Travel by numbers: Your countdown to Christmas
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Your support makes all the difference.1901 The year that Queen Victoria died – signalling the end of her eponymous era. This Christmas, however, the festive spirit of the Victorian period lives on at Saltwell Park in Gateshead, which has been transformed by the after-dark arts experience, Enchanted Parks. Visitors can see illuminated installations such as "Glimpses of Victoriana", costumed characters and trees that respond when given a hug. Evenings 5-9 December. Tickets £6. Newcastlegateshead.com
6.0 The perfect score that English figure skating pair Torvill and Dean were given by all the judges at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo. To emulate their flawless performance, visit the Eden Project in Cornwall, which has an indoor ice rink until 3 March, giving you plenty of time to practise your Axel jumps, camel spins and Russian splits. Tickets £6. Edenproject.com
5 The number of Oscars that It's a Wonderful Life was nominated for. The Christmas classic starring James Stewart has provided essential seasonal viewing for 65 years. Special screenings are being shown at the BFI South Bank (various between 19-30 December), along with other festive films such as White Christmas, with Bing Crosby, and A Muppet Christmas Carol, with Michael Caine. Bfi.org.uk
70 The number of exhibitors at the Christmas Craft, Art & Design Fair in Edinburgh. Between 7-9 December, St John's Church on Princes Street will be transformed with stalls selling paintings, clothing and home-made gifts; free. Scotland's capital also hosts a German Christmas market until 24 December and a Highland Market until 6 January. Edinburgh.org
2 The number of hog roast stalls at the Christmas Street Market in Swansea. Those needing extra sustenance to make it round the numerous market stalls will be well catered for at the event on Oxford Street, which runs daily until 16 December. Swanseachristmas.com
25 The height, in feet, of the Christmas tree on display at Warwick Castle. The 11th-century fort has also just added a new date for the "Breakfast with Santa" event, on 20 December, where children will be greeted by elves, festive games, carols and a special gift from St Nick (£22). Special four-course Christmas lunches are also taking place in the Georgian Coach House (£26.50 per adult until 24 December), along with torchlit tours (£16; Sundays in December). Warwick-castle.com
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