NEED TO KNOW
■ Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to the vibrant German markets in Frankfurt (via Brussels) or Munich (via Paris).
■ See seat61.com for all European train routes, including night train options, as well as which train provider serves the best wine. Prost!
Cruise into Christmas
CroisiEurope has launched a brand new hotel barge cruise taking in the enchanting Christmas markets along France’s Alsatian canals.
The three-night jaunt, on board the 22-guest MS Madeleine, is a roundtrip from Colmar, known as Little Venice, which has six Christmas markets, each with its own theme.
Other highlights include Kaysersberg with its little chalets overlooked by the castle ruins, and the medieval village of Riquewihr with its brightlycoloured homes and markets.
Festive activities on board include gingerbread-tasting and an evening of Christmas tales and songs.
From £788pp for a four-day, full-board cruise including excursions. Departures December 4, 8, 12 and 16. Flights extra. croisieurope.co.uk
Get there: Tinsel in Transylvania
Combine gifts and ghouls on a Christmas trip to Transylvania. Home of Vlad the Impaler, the main inspiration for the character Dracula, those looking to explore the legend can visit Bran Castle (aka Dracula’s Castle) as well as other castles and fortresses.
But amid all the dark culture, Transylvania has a rich Christmas spirit with markets in some of Romania’s most picturesque medieval towns.
Untravelled Paths offers a threenight tour beginning with a night in the capital city of Bucharest, before travelling to the heart of rural Romania through the plains of the Transylvanian countryside, visiting Peles Castle on the way.
In Brasov, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Christmas market.
Alternatively, join a walking tour taking in the grandeur of the Black Church and find the narrowest street in Europe.
Then journey through the foothills of the Carpathian mountains to the fairytale town of Sibiu for the Christmas market, or skate around the ice rink in the central square. Finally, travel back to Bucharest via spooky Bran Castle.
From £270.20pp including transfers, transportation, B&B accommodation, and entry to Peles Castle and Bran Castle. Flights extra. untravelledpaths.com
Get there: Festivities and football
Love Christmas, but can’t bear to miss the live action of the FIFA 2022 World Cup Final from Qatar?
Combine the two on this threenight, no-fly winter cruise to Belgium on the ship Ambience, where the footy will be shown on board.
On arrival you’ll get the chance to visit beautiful Bruges for the annual Winter Glow. The Flemish city hosts two markets, one in the main Markt Square and the other in Simon Stevinplein.
You can then take a spin on the outdoor skating rink, or watch from the warmth of Winterbar Vorst, and follow the mesmerising Light Trail.
Three-night, adults-only sailing from Tilbury, Essex, on
December 18 from £349pp.
Ambassador Fares, which include Expedition Drinks Package, from £492. bassadorcruiseline.com
Get there: Coping with “firsts” after the loss of a loved one – eg birthdays or anniversaries – can be hard. But Sue Gill, volunteer with Cruse Bereavement Support, says there are positive ways to prepare for occasions like these.
Why are these events often so upsetting?
Should I feel guilty if I’m not upset?
How can I mark the occasion?
Does it get easier after the “firsts”?
Has demand for support from Cruse, which partners Co-op Funeralcare, increased?
If the person who’s died cared for a vulnerable relative or friend, they might be missing that extra assistance. Find out what support is available and leave the info with them, so they can look at it without feeling pressured.