Ideas for a Christmas or Thanksgiving Holiday in Great Britain

IDEAS FOR A CHRISTMAS OR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

With these two important holidays just around the corner, I am thinking of family festive events specific to England, Scotland and Ireland.

England

I can suggest Christmas programs embracing private properties, luxury hotels and indulgent experiences showcasing a wealth of festive fun. Capital Christmas family highlights may include a horse drawn carriage ride, skating under the stars at one of London’s oldest landmarks and meeting Father Christmas himself at the frozen grotto at one of London’s iconic stores. Mulled wine at a royal favorite and winter Pimms in a private capsule on the London Eye will appeal to the adults before settling in a luxury hotel for an enchanting and unforgettable English celebration. For peace and tranquility an exquisite country property provides a well deserved break, winter walks in Capability Brown inspired gardens, culinary masterclasses, Santa Segway races, falconry and rolling parklands ensure the holiday season is enjoyed by all.

Scotland

Experience true luxury at one of Edinburgh’s most opulent hotels with a Christmas tree styled by HM The Queen’s silversmiths and clock specialist. Enjoy streaming mugs of mulled wine at the Christmas Market and a light and music show aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. Stay in the city for its world famous Hogmanay or explore the Highlands, a stunning steam railway trip through the wintery highlands on the Santa Express will set the scene before arriving at your exquisite loch side castle. Greeted by roaring fires and warming drinks, enjoy winter safari tours and wilderness treasure hunts, traditional Christmas carols and a Ceilidh (dance ) to take off the chill.

Ireland

Experience Dublin’s festive pleasures with the cracking open peat fires and deep sofas at one of its finest hotels. After a visit to the Christmas Market in Dublin. Cathedral’s twelfth century crypt and Christmas shopping on the famous Grafton Street enjoy a festive afternoon tea with carols around the magical tree. Celebrate St.Stephen’s day on December 26^th at the Christmas Race Festival at Leopardstown and soak up the excitement and flavors of a true Irish tradition. To relax, leave the city behind and indulge in winter walks, horse drawn carriage rides, and bracing Christmas swims, warming up with a hot Irish whiskey at one of our specially selected luxurious castles or county estates.

Christmas Diary Dates

13 Nov – 24 Dec Christmas Festival at the Royal Albert Hall

18 Nov – 7 Jan Edinburgh Christmas Festival

18 Nov – 2 Jan Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

23 Nov – 12 Jan The Royal Ballet perform the Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House

25 Nov – 2 Jan Blenheim Palace Festive Lights Trail

3-4 Dec Royal Yacht Britannia Christmas Weekend

30 Dec – 1 Jan Edinburgh’s Hogmanay

This would perhaps be a new experience for you. Also great for the single traveler, you should make friends in a small house party atmosphere.

It will be jolly chilly, but you dress accordingly. A great and special time to visit my favorite part of the world. I dream of the mince tarts and hot buttered crumpets.

Treat yourself, you deserve it.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel

160 Main Street

Los Altos

650-941-5810