Every day, I’ll be sharing something about Christmas around the world in Diamond Travel’s Advent Calendar. Click through from Facebook or check here daily for your treat! Sorry no chocolate or holiday giveaways!
Day 1 Did you know – In Germany, the tradition of Christmas markets dates back to the 14th century! The market in Dresden has been delighting children and adults alike since 1434, nearly 600 years. Explore Christmas markets in Germany this year (or start planning for
2025). Diamond Travel can build a package for you including flights and hotel.
Day 2 Did you know – Iceland has 13 Christmas trolls who leave gifts (or potatoes) for children? Iceland has been on so many bucket lists in all the years I’ve worked in travel. Take advantage of the good conditions for Northern Lights over the next couple of years to visit Reykjavik. The Northern Lights are visible during the darkest nights – best between October and February/March. Take a trip outside of the capital to see them at their best. Or tour the island during the summer months to explore the fascinating geology, unique anywhere in the world. Or a cruise that takes in Iceland. However you want to explore, I can build a package that meets your budget and wish-list.
Day 3 Did you know? The dictionary definition for wanderlust is “A strong desire to travel”. However there is also a word for someone with wanderlust – it is a hodophile – someone who loves to explore and travel. Treat yourself to a travel-related gift as your own Christmas present – whether it’s a short trip in the UK or a book about travel or booking a longer trip to a bucket list destination. I can advise on all of these – books or travel (and definitely both!!)
Day 4 Did you know? Today is traditionally the day that the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is lit up. The first tree was displayed outside the Center in 1931 and the annual tradition started in 1933. In 1936, a skating rink was put in place and has been popular ever since. This year’s tree was planted by the Albert family in 1967, when Earl and his wife were newly married. The tree is now 74 feet tall/ However a few days before it was chosen to be the Center’s tree in 2020, Mrs Albert died, so this year will be very poignant for the family. If you’d like a trip to New York to see the lighting up of the tree in 2025, now is the time to start planning!
Day 5 Did you know? Follow the less travelled path – take a Christmas break to Svalbard. 1000km from the North Pole. At 78 degrees north, Longyearbyen is the world’s northernmost city, located on the island of Spitsbergen in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. Top five things to do in Svalbard: Dog sledding, Hunting for the northern lights, Camp Barentz, Coal mine excursion and Svalbard Brewery. The polar nights give Svalbard 24 hours of darkness over Christmas!
Day 6 Did you know? Today is St Nicholas’ Day (also known as Nikolaus) – he was a 4th century Greek bishop who was said to have a penchant for gift giving — specifically for leaving coins in people’s shoes. throughout Germany, children leave their shoes near the fireplace or front door on the night of 5 December. The next morning, they should find that their footwear has been filled overnight with small presents and treats by Nikolaus.
Day 9 (even Christmas elves need a weekend off!). Did you know? Tolkein’s quote is on today’s Facebook post – “Not all those who wander are lost” reminds me that you can visit the set used in the Lord of the Rings series of films in New Zealand. I can incorporate this into a wider itinerary for you!
Day 10 Did you know? Santa’s Village is in Rovaniemi, Finland. In 2025, why not visit Lapland – reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobiles, search for the Northern Lights. It’s not just for the 
children, you know!!
Day 11 Did you know? In Japan, eating KFC is a popular Christmas Tradition. Visiting Japan during the spring cherry blossom season is very popular – the blossom comes out at different times in different areas. But you can also see cherry blossom in the autumn.
Day 12 Did you know? Eating a mince pie every day of the 12 Days of Christmas is believed to bring good luck for the year ahead. Well that’s a perfect excuse!!!
Day 13 Did you know? Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in just six weeks in 1843, inspired by the plight of the poor in Victorian London. Everyone’s favourite version seems to be A Muppets Christmas Carol!!
Day 16 Did you know? In Hawaii, Christmas morning often starts with surfers catching waves, blending festive cheer with adventure. Hawaii is definitely on my bucket list – one day I’ll get there!
Day 17 Did you know? At the Cancun Underwater Museum, divers can celebrate Christmas underwater, with festive decorations adorning submerged sculptures. I’ve got some lists of great diving spots around the world – message me to plan your next holiday underwater
Day 18 Did you know? Australians celebrate Christmas in the sunshine, but the popular beaches get very busy so use local tourist boards to find a quieter beach for your Christmas Day BBQ
Day 19 Did you know? In Victorian England, placing a candle in the window was a sign of welcome to travellers and carollers.
Day 20 The tradition of burning a Yule log comes from Pagan times and is celebrated today with the popular chocolate Yule log dessert.
This is the end of my Calendar – hope you enjoy the festive facts! Looking for a 2025 holiday – call me or send me a message, I’d love to send you somewhere wonderful