End of November, mum and I met up in Paris for our (almost) annual mother-daughter weekend. I mean, a Christmas weekend in Paris? What could be better? We were both looking forward to it. Making travel plans in the current climate is a bit risky, so when booking, I ensured that all could be cancelled until the week before. Just to be safe. But, against all odds (with Covid cases on the up again, we were a little worried until the last minute) we made it to Paris. And it does seem it was last minute, as travel restrictions were tightened again in the UK whilst we were on our Christmas weekend in Paris.
Christmas
Christmas in Paris – What to Do & See
Paris is lovely all year round. But it becomes extra magical in the run up to Christmas. I’ve been fortunate to spend some time in Paris before Christmas in 2019 and I am beyond excited to announce that I will be having another Christmas weekend in Paris this year. But what is there to do in Paris before Christmas? Well, don’t despair. In case you are planning a trip to Paris this Christmas, I’ve got you covered. Read on for my Christmas in Paris recommendations.
See London’s Christmas Lights on Foot
London in the run up to Christmas is pretty special and should really be experienced at least once in your life. I mean, yes it can get super hectic if you leave your Christmas shopping to the last minute. And obviously loads of people come to London before Christmas, so that the city is packed. But it can be pretty magical, if you just take your time. Rather than getting caught in the hustle and bustle, why not spend an hour or two slowing down and enjoying the Christmas lights? How about a little London Christmas lights walking tour? I mean, what better way is there to see London’s Christmas Lights if not on foot? And best of all, it is completely free.
Carnaby Street Christmas Lights 2018
After I’ve shared with you all the beautiful Christmas lights in Vienna, I thought it was only fair to also show some of London’s Christmas lights.
If you are heading to London for your Christmas shopping, take the time to pause, look up and enjoy the lights around you (well if you do so anywhere near the shopping streets, ensure you also stay alert, otherwise you might be trampled down by the stampede of Christmas shoppers).
Christmas Markets in Vienna
I just love Christmas and everything to go with it. And one of the things I miss most now that I live in the UK is Christmas markets. Yes, we do have the odd Christmas market in London (and a nice big one in Birmingham). But they are not quite the same as the traditional Christmas markets you’ll find in other parts of Europe. Whenever I get the chance, I love to go and explore some of the best Christmas markets whilst out and about. In the last few years I’ve been to the Christmas markets in Nuremberg, Hamburg and Vienna.
So, in time for the first Advent weekend, I took the opportunity and visited not just one, but eight of Vienna’s Christmas markets with my mum.
Yes, you heard right. EIGHT! And those weren’t even all the Christmas markets Vienna has to offer. There are still some left that we did not manage. Or that weren’t open yet, as it was very early in the season.
But let’s start at the beginning.
A Pre-Christmas Trip to London
For me 1st November marks the turning point between ‘It’s far too early to think about Christmas’ to ‘Oh gosh, how can it be November already? Time’s ticking’… let’s officially kick off the season and start the Christmas cheer… NOW. Time to get all presents sorted and cookies baked. So let me tell you about London at Christmas time. In case you are planning a pre Christmas trip to London this year (although, if you do, please check the current travel restrictions).
Needless to say (but I will say it anyway) London is a travel destination all year round, but visiting London in the run up to Christmas feels extra special and an experience plenty of people seek every year.
To help you make the most of your pre Christmas trip to London, I’ve put together a little collection of things to do and see to get your Christmas spirits up.