| November Geese and Ladders, Mirano, Italy.
12 miles from Venice Mirano, has a bizarre form of human snakes and ladders. So, the ladders are played by geese, the counters by costumed locals who have to leap over the birds at the roll of a dice. This event is held on the second weekend of the month, with the goose-bothering (Gioco dell’Oca) on the Sunday, and the consumption of plenty of Veneto wines and geese — in every guise. You may stay in Venice and take the train to the festival.
Also consider: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
This (November 22) is one of the great New York spectaculars, with giant floats featuring huge cartoon characters.
December Rustlers Valley New Year’s Gathering, South Africa
As antidote to seasonal overindulgence is a week-long, solar-powered celebration of the weird and wonderful, involving DJs, live music, healers, eco-warriors and eco-worriers. Expect strange happenings in a beautiful, eerie sandstone setting. Consider flying into Bloemfontein or driving from Cape Town or Johannesburg. It used to be camping only (£2.50 per night), but cottages (£20 per night, sleeping two) and dorm beds (£4.50) are now available.
Also consider: a Lyons trio.
December is a great month to visit Lyons. It hosts a Festival of Lights as well as a Christmas market, (around December 8 — check nearer the time) and a Festival of Ancient Music for three weeks at the start of the month.
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