Travel
December is a magical time to visit Europe. You will find cozy Christmas markets, ice rings, tons of decorations and charmingly lit cities. Ice sculptures? Not so much. Most of Europe's climate is too mild for hosting an outdoor snow and ice festival.
The festival takes place every year from the end of November to the beginning of January. It is placed in a tent just outside the Bruges train station, which makes arriving by rail ideal.
- A Boutique Hotel To Match Bruges. Martin's Relais
When in Bruges, it's easy to let yourself taken on a journey back in time. The fairy-tale like medieval buildings, the charming canals and the romantic squares create a magnificent painting of how life used to be in another era. At Martin's...
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Christmas time is an open door that permits a brief return to innocence. The magic dwells in the flavours and smells, the glittering lights, the rainbow of colours and the childish laughter. I love Christmas not for what it is or represents, but for the...
- The Magic Of The Christmas Markets In Germany
Christmas markets originated in Germany in the Late Middle Ages and they are a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. I love this time of the year and as the weather gets colder, I'm already switching to a festive mood. Hundreds of Christmas...
- Las Fallas Festival, Valencia: Fallas & Ninots
Las Fallas or the Festival of Fire is held in Valencia, Spain every year from the 1st to the 19th of March. People hit the streets dressed up in traditional costumes, build a huge statue of Virgin Mary out of flowers and enormous fallas...
- Music, Dance, Fashion And Showcases At Kampala Festival 2013.
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Travel
The Magic of Bruges Ice Sculpture Festival
Nevertheless, this has not stopped the folks of Bruges from setting up a thermal tent right in the Station Square and create a magic wonderland within its walls.
We must admit the Ice Sculpture Festival was the reason we included Bruges in our ACPRail Christmas markets tour itinerary. Bruges has two Christmas markets, an ice ring and tons of cuteness overall, but for somebody who's been dreaming of Harbin's Ice Festival and Sapporo's Snow Festival for a long time, the Ice Festival was what really set Bruges apart.
This year's theme was 'The Land of the Hobs'. Inspired by Tolkien's characters, the sculptures were amazing to look at, especially for a 'Lord of the Rings' fan like my husband. Me, on the other hand limited myself to appreciating the craft behind each sculpture.
While it is true that witnessing a drop of 10ºC just by crossing the threshold was not very pleasant, the minutes we spent inside at -6ºC were full of wonder. We are talking about dwarves, elves, fairies, hunters, animals, magicians and devilish figures beautifully carved and lit. There was magic in the air, a slide for the little ones and an ice bar serving mulled wine and other drinks for the parents.
While most of the sculptures were out of reach, some of them were actually designed so that the visitors can wander inside.
Last year's theme was inspired by Disney's film 'Frozen' and I can't wait to see what the next year will bring.
The festival takes place every year from the end of November to the beginning of January. It is placed in a tent just outside the Bruges train station, which makes arriving by rail ideal.
My heart actually skipped a beat when we got in front of the train station and saw the large tent. Granted, the Bruges Ice Festival might not be as large as the ones from China or Japan, but it is still a great option since every detail is regarded with the utmost attention. And since you are in Bruges, don't forget to visit the city too.
- A Boutique Hotel To Match Bruges. Martin's Relais
When in Bruges, it's easy to let yourself taken on a journey back in time. The fairy-tale like medieval buildings, the charming canals and the romantic squares create a magnificent painting of how life used to be in another era. At Martin's...
- The Great Christmas Market Tour Of Europe
Christmas time is an open door that permits a brief return to innocence. The magic dwells in the flavours and smells, the glittering lights, the rainbow of colours and the childish laughter. I love Christmas not for what it is or represents, but for the...
- The Magic Of The Christmas Markets In Germany
Christmas markets originated in Germany in the Late Middle Ages and they are a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. I love this time of the year and as the weather gets colder, I'm already switching to a festive mood. Hundreds of Christmas...
- Las Fallas Festival, Valencia: Fallas & Ninots
Las Fallas or the Festival of Fire is held in Valencia, Spain every year from the 1st to the 19th of March. People hit the streets dressed up in traditional costumes, build a huge statue of Virgin Mary out of flowers and enormous fallas...
- Music, Dance, Fashion And Showcases At Kampala Festival 2013.
Last sunday the Taptripper Confident Julius who was interviewed by Taptrip Blog last month sent me some pictures he took on sunday, October 6th, during a festival held in his city, Kampala, in Uganda. He said it's called "Kampala City...