Christmas at Roundhay Park - Illuminated Trail 8 December 2022 - 1 January 2023. Christmas at Roundhay Park - A new Christmas trail featuring larger than life illuminations and much-loved seasonal music, will light up Roundhay Park in Leeds one of the biggest city parks in Europe, between 8 December 2022 and 1 January 2023.. Tickets are on sale now for this captivating light trail, where It was during this time that Christmas would be an equally joyous and horrific holiday. The first German Christmas of WWII was celebrated in December of 1939 while the front was for the most part silent; the Western Allies and Germany were in the midst of the so-called "phony war" between the period after the Invasion of Poland in September Total rainfall in Palm Springs reached 1 inch as of 1 p.m. on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Rainfall totals in other cities included 1.45 inches in Desert Hot Springs, 0.21 The Result. There are just over 526,000,000 Christian kids under the age of 14 in the world who celebrate Christmas on December 25th. In other words, Santa has to deliver presents to almost 22 Public commemoration of Christmas has become more widespread and popular, and many Jews flock to cities with significant Christian populations - especially Nazareth and Haifa - to gaze at the sparkling Christmas decorations, eat holiday treats and shop in Christmas markets. December 24 - Christmas Eve ( Bisperas ng Pasko) December 25 - Christmas Day ( Pasko) Last Sunday of December - Feast of the Holy Family December 31 - New Year's Eve ( Bisperas ng Bagong Taon) January 1 - New Year ( Bagong Taon ). Midnight is marked by fireworks and firecracker, noise and parties. sqJW. Choose the correct option A, B, C or D to complete the Singapore is famous for its …………. And green cleanlinessB. cleanlyC. cleaningD. clean2. On Christmas Eve, most big cities, especially London are ……………. with coloured lights across the streets and enormous Christmas decoratedB. hangC. putD. made3. In the United State, there are 50 …………… and six different time zones across the decoratedB. nationsC. townsD. countries4. I once tried to ………… apple pie when I was in London. It was really doB. cookC. makeD. show5. You should go to Canada in summer because it is the most popular time for visitors to ………….. Niagara Falls and see the beautiful sights stayB. lookC. tourD. visit6. Nowadays you still see the ……….. men wear kilts skirts to wedding or other formal ScottishB. ScotlandC. ScotsD. Scot7. The USA has a population of about 304 million, and it’s the third ……… country in the smallestB. largestC. narrowestD. highest8. In some English speaking countries, turkey and pudding are ……….. food at nationalB. historicalC. traditionalD. possible9. New Zealand ………… lovers of nature and fans of dangerous attractsB. keepsC. callsD. asks10. Queenstown in New Zealand has got beautiful ……… and a dry climate, so it’s ideal for outdoor lookB. viewingC. atmosphereD. scenery Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. Do you enjoy the festivities that Christmas brings? Beyond the shopping and presents, there’s lots of Christmas spirit to enjoy in every state across America. Even in small towns or places that never see snow, you’ll find plenty of holiday magic, from boat parades to dazzling light displays. It doesn’t matter where you live, one of these towns is sure to be nearby as we’ve listed the most festive places to visit in every state, from a snowy Bavarian town in the Pacific Northwest to balmy Florida and everywhere in between. YOU'RE ALL SET! Look out for our newsletters in your inbox soon. Christmas in Candyland Alabama - Andalusia Andalusia’s downtown is transformed into what’s been called something out of a Hallmark movie during the holidays, with its main square becoming “Christmas in Candyland.” Despite its southern location, there’s even snow, thanks to a snow-making machine. In the town square is a towering Christmas tree where Santa Claus makes an appearance every Saturday, and there are attractions like light shows, outdoor ice skating, snow tubing, miniature train rides, hot chocolate, and holiday music. North Pole Alaska Alaska - North Pole While it may not actually be the North Pole, in this Alaskan town located near Fairbanks, it’s Christmas all year. During the holidays it’s extra special – every December the North Pole Christmas In Ice contest attracts ice sculptors from across the globe, while the Winter Festival offers a variety of activities, fireworks and the crowning of the King and Queen of North Pole. It’s considered one of the world’s most popular Christmas towns. Prescott at Christmas Arizona - Prescott Prescott is known as Arizona’s Christmas City, with a Christmas parade featuring floats, pets and Santa, followed by the courthouse lighting kicking everything off in early December each year. Enjoy Wildlights and Animal Sights at the Heritage Park Zoo, a gingerbread village display, the Sharlot Hall Museum Annual Frontier Christmas for a nostalgic trip back in time to the holidays in the 1800s, and much more. Crescent Hotel & Spa Arkansas - Eureka Springs Eureka Springs is a beautiful small town filled with Victorian homes and buildings. Every December, it’s transformed into a Victorian Christmas village, making it even more stunning, starting with the Christmas Parade of Lights. There are holiday concerts, tours of the most magnificently restored homes that will be lavishly decorated for the season, caroling, a Christmas market, and much more. Crescent Hotel & Spa is one hotel that goes all out with cheery decor and holiday events, such as Christmas concerts and an ice skating rink. Christmas in Nevada City, California California - Nevada City Located midway between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, the small historic town of Nevada City looks as if it came straight from the pages of a Charles Dickens novel at Christmas. There are lots of holiday lights, glowing gas lamps, carriage rides, Christmas carolers, bagpipers, and vendors selling all sorts of items while donning period costumes. Georgetown, Colorado Colorado - Georgetown One of the best Christmas towns in Colorado, Georgetown is a former mining town just an hour west of Denver in the Rockies, famous for its Christmas shops that can be enjoyed throughout the year, but during the holidays, it’s a magical wonderland. The annual Historic Georgetown Christmas Market sells unique, hard-to-find gifts, there’s an annual tree lighting, visits with Santa, vintage carriage rides, chestnuts roasting, and a bonfire for gathering while sipping hot chocolate. Ivoryton Alliance Connecticut - Essex In the historic district of Ivoryton, one of three villages in Essex, residents come together to create an enchanting Christmas village. There are some 400,000 lights that dance to choreographed music, listened to on a local radio station, a petting zoo, appearances by Santa, and the annual tree lighting of the largest Christmas tree in the entire state. New Castle, Delaware Delaware - New Castle Delaware’s most charming Christmas town comes thanks to the hard work of the New Castle Historical Society, which aims to preserve its colonial history. The annual Spirit of Christmas event held over the second weekend of December includes a tree lighting, caroling, musical performances, and historic house tours. Night of Lights, St. Augustine Florida - St. Augustine While snow is unlikely, St. Augustine is a beautiful place to spend Christmas in Florida, with three million white bulbs during the Nights of Lights illuminating the city throughout the holiday season. It’s based on the Spanish practice of lighting a candle in the window for Christmas and can be seen while riding a horse-drawn carriage, a trolley, by boat from the water or even from above with a flightseeing trip via helicopter or plane. Downtown Albany, Georgia Georgia - Albany One of the most festive towns in Georgia, Albany is famous for its Christmas parade with a different theme every year, although Santa is always invited. There are endless holiday lights, a Christmas train, holiday workshops, music, a community Christmas market, and even reindeer games. Honolulu Hale City Hall, “Honolulu City Lights” features a 50-foot Norfolk pine Christmas tree, giant Yuletide displays and live entertainment. Hawaii - Honolulu Enjoy warm temperatures, tropical scenery, and holiday cheer in Honolulu, with Santa arriving by outrigger canoe on Waikiki Beach. While it may not be traditional, it’s a lot of fun to enjoy the festivities and Hawaiian culture during the Waikiki Holiday Parade. Honolulu City Lights features beautiful displays and illuminations right outside City Hall Honolulu Hale that begins with a tree lighting, a block party, and the electric light parade. The Coeur d’Alene Resort Idaho - Coeur d'Alene Coeur d’Alene is a beautiful town that’s even more stunning in winter, with a white Christmas practically guaranteed. It’s famous for its Christmas tree, the world’s tallest living Christmas tree at 162 feet, and it also hosts a show with million lights and night cruises to the North Pole, where you can watch a holiday theater production and visit Santa’s workshop. Stay at The Coeur d’Alene Resort for a front-row seat to the Holiday Light Show, which features a fleet of merry cruise boats as well as the biggest on-the-water holiday light display in America. City of Woodstock - City Hall Illinois - Woodstock The historic town of Woodstock is well-known for its Groundhog Day festivities, but it’s also quite festive for Christmas. Enjoy a picturesque Victorian Christmas setting, with strolling carolers, holiday lights, carriage rides, and often, performances of “The Nutcracker Ballet” on the Opera House stage. Join in on the Annual Christmas Tree Walk, Lighting of the Square, and Christmas parade. Santa Claus, Indiana Indiana - Santa Claus A town with the name of Santa Claus is a no-brainer at Christmas. This small town of only around 2,500 puts on a nearly month-long celebration which includes Christmas-themed fireworks, live reindeer, an LED-light display that tells the story of Rudolph, breakfast with Santa, Santa’s Candy Castle where you can roast chestnuts over an open fire, and more! Keokuk City of Christmas Iowa - Keokuk Keokuk goes all out during the holiday season with its City of Christmas at Rand Park. It started in 1989 with a nativity scene, Santa’s workshop, Santa’s barn with reindeer and elves, and an international Christmas display. Today it includes nearly 100 displays and a million lights, which can be enjoyed from late November through late December every evening until 1 on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The annual Lighted Christmas Parade in Atchison, Kansas. Kansas - Atchison The town of Atchison hosts an annual Christmas tree lighting that begins with Santa arriving in spectacular fashion. There’s also a Christmas parade, horse-drawn sleigh rides, a Mr. & Miss Winter Wonderland pageant, and special activities for the kids like a coloring contest. Bardstown Main Street's Light Up Bardstown event. Kentucky - Bardstown Bardstown has been called America’s most beautiful small town, and it’s especially stunning during the holiday season, starting with Light Up Bardstown. Main Street and the town’s Christmas tree is illuminated, while the kids enjoy face painting in Christmas Corner. Throughout the month of December, the 1818 mansion known as My Old Kentucky Home is beautifully decked out while costumed performers sing the famous song while visitors tour themed rooms. Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival Louisiana - Natchitoches Natchitoches hosts one of the country’s longest-running holiday celebrations, dating all the way back to 1927. While it started as a one-day event, today it’s a six-week-long event that brings over 300,000 lights and 100 famous set pieces, which can be seen in the movie “Steel Magnolias”, which was produced here in 1989. The Louisiana city honors the holiday and its Creole heritage with parades, fireworks, carriage rides, historic home tours, a children’s festival, a 5K race, and live performances. Kennebunkport Annual Christmas Prelude Maine - Kennebunkport In Kennebunkport, you can watch Santa Claus arrive by lobster boat during the annual Christmas Prelude, and there are many other festivities hosted throughout the holiday season. One of the best places to celebrate Christmas in New England, the town is picture-perfect, especially with holiday lights and a dusting of snow, ideal for photo-ops, while seashore holiday trolley rides, wine tasting, and lobster bakes are hosted too. Lights on the Bay Maryland - Annapolis The 18th-century historic district of Annapolis offers candlelit strolls and guided tours during the holidays, while the whole city is decked out with evergreen garlands and beautiful decor. Along the harbor, you’ll see the reflections of illuminated trees sparkling in the water. A lighted boat parade takes place on the second Saturday of December every year, with boat owners showing off their holiday light decorations in the harbor. Taunton, 'Christmas City' Massachusetts Massachusetts - Taunton For a magical winter wonderland kind of holiday experience, the Berkshires is famously ideal, with many charming small towns and classic red barns covered with snow, but Taunton may be the very best. It puts on the Lighting of the Green & Lights On Festival, that’s been called the top display presentation in all of southern New England. In early December, there are many opening night festivities, including fireworks, but the enchanting holiday scenes can be enjoyed throughout the month. Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland Michigan - Frankenmuth Known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” Frankenmuth is an old-world German town that’s home to the world’s largest Christmas store, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland. It can be enjoyed year-round, but it’s especially impressive during the holidays, as is the entire village, which is lavishly decorated from the lamposts to storefronts. There are visits with Santa, carolers, holiday home tours, Christmas concerts, and more. Downtown Red Wing, Minnesota Minnesota - Red Wing Just about every resident in Red Wing comes out for the town’s Holiday Stroll event that begins with a pancake breakfast and includes everything from parades, live penguins, and baby reindeer to sleigh rides, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday tunes, and a live Nativity scene. Canton Christmas Festival Mississippi - Canton During the holidays, Canton, Mississippi’s 200,000 sparkling lights illuminate the historic Courthouse Square. There are animated holiday displays and lots of activities for the kids. They can enjoy an interactive Christmas village with the chance to become a “certified elf,” roast marshmallows, and make reindeer food, ensuring Santa’s team will be fueled for their journey. Enjoy horse and buggy rides, a carousel, and storytime with Mrs. Claus too. Branson Christmas, Branson, Missouri Missouri - Branson There is practically an endless list of Christmas events in Branson every year, from the month-long Ozark Mountain Christmas Festival with parades, lights shows, and festive music to the Branson Scenic Railway’s Polar Express Train Ride that rolls through the Ozark Mountains. The 1880s-themed park Silver Dollar City will be all decked out, hosting its An Old Time Christmas festival too. Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce Montana - Bigfork Bigfork is considered to be Montana’s ultimate Christmas village, with the community going all out to celebrate the holidays. Snow is practically a given, and there will be plenty of lights, a special holiday wine stroll, and performances of “A Christmas Carol” and “The Nutcracker” at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and s’mores and hot drinks in front of a campfire are just a few of the other activities. Minden, Nebraska at Christmas. Nebraska - Minden Minden hosts Nebraska’s Christmas City, with traditions that started more than a century ago when lights were hung to honor the arrival of the Civil War veterans’ organization Grand Army of the Republic. The courthouse dome continues to be lit today, with city workers scaling it using mountain climbing gear. The town hosts the Christmas Traditions Festival to kick off the season at the end of November with a lighted parade, children’s carnival, photos with Santa, and the crowning of Miss Christmas City. Nevada - Virginia City Virginia City is a town that looks like it’s still stuck in the Wild West, complete with wooden sidewalks and period buildings. Throughout the month of December, it offers a Victorian-inspired celebration known as Christmas on the Comstock. Enjoy the decor, watch the parade and let the kids visit Father Christmas. The adults can enjoy the “Grinch Made Me Do It” saloon crawl. Jackson, New Hampshire New Hampshire - Jackson For a White Christmas in New England, Jackson is hard to beat. It offers small-town charms and a classic covered bridge along with a variety of holiday events. You can enjoy sleigh rides and take the annual self-guided Inn-to-Inn Cookie Tour for a glimpse of a dozen local inns, with a signature cookie served at each one. Festivities begin with the Traditionally Yours festival around Thanksgiving weekend and continue throughout the holiday season. Victorian Christmas in Cape May, New Jersey New Jersey - Cape May Cape May is a Victorian seaside town that looks like it’s out of a Dickens novel during the holiday season, complete with garlands and gaslamps. You can listen to the Ghost of Christmas Past tales, ride the trolley back in time to check out the holiday lights, and take holiday house tours too. Gypsy Plaza in Madrid New Mexico at night during the Christmas Seasonal Holiday. New Mexico - Madrid The former mining town of Madrid is home to just 300, but it’s filled with Christmas spirit, a tradition that dates back nearly a century. During the pre-war times, morale was low, and to boost it, miners pitched in their change throughout the year so when the holidays rolled around, it all went into making it a spectacular event. Today, thousands come from all around to see the dazzling display and reminder of Madrid’s perseverance. Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles, New York. New York - Skaneateles Skaneateles is a charming town in the Finger Lakes region that hosts the annual Dickens Festival, complete with characters from “A Christmas Carol” like Tiny Tim, all in Victorian costume. You can even watch a mini-performance of the famous novella. There’s a parade, horse-drawn carriage rides, a live bagpiper, and all sorts of refreshments too. Christmas Town North Carolina - McAdenville McAdenville is one of the country’s most festive during the holidays – it’s even been called “Christmas Town Every year the residents turn this small town into a spectacular holiday scene with more than a half-million red, gree,n and white lights stretching for miles. The over-the-top lighting tradition has been taking place since 1956, and it all starts with a special lighting ceremony when a local elementary school student pulls the big switch. Dickens Village Festival in Garrison, North Dakota. North Dakota - Garrison North Dakota’s “Christmas Capital” is transformed into a Victorian village every year for three weekends over the holiday season. Garrison hosts the Dickens Festival, with many attending wearing period attire to take part in a variety of unique events. There’s top hat decorating, rides in a double-decker “Queen Elizabus” and a fruitcake toss, along with English high tea, a quilt show, and a performance of “Merry Christmas, Mr. Scrooge,” a play that was locally written. Castle Noel, Medina, Ohio Ohio - Medina Medina is famous for hosting the largest indoor Christmas museum, Castle Noel, which offers Christmas year-round, but December is the very best time for a visit. You’ll see props from dozens of Christmas films, like Santa’s Chimney Squeeze, and you can even ride the Ralphie slide from “A Christmas Story.” The town hosts many events starting with the Candelight Walk with a tree lighting, photos with Santa, and more, followed by a holiday parade and other events. The Castle of Muskogee, Oklahoma Christmas Oklahoma - Muskogee In Muskogee, the Castle of Muskogee will be transformed into a magical place with a massive drive-through light display. You can ride Christmas ponies, hop on a train that rolls through the village or even onto Cletus the Camel, stepping into the shoes of a Wiseman. Honor Heights Park is also illuminated with more than million lights. Mount Hood Christmas Train, Oregon Oregon - Hood River Hood River hosts Hood River Holidays, a month-long celebration with a tree lighting and a parade. It also offers one of Oregon’s most popular holiday attractions, a ride on the Mount Hood Christmas train, with elves that walk through the aisles handing out treats, singing songs, and helping Santa hand out gifts. Specialty items are on sale at the Christkindlmarket. Pennsylvania - Bethlehem Nicknamed “Christmas City,” Bethlehem is, not surprisingly, one of the country’s top places to celebrate the holidays. Visitors can browse or buy at Christkindlmarkt, a market with pop-up German shops that sell artisan goods like wooden toys and treats, enjoy the holiday lights on historic buildings and beautifully decorated trees, and take the Bethlehem by Night bus tour. Christmas at the Newport Mansions Rhode Island - Newport Newport hosts many holiday events, including the Illuminated Boat Parade accompanied by Caribbean Christmas music on the steel paou, but the top reason to come is to see the stunning Gilded Age mansions all decked out. While they’re lavish anytime, during the holidays there will be thousands of poinsettias, evergreens, wreaths, Christmas trees and tables filled with elegant china and silver, at The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House. The Holiday Evenings event offers the chance to view them under candlelight with live music and refreshments. Christmas Carriage Ride in Aiken, South Carolina South Carolina - Aiken Aiken is gorgeous during the holidays, with its events kicking off on Thanksgiving morning with the annual Blessing of the Hounds in Hitchcock Woods. Afterward, visitors can take in the Night of a Thousand Candles, stroll the thousands of lights at Hopeland Gardens, and enjoy carriage rides. Community Christmas Tree Lighting at Outlaw Square! South Dakota - Deadwood With the Victorian-era buildings in Deadwood illuminated for the holidays, coupled with at least a dusting of snow, Deadwood is an Old West town that is truly magical. In early December, there will be a Christmas tree lighting in Outlaw Square and a guest appearance by Santa. A colorful display from The Island show fountain. Tennessee - Gatlinburg Gatlinburg does it up right for the holidays with a Trolley Ride of Lights that will bring you around to see the many holiday light displays. Just a few of the other events include the Festival of Trees, Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales, the Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show, and the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade. Just a short drive away, Pigeon Forge offers a host of fun Christmas events too. EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens Texas - Wimberley One of the most charming Christmas towns in Texas, Wimberley hosts a tree lighting and the Holiday Trail of Lights, which begins on the Saturday following Thanksgiving and ends on New Year’s Eve. The 8-acre walk-through display includes a Yule Log where you can roast hot dogs and marshmallows, providing a fun family evening. Ogden, Utah Holiday Electric Light Parade Utah - Ogden Ogden, Utah is so enchanting during the holidays that it served as the film setting for “My Christmas Love.” The town hosts a Christmas Village in its downtown park modeled after Santa’s workshop, with 60 tiny cottages just right for elves. While wandering through, visitors can enjoy dazzling lights and displays, entertainment, food, and drink, and shop for gifts too. It starts over Thanksgiving, with the grand opening followed by an Electric Light Parade. Woodstock, Vermont Vermont - Woodstock One of the country’s most postcard-perfect towns, historic Woodstock offers a quintessential Vermont Christmas, with the fragrance of pine needles in the air and the ground almost always covered with at least a light dusting of snow. It hosts many holiday events, with Wassail Weekend one of the most popular. The 19th-century Norse culture tradition includes a parade with more than 50 horses and riders in period dress. Enjoy a magical sleigh ride too. Alexandria, Virginia at Christmas Virginia - Alexandria Alexandria is often named among the world’s most magical Christmas towns. Stepping into the historic old town, you’ll feel as if you were transported into a real-life Dickens Village. The long list of holiday events begins with the annual Tree Lighting in front of City Hall, musical performances, and an appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus. That’s followed by the annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade and the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Christkindlmarkt – Leavenworth, Washington Washington - Leavenworth Located at the eastern edge of the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is a Bavarian village that becomes a virtual snow globe of Christmas magic over the holidays. Enjoy the Christmas Lighting Festival with old-fashioned caroling, Christmas characters, and twinkling holiday lights. Every Friday throughout December, St. Nikolas welcomes children with song and fruit too. Sleigh ride at The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs West Virginia - White Sulphur Springs White Sulphur Springs hosts a Christmas parade, while its famous resort, The Greenbrier offers fun winter activities. You can enjoy sleigh rides, photos with Santa, Christmas lights viewing on a trolley, and other holiday events. Dickens of a Christmas, Ripon, Wisconsin Wisconsin - Ripon Ripon hosts the annual Dickens of a Christmas, which includes numerous events over the first weekend of December. There will be a spectacular “Living Windows” display downtown, visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a Dickens Holiday Parade that kicks it all off on Friday evening. Antler Arches in Jackson, Wyoming at Christmas Wyoming - Jackson Hole Wyoming’s top Christmas town is like taking a step back in time to the Wild West, and at Christmas, it’s sure to be a stunning wonderland with snow, twinkling holiday lights, and decor. You can enjoy a sleigh ride at the National Elk Refuge and world-class snow sports like skiing and boarding at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. In fact, if you’re at the resort on Christmas Eve, you can watch Santa drop in at the base of the Aerial Tram. On Christmas Day, kids can even get out on the slopes with the man himself. Popular Stories Christmas has been steadily gaining popularity in Chinese mainland in recent years, though it is not a public holiday here. Outside China’s Christian community, its “celebrations” are not related to religion at all, but this does not stop it becoming a major annual event in major cities of China Christmas is regarded as a “Valentine's Day” by many young Chinese people. To stimulate consumption, various promotional activities are held in the shops and shopping malls. Restaurants offer Christmas dinners on Christmas Eve. And, interestingly, sending apples as gifts to friends on Christmas Eve is one of the traditions of a Chinese Christmas. Content Preview How Do Most People in China Celebrate Christmas? How Chinese Christians Celebrate Christmas What Foreigners in China Do at Christmas? Christmas is a Public Holiday in Hong Kong The Top Three Chinese Christmas Songs Recommended Destinations for a Christmas Holiday How Do Most People in China Celebrate Christmas? Though Christmas has been a big commercial success and a newly adopted festive tradition, most people in China do not celebrate as people do in the West. Like many foreign customs that China has absorbed and adapted over the centuries, Christmas also has developed its unique Chinese flair in China. Christmas in China is a Valentine’s Day for the Young Young people celebrate Christmas This is a major feature of Chinese Christmases. In Chinese mainland, Christmas is becoming another form of Valentine's Day, with gifts, confessions, togetherness, sleepless nights... There is a festive atmosphere. Many younger Chinese see it as a romantic holiday for couples to exchange gifts and date. Ice skating and amusement parks are popular spots during the festival. Christmas is the time when men prepare heart-warming winter gifts to win over their partners, while girls will dress themselves up with a range of new items. Christmas Has Huge Commercial Value Promotions during Chritmas For most Chinese without a Christian outlook, this festival is a shopping stunt to stimulate their consumer interest. Merchants follow this trend, many department stores and shopping malls are decorated with Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and festive decorations, and large promotional activities are held. Santa Claus is a symbol of giving and Christmas cheer in the West, but he is more of an “atmosphere lifter” in China. As you wander around the stores and streets, you’ll often see a big, red-suited Father Christmas jamming out on a saxophone. In the traditional culture of China, weddings, funerals, and all festivals are usually accompanied by musical instruments — aiming to enhance the atmosphere. An Apple is a Meaningful Gift on Christmas Eve It's a tradition to eat an apple on Chritmas Eve An unusual apple-giving tradition has evolved in China. Ping in the word apple’ 苹果 píngguǒ /ping-gwor/ sounds like the word 'peace' in Mandarin, which is used in the Chinese for Christmas Eve and the carol “Silent Night” 平安夜 Píng'ān Yè 'Peaceful Evening', so people give and eat apples, particularly on Christmas Eve. Apples are sold with messages printed on the skin in Chinese 'love', love hearts, and 'peace' are popular messages. Parents Introduce Western Festivals and Customs to Their Kids Parents introduce Christmas Customs to Their Kids Especially in the big cities, parents may make a Christmas card with their kids, as well as introduce the culture of Christmas decorations, such as Christmas trees, Christmas hats, and Christmas stockings. The whole family may have dinner together at home or outside in a Christmas-inspired restaurant on Christmas Eve. In the evening of Christmas Eve, parents may tell stories about Santa and the happiness of the day with their kids. A Christmas stocking may be hung on the bedside to receive gifts from Santa. How Chinese Christians Celebrate Christmas? Christmas celebration with familyChina's Christians only 1% of the population officially generally celebrate Christmas religiously, sometimes more so than in the West. While most Chinese people don't realize that Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ or attach any religious significance to the foreign festivities, many of China's Christians celebrate Christmas as the top event of the year, outranking even Chinese New Year, preparing songs and activities weeks before. Christians in China celebrate by going to special church services, which are typically packed to capacity. On Christmas Eve, there are choral performances, and the congregation puts on dance and drama performances. Christmas Eve is called 'Peaceful Evening' Ping'an Ye 平安夜 from the translation of the carol "Silent Night". Carol singing in the streets is rarely seen, though it's popular in Christians’ houses, where the karaoke machine, ever-popular in China, may be employed. What Foreigners in China Do at Christmas? Decorate the Christmas treeExpats from countries and cultures that celebrate Christmas decorate their homes and try to generate an atmosphere as much like at home as possible. Many feel particularly homesick at this time of year. Purchasing the trappings of Christmas is becoming increasingly possible in China, especially in the big cities where big malls and Christmas markets sell wrapping paper, cards, etc., and there are import stores for Christmas ingredients. Online shopping is increasingly the cheapest way to get a Christmas tree and decorations or even a turkey delivered to your door. Expats hold Christmas parties in their homes and often in their schools if they are teachers. A Christmas dinner with family, or at least friends if the family are far away, is seen as very important by most. Christmas is a Public Holiday in Hong Kong Christmas in Hongkong In Hong Kong, Christmas Day December 25 and Boxing Day December 26 are both official public holidays. Banks are closed these days. Boxing Day is a British tradition. It is a day for shopping for after-holiday sales and for employers to give gifts to employees. Hong Kong is one of the best places to go for a festive Christmas atmosphere, with its two-day public holiday. Hong Kong is known for fantastic Christmas displays, fine food, and Christmas shopping. For more, see Christmas in Hong Kong. The Top Three Chinese Christmas Songs Apart from classic English carols and pop songs, the Chinese songs you are most likely to hear playing are the Chinese versions to the same tunes of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas", "Silent Night", and "Jingle Bells". Recommended Destinations for a Christmas Holiday The end of December is either busy or a winding down period of work for most people in Chinese mainland before their big winter holidays at Chinese New Year. So, domestic transportation and room rates are lower since it is a tourist low season. Christmas is a good time for traveling in China. China spreads over a vast territory, with large climate variations from north to south and east to west. You can gain different experiences while traveling in different parts over Christmas, such as Harbin’s icy wonders and exotic atmosphere, holy Tibet, and warm Yunnan with spring-like scenery. Harbin — a Fantastic White Christmas China Snow Town Harbin is always a top choice for a romantic and beautiful Christmas. It is called "the Oriental Moscow" and is a wonderful blend of North China culture and European flavors. Plus, the Ice Festival begins unofficially at Christmas with amazing ice and snow sculptures. Top Things to Do Enter the fabulous Ice and Snow World to see numerous ice sculptures of huge proportions with Christmas decorations, dazzling colors, and light effects. Snow brightens up the Christmas vibe. See a dreamy snowy village and landscape and enjoy the fun of playing in the snow in China Snow Town. Ski in Yabuli Ski Resort — the primary training venue for China's national teams. Enjoy a dynamic Christmas and Chinese New Year Holiday in Harbin Tibet — Christmas on the Roof of the World The Mount Everest If Tibet is on your must-do list before you leave China, Christmas break and the new year is actually the best time for fewer crowds and unbeatable prices hotels are up to 300 CNY less than in other seasons. Celebrating Christmas on the Roof of the World will bring you an unforgettable experience. Top Things to Do Travel to Everest Base camp and witness the starry sky. Explore the less-touristy corners of Barkhor Street. Discover an architectural miracle — the Potala Palace. Hike to see a hidden small lake surrounded by mountains with a huge glacier. Celebrate your Chritmas at the roof of the world. Yunnan — a Warm/Outdoor Christmas The Nu River Yunnan is a minority area. Have you imagined having a memorable Christmas in a warm exotic place? The warm sub-tropical sunshine, clear dry-season skies, and moderate climate mean this region can be even more comfortable in "winter". Top Things to Do Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking Discover one of the most magnificent gorges in China. Go to Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang to enjoy the landscapes, history, and minority cultures of Yunnan. Travel to much-less-traveled places — the Nu River and Tengchong. There you can enjoy China’s best volcanic hot spring. See "the last untamed river in China", and feel the charm of ethnic minorities in Northwest Yunnan. Enjoy your Christmas with the warm sub-tropical sunshine and clear dry-season skies in Yunnan. This probably won’t come as a huge revelation to you, but all places are not the same. That’s especially true when it comes to Christmas. Some places go insane with decorations, lights, and celebrations, while others toss up a tree and call it a day. I don’t want to point fingers or imply that if you’re not one of these overachieving places, that you don’t have Christmas spirit. What I will say is that you’re probably lagging behind them, and you need to up your Christmas game. These 10 cities take Christmas to the next level. Their decorations come out early, they stay up late, and they’re extra bright. If you’re petty, these are the cities to envy. If you’re positive like I am, they’re the pinnacle of Christmas decorating and are worth aspiring to. Places like New York, NY Besides the North Pole Sup, Santa?, New York is the Christmas capital of the world. It has a giant tree, tons of shopping, glimmering lights, and usually plenty of snow. It’s the whole Christmas package. Orlando, FL/Anaheim, CA I had to put these two cities together, because they both have a major attraction in common Disney. No company creates childhood wonder and magic like Disney, so it’s no surprise that Disney World and Disneyland are extra bright and cheery for the holidays. Paris, France Technically Paris has a Disneyland also, but that’s not why it makes the list. This city, already romantic and beautiful enough on its own, really pulls out all the stops for Christmas. Tons of lights supplement the always illuminated Eiffel Tower. The crisp air, extra lights, and street markets make for a truly magical experience. Durango, CO This small town in Colorado is home of the Polar Express. Yes, the same Polar Express that was made into a movie with Tom Hanks. Board this train and sing Christmas carols while you sip hot chocolate. All aboard! Pine Mountain, GA You’ve probably never heard of this tiny town in central Georgia, but if you’re a Christmas buff, you have to visit. The main draw is Callaway Gardens, a beautiful botanical garden that puts on a magical show of lights every year. Take your car through the park, then go shopping at the market when you’re done. Nuremberg, Germany Home to one of the largest Christmas markets in the world, there are few places you can go with more Christmas spirit. From deliciously fresh baked gingerbread to hand-made toys and trinkets, this city has a true, old-world Christmas appeal. Hong Kong, China Even though China is a relative newcomer to the world of Christmas spirit, don’t sell it short. This international hub comes complete with decked out skyscrapers, Christmas trees, and fireworks. Hong Kong is truly magical around Christmas time. The Vatican Its own country in the middle of Italy, the Vatican is technically the main hub of Christmas for the millions of Catholics in the world. They don’t take their role lightly either. At the Vatican, you’ll find a giant Christmas tree and an appropriately ornate Nativity Scene. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, TN These small neighboring towns draw people from all over the United States during the holidays. At Christmas, they truly put on a show. They each have scores of Christmas stores, dazzling lights, and plenty of Christmas cheer. Good luck booking a place to stay though! Frankenmuth, MI Frankenmuth owes its heritage to Germany, so it’s no coincidence that they’re well known for their Christmas celebrations. They lay claim to the largest Christmas store in the United States. If that isn’t enough to get them on this list, I don’t know what is. Your Heart The truth is that Christmas doesn’t need a huge celebration or a giant festival of lights to be special. The real magic of Christmas is the way that it brings us all together. Your heart is where true Christmas spirit lives, and it’s the most important place on our list! I. Choose the best answer A, B, C or D to complete the sentences1. If the factory continues dumping poison ......... the lake, all the fish and other aquatic animals will dieA. into​​B. to ​ C. about​​ D. in2. ............ is the most common natural disaster in your country ? - Why​​B. How ​C. Who​​D. Which3. I couldn’t sleep ............ there was a loud noise next to my door last although​​B. because SS C. so​​​D. but4. On Christmas Eve, most big cities, especially London are..........withcoloured lights across the streets A. decorated B. hang C. put​​​ D. made5. American rarely shake hands to say goodbye, except ............ business occasions​A. during ​​B. at ​​​C. on ​​​ D. in 6. When a typhoon happened , many houses and roads ............ destroyed or is ​​​B. are ​​​C. was ​​ D. were7. Last year, there was a big typhoon in my area. It caused extensivedamage to our ......A. wealth ​​B. furniture ​​C. property ​​D. savings8. ............. workers were sent to the area immediately but no villager was survived when the landslide rescue ​​B. help ​​​C. assistance ​D. volunteer9. .............is the most common natural disaster in your country?A. When​​B. How​​​C. Who​​D. Which10. What .............we do to prevent these natural disasters?A. may ​​B. ought​​​C. should​​D. be able11. All our English teachers are nationB. originalC. nativeD. foreign12. Don’t drink that water. It’s ________________ .A. contaminatedB. damagedC. dumpedD. clean13. The sight of too many advertising bill boards, overhead poles and shop signs causes ___________ pollution. A. airB. light C. noiseD. visual14. The heavy rain has caused ________________in many parts of the stormsB. floodsC. droughtD. volcano15. Australia is home to ________________animals like kangaroos and onlyB. rareC. uniqueD. precious16. Nam asked Peter what he was doing ________________ .A. nowB. agoC. todayD. then17. Americans rarely shake hands to say goodbye, except ____________business Astronauts use ________________to move around when they are on the Moon’s spaceships B. flying saucersC. moon buggiesD. space cars19. ________________is popularly used to enable people from different countries to have meetings. People can watch and listen to each other through a screen .A. ChattingB. Video conferencingC. EmailingD. Texting20. ________________system use several different ways of giving information with sounds, pictures, and texts on a screen .A. MultimediaB. EmailingC. TelephoningD. Chatting II. Supply the corect tense or form of the verb in parentheses1. If I be________you, I would think very Most people leave________before the volcano The train arrive ________at 6 tomorrow They might be ________in the This time tomorrow I chat ________with my cousin in Sydney on Skype.​6. I watch ________________ a science fiction film on TV at last My sister is fond of make ________________ spring rolls at This test must finish ________________ before going to They live _____________________ in this village since last If you use robots to do the housework, you become ________________lazierIII. Choose the correct word A, B, C or D for each gap to complete the following passage We are all slowly 1________the Earth. The seas and rivers are too dirty to swim in. There is so much smoke in the air that it is unhealthy to live in many of the world’s cities. In one well-known city, for example, poisonous gases 2 ________cars pollute the air so much that traffic policemen have to wear oxygen masks. We have cut down 3________trees that there are now vast areas of waterland all over the world. As a result, farmers in parts of Afica can not grow enough 4________. In certain countries in Asia, there is too little rice. Moreover, we do not take enough care of the countryside. Wild animals are quickly disappearing. For instance, tigers are rare in India now because we have killed too many of them. However, it isn’t enough simply to talk about the problem. We must act now before it is too late to do 5________about it. Join us now. Save the Earth!1. A. destroyed​​B. destroying​​C. destroys​​D. destroy2. A. by ​​​B. from​​​C. of​​​D. in3. A, so much​​ B. so few​​​C. so little​​D. so many4. A. eating​​​B. to eat​​​C. for eat​​D. to be eaten5. A. anything ​​B. nothing​​​C. everything​D. somethingIV. Read the following passage and do the tasks below ​There are more than 3,000 languages in the world today, but only about six are major languages of the world. Two-thirds of the world’s populations speak those six languages. More than 300,000,000 people speak English as their first or native language. No one knows how many people speak it as a foreign language. Chinese is the only language with more speakers than English. This is because of the huge population of China, more than one billion people. ​English is the native or official language on the one-fifth of the land area of the world. It is spoken in North America, Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand. In South Africa and India it is one of the official languages. ​More people study English than any other languages. In many countries, the textbook in universities are in English. Many university classes are taught in English even though the native language is not English. English is the language of international communication. It is the language of international business, research, and science. More than three-fourths of the world’s mail is written in English. More than three-fifths of the world’s radio stations use English. More than half of the scientific and research journals are in English. Most other languages have borrowed many English words. A. Choose the best answer a, B, C or D to complete the sentences1. What language has the most speakers in the world?A. English​​B. French​​C. Chinese​​D. Russian2. ________people speak English as their first or native Two-thirds of the world’s population​​​B. Over 300 millionC. About 300 million​​​​​​D. nearly 300 billionV. Rearrange the sentences using the following words1. On/ occasion, / this/ special/ every body/ return/ to/ wants/ to/ familes/ their.=>…………………………………………………………………………….2. fish/ The/ died/ because/ have/ the / water/ polluted/ of.=>…………………………………………………………………………….3. camp/ closes/ Our/ July 15th / on.=>…………………………………………………………………………….4. Science/ also/ and/ technology/ have/ effects/ enormous/ development/ on.=>…………………………………………………………………………….5. Sydney/ city/ is/ largest/ the/ Australia/ in/./=>……………………………………………………………………………. I. Choose the best answer A, B, C or D to complete the sentences1. If the factory continues dumping poison.... the lake, all the fish and other aquatic animals will dieA. into B. to C. about D. in2. ............ is the most common natural disaster in your country ? - Why B. How C. Who D. Which3. I couldn’t sleep ............ there was a loud noise next to my door last although B. because C. so D. but4. On Christmas Eve, most big cities, especially London are..........with coloured lights across the streets A. decorated B. hang C. put D. made5. American rarely shake hands to say goodbye, except ............ business occasions A. during B. at C. on D. in6. When a typhoon happened , many houses and roads ............ destroyed or is B. are C. was D. were7. Last year, there was a big typhoon in my area. It caused extensive damage to our ......A. wealth B. furniture C. property D. savings8. ............. workers were sent to the area immediately but no villager was survived when the landslide rescue B. help C. assistance D. volunteer9. .............is the most common natural disaster in your country?A. When B. How C. Who D. Which10. What .............we do to prevent these natural disasters?A. may B. ought C. should D. be ableII. Supply the corect tense or form of the verb in parentheses1. If I be________you, I would think very Most people leave________before the volcano The train arrive ________at 6 tomorrow They might be ________in the This time tomorrow I chat ________with my cousin in Sydney on C READINGI. Read the following passage and put a word in each of the blanksScotland is in the north of Great Britain. It is 1________for its rich culture as well as its amazing natural beauty. 2________to this land can spend endless days exploring its historic centuries-old castles. But be aware- legend says that some of them are haunted by ghosts. Fun-lovers can 3________its world-famous festival, the Highland Games where they can enjoy unique Scotish activities such as the pipping, drumming and 4 ________. They can also see traditional sports, or drink whisky with the 5________people. Driving through vast green pastures, or boating on scenic lakes- or lochs- are other attractions that Scotland Choose the correct word A, B, C or D for each gap to complete the following passage We are all slowly 1________the Earth. The seas and rivers are too dirty to swim in. There is so much smoke in the air that it is unhealthy to live in many of the world’s cities. In one well-known city, for example, poisonous gases 2 ________cars pollute the air so much that traffic policemen have to wear oxygen masks. We have cut down 3________trees that there are now vast areas of waterland all over the world. As a result, farmers in parts of Afica can not grow enough 4________. In certain countries in Asia, there is too little rice. Moreover, we do not take enough care of the animals are quickly disappearing. For instance, tigers are rare in India now because we have killed too many of them. However, it isn’t enough simply to talk about the problem. We must act now before it is too late to do 5________about it. Join us now. Save the Earth!1. A. destroyed B. destroying C. destroys D. destroy2. A. by B. from C. of D. in3. A, so much B. so few C. so little D. so many4. A. eating B. to eat C. for eat D. to be eaten5. A. anything B. nothing C. everything D. somethingIII. Read the following passage and do the tasks below There are more than 3,000 languages in the world today, but only about six are major languages of the world. Two-thirds of the world’s populations speak those six languages. More than 300,000,000 people speak English as their first or native language. No one knows how many people speak it as a foreign language. Chinese is the only language with more speakers than English. This is because of the huge population of China, more than one billion people. English is the native or official language on the one-fifth of the land area of the world. It is spoken in North America, Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand. In South Africa and India it is one of the official languages. More people study English than any other languages. In many countries, the textbook in universities are in English. Many university classes are taught in English even though the native language is not English. English is the language of international communication. It is the language of international business, research, and science. More than three-fourths of the world’s mail is written in English. More than three-fifths of the world’s radio stations use English. More than half of the scientific and research journals are in English. Most other languages have borrowed many English Choose the best answer a, B, C or D to complete the sentences1. What language has the most speakers in the world?A. English B. French C. Chinese D. Russian2. ________people speak English as their first or native Two-thirds of the world’s population B. Over 300 millionC. About 300 million D. nearly 300 billionB. Answer the questions 1. Are Chinese and Arabic probably major languages of the world?……………………………………………………………………………….2. What percent of the world’s radio stations are in English?……………………………………………………………………………….3. Why do some countries use English textbooks even though English is not the native language?……………………………………………………………………………….

on christmas eve most big cities especially