Christmas Light Festivals in the UK

Festival of Light, Longleat Safari Park, Wiltshire

Longleat is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Giant Lanterns take the shape of some of the park’s animals, and there are also lots of characters in Beatrix Potter’s book, such as Peter Rabbit, Jemina Puddle Duck, Squirrel Nutkin, to mark the 150th anniversary of the author’s birth. There is also a 20-meter-high birthday cake.

*￡27.85, adult /￡20.65, child / under-threes, free.

* 15 Dec. to 2 Jan.

Enchanted Park, Gateshead

Enchanted Park is an interactive walk through Saltwell Park, just south of the town centre, along a trail of light with performances and sculptures. The story being told is a Midwinter Night’s Tale, inspired by the 400^th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death. Visitors can join stories and songs with Santa, and attend decorating workshops.

*￡8, adult /￡2, child / under-fours, free.

* 11-27 Dec.

Christmas Glow, RHS Wisley, Survey

The garden is glowing with giant lighted flowers. Some of the trees are brilliant, too. The glasshouse is decorated like a gingerbread house, and displays seasonal plants. There are lanterns around the lake. The cafe serves hot chocolate and apple juice.

*￡9.90, adult /￡3.60, child.

* 20 Dec. to 2 Jan.

Christmas at Kew Gardens, London

Kew is a special place to visit at any time of the day or year, but the festive light show gives it a magical twist, as the mile-long trail through the garden is decorated with 60,000 lights. Some of the garden’s oldest and tallest trees are also beautifully lit along the way.

*￡16, adult /￡10, child /￡48, family / under-fours, free.

* 24 Dec. to 2 Jan.

Many are fortunate enough to travel and see different cultures. For those who have not yet seen other cultures, here are five things you can learn from other cultures.

New language

Although learning a new language has become simpler through apps or programs, nothing compares to learning a language in the place where it is spoken. 【小题1】 Communications with others in another country is also important.

Knowledge

You can read books and even eat food from other countries. But those experience will never compare to the knowledge gained by being in another country.【小题2】 If you are unable to travel, pay attention to cultural events that allow you to increase your knowledge.

Unique (独特的) traditions

【小题3】 A tradition in Mexico is Day of the Dead. The people of Mexico believe that each year, the souls of the dead return to visit their loved ones and celebrate just as they did when they were alive.

【小题4】

It can be hard to imagine what life would be like if we didn’t have the things we take for granted (认为理所当然) every day, such as reliable transportation, clean water, education and a home to live. Therefore, we should value what we have and that we are able to work to provide for ourselves.

We’re not so different after all.

If you have traveled to another country, the experience is probably completely new. But no matter how much our lifestyles may differ, we are all working toward similar goals in   life. 【小题5】 Next time you travel to a new country, discover not only the differences, but also the similarities.

Four Music Festivals in 2023

Splash House—June—Palm Springs, California

When; June 9-11, August 11-13, and August 18-20

For the last 10 years, Splash House has been redefining the summer festival scene, offering a boutique (精品) festival experience in the heart of Palm Springs, complete with pool parties. To celebrate the 10-year milestone, Splash House 2023 is returning this and summer for its second triple-weekender (三周的周末游客) season on June 9—11, August 11-13, August 18-20.

Elements Music and Arts Festival—Long Pond, Pennsylvania

When: August 10-14

Elements Music and Arts Festival is the Northeast’s premier boutique festival experience, featuring artists like Chris Lake, John Summit, Skrillex, Elder brook, and LSD ream. It’s the ultimate carefree weekend event where music, community, art, camping, and adventure converge (集中) in to take over the small community of Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

Lightning in a Bottle—Buena Vista Lake, California

When: May 24-29

Taking place Memorial Day Weekend at Buena Vista Lake in Southern California, Lightning in a Bottle hosts a series of top music, creative art and immersive(沉浸式的) environments, and educational classes and workshops. The lineup this year includes ZHU, Tale of Us, Diplo, REZZ, The Glitch Mob, and more.

Heatwave Music Festival—Chicago, Illinois

When: June 10-11

Produced by Auris Presents, Chicago’s leading force in live music events, the Heatwave Music Festival takes over the entire city with a fully immersive, pop-art inspired event. The festival features headlining dance music acts like Tiesto, Slander, and more.