday, amid the hailstorm.

Shocking images showed the size of these pieces of hail that smashed onto the island, with some locals saying they were the size of walnuts.

Yellow weather warnings was issued across the island yesterday but forecasters said the worst of the weather could be seen today.

A winter storm across southern Europe has seen temperatures dramatically drop across the typically mild area – and be a possible reason behind the shock conditions on Majorca.

Weather warnings were also issued on the Spanish mainland, with the heaviest snowfall expected around Santander, Bilbao and the Cantabrian Mountains, where 25cm of snow could drop within 24 hours.

Mountain zones inland from Santander were some of the areas on alert for around 20cm of snow, while several well-known places near Navarre and northern La Rioja could see up to 10cm. Even the normally milder inland region near San Sebastián is forecast to receive around 5cm as the cold air digs deeper across the north coast.

This comes as Brits could also be hit with heavy rain and snow in a storm that could reach the UK in just a few days. As much as 10cm of snow could settle in some parts of the nation.

Weather maps have predicted the chilly weather could sweep across the UK in the early hours of December 4. Rain is set to fall over England, Wales, Northern Ireland and southern parts of Scotland, while central and northern Scotland could see some serious snow.

Maps for December 5 show snowfall in England – initially be centred around the Yorkshire Dales and Pennines before spreading throughout the day. They suggest towns and cities like Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield could also see snow at around 3pm on that Friday.

The crunch of frost underfoot, lungfuls of crisp fresh air, landscapes sparkling in shafts of sunlight; a good winter walk is one of life’s simple pleasures. We want to hear about where you love to walk at this time of year in the UK. Perhaps it’s a bracing coastal path, a meandering woodland hike or a riverside trail. If there’s a lovely pub or cafe on the route so much the better!

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Friday 5 December at 10am GMT

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

Read the terms and conditions here

Share your travel tip using the form below.

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IF you’re looking for a winter getaway that really won’t break the bank, then look no further than this Bulgarian town.

The experts at hoppa analysed dozens of European locations to find the most budget-friendly depending on factors like cost of a hotel and possibly what matters most to Brits – the average price of a pint.

Coming in second place, but having the cheapest price of pints of all of them was Bansko in Bulgaria.

The town is two hours away from the capital of Sofia and is known for its ski resorts and a beautiful mountain landscape.

In the pretty Bulgarian destination, hoppa found the average cost of a pint to be just 90p.

Some of the highest rated bars include Pirin 75 which has been praised for its cocktails, and the Happy End Bar which one visitor described as a “cracking apres ski bar”.

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Other affordable aspects include a stay in a 3-star hotel which averages out at £57.

Sun Travel found a five-night stay between December 15-20 at the Hotel Tanne in Bansko works out at just £47.60 per person per night.

The four-star hotel is found at the foot of the Pirin Mountains and is perfect for skiers as it’s 300 metres from the gondola lift.

Rooms have mountain views and guests can relax at the on-site spa centre which has a hot mineral water pool, salt room, herb sauna, an outdoor Japanese bath and a pool with hydro beds and water cannons.

There’s also a gym, café, Viennese lounge and piano bar.

If skiing is the type of holiday you’re after, then Bansko is a great option as it came in third in the Post Office Travel Money Ski Report 2025.

It’s even become cheaper and moved from sixth to third place after a 2.8 per cent drop in costs.

In the study, the average cost of a six-day ski pass and ski/boot hire for one person plus ski school (five-six half days), a range of drinks and lunch on the slopes cost £572.14 in Bansko.

Whereas in the likes of Cervinia, La Thuile and Sestriere in Italy all costs came in at over £700.

The most expensive was in Zermatt in Switzerland which came in at £1,345.76pp.

Away from the slopes, other popular activities in Bansko include trekking up Vihren, exploring Pirin Street, visiting the Neofit Rilski Museum and Velyanova House.

The one downside to Bansko is that it doesn’t have an airport.

However, the closest one is in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria where flights in December are as little as £16.

Certain places like Hotel Tanne will supply airport shuttles with journeys taking around two hours.

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For more European breaks on a budget, check out these five holidays that are cheaper than a UK train fare – with £2 prosecco and stunning beaches.

And find out our travel team’s favourite affordable Europe holidays including hidden islands, quiet beach towns and cheap cities.

Here are the best budget getaways in Europe…

Here’s the full list of the cheapest breaks in Europe from hoppa

1. Prague, Czech Republic
2. Bansko, Bulgaria
3. Sofia, Bulgaria
4. Budapest, Hungary
5. Tallinn, Estonia
6. Krakow, Poland
7. Tirana, Albania
8. Belgrade, Serbia
9. Bratislava, Slovakia
10. Vilnius, Lithuania

IT’S the most wonderful time of the year, as Brits flock to Christmas markets to browse festive gifts and sip piping hot mulled wine.

Now, the country’s best eight spots for top-notch Christmas markets have been revealed, but notably missing one major city.

A survey of 4,000 people by consumer champion Which has revealed Brits’ favourite Christmas market destinations all over the country.

The top eight cities were: Bath, Chester, Durham, Winchester, Wells, Liverpool, Edinburgh, York and Belfast.

This means that Manchester was a glaring exception to the list, despite its markets offering 200 stalls across nine locations this year in the popular northern city.

The selection offers something for everyone, from quaint cobbled lanes to grand squares and gothic cathedrals.

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Bath is already a tourist hotspot, a Regency gem which was voted the UK’s best medium-sized city this year.

It’s market offers 200 chalets where punters can peruse a massive selection of goods, with many of the stallholders based in the South West.

Expect everything from foraged jam to pet gifts.

In Northern Ireland, Belfast plays host to a market ideal for foodies, from crocodile burgers to local produce every weekend.

It also includes a funfair, and takes place at the steps of the grand Victorian City Hall building.

If you are looking to spot some WAGs doing a spot of Christmas browsing, Chester would be the city to head to.

With its 80 stalls spiralling out from it’s gothic town hall, customers will be delighted with the range of indie options like artisan liqueurs available in this footballer-favourite city.

It is also one of the better cities for accessibility like parking and lack of crowds.

Another historic northern city, Durham’s festive market is a handmade affair, with optional tickets to gain admission to the crafts and gift marquee of 120 stalls costing £4.50.

The free section of the market only has 30 stalls, so more minimalist than some of the others.

It lasts two days, between 5 and 7 December, so worth bearing in mind it could be extremely popular.

Scotland’s offering is found on the iconic East Princes Street in Edinburgh, where revellers can enjoy typical festive options like stocking fillers and gluhwein in the shadow of the city’s imposing castle.

The fair also has a Ferris wheel, and the market lasts into early January, offering the perfect place to celebrate Hogmanay.

Liverpool was crowned the best big city, and it’s Christmas market looks set to live up to the city’s top-rated culture and shopping.

St George’s Hall, with its statuesque columns and strings of twinkling lights, offers a beautiful backdrop to the festivities.

Down in Somerset, Wells has long been a hidden gem, with it’s 850 year old cathedral and moat filled with swans which was immortalised in the 2007 film Hot Fuzz.

Voted best small city this year, its market will last for one day, and one day only, on 6 December.

This is very much a market by and for locals, offering gifts crafted in the community, and some regional fare.

Another city most well-known for its stunning cathedral, Winchester is a classy pick for a refined market-goer.

The stalls are set out in front of the ancient landmark, and punters will peruse hand-painted buttons and horsehair brushes.

At the York Christmas Festival, traders operate out of alpine chalets decked with tinsel and wreaths.

Known for its winding lanes and generous Yorkshire hospitality, the city’s market is a staple, as it has been going for over 30 years.

It is a fantastic place to browse for gifts- anything from food and drink to art prints.

The list was created from Which’s best UK cities survey, which means every spot also boasts good-quality food and cultural activities as well as their markets.

Other cities which nearly made the cut included Newcastle, for its top-scoring food and drink offering, Glasgow for its cultural sites, and London, which boasts a plethora of markets.

Which also recommended the UK’s prettiest villages which might be worth a trip or stay this Christmas for their chocolate-box scenery.

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These included Avebury in Wiltshire, with its thatched cottages and prehistoric circles.

Another good option would be Llangollen, a picturesque Welsh town with stunning views over the River Dee.

It’s not just surviving but thriving.

Tucked away on the UK coast is a seaside town packed full of independent shops and surprises. In its golden heyday, the Victorian age, the Isle of Thanet (the easternmost part of Kent) was packed full of popular holiday resorts. Trend-conscious people like Charles Dickens, swapping the London smog for the revitalising sea air, took the train down to one of them: Broadstairs.

They were enchanted by its sweeping Viking Bay, named in honour of the AD449 Viking invasion of Britain. And with them, they brought riches which helped the small town construct rows of grand houses and an imperial seafront. Unlike many seaside towns hit by the mid-20th-century boom in cheap foreign holidays and the more recent spike in arcade-killing energy prices, Broadstairs is surviving in 2025. In fact, it’s thriving.

I ventured down to the town of 25,000 on a brutal November day to find out if it’s a place that shutters up as the stormy season rolls in and discovered that it has not only found a way to withstand the passage of time but also the winter.

Councillor Kristian Bright, cabinet member for tourism, met me in Salt cafe and explained part of Broadstairs’s success where he told me: “It is one of the only places in Thanet that has an independent high street like this. 15 Square Metres is a great restaurant run by MasterChef finalist Tony Rodd. We have Bar Ingo. I love to spend an evening in there. There’s Kebbells Seafood Bar as well. There’s just so many great places. In the winter, people come down and have a really special time.”

In a way many other coastal spots are not, Broadstairs is protected from brutal seasonal swings by its changing population. The launch of Southeastern’s high-speed rail line in 2009 drew the town a commutable ride from London, while the working from home shift of Covid ensured those down from the capital could stay full-time.

Palace Cinema owners Corinna Downing and her husband Simon Ward are among their number, and now benefit from the new demographic’s love of foreign film. “The notion of local and independent cinema, with its own character, has worked in our own favour,” she explained.

The Palace is the only independent cinema in the area and now draws in punters from across Thanet. Winter, particularly Oscars season, is their time to shine. When they’re not busy showing Imitation of Life and L’Atalante, the cinema is being hired out by members of the thriving local film society – on one recent occasion, for a raucous Austin Powers dress-up night.

Just down the seafront is another business that makes the Palace’s 60-year history look fleeting. Mario Morelli opened an ice cream parlour bearing his family’s name in 1932, and his descendants are still serving up impossibly big sundaes almost 100 years later. Morelli’s is a testament to the idea that if a business does things well and looks after its staff and customers, it will succeed. On the grimmest of midweek mornings, its sensationally big ice creams, waffles, and coffees drew in 30 punters.

Chris Chalklands, the former manager and now semi-retired parlour prince, has been working there for 53 years. He explained what makes Morelli’s so special. “It’s a family-run institution. It’s more of your community hub (in the winter) retreat. We go down about 50% in the winter, but our busiest day is Boxing Day. Everybody comes out for a walk. From 10 to five, it’s standing room only. Broadstairs has changed from a bed and breakfast holiday resort to an Airbnb. I love the atmosphere, community, and general population,” he said.

Hussein, who runs the Fish Inn on the High Street, swapped his home country of Turkey for Broadstairs 15 years ago. More than Morelli’s and The Palace, his business is impacted by the winter months. “It’s a nice place in the summer. I’m not sure about the winter when it’s rainy, but generally it’s good. It’s a nice beach, there’s no trouble. In winter, it’s cold, people don’t want to come out.”

While I was the only chip eater that Wednesday morning, that might’ve been because a gale was flinging rain and fish and chip signs down the road. Usually, a steady trade of students from a local language school and deliveries keeps the 34-year-old Fish Inn ticking over.

There are, of course, tensions in Broadstairs. As they tend to, DFLers have brought money and pushed up house prices. The average home now costs £409,441, according to Rightmove, while the average worker in Thanet takes home £29,312. The pull of its incredible beach and tidal pool during the summer means there is a significant drop-off in tourism in the winter, which can be challenging for businesses.

But these issues seem relatively small and manageable. The council recently introduced a second-home tax, which saw Broadstairs property prices fall by the highest amount of anywhere in the UK last year. Add to that a high street packed with independent shops, and off-season events such as the Blues Bash and Food Festival, and the future prospects of this little coastal gem seem very strong.

With the days getting shorter (and colder), it’s tempting to go into hibernation mode. But winter can feel like a special time of year if you get out and embrace it. We’d love to hear about your favourite UK-based outdoor winter activity, whether it’s cold-water swimming, stargazing, birdwatching or simply wrapping up and going for a bracing walk or off-road bike ride.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Monday 1 December at 10am GMT

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

Read the terms and conditions here

If you’re having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.

LET the festive fun begin, with this year’s Christmas attractions bigger and brighter than ever.

Dazzling light and music trails, marvellous markets, winter wonderlands, super Santa steam trains, pantos and ice rinks have popped up all over the UK.

Trisha Harbord picks out a selection of events to make Christmas go with a ho, ho, ho.

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE

ASHRIDGE HOUSE

SEE a stunning light trail from the air.

A 115ft observation wheel is at the heart of 20 spectacular displays at Ashridge House Illuminated this winter.

The sparkling one-mile trail winds through the estate’s beautiful gardens in Berkhamsted, Herts, with a super-festive food village.

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The big bonus is if the weather is bad, you can swap tickets for another day.

GO: November 27-January 1. Adult £23.50, child £14.40.

See ashridgehouse.org.uk.

LONGLEAT SAFARI PARK

WALLACE & Gromit are getting in on the fun at Longleat’s Festival of Light.

The characters will be shining bright along with Shaun the Sheep in his Mossy Bottom Farm.

Follow the lantern trail at the Wiltshire safari park to walk under a 50ft Tower Bridge, travel through Stonehenge and visit Blackpool seaside resort.

GO: Until January 11. Adult from £39.95, child from £20.95. Under-threes go free.

See longleat.co.uk.

GULLIVER’S WORLD RESORT

WANDER through a mile-long Land of Lights trail at Gulliver’s World resorts.

The theme parks, in Warrington, Cheshire, Milton Keynes and Rotherham, Yorks, have been transformed into 12 dream worlds, including a Jurassic zone, filled with glowing lanterns and installations.

Santa’s enchanted elevator will take you on a virtual flight to the North Pole.

GO: Until January 31. Adult from £39, and from £9 for child.

See gulliversworldresort.co.uk.

TWYCROSS ZOO

MARVEL at the Gruffalo lanterns experience.

The beloved book character is included in spectacular displays, featuring ten wild habitats from eight continents at Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire.

Lanterns Of The Wild has more than 2,000 lanterns in rainforests and oceans depicting thousands of animals and plants including elephants, monkeys and penguins.

GO: Until February 22. Adult from £19, child £13.95.

See twycrosszoo.org.

KENWOOD HOUSE

TINKERBELL will be scattering her fairy dust along a Peter Pan-themed trail this Christmas.

Dazzling lighting and atmospheric sound recreate the favourite children’s story at London’s Kenwood House.

You’ll be transported through the Lost Boys’ secret hideout, Captain Hook’s ship and the Darling family home with a feast of treats along the way.

GO: Until January 3. Adult from £20, child £12.

See neverlandatkenwood.co.uk.

SILVERSTONE

F1 fans will be racing to get to Silverstone for the return of its Lap Of Lights experience.

After a four-year hiatus, the festive display is back, with 7,000 LED panels and 35 lasers, transforming the British racetrack into a glittering wonderland.

Visitors can drive their own car around the track, before heading to the ice rink or chomping on some mince pies at the food and drink garage.

GO: From December 12 until January 3, £50 per car.

See silverstone.co.uk.

ICE AND EASY

PRESTON

PRESTON On Ice, a huge new rink has opened in the Lancashire town.

It sits under the 105-year-old market canopy with space for confident skaters and beginners.

There’s a ski chalet-style bar and live music at weekends.

GO: Until January 4. Adult from £12, child £10.

See prestononice.co.uk.

TORQUAY

THE English Riviera has a new ice rink among the Bay Of Lights celebrations.

Under a sparkling canopy in the heart of Torquay, there are hour-long sessions including parent and toddler slots.

Enjoy food and drinks and the Christmas market and illumination trail.

GO: November 28 until January 2. Adult £12.58, child £9.43, family £37.73.

See englishriviera.co.uk.

LONDON

SKATE in the shadow of one of London’s most iconic buildings, Somerset House, with Virgin Atlantic Holidays.

A massive rink with lights and DJs spinning the decks has taken over the gallery’s courtyard.

There’s a 40ft tree, food, drink and a pop-up boutique with proceeds going to charity.

GO: Until January 11. Adult from £15, children £10.

See somersethouse.org.uk.

BRIGHTON

GO green at Brighton’s Royal Pavilion.

The ice rink, in front of the 1787 palace, is powered by renewable energy.

Penguin skate aids are available and there’s a bar and cafe.

The city also has a light trail and drone show.

GO: Until January 4. Adult from £15, child £12.

See royalpavilionicerink.co.uk.

FULL STEAM AHEAD

NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS

STEAM along on a new Santa Express interactive adventure.

The ride on North Yorkshire Moors Railway, from Pickering, will be packed with games, songs and, of course, elves and the man himself handing out treats.

GO: Various dates until December 24, £29.50pp.

See nymr.co.uk/santa.

VICTORIA STATION

RIDE through the heart of London with Santa and his merry elves.

They’ll sing carols and tell stories in decorated 1950s or ’60s-themed carriages, with a snack and drink for kids and mince pies for grown-ups.

The steam train departs on a 90-minute round trip from Victoria Station.

GO: Four departures available on December 20 and 22, from £55pp.

See steamdreams.co.uk.

BURY BOLTON STREET

A MAGICAL talking tree, brass band and a carol-singing choir of polar bears.

That’s the scene at Bury Bolton Street station before hopping on East Lancashire Railway’s Santa Specials.

The 80-minute round trip includes mince pies and chocolate, kids’ activity books and gifts from Santa.

GO: Various dates until December 24, from £23pp.

See eastlancsrailway.org.uk.

KEIGHLEY & WORTH VALLEY

ENJOY a showstopping performance of a Christmas Carol at Keighley & Worth Valley Railway stations.

Families will find themselves in Scrooge’s candlelit office, in the grip of Marley’s ghost and watching the drama unfold on a five-mile steam train ride from Oxenhope or Haworth, West Yorks.

GO: Various dates and times until December 18. Adult £35, child £30.

See kwvr.co.uk.

SACKFUL OF TREATS

BLENHEIM PALACE

FOLLOW the Yellow Brick Road on a magical adventure inspired by the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

The story — the highlight of Christmas at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire — is played out in the state rooms.

In the gardens, browse market stalls and walk the amazing light trail with huge sculptures and fountains.

Also, tuck into afternoon tea, go skating or on fairground rides.

GO: Until January 3. Prices vary, but for Palace of Oz, adult from £41, child £24. Under-twos go free.

For more information, see blenheimpalace.com.

SOUTHAMPTON MARKETS

SOUTHAMPTON is going Christmas crazy.

The main market in Above Bar Street has more than 20 wooden chalets packed with gifts, festive food, hot chocolate and mulled wine.

There’s a Ferris wheel and a new 200ft Star Flyer ride, fairground, light show, shops’ snow window trail, ice rink, Santa visits and shows including a panto.

GO: Market until January 4, free.

See visitsouthampton.co.uk/christmas.

KIELDER FOREST

ROAM around England’s largest forest to find Father Christmas and Mrs Claus in their twinkling hideout.

Kielder Winter Wonderland in Northumberland has fun for all the family.

Sing and dance with Mr and Mrs Beaver, meet the reindeer, birds of prey and snowy owl, enjoy a theatre show, help elves in their workshop or take a break in the bar and kitchen.

GO: Until December 23, £38.50pp, under-twos £5.

For more information, check out kielderwinterwonderland.com.

NATIONAL TRUST PROPERTIES

YOU can always rely on National Trust properties to provide all the wonder at Christmas.

There are markets, winter fairs, craft workshops, choir concerts, illuminations and Santa visits.

Dunham Massey in Greater Manchester, Blickling Hall, Norfolk, and Standen House in West Sussex, are among those holding fun events.

Go to the NT site for full details.

GO: Until early January, various prices.

See nationaltrust.org.uk.

CHESTER MARKETS

THERE’S a pressie for everyone at Chester Christmas Market.

Local producers, craftsfolk and artisans are among 80 stallholders in the Town Hall square selling gin, jewellery, candles, pottery, clothing and cosmetics.

The city also has a grotto and panto and the cathedral is aglow with nearly a hundred decorated trees.

GO: Market until December 22, free. See visitcheshire.com.

EDINBURGH MARKET & FUNFAIR

IT’S the most wonderful time of the year in Edinburgh.

The market, with Scottish and European crafts, fills East Princes Street Gardens.

There’s a funfair, undercover ice rink and light displays on the castle walls.

And a torchlight procession through the old town on December 29 kicks off Hogmanay.

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GO: Until January 4, market free.

See visitscotland.com.

The six routes to the islands, which have been growing in popularity as winter sun destinations, will be cancelled from March 2026 with the budget airline citing issues such as rising air traffic control costs

Ryanair has announced it’ll cut all of its routes to the Azores islands as of March 29, 2026, due to rising costs and travel taxes, the airline claims.

The budget airline once offered six routes to and from the island, including seasonal flights from London Stansted and Bristol Airport, which operated from April to October. It also offered connections from Portugal’s mainland, including Lisbon and Porto.

Ryanair’s CCO Jason McGuinness said: “We are disappointed that the French airport monopoly ANA continues to raise Portuguese airport fees to line its pockets, at the expense of Portuguese tourism and jobs – particularly on the Portuguese islands. As a direct result of these rising costs, we have been left with no alternative other than to cancel all Azores flights from 29 March 2026 onwards and relocate this capacity to lower cost airports elsewhere in the extensive Ryanair Group network across Europe.”

He added: “This loss of low fare connectivity to the Azores is direct result of the French monopoly airport operator – VINCI – imposing excessive airport charges across Portugal (which have risen by up to 35% since Covid) and the anti-competitive enviro taxes imposed by the EU, which exempt more polluting long haul flights to the US and Middle East, at the expense of EU remote regions such as the Azores.

“After 10 years of year-round Ryanair operations, one of Europe’s most remote regions will now lose direct low-fare flights to London, Brussels, Lisbon, and Porto due to ANA’s high airport fees and Portuguese Govt. inaction.”

The airline also urged the Portuguese government to take action, with statement saying: “The Portuguese Govt. must intervene and ensure that its airports which are a critical part of national infrastructure – especially in an island economy like the Azores – are used to benefit the Portuguese people, rather than benefitting a French airport monopoly.”

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Ryanair’s axing of these flights now leaves Brits with only one direct route to the Azores; British Airways offer seasonal flights from London Heathrow to Ponta Delgada Airport. However, direct flights only run during the peak summer season, although you can book flights with a connection in Portugal’s mainland for the rest of the year.

The Azores are not the first destination to see its Ryanair services axed due to costs. Ryanair abandoned a number of regional airports in 2025 including Strasbourg, Bergerac, and Vatry, and has threatened to leave several French airports due to rising taxes. Jason McGuinness told a French magazine that a 180% tax increase made regional airports ‘unviable’ for the airline.

The French government’s 2025 budget included a tax hike for air travel, meaning domestic and European flights leaving France were hit with an extra cost of €4.77 (approx. £4.21) per ticket.

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AS the nights draw in and the festive season gets closer, many of us are looking forward hanging up some Christmas lights.

But it’s not just the halls that get decked.

Many gardens and unique spaces across the country transform into glimmering wonderlands – the perfect places to get in the festive spirit.

Here are 12 of the most magical light shows that are set to illuminate England with holiday cheer this winter.

Kew Gardens, London

Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (selected dates)
Tickets: Adults £27.50, children £18, under 4s free

Year on year, the light trail at Kew Gardens is firm favourite of the seasonal calendar.

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Christmas at Kew is a true spectacle, illuminating the UNESCO World Heritage site with sustainable LED lights and installations by leading artists.

Visitors can enjoy projections and music dotted all around the natural space, including at iconic spots like the Palm House fountain.

The three kilometre trail has a range of entertainment beyond lighting too.

Spot Father Christmas on your walk and enjoy delicious treats from food stalls along the route.

Last entry is between 7-8pm and tickets are limited, so book while you can.

Longleat, Wiltshire

Dates: November 8, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Tickets: Adults £34.95, children £26.20, under 3s free

Longleat is usually famous for its drive-through safari park, but come Christmastime it is its light show that really shines.

The trail displays thousands of imaginative lanterns, this year celebrating the theme of British Icons.

Look out for Wallace & Gromit, various British singers and authors, and landmarks like Tower Bridge and Stonehenge all aglow.

A Twilight ticket will give you access to this Festival of Light plus the Enchanted Christmas Tree Show, but you can also upgrade to a Day ticket to include the safari or book a ride on the Santa Train as an add-on.

Dunham Massey, Cheshire

Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Tickets: Adults £19, children £12.50, under 3s free

Just outside Manchester lie the stunning grounds of Dunham Massey, a Grade I listed building and National Trust property.

Its light show is an after-dark experience complete with sparkling trees and colourful, 5m-tall stars.

Expect an immersive evening of sights and sounds created by award-winning producers, and the option to enjoy the fairground for an extra charge.

Entry is timed, so securing a slot is advised.

Winter Glow, Worcestershire

Dates: November 21 – December 31, 2025
Tickets: Adults £12.50, children £6.50, under 3s free

Local craftspeople and lighting designers are behind the show at Winter Glow in the Worcestershire countryside.

The trail is transformed into a winter dreamland with twinkling bulbs and fairytale structures.

It’s a super accessible experience, with sensory-friendly trails available on selected dates, dog friendly sessions on offer and full wheelchair access.

Northern Lights, Newcastle

Dates: November 27 – December 31, 2025
Tickets: Adults £15, children £5, under 3s free

Winding along the mile-long path at Leazes Park in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne is fun for all the family.

Take in its 15 different illumination zones from Lantern Lane to the Butterfly Blizzard, and even a marshmallow roasting station.

More winter warmers are available from the park’s Christmas Village, access to which is included in the ticket price.

Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Tickets: Adults £24, children £18, under 3s free

This year, the illuminated trail at Blenheim Palace promises to be “bigger, better and brighter than ever before”.

The light show has already earned a place as one of the UK’s most popular trails.

Visitors can buy a combined ticket to access both the light trail and the palace or a ticket for the illuminations only.

Allow around an hour to explore the route, with extra time factored in to meet Father Christmas along the way or to stop at the chalet-style huts for tasty food and drink.

Helmingham Hall, Suffolk

Dates: November 14 – December 19, 2025
Tickets: Adults £20, children £10, under 2s free

Helmingham Hall’s gardens and parkland attract visitors all year round.

Where its flowers bloom in spring, lights glint in winter along the illuminated garden trail.

The mesmerising experience takes place after dusk, when you’ll cross a historic drawbridge and weave through shining walkways.

If that isn’t enough reason to go, grown-ups can enjoy a complimentary mulled wine with their ticket while kids can toast snacks at the firepits along the route.

And if you have a pooch, you can can bring them too.

Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool

Dates: November 28 – December 6, 2025
Tickets: Adults £9.50, children £7.50, under 3s free

The Light Before Christmas comes to Liverpool Cathedral for a fourth year running, and attending the show has become a yuletide tradition in the city.

As they journey through the building, ticket-holders will find enchanting scenes ranging from the nativity to Santa’s reindeer, plus candlelit areas.

There are even bean bags to lie on to take in the acoustics of Britain’s biggest cathedral and marvel at the projections on the ceiling.

A visitor last year said: “It’s the perfect thing to get you in the mood for Christmas”, while another commented: “I come every year and it’s always beautiful.”

Kids are also big fans of the event, with one saying: “It was really Christmassy and magical.”

Hever Castle, Kent

Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 2, 2026
Tickets: Adults £24.50, children £16, under 5s free

Follow the yellow brick road to Hever Castle for a themed light extravaganza.

This year the castle will be decked out in all things Wizard of Oz.

From spotting the flying monkeys in the Christmas tree forest to arriving at the Emerald City as the castle glows bright green, it promises to be an other-worldly visit.

Hever has traditional Christmas offerings too, with log fires burning inside the beautifully decorated rooms of the castle and fairy lights glittering in the grounds.

And don’t worry – despite being in Oz and not Lapland, little ones will still be able to pay a visit Father Christmas’ grotto.

Fairground ride tickets are just £2 each and can be purchased on the day.

Stockeld Park, Yorkshire

Dates: November 22, 2025 – January 5, 2026
Tickets: Adults & children £17.50, under 2s free

The Enchanted Forest at Stockeld Park transforms for the Christmas season.

Its woodland boasts interactive adventure playgrounds as well as an enormous snowflake-shaped maze made from 2,000 trees and lined with glistening lights.

After getting lost in the maze – which is included in the ticket – you can stop by cosy cabins in the woods for a hot chocolate and explore animations and soundscapes further along the trail.

Light Up Trails, Hampshire

Dates: November 27, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Tickets: Adults £20, children £12.50, under 2s free

Nestled among the greenery between Winchester and Southampton you will find a dazzling light display with all the trimmings.

The trail is divided into eight zones, each one offering a different feast for the eyes.

Catch the fibre-optic flowers in the Bloom and Glow zone, golden lanterns at Step into the Magic and a laser show at The Rhythm of Light.

Halfway along the trail you can warm up at its ski-themed Christmas Village and indulge in food from bratwurst to crepes.

Ashridge House, Hertfordshire

Dates: November 27, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Tickets: Adults £23.50, children £14.40, under 4s free

Ashridge House was once a royal residence of King Henry III, and its grounds are referred to to by insiders as the ‘Garden of Gardens’.

The stately home puts on a proper show at Christmas, where gentle gleaming lights meet impressive pyrotechnics and festive music.

A 115ft Ferris wheel gives you sweeping views of the 190 acres of garden below – book this at the online checkout.

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On the ground, showstoppers include the star-shaped tunnel and giant bauble field.

Dog-friendly nights are on Wednesdays and Thursdays.