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It’s the most wonderful time of the year and these classic Christmas destinations are sure to bring out your festive side
If you find yourself in any one of these cities this festive season, make it a point to visit these enchanting Christmas attractions with fun ideal for the whole family.
London, England
Of all the Christmassy things to do in central London, skating on Somerset House's glamorous ice rink has to be one of the most romantic. If you're a novice and don't want to make a fool of yourself, there's a skate school where you can tool up enough to break out your new skills at the various club nights hosted by some of the country's hottest djs. For the month of December, there's also the Skate at Somerset sessions - a series of family-oriented events held in conjunction with Tiffany & Co.
www.somersethouse.org.uk
Dresden, Germany
Christkindlmarkt in Dresden draws more than two million visitors every year to see its giant tree decked out in thousands of lights and to sample traditional festive fare such as candied nuts and the famed Glühwein. The market is teeming with stalls selling handmade crafts, which make charming souvenirs or gifts.
www.weihnachtsmarkt-dresden.de
New York, USA
The lighting of the Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Centre truly ushers in the holiday season. This year the tree was officially lit on November 30. It's also the perfect excuse to stay and finish your Christmas shopping. And while you're there, check out the city's other famous seasonal hotspot: Radio City where the Rockettes perform their annual Christmas Spectacular.
www.rockefellercenter.com
Orlando, USA
What better way to celebrate the happiest time of the year than at the happiest place on earth? This year marks the 27th Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade and all your favourite characters will be joined by the Magic Kingdom's latest superstar, Selena Gomez, and former American Idol winner Lee Dewyze, who will be singing and dancing with the kind of cheer that would put a smile on any Grinch's face. There will also be special performances by Mariah Carey and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. When it comes to setting a festive mood, nobody does it like Disney.
www.disneyworld.disney.go.com
Rovaniemi, Finland
This year, instead of queuing for hours at a shopping mall to meet Santa Claus, travel with the kids to the big man's home patch of Lapland, deep inside the Arctic Circle. There's no end of frosty family fun to be had in the Finnish wilderness with reindeer and husky sleighs ferrying visitors to Santa Park, where children can have some face time with Father Christmas.
www.santaclausvillage.info
