Six winter wonderland escapes: London, New York, Scotland, Switzerland, Vancouver & Whistler
Have you been dreaming of a white Christmas? JASSMIN PETER highlights six destinations, to get you into the festive spirit in no time.
WHY GO While it may not always appear as though you've just stepped out of a Charles Dickens novel, Christmas in London is always magical, filled with a variety of age-old and modern festivities specially designed to accentuate the true spirit of Christmas.
TO DO Nothing puts you in the festive mood more than a trip to a traditional Christmas market. Wander through wooden chalets illuminated in seasonal colours, where vendors sell toys, gifts and festive fair. Follow the aroma of roasted chestnuts, sip on mulled wine and listen to carol singers as kids ride carousels and merry-go-rounds. There are several markets worth visiting, but our hot pick is the Christmas Market at the Southbank Centre/London Eye (www.xmas-markets.com), open until Christmas Eve. For an enchanting experience, skate at the Natural History Museum's (www.nhm.ac.uk) 900 square-metre ice rink canopied by trees laced with twinkling lights.
A true fashion capital, there is no lack of renowned and swanky stores to check out. Head straight to Harrods and Selfridges for some serious retail therapy as the kids have some one-on-one time with Santa. Also thrill the children with a visit to Hamleys (www.hamleys.com) - one of the world's grandest toy shops. This 250-year store spans seven floors attracting Londoners and visitors wishing to buy the most wonderful toys, games and children's books while experiencing the magical atmosphere which includes Santa appearances and puppet shows.
For some fun with heart, join the Great Christmas Pudding Race, an annual event since 1980. Held in aid of cancer research, the race requires contestants to wear fancy dresses and run around Covent Garden piazza while balancing a Christmas pudding on a plate! Balloons filled with flour are thrown in as obstacles to make the event more challenging for participants and fun to watch. Arrive early to enjoy fringe activities such as the fancy dress parades, practice races and live entertainment.
Of course no visit to London is complete without taking in some culture. At the London Coliseum (www.eno.org) journey back in time with the English National Ballet to a frost-covered, gas lit world and join Tchaikovsky, Clara, her Nutcracker doll and the mysterious Drosselmeyer in this festive tale fit for the entire family. Or visit Geoffrey Museum's 'Christmas Past' which gives an insight into how Londoners have lived since 1600. This museum of English domestic interiors showcases 12 period rooms decorated in authentic festive style, providing a magical glimpse into Christmas of bygone days while exploring common customs from kissing under the mistletoe to decorating the tree and throwing cocktail parties.
FEAST AT The Cinnamon Club (www.cinnamonclub.com) offers twists on traditional English favourites such as Christmas pudding with cardamom and cinnamon custard. And if weather permits, enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch as you cruise along the River Thames past iconic London landmarks.
STAY
$ The centrally located Mad Hatter Hotel's (Email: madhatterhotel@fullers.co.uk) traditionally styled reception exudes a homely feel.
$$ Threadneedles Hotel's (www.theetoncollection.co.uk) loft and terrace suites have private balconies while the penthouse suite entertains a huge private terrace with extraordinary views over the city.
$$$ One of London's hippest hotels, The Soho Hotel (4 Richmond Mews) has all the hallmarks of five-star accommodation - contemporary furnishings, original works of art and bold colours. 
WHY GO Nobody does the Christmas spirit better than the Big Apple. After all, the famous poem Twas the Night Before Christmas was inspired by a winter ride in downtown Manhattan!
TO DO Recreate your favourite silver screen moments as you skate on the Wollman and Lasker rinks in Central Park. Fight the crowds at Rockefeller Center Plaza for a glimpse of the big tree, erected annually since 1931 and boasting 30,000 lights. Go after dark
when the lights bounce off the bare shoulders of the golden statue of Prometheus.
Take the kids to New York's most famous toy store FAO Schwartz (www.fao.com). This 150-year old toy store is home to an assortment of toys, gifts and collectibles and features a breathtaking Grand Hall adorned with more than 20,000 computer-controlled coloured lights, a giant dance-on piano keyboard and a classic New York candy shop offering scrumptious confections.
Head down to Macys (www.macys.com) - one of the world's largest department store - to witness the elaborate Santaland. It's a stunner of a scene with Christmas trees, elves, toy trains and snow-filled wonder. While the kids meet with Santa Claus, get your Christmas shopping done - this store has everything!
Take in a holiday show or two. St John the Divine's Winter Solstice (www.solsticeconcert.com) is a beloved concert series, while Radio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular (www.radiocitychristmas.com) is a show with dozens of dancing Santas and a leg-kicking lineup of Rockettes.
FEAST AT Dine by the fireside at Savoy (www.savoynyc.com), tuck into traditional fare at Gemma (www.theboweryhotel.com) or opt for a world-renowned menu at culinary genius Gordon Ramsay's Maze (www.gordonramsay.com/maze).
STAY
$ The Americana Inn (www.theamericanainn.com) is a clean 52-room, five-floor hotel just a few blocks from Times Square.
$$ The stylish and cool On the Ave (www.ontheave-nyc.com) boasts rooms decorated in earthy tones including featherbeds, fluffy down duvets, fudge-colored suede headboards and bedside CD players.
$$$ The Towers at The New York Palace (www.newyorkpalace.com) is an elegantly furnished luxury hotel with rooms featuring a large marble bathroom, separate seating and full-sized desks. Rooms come in either classical or contemporary décor and all just minutes away from key tourist destinations. 
WHY GO Christmas in Scotland is traditionally low key. For nearly 400 years - until the 1950s - the celebration was banned as it was considered papist. While the Scots usually reserve their merriment for Hogmanay (New Year's Day) they still mark Christmas with some interesting customs including dancing around a big bonfire to the playing of bagpipes.
TO DO Christmas in Scotland's capital city Edinburgh lasts for six weeks. Explore the glittering lights of George Street, the Edinburgh Eye and the atmospheric Christmas markets - set beneath the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Discover unusual gift ideas, tasty treats and warm mulled wine. Or don skates at Edinburgh's ice rink which offers the perfect family day out complete with fireworks, lights and funfairs.
Venture into the magnificent Scottish Highlands and spend lazy days in cosy pubs, cuddled up in front of a fire, sipping warm mulled wine while losing yourself in the mesmerising scenery of snow-capped mountains. In the mornings, head out for some fresh mountain air.
Immerse in tradition and experience a Ceilidh, a Scottish dance held during special occasions at various venues. Get into groups of two to eight people and dance to a popular selection of lively dances such as The Gay Gordons, The Dashing White Sergeant and Strip the Willow. If you're not familiar with the dances they're generally easy to pick up and demonstrations are conducted before each dance to make sure everyone knows the routine.
FEAST AT Tuck into four-courses of Christmas fare at Piperdam (www.piperdam.com)
or enjoy spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline at chic rooftop restaurant Tower (www.tower-restaurant.com).
STAY
$ The Bank Hotel (1 South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH11LL) offers modern comforts and is close to major cultural interest sites and museums. Each room is themed after a famous Scot.
$$ The Bonham (www.townhousecompany.com) fuses traditional Victorian interiors with bold modern colours and contemporary designs. The standard rooms are all decorated differently in shades of rose, sage, chocolate and cream and exude an atmosphere of thick-carpeted opulence.
$$$ Medieval meets modern at Dalhousie Castle (www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk) - an impressive fortress and country residence built in the 15th century and converted to a hotel in 1972. Rooms are fitted with 18th century carved oak beds, oak-panelled bathrooms and a modern double Jacuzzi. 
WHY GO At first glance Switzerland may seem idyllic with its chocolate-box towns and outrageously dramatic Alps. But you'll soon discover this European country, rich in culture, fashion and flamboyance, is filled with art, attitude and an appetite for adventure.
TO DO Cosmopolitan Zurich is the country's capital city and a shopaholic's dream destination. Leisurely stroll down the city's celebrated Bahnofstrasse and soak in the seasonal charm as you put your cash and credit cards to good use.
On December 6 - the advent day of St Nicholas - kids enjoy a joyride with St. Nick as he zips through the city on a Märlitram (fairy tale street car) while an angel narrates fairy tales. Another beloved Zurich tradition is the Singing Christmas Tree. Kids climb up on a platform built in the shape of a tree, and sing traditional carols - a smash hit with passers-by. Head down to the city centre where vendors set up stands and you can dip strings into hot wax, building enough layers to design a creative candle - a great stocking stuffer! Downtown Zurich also offers a melange of experiences - some 50 museums, 100 art galleries, international fashion labels and local designs' outlets, and a bustling nightlife.
Take a trip back in time when you visit medieval Einsiedeln. An important place of pilgrimage, Einsiedeln's stunning monastery, chapel and collegiate library have been drawing believers for centuries. The vicinity is also well known for several cross-country skiing loops, ski runs and water sport activities. One of Einsiedeln's special traditions is the production of gingerbread, made at the Goldapfel Bakery, now a popular museum and working bakery.
Escalade - translated literally to scaling - is celebrated at Christmas in Geneva. This festival occurs annually in December to commemorate a 400-year-old historical event - the victory of Geneva's citizens over invading Savoyard soldiers. When the Duke's men attempted to scale the city walls using ladders, the locals defended their city with whatever they had on hand, including knives - and in the case of Madame Royaume, a pot of boiling soup. Every year the locals don 17th century clothing and memorialise Madame Royaume's brazen broth by eating kettle-shaped chocolates filled with marzipan. And instead of tossing out the pan, the locals smash the chocolate pots on the table and eat the chocolate shards and candy vegetables. Also in honour of Escalade, city officials open a hidden passageway in Geneva's medieval city walls for all to explore.
FEAST AT Dialog (Am Marktplatz Oerlikon, 44 Schulstrasse, Zurich) has a glass frontage overlooking the marketplace, so it feels like you're in your own sanctuary, savouring fine food and wine while observing the hustle and bustle outside. Trattoria and Soul (www.trattoriaandsoul.ch) combines traditional Italian food with the smooth sounds of jazz. Try the signature lasagne al forno.
STAY
$ Hotel Plattenhof (www.plattenhof.ch) is a minimalist hotel with low beds, mood lighting and a subtle air of Japanese infusion.
$$ Located in central Geneva, Hotel Edelweiss's (www.manotel.com)chalet décor makes for a cozy choice for a winter holiday.
$$$ Set in its own park, Baur au Lac Hotel (www.bauraulac.ch) has grand interiors and excellent restaurants. Enjoy a unique location overlooking the lake and the Alps, yet is only a stone's throw from key hot spots. 
WHY GO Besides being consistently voted as one of the greatest places to live, Vancouver, Canada is also popular for its jaw-dropping visuals of snow-capped cliffs, city-hugging beaches and dense waterfront forests, which spring to life especially during Christmas.
TO DO It's lights galore at Stanley Park (www.stanleyparkpavilion.com) during the annual Bright Nights festival. A firm favourite with kids and families, the festival sees the forest transformed into a winter wonderland with a miniature train and a million twinkly lights. Ride the train, visit Santa, and see the Parade of Trees at this top Vancouver Christmas attraction. And for more lighting action, head to the gorgeous VanDusen Botanical Gardens (www.vandusengarden.org) to view the elaborate lighting decorations, a candy cane tree and a gingerbread walk. Stay until evening to meet with Santa, watch a show of dancing lights and listen to the community choir.
Have fun while giving back to the community when you attend the Rogers Santa Claus Parade. This annual procession helps raise food collections and is made up of more than 60 marching bands, dance troupes, festive floats and community groups. It attracts some 300,000 spectators along its route through downtown Vancouver and volunteers are on hand to collect non-perishable goods for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.
The peak of Christmas can be enjoyed at Grouse Mountain (www.grousemountain.com). Located north of Vancouver, it's an easily accessible winter escape, complete with outdoor ice skating, sleigh rides, reindeer, breakfasts with Santa and live entertainment. Take the aerial tram to the top of Grouse Mountain for the best view of the city and surrounds, strap on your skates and hit the mountaintop ice skating pond and take the kids on a sleigh ride through the forest to Santa's workshop and meet his reindeer.
Shop at Granville Island (www.granvilleisland.com) - one of Vancouver's most famous landmarks - with a kids market offering all sorts of toys, plus stores selling home decor, jewellery, and First Nations' art. It's also home to the Granville Island Public Market which has more than 100 vendors selling fresh seafood, produce, meats, sweets and European specialty foods.
FEAST AT Celebrate Christmas in style at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (www.fairmont.com) which offers tasty yet nutritiously prepared meals catering to guests with specific dietary restrictions. Or do a Christmas brunch at Vancouver's revolving restaurant, Top of Vancouver (www.topofvancouver.com).
STAY
$ One of the oldest boutique hotel's in Vancouver, The Victorian (www.victorianhotel.ca) houses cosy, clean and well-maintained rooms with antique furnishings.
$$ L'Hermitage (www.lhermitagevancouver.com) is luxe and chic with a dash of mod European élan.
$$$ Expect second-to-none service and fancy, cosy deluxe rooms at the Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver (www.shangri-la.com).
WHY GO One-and-a-half hours north of Vancouver, Canada, Whistler is a popular destination for families. And although its skiing ranks among the best in the world, there are plenty of non-skiing activities contained within this European style pedestrian village.
TO DO Whistler-Blackcomb (www.whistlerblackcomb.com) is one of North America's top ski resorts and the principal venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. This pretty alpine village sits at the centre of an expansive variety of terrain suitable for skiers of all ability levels, including the highest vertical drop - 1,609 metres - of any ski field on the continent. Choose from 200 runs and if you're not satisfied, take to the limitless backcountry or venture out on a day heli-skiing trip. And thanks to the 2010 Winter Olympics there are new skiing attractions to try. If you're craving some adult time, drop the kids off for the day with fully qualified, certified and friendly ski instructors or register for an adventure camp which runs Monday to Friday.
Head to the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre for a unique Indoor Winter Farmer's Market experience. Held every Sunday, shop for local farm fresh produce, crafts, listen to music and meet with healing practitioners. And for some alpine wellness, try one of Whistler's notable spas and treatment centres. Relax in the outdoor hot baths and refreshing waterfalls at The Scandinave Spa. Try a Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, using sweeping movements of the therapist's forearms, at The Spa at the Four Seasons Resort or step straight out of your ski boots and into a crystal mud footbath for hot relief at My Foot Reflexology.
Stay till New Year's Eve to experience the legendary Whistler's First Night. This alcohol-free family-friendly evening promotes a celebration of the arts and features a programme of great live music, storytelling, art workshops and street entertainment for people of all ages. There's even a 9:30pm countdown for younger guests who can't quite last until the actual stroke of midnight! But if you do stay up, you will be rewarded with a memorable fireworks display illuminating the mountains.
FEAST AT Citta' Bistro (www.cittabistro.com) serves up creative twists on comfort food classics. Try the whiskey steak sandwich or wild salmon club. At Roadhouse Lodge (www.whistlerblackcomb.com) sink your teeth into west coast grill, made-to-order sandwiches and salads 6,069 feet/1,850 metres above sea level atop Whistler Mountain.
STAY
$ Adara (www.adarahotel.com) is a trendy boutique hotel decked with swanky designer furnishings and spa-style bathrooms.
$$ Crystal Lodge & Suites (www.crystal-lodge.com) is just minutes away from popular restaurants and bars.
$$$ And if only the best will do, check into the Fairmont Chateau Whistler (www.fairmont.com/whistler). This elegant 550 room hotel has baronial-chic lobby, roaring fireplaces, huntsmen light fittings and lofty ceilings.
Posted Dec 2011
