Shake off the winter blues and keep that post-Christmas spirit alive at the same time by visiting one of these outdoor ice rinks. Don’t worry about making a fool out of yourself – most rinks welcome everyone from beginners to experts.

Somerset House

Photo: daveograve@

Skate in the heart of London in this prestigious skating venue. This 18th century home turned music/art venue offers an impressive backdrop and is illuminated at night by a 40ft Tiffany Christmas tree.

• Adults from £10.50
• Children from £7.50
• Open until 24th January
• More information about Somerset House Ice Skating

New York

Photo: Bob Jagendorf

The Rockefeller Centre is a world-famous and iconic skating venue. Skate underneath towering skyscrapers and a huge Christmas tree.

• Open until January 9th
• Adults from $15.50
• Children from $9.50
• More information about skating at Rockefeller Ice Rink

Hampton Court

Photo: Purplekitten

Hampton Court Palace (near London) is a beautiful, historical and romantic outdoor ice rink. Skate right outside Henry VIII’s favourite royal hangout and get drunk on lots of spiced mulled wine.

• Open until end of January.
• Adult prices from £10.00
• Children from £7.50
• More information about skating at Hampton Court Ice Rink

Yosemite

Photo: satosphere

Skate in the shadows of the mighty Half Dome and El Capitan in one of the most beautiful national parks in the world – a winter tradition since the 1930s.

• Open until early March
• Adults $8
• Kids $6
• More information about skating at Yosemite Ice Rink

Berlin

Photo: ljcybergal

Potsdamer Platz in Berlin is turned into a winter wonderland this time of year. As well as a 40m long ice rink this huge snowy playground also has an Alpine ski hut, tonnes of competitions to enter and a 70m ski slope-which many choose to bomb down on rubber tubes..

• Open until 6th January
• More information about skating at Berlin’s Ice Rink

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Photo: Kristin & Adam

Enjoy views of Paris while skating on the small but perfectly formed ice rink located on the first floor observation deck of this famous landmark. The rink is lodged between two of the tower’s massive steel legs and can handle 80 skaters at a time. Vertigo sufferers might want to give this one a miss.

• Visitors paying the tower’s admission fee can skate for free.
• Open until February
• More information about skating at the Eiffel Tower Ice Rink

Vienna, Austria

Photo: Olivier Bruchez

Skate underneath the beautiful illuminated Rathaus (town hall) and warm up at nearby stalls selling hot drinks and snacks, a good choice if you like your skating venue to be picturesque and atmospheric.

• Open until 9th March
• More information about skating at Vienna’s Ice Rink

Helsinki

Photo: Andy Crowe

Come here for proper snow and very cold temperatures. Ice skating is taken pretty seriously in Finland and although the city’s main rink in Railway Square isn’t particularly scenic it’s large and has a lively atmosphere.

• Adults from 2 euros
• Children from 1 euro
• Open until Mid-March
• More information about skating at Helsinki’s Ice Rink

Toronto

Photo: wvs

Skate in Nathan Phillips Square, a lively public gathering place located in front of Toronto City Hall. As well as being able to skate in a super-sized rink there is a pretty light display the evening.

• Admission is Free skate hire from $6.50
• Open until end March
• More information about skating at Toronto’s Ice Rink

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A very Merry Christmas to all our readers! Thanks for supporting us over the past couple of months. Plenty more exciting posts coming up for 2010…

Gothenburg, Sweden

Photo: Borevagen

Sao Paulo, Brasil

Photo: Silvio Tanaka

Bavaria

Photo: Leto A.

Taiwanese Christmas bread

Photo:  天曉得。

Alameda Ave, California

Photo: Thomas Hawk

New York

Photo: Keith Barlow

Coogee Beach, Australia

Photo: Kinho Pizzato

Quebec

Photo: Iamapix

Munich

Photo: Slowburn

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Unless you are escaping to a desert island for the whole of December, Christmas shopping is pretty much unavoidable but if your local shops just aren’t going to cut it this year (and you don’t want to rely on the post!), then why not use our guide to head out to the best shopping locations in the UK? Pre-Christmas sales are not uncommon now so search around for some real bargains.

1. Oxford Street, London

Forty million shoppers making their annual Christmas pilgrimage every year can’t be wrong. People come for the lights, the two mile stretch of 300+ shops, the extended ranges in many of the international flagship stores and the massive amount of choice (Selfridges, Top Shop, Nike Town, John Lewis, the list goes on). Although they probably don’t come for the crowds. Oxford Street is one of London’s top tourist attractions and is still one of the most popular shopping destinations in the world.

2. Manchester

England’s unofficial second city has the cooler edge on many of it’s rivals. Not even counting the The Arndale Centre, this city is a shoppers paradise and is crammed full of small niche retailers, vintage/retro boutiques and shabby chic/boho stores many with an original Mancunian style. Perfect if you really stuck for Christmas shopping ideas – just remember to pack the umbrella!

3. Brighton & Hove

Even though it’s a small city, Brighton & Hove has made it high on the list because of it’s amazingly diverse range of shops from chic boutiques, contemporary unique fashions to antiques and original art and jewellery. The more bohemian and trendy shops are located in Brighton’s North Laines. Wander the half a square mile of streets and alleys buying 50s and 60s kitsch, aspirational lifestyle products or french reproduction furniture and then stop for a mung bean burger at one of the many health and vegetarian food outlets. Designer bargains are to be found in the Brighton Marina and the big name stores are located in Churchill Square.

4. Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a very aesthetically pleasing shopping location and is often considered one of the most beautiful cities in Britain. People brave the cold to come here and view the sights as well as do their Christmas shopping. The locals take style and consumerism very seriously and as well as being packed with designer names (Stella McCartney, Louis Vuitton, Prada etc) there are plenty of hip and trendy smaller boutique shops.

5. Birmingham

England’s official second city shouldn’t disappoint would be shoppers, it’s an easier place to get your bearings than you might think with most shops located in the newly redeveloped Bull Ring and New Street. Brummies love trendy designer labels but they also love a bargain. They also love unusual architecture (the £40 million futuristic Selfridges building is worth coming to Birmingham to see in itself although, having said that, it might not be to everyones taste!). As well as all the major high street shops including Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser, the well-known jewellery quarter should sort you out with all your bling!

6. Spitalfields Market, London

Okay this would be the alternative choice but if you’re fed up with the same old stuff in all the usual high street stores then Spitalfields market with it’s eclectic range of stalls – many with original designs – is definitely worth a visit. Buy your cool cousin an original leather satchel, your mum a vintage brooch, your niece or nephew a trendy printed babygrow or just pick up a slice of wheat-free Christmas cake.

7. Newcastle

If you like your shopping experience to be on a very large scale then this would definitely be the place to visit. The enormous Metrocentre is probably the reason most people travel to Newcastle for shopping as it’s one of largest shopping and leisure centres in Europe. North Easterners also have a fondness for original designs so as well as the usual high street favourites there is also a wide range of independent shops and a popular art and craft market each Sunday on Armstrong Bridge in Jesmond.

8. Bath

If it’s the quintessential English Christmas shopping experience you are after, look no further than Bath. With it’s grand Georgian streets, Roman baths and beautiful abbey, Bath is very easy on the eye and even the most discerning shopper is well catered for. As well as all the familiar big name stores, the town offers a wide range of independent shops and stylish boutiques and a well-organised Christmas Market running from 26th November to 6th December 2009.

9. Dublin

Ok, it’s not in the UK, but Dublin is a fun and vibrant city and would make an excellent choice for an easily accessible Christmas shopping destination. It’s a very compact city with all the shops in walkable distance and most of the shopping centred around the pedestrianised Grafton Street (shops towards the upper-end of the market) and St. Stephens Green Shopping Centre (the usual high street shops). After you finished there head for Temple Bar for trendy and more unusual clothing, music and art stores (and probably also a pint of Guinness).

10. Cardiff

Even if you’re not searching for a rugby shirt or a Welsh Love spoon don’t overlook Cardiff as a Christmas shopping destination. Cardiff is a very friendly city and is now one of the best shopping locations in the country thanks to the new St. David’s shopping centre £675million extension. Every major store is represented in the very impressive “St. David’s 2″ but if it’s more intimate shopping you are after try the cute Morgan and Castle shopping arcades still with their Victorian and Edwardian features.

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