December is the perfect time to explore some of the amazing events happening across the world; just book a flight and pick a destination. There are Christmas markets in Berlin, art fairs in Miami, feats of nautical endurance in Australia, lights in Lyon and parades in The Bahamas. The world, as they say, is your oyster.
Festival d’Automne – Paris, France
For the past 30 years, Festival de Automne has been bringing innovative contemporary theater, visual arts, dance and opera performances to the city. The program features over 40 different shows and plays to in excess of 100,000 people during the season. The festival runs until the end of December and in 2011 some of the most famous cultural institutions have come together to showcase their most experimental art including a dance performance of Impressing the Czar, choreographed by William Forsythe and performed by the Royal Ballet of Flanders.
Christmas Market – Berlin, Germany
Berlin hosts probably the best known of the traditional German Christmas markets. They have become famous for their sparkling lights, hand-made products and general embrace of the festive season. For anyone needing an extra zip to get them into the Christmas spirit should book a flight to Berlin and experience one of the many fairs that take place over the season. One of the most famous is housed in the Charlottenburg Castle. Here hundreds of vendors sell selected handcrafts and festive gifts, and serve up succulent Weiner schnitzel and doughy pretzels. You will also find fun winter-themed rides, including the largest toboggan run in Europe and a 500-square-meter ice skating rink.
Art Basel – Miami, United States
Dec 1-4
Another must-visit art festival in December is Art Basel in Miami. For four days, the beaches of Miami are transformed to showcase some of the most prestigious art from around the world, with more than 250 galleries attending to showcase their latest and greatest works. In celebration of its 10th birthday, this year will see Collins Park transform into a performance space for up-and-coming talents. This is a gathering of serious art lovers who take their fun as seriously as they take their art, so even if beautiful objects aren’t your thing, there are hundreds of parties to keep you busy rubbing shoulders with the creative elite.
Bondi to Bronte Ocean Swim – Sydney, Australia
Dec 4
If you’re good in the water or have an appreciation for well-chiseled Aussies wearing the tightest of speedos, heading to the annual Bondi to Bronte swim race is highly advisable. One of the most anticipated events of the calendar year, over 2,500 swimmers cram themselves into their tight suits and head off for the 2.5km swim around McKenzie’s point. Onlookers throng the course to enjoy cheering on the participants as they swim from two legendary Australian beaches, and keep a vague look out for sharks. The day is finished off with a sausage sizzle barbie, live music and family fun that can go late into the night.
Festival of Lights – Lyon, France
Dec 8
A tradition that dates back to the 17th century, the town of Lyon turns into a candle-lit sanctuary on Dec 8 when every home in the city places candles outside its windows to produce an awe-inspiring landscape. The four days leading up to the event are filled with light-based activities, performances and shows that often use the city’s beautiful. This year’s event includes a chocolate show turning one of Lyon’s main streets into “the milky-chocolate alley,” where a parade of chocolate dresses will be showcased.
Junkanoo – The Bahamas
Dec 26
Every year on Boxing Day the islands of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos are transformed to celebrate freedom from slavery. Named after the African tribal chief John Canoo, or Junkanoo, parades fill the streets with colorful, fancy dress costumes – think big Mardi Gras-style outfits – and traditional music made from cowbells, drums, horns and whistles. With the biggest celebrations taking place in he capital of Nassau, groups get together to battle it out for cash prized for the best costumes, music and overall performance. The parades are really for night owls with them starting at 2am and continuing through until dawn.
