December's Decorations
It’s time to plan for your travels. Where are you going next? Need somewhere or something to do in December? Well if you’re Bermudian this first one is most definitely not up your alley.
So why am I including it in my December 10 traveling ideas today? Well because it’s always amazing to me to see people strip down, jump-in and try to swim as the temperatures around them plunge.
Are you interested in participating? Are you in London? Going to London? Well on December 4th some crazy people will be taking the Plum Pudding Plunge in the Parliament Hill Lido.
Enticing I know. Maybe the mince pies and the hot tub afterwards would bring you around? It certainly does nothing for me. Neither does the 15 pounds they are charging for the pleasure.
I will certainly be keeping my sweater on, but if you are interested in the challenge and won’t be in London on December 4th check-out this Outdoor Swimming site for more ideas.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Or perhaps you are in London for more traditional, winter fare? Perhaps a turn on the ice rink? Some warm wine?
A taste of a Christmas market?
Well Hyde Park is here to help with their traditional and annual event: Winter Wonderland.
Every year from November 19th to January 3rd, this corner in Hyde Park is decked-out with everything from Santa and his helpers to winter food and rides such as a replica London’s Eye!
Who can resist? Of course it is free, unless you want to go on the rides. A fun way to use the cold to your advantage.
But maybe you’re not traveling to London for December? Maybe, if you’re from Bermuda, an easy trip is to head for the East Coast and New York.
New York has ice skating too and if you’re going to be ice skating you’re probably going to want to go to Rockefeller Centre. It’s the place featured in all the films. It’s romantic with all the buildings towering above you, but’s also expensive, busy and not always the best option. Try to visit early in the morning or before 4 p.m. if you want to get this New York experience. And, of course, visit the Centre for the lighting of the tree on December 2!
Why not get a free (yes I wrote free) skating experience in New York? Head a little further south in Manhattan and you will hit Bryant Park. For $13 you can rent skates and it is free to skate on the pond. If you have your own skates, well, you get it….it’s FREE!!!
But who just wants to skate or see the lights in New York? If I’m coming from Bermuda I want it to be for a reason.
How about December 10? You free? z100 (a radio station) is hosting their Jingle Ball with the likes of Katy Perry, B.o.B. , Bruno Mars, Paramore, Michael Buble, Taio Cruz and many, many more! How amazing would that concert be?
Hosted at the Madison Square Gardens from 7.30 p.m. you can buy your tickets here.
Is Boston more your style? Well if it is you are more than likely a Bruins fan. Can’t wait to see them fly across the ice? Well you don’t have to. In December the home team is heading home for at least seven games.
Check out these dates:
Boston for December
Thursday, 12/2, 7pm – Bruins vs Lightening
Tuesday, 12/7, 7pm – Bruins vs Sabres
Thursday, 12/9, 7pm – Bruins vs Islanders
Saturday, 12/11, 7pm – Bruins vs Flyers
Saturday, 12/18, 7pm – Bruins vs Capitals
Monday, 12/20, 7pm – Bruins vs Ducks
Thursday, 12/23, 7pm – Bruins vs Thrashers
Buy your tickets here.
Perhaps hockey is not quite your style? Perhaps you want to try something a bit more soothing on the ears?
Well have no fear the Boston Pops Orchestra is here. Well in Boston, but you get it.
From December 8th to December 26th the holiday season will be serenaded with 37 matinée and evening performances at the Symphony Hall.
Tickets range from $27 to $125 so check out their website here for more information.
Need something more from Boston? Well check out Boston Events website for more ideas.
Canada. Yep that northerly neighbour of America is also getting festive this season. Why not bundle-up and
Animals need holiday treats too
head for Toronto? Their zoo is even getting into the mix this year.
On boxing day, which of course we also celebrate in Bermuda, the Toronto zoo will be hosting its 35th annual Christmas Treats walk. Yes even the animals get some holiday cheer.
For those human beings that participate, hot chocolate and carollers are your treat.
Not up for the animals? Well Toronto also has an annual bike show!
From December 10th to the 12th Toronto will be holding a motorcycle show for the enthusiast in all.
Not sure why I would want to drive a bike in Canada in December, but hey, maybe those Canadians are more hearty than Bermudians.
In any case if you do fancy yourself a motorcyclist check out the website for more information.
Finally on the other side of Canada, in Vancouver, Stanley Park will be alight with millions of Christmas whites to create a winter wonderland.
Take train ride through the forest transformed with two million twinkling lights, see the animated displays and listen to holiday sounds as you enjoy hot chocolate, fresh popcorn and roasted chestnuts. For more information visit the Parks’ website.
Sounds lovely. Now to pack for the trip. Check back here tomorrow for some tips and tales on how to pack.
Robyn's Wanderings 