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Travel News: Toulouse, Mayo, Omagh and Christmas on the ski slopes

Celebrate Christmas on the ski slopes
Celebrate Christmas on the ski slopes Celebrate Christmas on the ski slopes

:: Experience the tastes of Toulouse this Christmas

FROM November 22 to December 26, Toulouse’s Capitole square will come alive with festive cheer as it becomes the setting for the city’s 20th annual Christmas market.

New for December 2019, visitors can also sign up to a Christmas-themed walking tour with Taste of Toulouse. During the two-hour Sweets of the Season tour, visitors will meet talented artisan chocolatiers and sweet makers, sampling food and drink en route, before ending at the Christmas market for a hot drink and photos.

With average temperatures remaining in the low teens,Toulouse provides a warm alternative market for shoppers. Flights from Dublin are available from £46pp. Toulouse-visit.com.

:: Thanksgiving in Co Mayo

CELEBRATE the most American of holidays on November 28 at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, where guests will be treated to a festive three-course meal full of seasonal and Thanksgiving inspired classics, including sweet and sticky pecan pie.

Festivities begin at 6:30pm with a welcome reception of Fall Cider Cocktail or Spiced Pumpkin Eggnog. Following dinner, guests can dance the night away with live entertainment from Carmel Dempsey, Brenda Curtin Diviney, lead fiddle player with Lord of The Dance, and Mike Stewart.

Dinner costs €70 pp, with an overnight stay with breakfast from €259, based on two people sharing. Thelodgeac.com.

:: Winter break in Sperrins

ESCAPE and indulge in a guilt-free getaway at the Mellon Country Inn Hotel in Omagh. Located in the heart of the Sperrin mountain region, the hotel is surrounded by plenty of walking trails nearby just waiting to be discovered. Two nights with bed and breakfast for two people plus afternoon tea on a day of your choice is from £176. To book call 02881661224. Offer available on selected dates until 29 February 2020.

:: Spend Christmas on the ski slopes

FANCY spending your festive season surrounded by friends, food and snow? Then try one of Crystal Ski's resorts this Christmas. Each resort boasts local festivities, perfect pistes and superb entertainment – you can even dodge the washing up by choosing a catered break.

Seven nights half-board, departing Dublin on December 22 and staying in the 3* Hotel Erts, Arinsal is from €499pp. A seven night self-catering break at the 3* Residence Planibel, La Thuile, Italy from December 22 is from €2355 (two adults and two children under 11). All include flights from Dublin, 20kg luggage and transfers. Cystalski.ie.