CYPRIOT CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR IN LARNAKA

Two-night Christmas or New Year packages at the 4* Palm Beach Hotel from €150 per person

For anyone tempted to leave the rain behind for a few days for the sunshine of Cyprus the Larnaka Tourist Office is hosting a series of concerts and events over the festive season giving visitors a taste of how the Cypriots celebrate.

Holidaymakers there on 23 December can visit the traditional Christmas Fair in Kimon Square, Larnaka – a full day event with music, stalls and activities for the children, including a visit from Santa Claus. The town centre also has a Christmas parade on this day at 5pm with groups from various dance schools taking part and a train and wagon carrying Santa Claus.

The evening before (22 December) the Cyprus Opera Organisation performs ‘Alice in Dreamland’ a musical inspired by the novel Alice in Wonderland, at the Larnaka Municipal Theatre. Plus there are various other musical and theatre performances during December at the city’s theatres – a real treat for those seeking a traditional festive atmosphere.

And for those looking for a place to be on New Year’s eve there is music programme, a firework show and Santa Claus with presents for children in Europe Square from 11pm on the 31 December. Visitors can also see the cutting of the traditional New Year’s cake by the Mayor of Larnaka. For full details of all the events in December visit www.larnakaregion.com.

The popular 4* Palm Beach Hotel & Bungalows, just outside of Larnaka town centre, will host its own activities for young and old over the festive season including musical shows, themed nights, including a casino night, gala dinners, carol singing, gourmet dinners and high teas, as well as special activities for the children and a visit from Santa Claus and demonstrations such as Cypriot folklore dancing, flower arranging and traditional pastry making.

On Christmas Eve there will be a chance to sing carols whilst enjoying a festive drink in the Adelphi Lounge plus a gala dinner, and Christmas Day is packed with lots of eating and drinking, plus live entertainment and a casino night.

During the festive season there are also free local excursions around the island or the opportunity to hire a car to explore on your own; and every evening there is a themed night for dinner including a Caribbean nights, Italian and French night plus entertainment, in the run up to the biggest party of the year, New Year’s Eve.

This kicks off with champagne cocktails in the bar, followed by an extravagant gala dinner and then dancing the night away overlooking the ocean in the unique bar and heated terrace.

Anyone looking to take the stress out of Christmas this year or looking for a New Year’s Eve party with a difference should consider taking a break during this period at the Palm Beach. Two-night Christmas packages are available from €185 per person from 24-26 December and a two-night New Year’s Eve package is available from €150 per person from 31 December to 02 January.

Both packages include two nights bed and breakfast accommodation, gala dinners in the evening and / or Christmas Day and Boxing Day lunch, plus special activity programme and fruit/wine in the room. Extra nights are from €35 per person on a bed and breakfast basis.

Flights are not included.

For reservations contact the Palm Beach Hotel on T: +357 2484 6600 or book online at www.palmbeachhotel.com