Christmas lights and decorations worth travelling for: 10 places that go big for the holidays

Christmas lights have a way of weaving magic into the winter air. Beautifully lit displays can create a magical atmosphere and evoke a sense of nostalgia, even in the most bah humbug travellers. This year, embark on a journey to experience the most dazzling holiday decorations the world has to offer.

From the twinkling lights of European markets to the festive illuminations and sparkling trees in some of the world's luxury hotels, there's a winter wonderland waiting to be discovered. Here are 10 of the most dazzling holiday celebrations worth taking in.

Botanical Gardens, Edinburgh

Scotland's capital is always a good choice, but it is extra beautiful at Christmas time. Head to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to wander in a winter wonderland. Every season, it hosts Christmas at the Botanics, an event featuring a light trail that winds through the gardens, illuminating trees, shrubs and flowers in a kaleidoscope of colours. Some of the most popular attractions include the Tunnel of Light, a 20-metre long tunnel adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and the Inverleigh House projections, which illuminate the front of this historic house that dates back to 1744. Elsewhere, the capital is also getting in on the act with a light show at Edinburgh Castle, a traditional festive market and a fiery torchlight procession through the old town that kicks off the city's Hogmanay fun.

Gaylord Rockies in Aurora, Colorado

Head to Colorado for an ice-filled winter wonderland. Photo: Marriott

Plunge into a winter wonderland at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Centre in Aurora, Colorado. This rustic-chic resort has mountain views and Christmas vibes. Witness the icy version of the Polar Express, recreated in intricate stone cold detail with more than 6,000 hand-carved ice blocks. As you wander through this icy realm, encounter life-size sculptures, including dancing waiters and a three-metre sized Santa Claus. Thrillseekers can soar down slides made of ice, including one designed only for children. The display coincides with 20 years of the classic Warner Bros festive film and is definitely one for fans of the film to consider.

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

A luxury festive family escape is in store at the Mandarin Oriental Singapore. Impressive year-round, this winter, the hotel shines even brighter thanks to a sparkling Baccarat crystal Christmas tree. The chandelier-inspired tree is entirely unique and surrounded by a cluster of bright red gift boxes and oversized holly berries. Little ones can also get festive by unleashing their inner chef at the Mandarin Oriental's Junior Chef Masterclass, where they can get hands on cooking Christmas treats. Elsewhere, Singapore's Orchard Road dazzles with illuminations every season and Gardens by the Bay turns on the glow for its Christmas Wonderland fair.

Dresdner Striezelmarkt, Germany

Master bakers carry a Christmas cake at the Dresdner Striezelmarkt on the day of its opening in Dresden, Germany. AFP

Germany's oldest Christmas market can be found in Dresden, the capital of Saxony. With a history dating back to 1434, Dresdner Striezelmarkt takes place in the heart of the city's Altmarkt Square and offers a holiday experience worth visiting. Explore traditional wooden stalls, adorned with handcrafted ornaments, blown-glass decorations, and other unique trinkets. As you wander, enjoy the aroma of roasted almonds and traditional German sweets for a festive atmosphere that almost transports you back in time.

Conservatorium Hotel, Amsterdam

The Conservatorium has partnered with Cartier to transform the hotel this festive season. Photo: The Set Collection

A world of elegance awaits at the Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam, where Cartier has transformed the five-star hotel into a holiday spectacle. The centrepiece of this event is a magnificent 4.5-metre Christmas tree, designed by the jewellery house and adorned with exquisite ornaments and shimmering lights. Festive dining experiences and personal Cartier shopping experience are also available for in-house guests.

Located in the heart of the vibrant Museum Quarter, the hotel is only steps away from the renowned upscale street of Amsterdam, Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat, which lights up beautifully every winter season and the seasonal festival of lights brings fairy lights and hundreds of illuminated art installations the city's streets every December.

Colmar Old Town, France

History and festive feels await in Colmar, France. Photo: www.noel-colmar.com

Escape to the enchanting world of Colmar Old Town in France, where a fairy-tale-like Christmas awaits. Every winter, this picturesque village transforms into a pretty wonderland with cobblestone streets adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Wander through its Christmas markets, there's six different ones, each hosted in an architecturally special square. Head to Dominican Square for the most impressive lights, enhanced with the illumination of the 14th century stained glass windows of the Eglise des Dominicain. With m 180 stalls to browse, you can get lost in the magic of Christmas.

Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark

Lake in Tivoli Gardens illuminated for Christmas. Photo: EasyJet

Experience the magic of festive Scandinavia at Tivoli Gardens. Thrilling rides intertwined with decorations make it the ideal place for holiday cheer and amusement park fun. Every winter, this theme park in Copenhagen transforms into a magical Christmas spectacle, filled with funfair rides and festive decorations. In fact, the historic Tivoli Lucia candlelight procession was voted the new experience festive holidaymakers would most like to try in a study by EasyJet this year. There's also an open-air ice skating rink and no less than 1,000 decorated pine trees. As you wander through the illuminated gardens, you'll be captivated by the twinkling lights and the aroma of traditional Danish holiday treats such as honey cakes and brezels.

The Roosevelt, New Orleans

The Roosevelt New Orelans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Photo: Hilton

While New Orleans may not be renowned for its winter chill, the city certainly knows how to celebrate the holiday season. In particular, The Roosevelt, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, has earned itself a reputation for hosting one of the most breathtaking Christmas hotel light displays in the US. Each year, the hotel's block-long lobby is transformed into a winter wonderland, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, ornaments and festive decorations. Life-size gingerbread houses, teddy bear picnics and candy cane themed drinks are also part of the fun. It's a must-see for anyone exploring New Orleans during the holiday season.

Claridge's, London

Claridge's London has been welcoming travellers through its Mayfair doors since 1850 and is one of the capital's most quintessential Christmas destinations. The Christmas tree at this luxury hotel is always a masterpiece, having previously been decorated by the likes of Jimmy Choo and Louis Vuitton. This year, the role fell to designer Paul Smith, who has adorned the hotel's towering tree with more than 100 whimsical birdhouses to create a colourful feast for the eyes. Elsewhere, there's festive menus, plus traditional wreaths and fairy lights galore lining the corridors of this Art Deco escape in the heart of the Big Smoke.

Winter City, Expo Dubai

Winter City at Expo Dubai. Photo: Expo City Dubai

Christmas has come to the desert at Winter City at Expo Dubai. A real festive atmosphere awaits via towering Christmas trees, enchanting carols by candlelight and a bustling North Pole Market offering unique gifts and festive treats. Lace up your skates to glide, or stumble, across the open-air ice rink, or embrace the cold as you play in the snow zone. Enjoy traditional fairground games, meet Santa Claus at his grotto, and savour winter-themed treats from various food trucks. As night falls, the site transforms into a dazzling spectacle of winter-themed illuminations accompanied by live music performances.

Transgender report

'I pretend I'm dumb so they can't hear my voice': Transgender Emirati on posing as a woman for work

'The person in the mirror was not me': Emirati tells of gender struggle from childhood to adulthood

Tips on buying property during a pandemic

Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.

While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.

While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.

Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.

Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.

Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.

Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.

Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.

GIANT REVIEW

Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan

Director: Athale

Rating: 4/5

Results:

6.30pm: Maiden Dh165,000 2,000m - Winner: Powderhouse, Sam Hitchcott (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer)

7.05pm: Handicap Dh165,000 2,200m - Winner: Heraldic, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar

7.40pm: Conditions Dh240,000 1,600m - Winner: Walking Thunder, Connor Beasley, Ahmed bin Harmash

8.15pm: Handicap Dh190,000 2,000m - Winner: Key Bid, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe

8.50pm: The Garhoud Sprint Listed Dh265,000 1,200m - Winner: Drafted, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson

9.25pm: Handicap Dh170,000 1,600m - Winner: Cachao, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar

10pm: Handicap Dh190,000 1,400m - Winner: Rodaini, Connor Beasley, Ahmed bin Harmash

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”