This Christmas and Some Ideas for the Future

By Tracy | December 5, 2020

VISIT A LOCAL GEM

The Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens is a top attraction in Lethbridge any time of year but with over 150,000 lights brightening our shortest days, a winter visit is well worth it.

The Festival runs from December to the end of January. This year, advance ticket purchase is required. (link below)

Details for Tickets

HOLIDAY TRAVEL

Normally, many of us would be traveling to experience different cultural festivities or to tropical locations for a break from winter.

Traveling during the holiday season allows us to experience a destination when their locals are at their happiest as well. Everyone is out shopping, eating, drinking, singing, dancing and out socializing with visitors.

What a wonderful time to visit a new destination!

Christmas markets in Europe date back to the 1400’s but there is even mention of “December markets” as early as the 1200’s.Popular attractions include Nativity Scenes, traditional Christmas cookies and other sweets local to the area, mulled wine to keep you warm, all while exploring the endless stalls of Christmas decorations and other handcrafts.

The first photo below is Father Frost, a traditional Russian handicraft and iconic figure in Russian culture. And, of course, angels are always a special part of Christmas.
The first photo below is Father Frost, a traditional Russian handicraft and iconic figure in Russian culture. And, of course, angels are always a special part of Christmas.

An extra bonus about traveling during the festive season is the number of new beverages and dishes you’ll learn about.

In the same way that we reach for mulled wine and eggnog over the holidays, various destinations will delight you with a wide array of fresh, fun and festive cocktails and special dishes reserved for this time of year.

Festive Cranberry Cocktails

Traditional Spanish Paella

Or for a little twist, opt for a blend of of contemporary such as the pools shown below set in the mountains of Austria and then visit a very traditional church for Christmas Eve service.

The options for experiencing new destinations are endless.

And of course, some people like to escape the holidays all together and decide to just make it somewhere fabulous! Nothing wrong with that. This looks pretty inviting to us too!