Alberta 'ideal for a Christmas getaway'

People looking for the ideal winter break this year can head to Alberta in Canada, which has a great festive feel to it at this time of year, according to the province's tourist board.

The area comes alive in December, when Christmas grottos are put up and festive lights are hung around the streets.

Travel Alberta promises that the skiing in the area will also live up to expectations, adding: "We have enough ski hills for almost every day of the week.

"Whether you are skiing for the first time, with or without children or you are an expert rider, our hills offer every ability a challenge."

The Christmas festivities in Alberta see carol singing, face painting, cookie decorating and ice skating taking place, meaning there are activities for all the family.

On Saturdays and Sundays until December 20th Calgary will host Once Upon a Christmas in Heritage Park Historical Village, which promises to get people in the festive mood with Christmas food and activities like a horse-drawn wagon ride.

• Singapore attractions to take part in green initiative
• Flybe promotes flights to France
• Austrian Airlines targets 1m extra passengers this year
• British Airways staff offer to work during strike
• Paris festival to celebrate jazz
• BAA signs contract for construction of Heathrow Terminal 2
• Travellers promised value for money in Malaysia
• Bmi to launch London Heathrow to Berlin flights this month
• Whale sharks arrive in Western Australia
• Sonar festival to return to Barcelona