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
Year'??s Eve. There'??s 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 isn't far
away.
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During the festive season, visit one of
Barcelona'??s traditional Catalan Christmas
markets - just don'??t 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 city'??s night skyline. During the
festive period, head up to Grouse Mountain for
the Christmas celebration there, which includes
Santa'??s 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 you'??re in New York for the first time for
New Year's Eve, there'??s 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 Year'??s
Eve. Two of the biggest are the Hollywood VIP
Pass, a ticket to multiple clubs around the city,
and Cleopatra's New Year's Eve Ball at the
Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.
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If you'??re going to be in Dublin this New Year's
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 you're in Amsterdam for New Year,
spend the night on Museumplein (Museum Square)
for the city'??s 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 Year's Eve in Toronto is a big deal, so you
won'??t 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 Year'??s Eve
run. It'??s 5k in distance and proceeds go to
charity, but don'??t worry, there'??s still
champagne and fireworks as you cross the
finishing line.
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Rome is the home of Christmas, and even if you
aren'??t religious, there's something special
about the tradition and ceremony that takes place
throughout the season. When it comes to New
Year's Eve, if you'??d 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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Slideshow from MSN Lifestyle Photos