A Christmas with August

Merry Christmas, from the Cotswolds!

Consider spending your Christmas in the Cotswolds... Frosty mornings, pretty villages decked out in twinkling lights, Christmas carols, cosy fires, the scent of pine, and perhaps a snowfall or two. The Cotswolds are especially beautiful at Christmas. Take yourself to the promenade in Cheltenham where this town hosts many Christmas markets throughout November and December, along with several markets scattered around the Cotswolds at this time of year. From arts and crafts to artists, designers, and local food producers, there's something for everyone to join in and have fun.

Tinsel and tree decorations aren't just for Christmas; they're available all year in one of the Cotswolds' Christmas shops. The shop in Lechlade sells everything from nutcrackers to Christmas decorations. Another shop specialising in traditional ornaments can be found in Bourton-on-the-Water, take yourself to the villages and browse in the cotswold stoned boutique stores and take in the small details in these stores, and maybe a souvenir or two!

You will explore the Cotswolds while being surrounded by nature, following a dazzling Christmas light trail, with six different light trails to choose from, you'll be walking through the gardens and outdoor spaces of the Cotswolds. Grab a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine and embark on a magical illuminated light trail adventure.

Discover the Cotswold home in our upcoming webinar!

Bon Nadal, from Barcelona!

Barcelona is a great place to visit for a festive break in August if you're not looking for snow. You can enjoy the mild weather while strolling through the bustling Christmas markets and colourful street decorations. There are many delicious seasonal dishes to try in this city, as well as some truly memorable Catalan traditions, this city offers all year-round availability of flights which means you're never limited to visiting your home in Barcelona.

The main Christmas fair in Barcelona has been going on for over 225 years! Imagine walking through the city's imposing Gothic streets and stumbling upon the Gothic Cathedral, where you will find a huge Christmas market full of festive decorations, nativity-scene figures, handmade crafts, traditional zambombas (friction drums), and seasonal trees occupy the majority of the stalls. The Santa Llúcia market runs from the end of November to the 23rd of December.

Catalonia usually follows many of the same traditions as the rest of the world, but Christmas Eve is just as important, if not more so, than Christmas Day. Expect to see family gatherings through the windows of the the typical Barcelona flats, lightly dimmed dinners full of joy and everyone coming together to pervade the atmosphere of this lovely city and the season.

Discover the Barcelona apartment in our upcoming webinar!

Feliz Navidad, from Mallorca!

Palma is truly magical during Christmas and New Year. Bathed in winter sunlight, this beautiful Mediterranean city sits beside the palm-fringed blue sea and has a festive atmosphere like no other, with the town having an extra bit of magic with the Christmas lights. As you know Mallorca hosts many traditional weekly markets; during Christmas you can get into the spirit! Take yourself to Plaza Major and Plaza Espana, where you'll find a busy, spectacular and traditional Spanish Christmas market! If you're looking for a more glamorous scene, head to Puerto Portals and Port Adriano.

On the 8th of December, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, Palma and other towns around this beautiful island host Christmas markets, with children starting to make their nativities scenes, and lights and decorations bring seasonal cheer into the streets of Mallorca, you and your family could be putting up festive decorations and spreading the seasonal cheer in your townhouse!

On the island, the signature Christmas event takes place in Palmas Cathedral and other churches during the midnight mass on 24th December. There are carol services and concerts on New Year’s Eve ( ´Nochevieja´) is celebrated in style with parties and fireworks. The season doesn’t end so quickly compared to other destinations, as celebrations start on the 5th of January when both Palma and every town on the island host parades to celebrate the arrival of ‘ The Three Kings’.

Discover the Mallorcan townhouse in our upcoming webinar!

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Buon Natale, from Lucca!

If you're thinking about spending Christmas away from home, Lucca is a fantastic choice because it is so festive that you won't feel like you're missing out on anything, visit the biggest attraction in Lucca, the market at Piazza Napoleone. A market square has everything you could want, including markets, ice skating, pretty streets made even prettier by twinkling lights and why not sample the delights of Italian Christmas food! 

A special event is held throughout December, the Natale nel Medioevo market, or “Christmas during the Middle Ages”. The festival allows you to shop market stalls, as any other, but these are not the market stalls of our time but those of the distant past! You will be able to taste the traditional and ancient local flavours in the wonderfully preserved setting within Lucca's medieval city centre.

Discover the Tuscan villa in our upcoming webinar!

Joyeux Noël, from Chamonix!

Chamonix, as you may know, is a magical place to visit all year; however, during this season, Chamonix comes alive! The town square is illuminated by lights, and a tall grand tree stands in the centre, all surrounded by a snowy landscape. Immerse yourself in the festivities of this charming Alps ski town, where you'll find an array of wooden chalets set up along the winding streets selling local artisans' wares. You can smell sweet nougat and mulled wine in the air. If you have children, this destination is especially magical because your child can meet Santa and write him letters right there! If you enjoy events and activities on the slopes, Chamonix has a lot to offer; skiing on Christmas Day, with many Santa Clauses skiing down, and experience unique husky rides, and build igloos, Chamonix truly offers an adventure for everyone!

The main event happens on the 24th of December, a mythical fairy is invited to parade through the streets, where she dances up and down with toys and magical creatures, 9 metres tall and above the crowd. The Fairy Court Parade, which takes place on December 28th, is a similar event.

Discover the Chamonix ski apartment in our upcoming webinar!

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Joyeux Noël, from the South of France!

The French Riviera transforms into a magical place during the Christmas holiday season, there are places to party with Champagne and DJs, but the Riviera also has a low-key vibe with Christmas markets and traditional log chalets that are icons of the season.

Antibes and Cannes is  transformed into a winter wonderland for children, complete with Ferris wheels, carousels, and rides, as well as ice skating rinks, animal farms, and a variety of workshops. In Valbonne you'll find a Christmas market in the village square, with chalets, a famous Christmas tree, numerous parades, carol singers and children workshops. This destination is perfect for the traditional Christmas celebrations, for those who enjoy a more intimate and quiet setting compared to the city events.

Discover the Cannes apartment and the Valbonne villa in our upcoming webinar!

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Take a look at the August Collections, and attend the upcoming webinar, or talk to us today to find out more about August.