48+ min ago (1849+ words) Mum-of-four Ruth Watson reveals how she plans 25 days of free festive activities EVERY year for the kids FROM visiting Santa's grotto to seeing the panto, making Christmas magical for kids can come with a big price tag. But there are ways to do it on the cheap. From "5 festive trains (which can cost "65 each!) to free Santa grotto trips " and even "2.50 theatre tickets. We've found an amazing 36 activities to help the whole family get in the Xmas spirit. There are hundreds of activities to do, plus there are freebies YOU can get exclusively as a Sun Club member. Here's our pick of the best" A trip to see Santa can feel more like a cash grab than a festive treat " some venues are charging "70 to "100 for the privilege. But you can see the big man without paying a penny at…...

1+ hour, 12+ min ago (515+ words) Calling themselves "the magicians of glass," their clients have included Swarovski, the French chain Galeries Lafayette, and Harrods, the iconic London department store. "We have the ability to create shapes and designs that glass will not normally take," the company promises on its website. And the whole production process, "our closely guarded trade secret," is manual, making each product unique, it says. "In our DNA" "- Despite its modest appearance, GlitterLab"s workshop has been operating for more than 80 years in Czestochowa, a town of 200,000 in southern Poland. It was founded by Mostowska"s grandparents in the aftermath of World War II, making her the third generation in the family to manage the business. "They produced glass cigarette holders, then eprouvettes" " I think that"s the word " tiny bottles for cake flavors," Barbara Mostowska said, fondly reminiscing about how the workshop…...

1+ hour, 53+ min ago (22+ words) Christmas fairs in Germany are becoming more and more like fortresses Christmas fairs in Germany are becoming more and more like fortresses...

2+ hour, 37+ min ago (699+ words) Spend time in the sand or explore the village of Wrightsville Beach. Folks in Wrightsville Beach love a workout on the water. The town is home to some of the country's most prestigious stand-up paddleboarding competitions like the annual Carolina Cup. Get in on the craze with a rental or lesson from Wrightsville SUP. The outfitter also rents kayaks and bikes, so you'll have your pick of outdoor adventures. wrightsvillesup.com; 96 West Salisbury St., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 For a more passive activity on Wrightsville's crystal blue waters, hop aboard a boat for a relaxing cruise on the calm waters. The Wrightsville Beach Sunset Cruise with Soundside gives a gentle tour of the tranquil sea that's set against the picturesque image of a vibrant sunset. " soundside-wb.com; 226 South Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 Anglers can go inshore or deep sea fishing…...

2+ hour, 56+ min ago (55+ words) Colombia's capital turned festive on Saturday with a celebration of the Blacks and Whites Carnival, a tradition from a southwestern city that UNESCO named an Intangible Cultural Heritage nearly a decade ago. In Bogot's Plaza Bol'var, giant puppets moved to traditional music, leading colorful dance troupes through the square. (AP Video/Samuel Sotomayor)...

4+ hour, 3+ min ago (745+ words) KNIFE RIVER " Finding the perfect Christmas tree can be an adventure, and for more than 200 people on Saturday, their adventure included a train ride on the North Shore Scenic Railroad's Christmas Tree Train. So much fun that Buehler said that the fourth-year event sold out and saw record sales for trees and wreaths. There were just 67 passengers on the first Christmas Tree Train, according to Buehler, and that number tripled in 2025. There may be room for growth too. "We could have easily taken another 100 as we sold this out weeks ago and we have a waiting list, but we can only carry so many Christmas trees," said Buehler. The Christmas Tree Train departed the St. Louis County Depot at approximately 9 a.m. and arrived at the Knife River Heritage and Cultural Center at approximately 10:30 a.m. for an event called Trees, Trains and Traditions....

6+ hour, 12+ min ago (245+ words) Santa comes to Coopersville for the railway's annual Santa Train OTTAWA COUNTY, MI -- Every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Friends of the Coopersville and Marne Railway invite Santa, Mrs. Claus and some of their elves to the Santa Train. "It's the most wonderful time of the year," Station Manager Kyle Rosol said. Kids and their families get to meet Santa, read stories with Mrs. Claus and enjoy the restored vintage passenger train along the six miles of track between Coopersville and Marne. "We're very busy, but it's for the joy of sharing our passion for vintage railroading," Rosol said. The railway conducts three rides every Saturday and Sunday on the four weekends between the holidays. With an average capacity of 450 people, over 10,000 people get to experience the magic of a snowy train ride with Santa each season. "When Santa…...

8+ hour, 42+ min ago (736+ words) This might be the most magical Christmas destination in Ontario. A village in Ontario. If a Christmas trip to Europe isn't in the cards this year, you might want to plan a getaway to this beautiful Ontario destination instead. This magical village, with its cobblestone streets, garland-wrapped buildings, and twinkling walkways, is like a little slice of Europe, and it's one of my favourite spots to visit during the holiday season. This destination is so enchanting at Christmas. I've visited multiple times, and there's always something new to experience and enjoy. Blue Mountain Village is a scenic pedestrian village located at Blue Mountain Resort near Collingwood, under 3 hours from Toronto. The destination is a top getaway spot, offering cobblestone streets, cozy boutiques, delicious eateries, and a range of seasonal activities. During the Christmas season, the Village turns into a Christmas…...

8+ hour, 47+ min ago (12+ words) Two Majors London in festive decoration and in anticipation of Christmas!...

9+ hour, 12+ min ago (276+ words) Across the United States, some cities turn the holiday season into a full-scale spectacle, transforming streets, skylines, and neighborhoods into glow December always arrives the same way, quiet at first, then suddenly full of little signs that the year is reaching its softest point A wreath on a neighbour's door, the smell of cinnamon drifting out of a bakery, the way people start walking a little slower because everything looks better wrapped in lights Christmas in America isn't just a holiday; it's a mood that takes over entire cities And some places lean into it so beautifully that spending December anywhere else almost feels wrong.Burlington, VermontThis small Green Mountain town feels like it was made for December Church Street glows under rows of twinkling lights, and the local marketplace fills with handmade crafts, warm pastries, and gifts that feel…...