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Elena Alvarez
The Dutch capital is always a desirable destination, but Christmas is when you get that special magic that floods its streets and the hospitality of its people permeates in every corner. If you have not visited Amsterdam in the final stretch of the year, here are reasons to be seduced by this city: Bike ride through the canals The best method of transport in Amsterdam enables you to live the Christmas spirit that reigns in the streets: the decoration that covers canals, bridges illuminated with small lights, the chimes of the churches, musicians and choirs singing carols, decorated squares with firs … The whole city is spread with a festive mood that is present in all its monuments, churches and shrines. Holiday Shopping The charming downtown shops are a desirable alternative to the busy commercial centers of your city and you can surprise your loved ones with unique and original gifts. Visit the Christmas markets and be sure to walk around Negen Straatjes, Haarlemmerstraat and Spiegelkwartier, streets full of traditional businesses, or Bijenkorf shopping gallery, where you will always find something to buy. Ice circus Multiply events take place at Christmas and you will lack time to attend everything Amsterdam has for these days: from the world circus for children, through the many orchestras and cabarets, ice skating or amusement spread throughout the city. The cultural program is also extended for Christmas and you can enjoy a wide variety of concerts in churches, theatera and exhibitions. Festive Nights Most night owls find the capital bustling more than ever. If there is something that Amsterdam does...
Mónica Boixeda
Just as there are people who live in places that are not warm and spend their vacations during the summer in places where the sun shines fiercely, there are people living in areas with a temperate climate who want to travel to holiday destinations during the cold winter. They are primarily seeking a Christmas atmosphere with decorations and lights in the streets, as well as Christmas markets to buy souvenirs and typical foods to comfort the body. One of the most favorable places is this is what you are looking for is the capital of Estonia, Tallinn. This city on the Baltic Sea is one of the most attractive ones in Europe, but increases greatly its beauty in winter. Snowfall here is moderate, and covers the landscape with a white coating that helps a lot to increase the Christmas spirit. Tallinn is a medieval city, so its charm is even greater As we said, the city is transformed in Christmas, not only in appearance but also by the activities that are carried out. The highlight is the Raejoka Christmas market, located on the square of the same name, which was voted best Christmas market by the prestigious British newspaper The Times. It is not the only market, for there is another in the courtyard of the Three Sisters Hotel and several others in the Rotermann neighborhood. In these markets you can buy everything from Christmas decorations to gifts and, of course, traditional food (hot dogs, sausages, potatoes, sauerkraut, roast pork …) that will bring warmth to the body and delight the palate. The Old Town of Tallinn, due to...
Mónica Boixeda
If there are two places that we would never link together in this world, they are a club and a church. Just thinking that a sacred temple could be related or, even worse, become a profane and recreational temple dedicated to fun, seems like a crazy idea. Such a crazy idea that if it ever happened, it would have to be somewhere really crazy or open to different possibilities. If there´s somewhere in the world like that, that´s Amsterdam. And so, in this special city, famous for its coffee shops where it´s legal to smoke marihuana, its red light district, its canals, its museums and for being the capital of the Netherlands, there´s a club that used to be a church, a temple where all the local church goers used to go. This old temple was abandoned in time and it was restored as a venue for shows, something that could have only happened in Amsterdam (since I cannot imagine anywhere else where this could also happen, unless it´s a temple that was destroyed for X-reasons, but it´s not the case). The building, a very beautiful one, is today one of the biggest concert venues, clubs and cultural centres in the city. The ritual changed, although there´s a new ritual in place now, and it focuses on worship of music. Paradiso is divided in three areas: the first one is the concert venue, the second one is the club and the third and last one is the cultural centre. The concert venue is divided in two rooms; a big one and a small one. The latter is dedicated to...
Mónica Boixeda
Visiting Helsinki at Christmas, Santa Claus country, is the best destination for the romantic or the family. For Nordics Christmas is home and family, a month before they start to decorate the city. Decorating the streets with lights of all colors and decorative candles, buildings contribute to the holiday spirit, even houses show their Christmas spirit by leaving handfuls of oats in the windows for the birds. Christmas starts on November 23 with the Little Christmas, Pikkujoulu, and with opening of the shops windows decorated, quite a sight to see. The lighting of the Christmas lights Aleksanterinkatu, The most European Street in the city shows that the big day is approaching. It is one of the most famous shopping streets of Helsinki. The Cathedral Square has a large Christmas tree full of lights. It is worth walking under the Esplanadi blue trees. One of the biggest attractions of Helsinki is to walk through the halls decorated with giant balls and colored lights in the Kamppi shopping center where Christmas goods are sold and the Stockman department stores. On December 13 they celebrate the feast of Santa Lucia, they choose a city girl to wear a Santa outfit consisting of a white dress and a crown of candles. There are three Christmas markets, the Women Market, from the 5 to the 9 of December at the Vanha Satama Katajanokka. It is a charity fair that sells handicrafts and traditional food handmade by women and village elders. Gingerbread is exquisite. The St. Thomas Market, from the 7 to the 22 of December in the Senate Square, Finnish crafts, Christmas decorations, desserts...
Hans
Possibly one of the most charming aspects of being in London is the opportunity to participate in a traditional London tea time. Far from being the pastime of old ladies and their cats, afternoon tea is undergoing something of a revolution throughout London’s boutique tea rooms, bakeries and hotels. Certainly, you’ll find the typical touristy offerings at some of the big chain hotels; but if you’re willing to get off the beaten path a little, you’re bound for a real treat – and at a mere pittance. Bea’s of Bloomsbury Find it at: 44 Theobalds Road, WC1X 8NW If you’re looking for a stellar tea selection, look no further. Bea’s of Bloomsbury sources its selection from Jing, who supplies the restaurants of such culinary stars as Heston Blumenthal. But the delights don’t end with the tea selection. If you stop in for a Sweet Afternoon Tea at this bakery, you’ll be treated to multi-tiered plates, loaded with mini meringues, mini Belgian Blondie cakes, mini Valrhona brownies, and (perhaps best of all) signature Bea’s cupcakes. Bookings are a mere £12 per person, and reservations must be made by email at: tea@beasofbloomsbury.com. Bake-a-Boo Find it at: 86 Mill Lane, West Hampstead NW6 1NL Bake-a-Boo is the stuff of little girls’ tea party dreams. From the powder-pink exterior to the tea-time offerings, this spot corners the market on cute. If you show up for afternoon tea, you’ll be treated to tea and traditional cream and scones, along with mini brownies, teapot-shaped biscuits, and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Make sure you book by phone 24 hours in advance at: 020 7435 1666. The fare...
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