Tag: Christmas
Look to London for Christmas fun
December 20 (TravelAndy): If you look forward to celebrating the holidays with stunning theatre productions, festive ballets, and Christmas pantomimes with your entire family, London is just the place to be. In addition to the spectacular shows, the city is all set to blow your mind with beautifully adorned Christmas trees, winter adventure, and holiday markets.
Christmas ballet enthusiasts are in for a treat with the Royal Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Royal Opera House, through January 15, English National Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ at the London Coliseum, through December 30, and ‘Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake’ featuring an all-male cast at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, through January 27.
Pantomime lovers can spend time this holiday season with ‘Snow White’ at the London Palladium, through January 13, or ‘Aladdin’ and his genie at Hackney Empire, through January 6. Fans can also embark on a journey to Neverland with ‘Peter Pan’ at the Richmond Theatre, through January 6. Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Old Vic, through January 19, and the award-winning ‘War Horse’ at the National Theatre, through January 5 are the holiday plays to choose from.
Kerala is decked up for December
December 11 (TravelAndy): All roads lead to Kerala at this time of the year, what with the advent of the Theyyam season, the International Film Festival of Kerala, and a host of other festivities.
The 23rd International Film Festival of Kerala will see Thiruvananthapuram, the host city, turn into a film hub as filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from across the globe make a beeline for their favourite films. The festival, organised by the Kerala Staye Chalachitra Academy on behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala, will continue through December 13, and screen 190 films.
Theyyam, an ancient dance form practised in the temples of Northern Kerala’s Malabar region, invokes the Gods through detailed and fearful makeup, costumes, masks, and physical movements. Art lovers from different parts of the world throng to Kerala every year to experience these spectacular performances believed to be have begun over eight centuries ago. The season usually lasts between October-November and May, depending on the Malayalam calendar. Thekkumbadu Koolom Thazhekkavu Bhagavathy Temple will host Theyyam performances from December 16 to 21, while dancers will perform at Muthuvadathu Kalari from December 25 to 26. Location for some of the January performances include Chirakutty Puthiyakavu (Vayalile Kottam) from January 1 to 8, 2019, Pariyaram Sree Udayapuram Temple from January 1 to 8, Chekkicheri Bhagavathy Devasthanam on January 8 and 9, and Kannom Sree Anjuthengil Aviar Paradevatha Temple from January 11 to 13.
There’s no place better than NYC during the holidays
December 10 (TravelAndy): The most wonderful time of the year is also among one of the best to visit New York City, when it offers an extensive fare of holiday events to choose from – spectaculars, ballets, holiday markets, comedy, and music.
Everyone’s holiday favourite ‘The Nutcracker’ alone is all set to be presented in a variety of forms. One can catch ‘George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker’, running since 1954, at New York City Ballet through December 30, or New York Theater Ballet’s one-hour version at Florence Gould Hall between December 14 and 16. While Mark Morris’s Pop Arty ‘The Hard Nut’ will show from December 14 to 23, Ditto Company XIV’s burlesque ‘Nutcracker Rouge’ will run through Jan 13, 2019. ‘The Bang Group: Nut/Cracked’ from December 20 to 22, ‘Los Nutcrackers: A Christmas Carajo’ through December 15, and ‘Micro-Nutcracker’ on December 16 are some of the deconstructed takes on the classic.
Spectaculars are a tradition the city adores, and the Rockettes return to the Radio City Music Hall with their annual ‘Christmas Spectacular’, to run through January 1, 2019. ‘A Harlemettes Holiday’, a pageant produced by the Harlem School of Arts will run from December 14 to 16.
Continue reading There’s no place better than NYC during the holidays
Vilnius opens doors for Christmas visitors
November 28 (TravelAndy): Lithuania capital Vilnius is on a high since being named by Lonely Planet as one of its top destinations to visit in 2018. Consequently, it’s no wonder the city’s tourism department has been on a promotion overdrive.
The city is now getting ready to welcome visitors to its Christmas markets filled with stalls offering unique finds and the aroma of candied nuts that are a big thing in Vilnius.
For traditional Christmas entertainment, visit the two main Christmas markets in the city’s main squares. For a modern and trendy Christmas filled with local designs and handmade gifts, check out the smaller pop-up markets. Continue reading Vilnius opens doors for Christmas visitors
Vistara promotes Christmas flights on its Retrojet
November 26 (TravelAndy): India-based airline Vistara is promoting Christmas flights on its recently-acquired retro-livery aircraft.
Vistara unveiled its 22nd aircraft on September 1, 2018, an Airbus A320neo, with retro livery (paint scheme). The aircraft is a tribute to JRD Tata, the founder of Tata Airlines and India’s first commercial pilot.
Vistara is a joint venture of Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines.
Continue reading Vistara promotes Christmas flights on its Retrojet
Christian delicacies of Kerala that pop up during fests
November 18 (TravelAndy): The Christian Cuisine of Kerala traces a history that dates back to centuries. Even though they have an innate cooking style, the taste, flavours and the serving method differs from region to region.
The native cuisines usually pop up during festivities and celebrations.
The recipes of the dishes are quite unique compared to the indigenous Kerala recipes. Besides its specialty in taste, the serving method too makes it unique. Rooted in Kerala tradition, like the traditional feast of Kerala (Sadya), Theen Mura too is served on a plantain leaf. In many regions, cake and wine are served first. Serving of table salt on the leaf is your initiation into this world of taste. Continue reading Christian delicacies of Kerala that pop up during fests
Vancouver Christmas market begins November 21
November 5 (TravelAndy): The Vancouver Christmas Market returns to Jack Poole Plaza, November 21– December 24, 2018, with extended hours from 11:30am to 9:30pm.
The city’s signature yuletide celebration amplifies and expands its festive offerings with more than 80 huts stuffed with sweets, treats, and treasures.
Wander the market’s winding alleys and discover authentic German delicacies: sizzling sausages, two warming Glühwein (mulled wine) locations, old world confections, handcrafted gifts, and so much more! You can share food and drink in the Alpine Lounge, or chill out in the Winterdeck, featuring stunning views of the North Shore. Continue reading Vancouver Christmas market begins November 21
Goa set for Sunburn festival from Dec 27
December 19 (TravelAndy): Goa is set to host Sunburn Goa, touted as Asia’s largest electronic dance music festival from December 27.
Sunburn, a popular Indian electronic music brand, in collaboration with Goa Tourism Development Corporation, is organising the three-day festival on the popular Vagator beach.
Approximately four lakh people are expected to attend this festival. Continue reading Goa set for Sunburn festival from Dec 27