WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Dreaming of a Pink Christmas

HAMILTON, Bermuda, Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Bermuda Department of Tourism invites everyone to Bermuda this holiday season to see exactly why Christmas is simply better on an island. Free from the winter chills, the bustling stores, and roads ridden with black ice, Christmas in Bermuda will give your family a much calmer (and warmer!) alternative - a peaceful island destination, quaint and elusive with old-school British charm. Moreover, this season's visitors are in for an even greater treat. In like fashion with all other activities throughout the year, this year Bermuda's holiday festivities are even merrier to commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the Somers Isles.

Boat Parade: A great event for the kids, the Bermuda Christmas Boat Parade this year will mark the grand finale of the 400th Anniversary celebrations. Held on Saturday, December 12th, participating boats adorned in Christmas lights and depicting various characters will loop through Hamilton Harbour. The perfect holiday event for the family, the Boat Parade is not to be missed - especially with the spectacular fireworks display at the end. For more information visit www.bermudaboatparade.bm.

"11" Days of Christmas at the Fairmont Southampton: The warm climate and festive atmosphere make Bermuda an ideal December getaway, and with 11 days of daily guest activities over the holiday season, most of which are complimentary, the Fairmont Southampton offers the perfect holiday getaway for the entire family. From cookie making and children's activities in Santa's Workshop to wine tasting and sandcastle competitions to Santa's grand arrival and gala New Year's Eve celebration, the hotel shares its holiday cheer throughout the season. Let the Fairmont Southampton and its "11" days of Christmas, help make your holiday season unforgettable. For more information visit www.Fairmont.com.

A Teddy Bear Tea and Santa Claus at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess: The Fairmont Hamilton Princess is bringing delight to children of Bermuda this holiday season and teaching the art of giving. The hotel is hosting a Teddy Bear Tea where children are encouraged to bring a brand new teddy bear or stuffed animal which in turn will be donated to various Bermuda charities for families in need.

Additionally, every Saturday and Sunday in December leading up to Christmas, children will enjoy a special storytelling luncheon with Santa Claus. On the menu will be peanut butter and jelly pinwheels, roasted tom turkey sandwiches with cranberry mayonnaise on whole-wheat triangles, fresh-fruit skewers with yogurt dippers, Christmas-tree cookies, gingerbread men with candy canes and chocolate milk eggnog. Yum!

Christmas is Free at the Reefs: This year the Reefs brought your gift a bit early and it won't fit under the tree! When you stay a minimum of five nights between December 15th and December 27th, the Reefs will give you Christmas Day free. This amazing gift is valid for any room at the resort, including the most expensive Point Suite. Daily rates for poolside rooms begin at $369 and include breakfast, afternoon tea and gourmet dinner for two people. With only 65 guest rooms and suites, the Reefs has a limited number of gifts to give. To reserve your holiday getaway at The Reefs, call 1-800-742-2008 and ask for The Reefs Christmas Present.

Celebrate at Tucker's Point: Four days filled with holiday festivities and gourmet delights comprise the Tucker's Point Christmas Package. It begins December 23rd with a wine and cheese tasting hosted by the hotel's sommelier, Stephane Guillot. Held in the Gallery, the tasting will feature a selection of old world and new world wines paired with a dozen cheeses from across the globe. On Christmas Eve, award-winning Chef Serge Bottelli will lead guests in a cooking lesson featuring easy, elegant recipes for New Year's Eve, followed by a wine tasting.

On Christmas Day, eggnog and traditional holiday cocktails will be served in Tucker's Bar, followed by a sumptuous Christmas luncheon at The Point, complete with a visit from Santa bearing gifts for everyone.

Ring in the New Year: Tucker's Point guests are also invited to usher in 2010 with a highly memorable New Year's Package, available December 30th through January 2nd. Guests can choose to stay three or four nights, and also can select from two exceptional New Year's Eve celebrations. Option One includes Moet & Chandon cocktails and canapes at Tucker's Bar, followed by a six-course candlelit dinner at The Point and a Ballroom gala complete with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and dancing to the Ronnie Lopes Band, an island favorite. Option Two takes the festivities to the Golf Club House. A Bellini cocktail reception at The Grille Room & Bar will be followed by a buffet dinner and DJ in the Clubhouse Ballroom. A relaxed, in-room breakfast follows on New Year's Day. For more details regarding the package options visit www.tuckerspoint.com.

Bermuda's Finest: To closeout a year full of celebration, Bermuda Department of Tourism is offering Bermuda's Finest Values Offer. Travelers who book a three-night Bermuda getaway at participating hotels now through January 31, 2010 for travel now through January 31st, 2010, will get the fourth night free! As an added bonus, every booking will receive a Bermuda Savings Booklet with up to $1,000 in discounts and coupons - while supplies last. For more details and for a list of participating hotels visit www.bermudatourism.com.

A joy-filled extravaganza awaits you and yours this holiday season in Bermuda. For a full list of activities and events www.bermudatourism.com.

About Bermuda

Bermuda, just under two hours from East Coast gateway cities, stretches for 21 miles along turquoise waters and is surrounded by a 200-square-mile coral reef plateau. Bermuda's diverse activities offer an array of vacation options, including more wreck dives than anywhere else in the world, championship golf, horseback riding, world-renowned deep sea fishing and smooth pink beaches to rest on by day's end. Accommodations range from luxury resorts to intimate guest cottages and family-run inns, all incorporating the sophistication and hospitality unique to the Bermuda experience.

For more information, visit www.bermudatourism.com.

    CONTACT: Kelly Petrone
             CORBIN-HILLMAN COMMUNICATIONS
             (212) 246-5520
             Kelly@corbinpr.com

SOURCE Bermuda Department of Tourism