Christmas season - love it or hate it - is just around the corner, so I thought that today I would give a selection of ideas of what to do and where to go. Going away for Christmas has become very popular, with many hotels offering Christmas programmes.
For many people Christmas begins with Handel's Messiah, and what better place to see it than at the new Waterfront Hall in Belfast. The Ulster Orchestra and the Belfast Philharmonic Choir, conducted by Nicholas Kraemer, will perform on December 11th and 12th. Tickets from (080) 1232 668798 or (080) 1232 334400.
The prettiest programme so far for Christmas has to be from Hayfield Manor or in Cork. One of Cork's best kept secrets, this five star hotel has all the luxurious surroundings necessary to make this a memorable Christmas. You can work off three days of wonderful food in the leisure centre, and the city centre is just a short hop away. Price £355, details from (021) 315600.
Jersey will have its first ever Fete de Noue in the first three weeks of December, bringing the bustling town of St Helier alive with Christmas spirit. Throughout this time the town will be alive with street entertainment, bellringers, children's events, concerts and choirs. More details from Jersey Tourism on (00 44 1534) 500800.
Another longer established Advent season celebration is in Vienna. From November 14th until Christmas Eve the city is alight with decorations and numerous markets. The Magic of Advent brochure is available from the Austrian Tourist Office on (01) 283 0488.
Austrian Airlines has a package from December 23rd to 28th, which includes five star accommodation, with a traditional Austrian Christmas dinner, and also the Vienna Boys Choir on Christmas morning - cost from £679. Tel: (01) 608 0099.
Getting away from it all for Christmas can also take you to the beautiful Lake Garda in Italy. The Travel Department has a package for seven days from December 23rd, staying in the Hotel Liberty. The package also includes Christmas lunch and visits to Verona and Venice, and it costs from £499, (01) 260 2431.
If you would like to treat someone for Christmas, why not give them some gift vouchers for the Lynch Hotel Group? With two hotels in Clare and one in Limerick it might just be an answer to your present list. Tel: 1850 65 75 85.
Going to the sun for Christmas, Sunway Travel has availability in Morocco. Tel: (01) 288 6828. Panorama has some availability in Tunisia and also Madeira. Tel: (01) 670 7666. You can also book these holidays through your local travel agent.
For the children in your life, why not take them to meet Mr SC himself in Lapland. A number of travel agents are offering day trips to Rovaniemi direct from Dublin. The trip costs from £269 and will make a memorable day for children and adults alike.
The personal columns of this newspaper have a large selection of advertisements from hotels in Ireland with availability for Christmas.