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What does Ollie Phillips want for Christmas?

With letters to Santa on their way to the North Pole, we asked our much-loved Cactus Ambassador Ollie Phillips to tell us 5 things he would like for Christmas…

1. Salsa Lessons

“My twinkle toes have always been prone to a strut on the dance floor, but I think now is the time to inject a tad more rhythm into them so that I can keep up with all those Latin dancers out there!”

Latino Dancers. Painting of Merenge or Salsa Dancing Couple

2. To Learn Spanish

“Having learnt French and experienced the benefits – particularly culturally – in doing so, I am now desperate to get a grasp of the world’s most spoken language. Spanish culture excites me and the only way to really immerse yourself in it is to be able to speak the language.”

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3. Hair Transplant

“It’s swiftly becoming apparent that the ‘monk’ style haircut that I have been sporting for the last few years is now going out of fashion! In order for me to keep up with the times and grow a mohawk I feel that my hair follicles are going to need some help!!!”

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4. Polar Bear-Proof Pants!

“With my up-and-coming trek to the North Pole for the charity Wooden Spoon, I feel that a pair of iron-rod pants will prove to be essential! With the threat of polar bears very real, I could do with these bad boys to protect the crown jewels!!”

Polar bear cub of the year. Canadian Arctic

5. Cocktail-Making Lessons

“My ambitions to go to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympic Games are still very much apparent and I feel that in order to celebrate winning an Olympic Gold Medal, I am going to need to know how to make the Brazilian classic caipirinha in order for the team to have a fitting end to the whole experience!”

mojito cocktail and fresh ingredients in a tropical landscape

We’re sure Cactus might be able to help make some of Ollie’s wishes come true – we’re thinking a Spanish and Salsa course in Spain, Cuba, Guatemala or Colombia! – and would like to wish him and all our customers a very happy Christmas!

Find out more about Ollie Phillips’ inspiring role as Cactus Ambassador.

How to say ‘Happy Christmas’ in 20 languages

Wherever you’ll be celebrating Christmas this year, spread the cheer by learning how to wish even more people ‘Happy Christmas’!

Catalan Bon Nadal
Croatian Sretan Božić
Czech Veselé Vánoce
Dutch Prettige Kerstdagen
Finnish Hyvää Joulua
French Joyeux Noël
German Fröhliche Weihnachten
Greek Kala Christougena
Hungarian Boldog Karácsonyt
Icelandic Gleðileg jól
Italian Buon Natale
Norwegian God Jul
Polish Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia
Portuguese Feliz Natal
Romanian Crăciun Fericit
Russian С наступающим Новым Годом (S nastupayuščim Novym Godom)
Spanish Feliz Navidad
Swedish God Jul
Turkish İyi Noeller
Welsh Nadolig Llawen

Another great way to say ‘Happy Christmas’ is to surprise your loved one with a Cactus gift voucher for use towards a language course of their choice.

Just click on the link to order online quickly and easily, with no worries about it being delivered in time for Christmas as it will be sent by email straight to your Inbox! Alternatively, please call one of our language course advisers on 0845 1304775 for more information or to purchase a voucher.

December 5th: what is Nikolaus and where is it celebrated?

In many countries across central and eastern Europe, December 5th is a day when children prepare for a special visitor – Saint Nikolaus.

Origins

The image of Saint Nikolaus is similar to that of Father Christmas, with robes and a long white beard, although the origins of the figure are different.

According to popular belief, Nikolaus lived in the 4th century in what is now Turkey and held the title of Bishop of Myra. There are lots of miracles are associated with him – he is said to have been a very kind man who gave anonymous gifts to the poor.

Customs

On the eve of Sankt Nikolaus’ Day, people clean their houses, and children polish special boots known as ‘Nikolaus-Stiefel’. They leave them outside along with letters for Nikolaus, as well as carrots or hay for his horse. The children also recite poems and sing songs for Nikolaus and make presents for him. The following morning the shoes and boots will be filled with sweets, nuts and fruit, though if the children haven’t been good, they may get the more disappointing offerings of potatoes, twigs or coal!

Although he has a different name in each country, Nikolaus is usually accompanied by a slightly ‘unsavoury’ helper! In Switzerland, he is known as Schmutzli, and is said to threaten to take naughty children away to the dark forest in his sack. In Germany, this helper is called Knecht Ruprecht, and in Holland he’s known as Zwarte Peter.

Recollections

Former Marketing Manager at Cactus, Tinka Carrick, recalls her experiences of Nikolaus whilst growing up in the city of Dortmund.

“I normally got slippers, so if I forgot to put my shoes out, I’d find slippers outside filled with sweets. My mum as a kid once put her horse riding boots out, as they were bigger than normal ones, and ended up with boots full of potatoes in punishment for her gluttony!”

She remembers being terrified of Knecht Ruprecht, and on one occasion being so scared that she refused to come out from behind the sofa for the whole evening in case she was put in his sack and taken away!

Interns at Cactus Anne Blank and Susann Maring also remember some families ‘hiring’ a Nikolaus to come to the house and surprise the children, and primary school events with someone dressed as Nikolaus too. The celebrations were generally family-orientated, and didn’t involve big parties or community events, but Nikolaus was certainly something that was greatly anticipated, and that put everyone in the mood for Christmas.

German courses in December

The whole month of December is a great time to take a German course in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. Not only can you experience the tradition of Nikolaus (and perhaps even get a boot full of sweets!) but you can also get in the mood for Christmas with the fabulous Christmas markets and all their festive glory. Visit the Cactus Language site for full course listings, to test your language level, or to make a course booking or enquiry.

Experience the magic of Christmas in Cusco

The ancient Inca capital of Cusco, high in the Peruvian Andes, provides a magical setting for traditional Christmas celebrations, Nativity scenes and a sweet rum punch…

South America may not be the first place you think of for traditional Christmas celebrations, but anyone who has visited the mystical city of Cusco during December will know that it doesn’t get much more magical than this.

High up in the Peruvian Andes, Cusco is a hive of activity in the run-up to Christmas, as hundreds of artisans and campesinos (rural people) flock to the Inca capital for traditional celebrations and the Santuranticuy market on December 24th. One of the largest arts and crafts fairs in all of Peru, the market takes place in the Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s central square, and literally means ‘Saints for sale’, going back to the days of the Spanish conquest: Christmas figurines, Nativity scenes and hand-made ceramic objects are laid out on blankets, and large biblical animals are lit up with fairy lights, adding a festive glow to all the activity. The Andean version of Baby Jesus, el Niño Manuelito, is ubiquitous.

Locals wear traditional Peruvian dress and women carry their little ones on their backs as they would any other time of year. They might not have much money but the atmosphere is colorful and joyous. Chocolotadas are an important part of the gathering, whereby churches, patrons and businesses give hot chocolate, bread and toys to the poor. Street vendors also run a brisk trade selling ponche, a traditional hot, sweet rum punch that takes away the chill of the mountain night air.

Finally, at midnight, hundreds are fireworks are lit and campesinos, families and visitors embrace to celebrate the arrival of Christmas.

For all the activity of Christmas Eve, Cusco’s Plaza de Armas is once again clear on Christmas morning, as this is an important religious holiday and, as in many countries worldwide, a time to be with the family. Houses are decorated with intricately carved retablos, or Nativity scenes, and the Christmas feast is enjoyed by all: meat, usually turkey, served with apple sauce dressing, or pork or lamb. All decorations are kept up until the Bajada de Reyes on January 6th, the arrival of the three wise men.

If you are a visitor to Cusco during this time, you may be welcomed by the locals into their houses to enjoy traditional Christmas festivities with them and their families. Being inherently warm and hospitable, strangers are often welcomed into a Peruvian’s home and, if you are lucky enough to find yourself in this situation, you will experience Christmas as you never knew it before.

To immerse yourself in the language and culture and experience a magical Cusqueñan Christmas, simply book a Spanish course with homestay accommodation. This will be one Christmas you’ll never forget!

Top 5 Christmas markets in Germany and Austria

Christmas markets have been taking place in Europe for centuries, and still attract thousands of visitors each year

They are particularly magical in Germany and Austria and are one of the few festivities surrounding Christmas that remain relatively traditional. In an age where some people associate the start of the Christmas period with the first appearance of the festive John Lewis ad on tv, it’s fantastic that the essence of European Christmas markets remains. The majority of stalls continue to sell only food and drink, or traditional arts and crafts such as wooden Christmas decorations and hand-made toys.

There are markets in many towns and cities across Europe, but some of the best known and most visited include those in Cologne, Munich, Vienna, Dresden and Heidelberg. Cactus offers German courses in many of these cities, and taking a course at this time of year will not only enable you to enjoy the festivities first hand, it will also give you a fantastic insight into German culture and tradition.

1. Cologne Christmas Market

Every year, the city centre of Cologne is transformed into a festive wonderland when the seven Christmas markets in this lively city open for visitors. Thousands of people from around the world descend to enjoy the music, arts, food and the traditional gifts sold in the specially designed huts (or “Buden”). The largest and popular of these is the market ‘Am Dom’, located on the square in front of the famous cathedral, reputedly the most visited monument in Germany.

Besides shopping at the Christmas markets, the city also offers an extensive programme of exhibitions, shows and concerts, full details of which can be found at on this Cologne website.

Cologne Christmas Market Dates: 24 November – 23 December 2014

2. Munich Christmas Market

The main component of the Christmas market in Munich, Bavaria’s capital city, is held at the famous Marienplatz, in the heart of the old town. There are a number of smaller markets dotted around the city too, including one in the English Gardens and a medieval Christmas market where costumed candle makers, glass blowers and blacksmiths show off their skills.

Visitors can also experience the lively atmosphere of the Tollwood Winter Festival, located on the Oktoberfest grounds at Theresienwiese. Alongside the stalls offering traditional goods and delicious local foods is an extensive array of live shows and performances to enjoy.

The market begins on the Friday before the first Advent, when over 140 stands are set up, and thousands gather in the square to watch the giant Christmas tree illuminated for the first time.

Munich Christmas Markets Dates: 27 November – 24 December 2014

3. Vienna Christmas Market

The ‘Christkindlmarkt’ that is held on the square in front of the Vienna’s beautiful Town Hall is the city’s best-known Christmas market, although there are plenty more dotted around the Austrian capital. It is one of the most visited in Europe, and is also one of the oldest, dating back over seven hundred years. It also starts early, so if you want to enjoy some festive cheer early on in the season, and beat the crowds, Vienna is the place to go!

Another of the highlights at this time of year is the market held in front of the beautiful Schönbrunn Palace, which you can peruse with the accompaniment of traditional carol singing.

Vienna Christmas Markets Dates: 21 November – 23 December 2014

4. Heidelberg Christmas Market

Heidelberg’s Christmas market extends over five of the city’s main squares. Heidelberg has got to be one of the most romantic and fairytale-esque cities in Germany, which also adds to its appeal at this time of year. Browsing the hundreds of stalls, you’ll enjoy lovely views of the castle and the old town, with its attractive decorations and ancient cobbled streets. As with many of the places in Germany at this time of year, you may even get a dusting of snow to enhance the view!

A recent attraction at the Heidelberg Christmas market is also the “Christmas on Ice” situated on Karlsplatz.

Heidelberg Christmas Market Dates: 24 November – 22 December 2014

5. Dresden Christmas Market

Dresden’s Christmas Market holds the accolade of being the oldest in Germany, and it is said to date back to the 15th century. The market is known locally as the ‘Striezelmarkt’, and takes its name from the ‘Striezel’ or Stollen, a sweet fruitcake that is the city’s most famous culinary creation.

The annual highlight of the Christmas market is the Stollen Festival on the second Sunday during advent season, when a giant Stollen cake is carried to the market and ceremonially sliced and distributed among onlookers. This ritual is said to date back to the 16th century, when the local Stollen bakers would present cakes to the local prince, carrying them ceremoniously through the town to the castle, where the prince would cut them and hand out pieces to the poor.

There are many other markets to be found around the city, including some in the stable yards at Residenzschloss and others in the former village centre of Loschwitz, each of them with their own attractions.

Dresden Christmas Market Dates: 27 November – 24 December 2014

More about German courses in Germany and Austria.

Top 5 cities for Christmas shopping

With Christmas just around the corner, shops are busier than ever as the search for that perfect present begins. Easier said than done! Why not book a quick break away, and you’ll pick up unique gifts that will delight your friends and family, plus you’ll get a few days to soak up the festive spirit in foreign climes – or escape the frenzy if it’s not really your thing. Either way, you’re sure to find plenty of fantastic Christmas goodies in these top 5 cities for Christmas shopping…

Paris

Whatever you’re looking to fill stockings with this year, Paris is sure to have it. Haute couture? Tick! Head for Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Trendy boutiques and antique shops? Tick! Look no further than Le Marais. Big brands and department stores? Tick! Hit the Champs-Elysées and Boulevard Haussmann. Foodie treats such as cheese, bread, meats and wine? Tick! Follow your nose to Les Halles and Rue de Rivoli. Paris also hosts a number of special winter markets which are perfect for picking up regional delicacies and beautiful arts and crafts; Noisy le Grand Christmas Market is one of its best, offering a magical festive atmosphere for young and old, with hand-crafted wooden toys, traditional glassware and horse-drawn carriages just waiting to be wrapped up for Christmas.

French courses in Paris

Marrakech

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Marrakech’s maze of souks is a winner if you’re after a unique and exotic stocking filler. From multi-coloured spices and stained-glass lanterns to intricate jewellery and high quality leather goods, you will find stall after stall of crafts, foodstuffs and souvenirs to put a smile on anyone’s face. Be prepared for a bit of haggling and you never know, you may even be invited for an impromptu mint tea (thé a la menthe) if you linger long enough. Rip up your shopping list and go with the flow – not knowing what you might find is all part of the magic here.

Arabic courses in Marrakech

New York

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You can’t help but get caught up in the festive spirit in the Big Apple. It’s great for shopping any time of year, but pre-Christmas it’s a fairytale of twinkling lights, extravagantly decorated trees, roasted chestnut sellers and an appropriate chill in the air for wrapping up and feeling snug. Browse the elaborate department store window displays (Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s are a must), pick up some novel gifts at holiday markets such as the Grand Central Holiday Fair or the Holiday Shopping Market in Union Square, and top it all off with ice skating at Central Park. It’s just like in the movies, but better.

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) courses in New York

English courses in New York

Milan

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Italy’s always a winner when it comes to shopping, so why not head straight to its most stylish city and bag yourself some real Christmas treats. At any time of year Milan is a shopper’s paradise, with a wonderful variety of shops and boutiques selling haute couture, antiques, furniture, home accessories and more. In the run-up to Christmas, Milan really gets into the festive spirit, with many shops staying open on a Sunday and Christmas fairs such as the ‘Oh Bei, Oh Bei’ market near the castle, and the craft fair of L’Artigiano in Fiera, tempting you with their magnificent array of artisan goods and unique gifts.

Italian courses in Milan

Top 10 things to see and do in Milan

Munich

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Munich is a wonderful place to get into the Christmas spirit. Think Christmas markets, mulled wine, crafts, sweets, cakes, twinkling trees and cosy bars. The most famous of its markets is the Christkindlmarkt at the Marienplat, open until Christmas Eve, where eating and drinking are as much a part of the experience as is shopping for people back home. Munich is heaven for shoppers away from the markets too, its shops combining international brands and designer goods with traditional Bavarian crafts. Wood carvings (Holzschnitzereien), pewter-ware (Zinn), traditional clothing (Trachten) and the famous Nymphenburg porcelain all make gifts unlike no others – plus you get to soak up all the culture and entertainment that the Bavarian capital has to offer, too.

German courses in Munich

Top 5 Christmas markets in Germany & Austria

Cactus offers language courses in more than 20 languages and 120 destinations worldwide. We also run our own language courses in the UK, which are the ideal way to learn the basics or brush up on previous language knowledge before a holiday or business trip abroad.

Cactus Gift Vouchers – The Perfect Present

Stuck for present ideas? For a gift that’s original, lasting and memorable, Cactus gift vouchers are the answer – and it’s perfect for a male or female of any age!

You can purchase gift vouchers for family and friends for use towards any Cactus product, such as an evening language course, a language holiday overseas, a TEFL course or private tuition.

Cactus gift vouchers are valid for one year from the date of issue and you will be sent a receipt along with an e-voucher (PDF). You may also request a paper voucher by post. Please let us know if your voucher is a surprise gift and we’ll send the confirmation to you rather than the lucky recipient! You can order your Cactus gift vouchers online, along with a personalised message card which will be delivered by email to the recipient of your gift. These gift vouchers are an original present for anyone who loves to travel and learn more about new cultures and new places.

ORDER YOUR CACTUS GIFT VOUCHER ONLINE >>

Alternatively, call us on 01273 830 960 and we will process your order over the phone.

Learning a language is a gift that will last a lifetime; it inspires, boosts confidence and above all feels good.

 

Spend this winter studying English in Brooklyn, New York

Winter in New York City can be a magical experience and Eva Kamer, from the Cactus US office, tells us why…

From the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, to ice skating in one of the city’s iconic parks, to watching the ball drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, there is no shortage of holiday and cold-weather activities in which to participate.

Studying in Brooklyn

While you’re in New York City to enjoy the winter festivities, why not take an English course at our brand new language school in Brooklyn Heights? Located just one subway stop from Manhattan and with stunning panoramic views across the city from every classroom, Brooklyn School of Languages is the perfect place to improve your English during your time in New York.

Brooklyn School of Languages has student-centered classes, locally-owned homestays and neighborhood-focused activities that will help you immerse yourself in the English language, the New York lifestyle and the unique Brooklyn culture. We offer Standard English, Semi-Intensive English, Business English, Combined English, and Individual English courses to suit all student learning styles and needs. Our native-speaker teachers use communicative methods along with state-of-the-art learning technology to help you and your classmates progress as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Quality accommodation in Brooklyn
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Being located in Brooklyn also means we are able to provide quality accommodation options close to the school. All of our homestays and apartments are easily accessible by public transportation, and the large majority are within a short subway ride or even walking distance from the school. We want your stay in New York to be as comfortable as possible, so we have spent time selecting the right families and apartments for our students.

The Enrichment Program

Our distinctive Enrichment Program is a truly unique way to integrate your English classes with activities involving New York culture. With topics changing weekly and ranging from “American Immigration” to “Food and Dining in NYC,” there is something for all students to enjoy. Students are treated to hands-on experiences with local experts in a variety of cultural areas. Language matters such as vocabulary and grammar are certainly addressed, but the teacher’s primary focus is on the content, increasing the students’ knowledge of the subject through the English language curriculum. The content-focused English lessons are complemented by two extracurricular activities per week, which give students the opportunity to use what they have learned in the classroom in the real world.

Things to do in NYC during winter

Those who choose to visit New York City during the colder months will find plenty of events to enjoy. Hop aboard the Downtown Brooklyn Holiday Trolley to see and experience one of Brooklyn’s most exciting neighborhoods. Each week, the trolley features new themes and activities, including a guided tour of Downtown Brooklyn, carolers from the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, and even Santa Claus!

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The famous Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center is a must-see for travelers and residents alike, and ice skating in Bryant Park or Central Park’s iconic Wollman Rink is a fun and exhilarating way to take advantage of the seasonal colder temperatures (the above picture is of Brooklyn School of Languages students skating in Bryant Park). Be sure to check out the arts events at the Brooklyn Academy of Music or catch a sports game at the newly constructed Barclays Center for a truly memorable visit to the greatest city in the world.

The holiday season also means that there are several annual holiday markets to enjoy, including the local favorite Union Square Holiday Market in Manhattan. With over 100 merchants bringing in some of the most exclusive, handmade gifts, this is the place do your holiday shopping or just enjoy browsing! To add some eye candy to your shopping spree, make sure to head uptown to visit the well-known department store holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue.

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And don’t forget to bring in the New Year in style by going to Times Square on New Year’s Eve to watch the iconic ball drop. The Times Square ball drop is arguably the most well-known New Year’s celebration in the world; it is attended by at least 1 million spectators every year and boasts a worldwide television audience across multiple broadcasters.

No matter which activities and events you choose to attend during your time in Brooklyn and in New York, there will be plenty of people with whom to practice your English and enjoy the holiday season.

We look forward to making your stay at this magical time of year truly memorable!

For more information on learning English in Brooklyn, please visit our website.

Top 10 Christmas gifts for language & travel enthusiasts

If you’re buying Christmas gifts for anyone interested in travel and/or foreign languages, here are some ideas to help in your quest for the perfect present!

1. A language course

A language course makes a useful and highly original present for any friend/relative/partner who is interested in learning or brushing up a foreign language, or who has got their sights set on foreign travel in the new year. There are hundreds of languages to choose from, and lots of ways to learn – evening courses in the UK or US, general, intensive and activity-related courses abroad, or even tailor-made tuition. If you’d prefer to leave the choice of language and location to your loved one, Cactus gift vouchers are available to buy. Give us a call on 0845 1304775 (UK local rate) or 1-888-577-8451 (US toll-free) for more information.

2. Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel 2014’

A great book for any keen traveller, this guide presents the best destinations, journeys and experiences for the upcoming year. Full of inspiration and the perfect antidote to any winter blues!

3. French lessons combined with cookery classes

Anyone who has visited foreign shores will have tasted new and exciting flavours. Present your partner or flatmate with the opportunity to learn French in Aix-en-Provence and study the art of cookery at the same time! The lucky recipient will learn about Provence’s delicious cuisine, including cheeses, pastries and wines, take cooking classes and visit both an olive oil mill and a local vineyard. Bon appétit!

4. Contribution to air travel

If you know someone with impending travel plans, why not help them out with the cost of their flight or even buy the flight for them? This is one present sure to provide memories of a lifetime.

5. A pocket translator

Anyone who is travelling to countries where foreign languages are spoken could find a pocket translator very useful in a whole range of situations…

6. An iTunes voucher for downloading language learning tools for your iPad/iPhone

If free time is in short supply, a flexible and convenient way to learn a language is to download learning materials on to your iPod or Phone. With iTunes vouchers, your friend or relative can download as much material as they like.

7. A travel journal

Lots of people like to write a journal whilst they travel, and it’s a great way to ensure that once-in-a-lifetime experiences abroad are never forgotten. A nicely bound journal to write in will make a great present for anyone about to embark on world travels.

8. A charity donation in their name

Donating money to a charity is something that a lot of people would like to do, but is not something that everyone can feasibly afford. Making a donation on their behalf therefore might make a fantastic present. Donations to charities such as World Vision and UNICEF can be made via the Donation4Charity website.

9. A dictionary/book of verb tables

They may not be as exciting as downloadable podcasts and other online resources, but dictionaries and verb tables are an essential tool for anyone hoping to learn a language.

10. A TEFL course

Gaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualification is a great idea for anyone wanting to get out there and see the world. Teaching opportunities exist worldwide, and working in this type of capacity means that you can truly experience the culture of the country in which you are teaching. If this is something that your friend/partner/relative is interested in, why not book them on an introductory TEFL course?

Christmas in Rome: A magical festive getaway

The Italian capital is an unlikely winner when it comes to festive getaways…

Rome might not seem like the obvious place to head for Christmas, but for a sumptuous display of Christmas tradition within a unique religious setting, and a glass of mulled wine never far, it is an unlikely winner when it comes to festive escapes.

An obvious and deserved target for any visitor at this time is St Peter’s Square, in The Vatican. With its giant, extravagantly adorned Christmas tree and life-size nativity scene (or presepe) in front of the Basilica, it is for many a true embodiment of Christmas. This culminates with the Papal Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and the Pope’s annual Christmas message on the day itself: to join the reunion of so many people, from Rome and beyond, is an occasion in itself.

Christmas in Rome is not just concentrated around these few days. In truth it really starts on 8th December, the festival of the Immaculate Conception, an important event in the Roman Catholic calendar. On this day, the Pope visits the Spanish Steps and pays homage to the statue of Mary, crowning her with a garland of flowers. He then goes on to give mass at the church of Santa Maria Maggiore.

From this day in early December the Eternal City begins to twinkle in festive spirit. Christmas markets open up – don’t miss Piazza Navona to scout creative additions to a nativity scene, as well as wooden toys and other Christmas goodies – and smaller nativity scenes than the one at St Peter’s are re-created in churches across Rome. Christmas shopping is less of a chore than a delight as shopping streets sparkle under fairy lights, buskers dressed as Santa play festive songs and some shops even adorn their pavements with red carpet. If nothing else, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing presents and wow your friends back home with some original gifts – fine Italian leather, stylish stationery, traditional local souvenirs and quality food items.

And the big plus? Rome’s relatively mild winter climate means less room needed to pack ear muffs and scarfs and more to fill with all your purchases. Perfetto!

Cactus offers Italian courses in Rome and other locations across Italy. Evening and part-time courses in Italian are also available in the UK and the US for those wishing to brush up on the language before visiting.