Foodie Fun - London

Each Friday until Christmas, the Abbott Street car park in East London transforms into a bustling hub of gastronomic excellence. The Long Table outdoor food night market brings together award-winning chefs and excellent cuisine from the local dining arena, including Nuno Mendes, The Yum Buns and the Big Apple Hot Dogs.
http://now-here-this.timeout.com/2011/11/23/the-long-table-night-market-in-dalston/

Cafe Culture - Paris

Apart from palatial buildings and rich cultural venues, historic cafes are the real Parisian landmarks. Serving coffee and sweet confections to many of Europe's historical and cultural figures throughout the ages, the historic coffee shops of Paris remain a haven for intellectuals and politicians today. For a romantic rendezvous or afternoon mood-booster, check out these renowned coffeehouses in the French capital.
http://www.europe-cities.com/en/1033/france/paris/2103_historic_cafes_of_paris/

City Break - Stockholm

Sofia von Porat and Nathan Schacherer, the globe-trotting couple behind the travel blog As We Travel (www.aswetravel.com), stroll through Stockholm and are captivated by the way cosmopolitan luxuries as designer boutiques and elegant restaurants sit side by side with nature.  
http://www.aswetravel.com/stockholm-sweden-the-best-of-both-worlds/

Voluntourism - Iceland

If your an adventurous do-gooder or an eco-minded traveller looking for a way to give back, why not give voluntourism a try. Contributing and making life a little better in the local community and experiencing intimately the culture of a given destination is the main appeal of voluntourism, be it building a school in the developing world or lending a helping hand in animal and plant conservation projects.

Each year, Iceland's Department of Conservation sponsors a group of foreigners to travel across the country to wok on environmental projects throughout the summer. Wade Shepard of Vagabond Journey's sparks up the spirit by helping out at a volcano.
http://www.vagabondjourney.com/travelogue/volunteer-in-iceland-travel-for-free/

Holiday Spirit

Prague dresses up for its holiday finery as the annual Christmas market opens in this week. Roasting chestnuts, horse-drawn carriages and dozens of craft shacks transforms the stunning Old Town Square into a winter wonderland.
http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/25/prague-christmas-markets-come-alive/

Elsewhere in Europe, the festive season welcomes a number of outdoor markets for shoppers to cross items off their wish list. Three of the best are:

1. BERLIN - Germany's capital elevates holiday markets to an imperial level, boasting over 60 of them across the metropolis. The largest one, Weihnachts Zauber, is organized on Gendarmenmarkt Square, with others held on grand boulevards, streets and even museums. For a full list of locations see Visit Berlin. 

2. HELSINKI - Europe's most northerly capital hosts the St Thomas Christmas Market in Senaatintori square, which promises 120 stalls of Finnish fun between 7-22 Dec.
http://www.visithelsinki.fi/in_english/northern_exposure/christmas_season/christmas_markets.iw3

3. BARCELONA - For a pleasant combo of sun and seasonal goodies, visit one of Barcelona's atmospheric holiday markets:
http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/events/christmas/barcelona-christmas-markets.html

A Quick Stop - Lyon

Dan Hayes, editor of CNN Traveller, tours the culinary capital that is France's second city and finds eye-catching landmarks, delicious treats and plenty of cultural focal points. Check out his 'Lyon: What To Do In A Day' feature.