The nights are drawing in. The weather getting frostier (though, let's face it, it's pretty representative of our "Summer"). And Mariah Carey's timeless hit can be heard from any shop that hopes to do well this Winter. These factors can of course mean only one thing . . . The Festive period is upon us.
In recent days, my blog postings have taken a turn for the Christmas, with an underlying festive feeling to most of them. But, I am, I think rather helpfully, putting together a guide for you, here, all in one place, with great ideas from our local business, nights out, events taking place, and much more.
So here we go . . .
thebestof Bolton Businesses
Christmas decorations are one of the best things about the festive period. Decorating your house can be fun, and a nice little bit of competition with others. Make sure they are framed in the best possible way by having sparkling windows and gleaming frames. A1 Fosters Window Cleaners and HCS Cleaning. And, have a driveway to match, courtesy of Power Washing North West. And excellent clean canvas to get festive with.
Whilst you're making your house look it's best, why not treat yourself, and make sure you look great this Christmas? Allure, John Julien International and Lasting Beauty are all waiting to help, with a range of services including hair cuts, spa treatments and massage. Look great, feel great.
And, when it comes to looking good, what you wear says a lot about the kind of person you are. Be the kind of person everybody else wants to be thanks to Aults, with their excellent collection of men's formal wear and ladies evening range.
Christmas is a time for joy, for fun, for laughter. Be proud of your smile by using the services of True Dentistry, wizards of the dental world.
Memories are important at Christmas, both the preservation of the old ones and the making of the new. Apple Video are available to help produce them to the highest quality so they'll be around forever.
This Christmas might see many people pass through your house, whether just for a moment, or for longer. We've got a fantastic range of house hold services to make sure your home looks great, and make you want guests over more often:
Let's be honest, this Winter is going to be freezing, if current weather conditions are anything to go by. Which means your heating will get a lot of use. Make sure your boiler is in good condition to void any Carbon Monoxide problems by using BHE Services and VPS Plumbing.
Around this time of year, when it's dark and with the presence of expensive presents in your house, it is even more important to protect yourself and your property. Authorized Access and Westwood Electrical have a range of methods to do this, including CCTV, alarm systems and safes
It's getting cold. Okay, so it's been cold for a while now. So where better to go than Campcraft, specialists in cold-weather and adverse-condition clothing. Their incredible range means you'll find something that looks good, and keeps you warm, especially if we get some snow (I really hope we get some snow).
Has the burden of entertaining fallen on you this year? or do you do it every year but want something different? Why not have your parties catered for by one of our great businesses; Carrs Pasties, Cafe Eden, Izabela's At Vanilla Red or Zest Fine Foods.
Having a party, or attending one, wihere fancy dress is involved, but don't know what to go as? Look no further than Fancy That, where the collecetion of costumes really is quite staggering.
Often, business premises can lay empty for long periods during the festive period. If you own one which will be left this way, why not enlist the help of Leisure Guard, who provide security services for any requirement at excellent prices.
Don't risk travelling over the Winter, especially in poor conditions or if you have been drinking. Rapid Taxi Hire will do all the work for you, at excellent rates, meaning you are free to enjoy yourself.
If you do happen to have an accident on the road, then not to worry, as Whitecroft Garage and Perfect Finish can help you and your car, with a great range of services available from both at affordable prices.
Want to dine out, or go for a drink? We have the perfect answers, with Chinese food at The Chinese Buffet, Indian food at Spice Valley, a friendly welcome from The Beaumont Arms, fish and chips at Olympus Fish & Chip Restaurant, wine from the Courtyard Wine Bar, home-cooked delights from Izabela's At Vanilla Red, or quaint stylish food from Zest Fine Foods.
If you're looking for an activity for the children, then Whales & Snails and Fidgets Soft Play Centre are the answer, providing great fun and a safe environment for your little ones' adventures.
Bolton Events
The big Christmas Light Switch On event, featuring the Hairy Bikers, is set to take place on Saturday 24th November. More information can be found here.
Gift Ideas
Why not give the gift of health, this Christmas, with excellent membership packagaes available from Bolton Arena and Helio Fitness. Both come with great reviews and reputations,w ith a range of options available in each.
For somebody that has everything, how about a lottery subscription for the Bolton Hospice. That way, they get the satisfcation of helping out a fantastic cause, but they also have a chance of winning big, and being able to buy even more things they don't need.
The past few years have seen Bolton Markets thrive at Christmas, and this year will be no exception. As well as a whole host of gift ideas, there is also a range of food and drink that will help you throw a great party over the holidays.
Cupcakes are so in vogue at the moment it is hard to see when they will stop being popular. Everyone loves a good cupcake. And, at Cake Delight, they only deal in great cupcakes, personalised for you, as well as bespoke cake designs.
Do you have a pampered pooch, or is your cat the true Queen of the house? Want to treat them this Christmas too? Then what about gourmet pet food from Heights Farm?
The gift of Cinema is always popular, and Cineworld Bolton have a range of options for you to give as presents, including one of tickets, unlimited cards, and their Cineworld Christmas Gift Boxes, which allow two adults to watch a film, share a regular combo, and have two Galaxy gift chocolates.
Speaking of chocolate, it is something that is exchanged so much at Christmas. How about making your gift or gathering different by getting some personalised chocolate from My Little Wrapper.
For a gift with a difference, what about a family photoshoot at Ruaux Photography. Even if you don't like having your photograph taken, Ruaux will do an incredible job and produce some top-quality pictures to remember the occasion.
Christmas Parties
It's worth the time whatever month of the year, but Bolton Arena's Christmas Comedy Store special is really, well, special. This year, there are two Christmas shows taking place to cope with the high-demand, so, if you'd like a great night out with friends, family or colleagues (or a mixture of all three), get on down to Bolton Arena on Friday 7th or Saturday 8th of December. Laughter is guaranteed.
G Casino have their Christmas Party Packages available from the 26th November. For just £27 per person (only £20 if you book for a Sunday - Thursday), you get a 3-course meal, gaming tuition, and a free £5 bet. It's something a little different for Christmas, but it's something a little awesome.
As always, the Albert Halls, Bolton, has a great selection of fantastic shows on over the festive period, including acclaimed tribute acts of such luminaries as Michael Buble, Take That and Westlife. Tickets include the not-to-be-missed shows, but also a 3-course meal and a disco. Visit their feature page linked above to find out more.
Christmas parties are a lot of fun. But if you and the people youa re celebrating with aren't the party type, how about a pamper party with Petra at Bolton Therapy Centre. Get 4 friends together, choose from 1/2 hour Reiki, facial, back massage or Thai foot massage, as well as a glass (or several glasses) of wine, and it's only £10 each.
