Make The Most Of Your Christmas Trip To England With Rick Steves' Tips
By LESLIE VELIZ
European travel expert Rick Steves is someone who can't get enough of England during the holidays, and he offers advice for travelers planning to spend the holidays abroad.
In a 2019 article for the Seattle Times, Steves recommended Bath and London as must-visit holiday destinations, painting a picture of all the holiday fun there is to enjoy there.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London features carnival rides, ice sculptures, and an outdoor ice rink, while the Bath Christmas Market has an ice rink and locally-made gifts.
On his website, Rick Steves' Europe, Steves says that travelers might be surprised to find that some traditions are similar to those in the U.S. while others are not so common.
As Steves notes, these seasonal novelties include pantomime performances and Christmas crackers — wrapped paper tubes filled with goodies that make a popping sound when opened.
As for holiday treats, you can expect to encounter mince pies (small pies with a sweet filling of spices and dried fruit) and plum pudding, which Steves likens to fruitcake.
Steves' biggest recommendation is for travelers to embrace the holiday spirit despite all the cultural differences they come across.
"No matter how you experience an English Christmas," Steves notes, "enrich your visit by asking the people you meet to describe their families' traditions."