Apart from meeting the man himself (and learning how to say hello to him in Finnish), there will be the opportunity to take a sleigh ride, try out a snowmobile and to go sledging together as a family.

And you'll be able to attend 'Elf School' to see just what's required if you fancy learning the ropes as one of Santa's 'helpers'. To book for the 15 December trip ring Falcon on 1850 453545 or log on to www. falconholidays. ie Northern Ireland's Short Breaks have broad appeal A quick perusal of the new 'Short Breaks' brochure from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board offers a multitude of options (370 actual breaks) that cover anything and everything to appeal to city slickers, golf fanatics or those who want some pampering, chill-out time for themselves. And there's also plenty here for families as well as for those who get a kick out of throwing themselves out of planes, down mountains or around a motorsport track. Too numerous to detail here, best to take a look yourself at www. discovernorthernireland. com or to ring 1850230230 for more information or to request a brochure.

BMI offer Moscow service tailored to Irish market BMI has just launched a direct, daily London/Moscow service which is particularly suited for Irish passengers, with the 8.10am arrival in Heathrow dovetailing well with the 9.30am departure for Moscow. The evening arrival from Moscow is timed for 6.10pm with the Dublin flight taking off at 8pm.

This route is BMI's first medium-haul service with the company's CEO, Nigel Turner, describing the new venture as "a significant milestone for BMI as it marks a move into a new market."

The new service offers a new style business-class seat plus good inflight services such as pre-take-off and complimentary drinks during the flight.

The Russian carrier Transaero shares the route, a situation that means each carrier can offer connecting onward routes at either end. Check out the prices for Moscow via www. flybmi. com Meanwhile, closer to home, another airline has also begun a new route with Flybe (www. flybe. com) now operating a new service from Belfast City Airport to Galway. Flying five days a week, one-way fares are priced from 38, inclusive of all the usual extras.

A Hodson holiday before the holidays' onslaught If you can get away soon for a couple of days midweek and you're a fan of the spa phenomenon, then an offer from the Hodson Bay Hotel could be just the kickstart you need before the Christmas onslaught. Located just outside Athlone on the shores of Lough Ree, the hotel has a two-night break, with B&B and one evening meal, for 199 per person sharing.

You will also enjoy full use of their thermal spa and will be able to select one specific treatment. The offer runs until 21 December. Take a look at what's on offer by logging on to www. hodsonbayhotel. net, 090 6442000.

Orient Express spreads west to Mexico Earlier this year, Orient-Express added the 33-roomed Casa de Sierra Nevada in Mexico to its ever-increasing portfolio of luxury hotels around the world . . . 39 at the last count. Now they have purchased Sazon, a cookery school that is located in an 18th-century hacienda in the town of San Miguel de Allende, the same location as the hotel. From January you will be able to combine a stay in the hotel with a cooking course at Sazon. The town of San Miguel de Allende, founded way back in 1542, is located 6,400ft above sea level and is considered one of the country's bestpreserved colonial towns. This hotel/cookery school combination sounds like luxury Christmas present territory.

More information from www. sazonsan miguel. com, www. orient-express. com Highlife look to heighten environmental awareness Highlife, the Irish specialist ski and snowboard people, have committed themselves to a programme to raise awareness and concern over carbon emissions by counteracting the impact of the company's weekly flights to the French Alps. In conjunction with The Carbon Neutral Company, a UK-based organisation, Highlife will plant two sapling trees for every guest that opts to travel with them from now on.

Environmental awareness has been firmly to the fore with this young company, founded just five years ago and offering bespoke-type skiing holidays with firstclass chalet accommodation and fine wine and food. "Unlike most other countries, " according to co-founder and managing director Simon Egan, "Irish skiers have no choice but to take a flight to hit the slopes.

By investing in this project we're helping them do their bit for the environment while still getting to enjoy a great week of guilt-free skiing." For more details on those guilt-free skiing holidays take a look at www. highlife. ie or call 01 6771100.