Finnish Christmas Market at the German Church's Luther House, 24 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2 from 25pm.

At the market will be Finnish design, music, glass, ceramics, wooden products, food, confectionary, Christmas decorations, cards, books, and jewellery. At 5pm there will be a traditional Christmas Carol service.

Go nutty over Barbados

Almond Resorts, the Barbados-based allinclusive chain, has opened an Irish office. Special offers for families, including free child places and early booking discounts, are available for bookings made before the end of 2006.

Contact Almond Resorts Ireland on 01-2859222 or email: almondresorts@eircom . net.

Enjoy the season in the sun

Departing 24 and 31 December, Gran Canaria/Tenerife/Lanzaro te/Fuerteventura are available for one week from 499 based on three or four sharing, from 549 based on two sharing, two weeks from 599 based on three or four sharing and from 649 based on two sharing.

Call Budget on 01-631 1111 for full details and availability.

More plaudits for Kenmare

The Park Hotel Kenmare (pictured) was recently awarded 'Best Overall Hotel in Ireland' by Hospitality Ireland. The award follows the US publication Executive Traveller voting the Kenmare one of the top 10 hotels in the world for service in their December issue. Construction has commenced on a 25-metre underground Lap Pool and additional health facilities at the hotel's spa, SAMAS, and the development of 18 ultra deluxe residences 'The Retreats' on the grounds of the hotel. Try www. parkkenmare. com

Fortress offer set in stone

The newly opened five-star Hotel Fortress offers seven nights half board from 2099pp.

Tel 01-433 1020. Flights from Dublin, Cork or Shannon via London with Sri Lanka Airlines.

Travel until end of March '07. Taxes/insurance extra. Subject to availability.

Gohop site jumping with joy

Gohop. ie celebrates 10 years online this year and last week won a Golden Spider Award for Best Irish Retail Website.

An offer that has it all

Visit Canada's hippest city of Toronto and the Niagara Falls in 2007. Start with two nights at the majestic falls followed by four nights in Toronto, 'The city that has it all'.

Enjoy its theatre, night life and great ethnic dining and shopping. CanAmerica are offering packages from 739 at www. canamerica. ie.

Retail therapy on the continent

Fly to Frankfurt for the day from 99 and gather up your festive gifts, or try a three-day trip from 169, staying at a three-star hotel for two nights with breakfast. Combine your seasonal shopping with a visit to Prague from 189 for flights, two nights' accommodation and breakfast. Or experience Copenhagen from 258 at www. ebookers. ie.

A tasty-looking break

Italian cooking holiday specialist, A Taste of Rome, has just announced their 2007 dates. Weeklong courses start 19 March and end 22 October.

Long weekend courses take place in March and November, 2007 only. A Taste of Rome operates no single supplements policy. Log on to www. atasteofrome. com

Princesses on the piste

Ski operator Slopeside are offering a girls-only week in March from 999. The Girl Power Week includes macho. . . free skiing and snowboarding, a girls night in, a girls night out, and complimentary 'Skier Special' massage or facial treatment in your chalet.

Log on to www. slopeside. ie.

In association with Abroad magazine and www. abroad. ie