Journey through a winter wonderland

Visiting a festive market while on a cruise is the perfect way to celebrate the season. With plenty of time left to book, here’s a guide to our favourites

Take a break...

It calls itself the ‘capital of Christmas’, and this city in north-east France has hosted a festive market for 450 years – so it could be right! The markets spread out across the centre of the town, f

SAIL THROUGH THE HEART OF VENICE WITH ONE OF THE ONLY LUXURY CRUISE LINES PERMITTED INSIDE, AND ENJOY AFTER-HOURS ACCESS TO ICONIC LANDMARKS

ELF THE MUSICAL A joyous stage version of the beloved film, with Buddy’s journey to New York full of laughs, singing and festive magic. ✣ Tickets from £39.50; elflondon.com. 28 October 2025-3 January

(and some you might not have thought about)