Best escapes for Christmas and New Year

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Best escapes for Christmas New Year 2012
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Drink some mulled wine and chomp on a gingerbread
man at one of the Christmas markets skate at one
of the ice rinks set up around the city or
take-in the Eiffel Tower light show on New
Years Eve. Theres plenty to do in Paris
over the festive period. And if your version of
partying is with your children in a
family-friendly environment Disneyland isnt far
away.
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During the festive season visit one of
Barcelonas traditional Catalan Christmas
markets - just dont expect to find a bratwurst
or stein in sight. On Christmas Day itself you
can watch the annual swimming race in the harbour
- it is truly an original experience!
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If you want to see in the new year in style jump
aboard a boat and cruise the river while enjoying
fine dining dancing champagne and stunning
views of the citys night skyline. During the
festive period head up to Grouse Mountain for
the Christmas celebration there which includes
Santas workshop an outdoor skating pond real
reindeer and Christmas choirs.
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The festive season in the city is something
special go skating at the Rockefeller Center
Christmas shopping down snow-lined streets and
if youre in New York for the first time for
New Years Eve theres only one place to be
when the clock strikes midnight on the 31st.
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LA has loads of options for partying throughout
the festive season especially on New Years
Eve. Two of the biggest are the Hollywood VIP
Pass a ticket to multiple clubs around the city
and Cleopatras New Years Eve Ball at the
Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.
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If youre going to be in Dublin this New Years
Eve be sure to get tickets to the NYE Dublin
Festival so you can enjoy the music dancing and
fireworks set to take place. The festival this
year marks the start of The Gathering Ireland
2013 a year-long event celebrating all things
Irish.
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Catch the Dutch National Ballet performing
Cinderella until 1 January go skating on one of
the numerous ice rinks around the city and take
in the festive feel of the markets and lights
festivals. If youre in Amsterdam for New Year
spend the night on Museumplein (Museum Square)
for the citys own version of the Times Square
celebrations.
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Instead of escaping for some winter sun this
year head to Canada and embrace snowier climes.
In Calgary there are loads of events going on
for Christmas and new year. Take your kids along
to the Calgary Zoo Zoolights there will be fire
pits ice-carving demos delicious hot chocolate
and 1.5 million twinkling lights to take in.
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New Years Eve in Toronto is a big deal so you
wont struggle to find the perfect event to
suit you. There are plenty of balls club nights
and pubs open to the early hours to see in the
new year. Or for something a little different
join in on the Toronto Midnite New Years Eve
run. Its 5k in distance and proceeds go to
charity but dont worry theres still
champagne and fireworks as you cross the
finishing line.
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Rome is the home of Christmas and even if you
arent religious theres something special
about the tradition and ceremony that takes place
throughout the season. When it comes to New
Years Eve if youd prefer to spend the
evening outside enjoying live music with hundreds
of other people rather than in a busy nightclub
then Rome is for you.
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