Holiday Ideas December

The jewel in Africa’s crown, Uganda is a destination of quite incredible beauty and natural diversity. Africa’s ‘friendliest country’, its unique blend of East African savannah and West African jungle is blessed with an abundance of wildlife, rare mountain gorillas, dramatic mountains and spectacular lakes.

The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The rainforest has a magnificent variety of natural diversity covering over 300 square kilometres within the Virunga Mountains on the western border of Uganda. Tracking the gorillas in Uganda is an exciting experience to wait and watch for to capture a glimpse of these magnificent animals. Be amazed by the sheer size of the silverback, the dominant male species whilst listening to the grumbles of the gorillas.

Canada is the second largest country in the world and boasts a varied climate throughout the year. The vibrant cities of Montreal, Quebec city, Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa make this the ideal winter city destination. Although temperatures are below sub-zero, each of these cities is well prepared for the cold winter climate.

Winter activities can be enjoyed with the thrill of taking a dogsledding ride or snowshoeing across ice covered lakes. The shimmering ice covers the mountains and hills, making it a magical winter destination.

The Canadian Aboriginal Festival, based around the Toronto Pow Wow, is a highlight of Canada's cultural calendar and takes place each year in the Rogers Centre.

 A Pow Wow is a circle into which more than 1000 dancers come to show their dances to the world. The Pow Wow begins on the Friday evening, when the first dancers enter the circle, and continues on both Saturday and Sunday with different Aboriginal dance troupes mesmerising spectators. The finale sees all 1000 dancers taking their place inside the circle.

Traditionally, the Pow Wow was the vehicle for teaching youngsters about their culture. Here, it is being held to sustain the wealth of living Aboriginal culture. The Education Days run by the festival attract 10,000 people, who flock to hear addresses by the First Nation Elders, the most venerated Aboriginal figures in Canada. Their talks deal with ideas on healing, spirituality and other indigenous teachings and how these beliefs can be fused with a modern world view. The Canadian Aboriginal Music Award ceremony also takes place, with a number of the best acts performing. The Aboriginal Arts Conference showcases Aboriginal art and there are many workshops for all ages to explore techniques and styles.

The Chiang Mai Food festival sees a celebration of the exquisite Thai food that Thailand is renowned for. Some of the rarest dishes are prepared to sample and taste the culinary skills of the chefs from this country. Demonstrations by chefs allow visitors to watch in awe as they create a vast array of traditional dishes, teachings on fruit carving and desert making showcases are delivered to the crowds.

The scent of fresh pastries and potato pancakes lure in the crowds to experience the Christkindl Market in Canada. The oldest market in Canada, this German event brings together colourful dancers, music and entertainment to celebrate this tradition.

The market takes place in Kitchener, Ontario which was founded by German Mennonites who emigrated from Pennsylvania. The market receives thousands of visitors each year to enjoy the traditional German festivities and watch the award winning floats and Santa Claus parades travel through the town decorated with brightly coloured christmas trees and lights.