Friday 24 October 2014

Christmas markets and get aways

Christmas Markets

Yes I know it's only autumn, but as the weather draws in and the clocks go back this weekend I begin to think about Christmas. In my mind it's never to early to start thinking about Christmas, planning and getting excited about the festivities. 

As a family we love getting away in December to build up the excitement before Christmas. 

Over the coming weeks I will share some Christmas getaway ideas, the perfect places for present shopping, sampling cultural delicacies and soaking up the festive spirit. 

Nowhere does Christmas quite like the Danish. To kick us off I will share Copenhagen which is a real Christmas city destination. With a flight time of 1 hour and 45 minutes from London, it is the perfect destination for a quick get away, to have some festive cheer. 
Copenhagen
Copenhagen

Tivoli Gardens' is a fairy- tale land and at Christmas (November - December) is not to be missed. 
Tivoli
It is the second oldest amusement park in the world. It houses some of the oldest working roller coasters. Rutschebanen which is a wooden roller coaster was built in 1914. It also houses the second tallest carousel, The Star Flyer. 

Tivoli
Tivoli offers a Nordic wonderland of snowy wooden market huts, selling gifts, ornaments, hot toddies, and wonderful snacks. You can visit Santa's 
reindeer's, the beautiful Christmas lights, travel on the amusement rides and visit the theatre. 
Tivoli
At night Tivoli becomes especially magical when the fairy lights and Chinese lanterns sparkle bright. 
Tivoli
Tivoli also has some wonderful restaurants it is a foodies paradise, whether you are looking for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner you won't be disappointed here.  
Tivoli
Tivoli
Tivoli
Book early and you can also go and watch the Nutcracker Ballet at the Tivoli hall. 
Nutcracker
Now if the wonderful story and costumes don't get you in the Christmas spirit there really is little hope.

In the centre of the city you will find Højbro Plads Christmas markets and Strøget one of the longest pedestrian streets. That has wonderful shops that sell brilliant Christmas gifts, ornaments and food. You must visit The Royal Copenhagen store. 

One of the absolute highlights for me was running along a snowy and icy road trying to keep up with these Fella's. 
Copenhagen
The Palace Guards are an amazing spectacle to behold. At noon everyday the guards from Rosenborg Castle march through the streets to replace those guarding the Palace. Given the conditions in winter they march very quickly, there were a few times that this lady nearly ended up on her bum.  
Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Some of the best views are to be had by the harbour
(Nyhavn), where brightly coloured buildings stand tall around the waterway. 

Copenhagen
Having an early morning breakfast and then taking a boat along the canal to see the city from a different view is really wonderful.  
Copenhagen
Operaen - The Opera House. 
Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Little mermaid

Other things to do our Saviour's church is one of Denmark's most famous churches, with a serpentine tower and 400 steps (not for those who suffer with vertigo or unfit). The views are well worth all the effort. 
Our Saviour's
We had a truly wonderful stay in Copenhagen, and it is the perfect Christmas destination. 

What do you enjoy doing in the lead up to Christmas, to get in the festive cheer? 


Copenhagen



 photo foodieforce_32.jpg

26 comments:

  1. I've always wanted to go to a Christmas market - reading this has made me feel very festive! I love all the lights, and The Nutcracker is one of my favourite ballets, it sounds like the perfect winter break :) xx

    Toasty

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    1. Copenhagen is definitely the perfect Christmas destination they really do celebrate in style. The nutcracker is wonderfully festive all the children were dressed up in their finest and sat as quite as church's mouse Lucy x

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  2. It is NEVER too early to talk about Christmas! I'm going to love this blog series, such a great idea :) I've been wanting to go on a European Christmas Market Break for ages but yet again I don't think it'll be this year! We'll have to make do with a UK market instead .. unfortunately Newcastle doesn't really have a good one so I'll have to head to London or Leeds!

    Chloe x
    newgirlintoon.co.uk

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    1. I'm glad you agree I love talking about Christmas. The markets in Leeds are meant to be lovely. Hopefully reading some of mine you can check a few out and then know where you want to go next year. Lucy x

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  3. When I lived in France, I was going to go to the one in Strasbourg which is supposed to be amazing! It's one of my biggest regrets.

    There is a cool German Christmas market in Leeds, I can't wait to go this year!

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

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    1. Probably at the time it didn't seem a big deal going as you get older you realise opportunities missed. Chloe wants to head to Leeds markets maybe you can do a meet up Lucy x

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  4. omg!! so festive!! i kind of feel sentimental every holiday season. i don't know why.. everything's just so lovely and pretty!!

    Animated Confessions

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    1. I feel the same it is such a beautiful time of the year

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  5. Amusement park in the snow??? How wonderful! I am actually quite the Grinch. Not a very Christmassy person. I love the true spirit of Christmas (Love, Actually is one of my favorite films of all time!!!). I just hate how commercial it has gotten here in the US. Our stores already have heaps of Christmas decorations out, and it is 80 degrees here,and it just makes me bonkers.

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    1. Liking the true meaning of christmas rather than the commercial does not make you a grinch. I only love the true Christmas. I can't imagine Christmas in the heat. Over here is getting cold. Lucy x

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    2. Thanks Lucy. Not sure about the UK, but here in the US, Christmas offerings are already in the store. Christmas music is playing on the radio/shops. And TV commercials for Christmas are just airing. it was 24 degrees C here today. Makes for a Grinchy Karen :D

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  6. Oh wow! Denmark has never been on my travel wish list, but it is now! You always seem to find the most amazing hidden gems in a city!

    Jennifer Ashley
    www.prettylittledetails.ca

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    1. I love finding the special places that a place has to offer, I like the idea of living like a local and finding all the hidden gems. Copenhagen has some amazing restaurants if you plan a visit let me know and I will share some wonderful places Lucy x

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  7. I'm with you on this Lucy! As soon as Autumn comes and the days become darker, I can't help but get excited about Christmas! We've just bought a house so saving the pennies this Christmas. Been looking into lots of homemade gifts! I adore Christmas markets! Copenhagen looks amazing! Maybe next year...:)

    Marie X
    titchytombie.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Moving into a new home is exciting, means you get to buy lots of new home furnishings. I love homemade crafts at Christmas Lucy x

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  8. Lovely post! My brother is going to Copenhagen in a few weeks - super jealous!

    Style Sunrise☀

    :)
    x

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    1. Ooh lovely you will have to give home a shopping list of things that you would like ;-) Lucy x

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  9. Tivoli looks absolutely beautiful, I love the illuminations!

    Suze | LuxuryColumnist

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  10. These are some lovely pictures! I love the way everything looks with the snow. It hasn't started to snow here yet, but I think I can wait. My commute is what I am nervous about once it starts. It looks like you had a lovely time.

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    1. Snow makes everything look pretty. Everything in the UK grinds to a halt. Copenhagen is a beautiful city Lucy x

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  11. Tivoli Gardens' looks magical! A fairy- tale land for sure! We love the atmosphere created by trees with lights on :-)

    x Roch & Tash x
    www.next-route-style.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Tivoli is beautiful it is very much like a fairy tale world. Children and adults alike seemed to be loving it Lucy x

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  12. You took such beautiful photographs! I loved Copenhagen when I went, but it was in the middle of summer - I'd love to visit in the winter and see it like this.

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  13. Oh my gosh I loved Copenhagen! We went in February, so Tivoli was closed, but it was still snowing, and so Magical, we loved the city, but my favourite part of our trip was visiting the beach, so beautiful in a stark winteryway! I lobe visiting different cities for the christmas markets, this year it's York for me... looking forward to it. And looking forward to the rest of your series! x

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  14. Have you ever been to Bath Christmas market? its gorgeous!
    http://dinnerwithdanni.blogspot.co.uk/

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