I spent my first white Christmas in Germany back in 1995, and it was truly magical. My first snow experience was at midnight in the grounds of a castle in Detmold, Germany. I also loved the Christmas markets in the town square and the smell of all those yuletide goodies to eat and drink.

Me at Detmold Castle, Germany in 1995

Now, you too can experience a bit of this with the first-ever Montecasino Christmas Village, which takes place from 3 to 7 December 2014.

Modeled in the style of a European Christmas market, this event features Christmas inspiration a plenty, including cakes, homemade decorations, hot roasted nuts and more.

You can also enjoy Christmas movie screenings on the huge Outdoor Piazza screen from Wednesday 3 December to Friday 5 December at 18:00 and on Sunday 7 December at 15:00. To get you in the festive spirit, don’t miss the Mzansi Youth Choir Christmas carols concert on Saturday 6 December at 18:00.

For all the details on Montecasino’s Christmas Market and a full list of exhibitors, visit montecasino.co.za, or go to Facebook at www.facebook.com/montecasino or Twitter @MontecasinoZA.