But there’s so much more to love about a quick, easy train journey that promises the chance to enjoy some festive fun with continental flair and fabulous food.
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The Sun’s Lisa Minot and Kara Godfrey took to the Eurostar this month to check out Lille and Brussels – and their Christmas marketsCredit: Getty Images
Step aboard the Eurostar from London St Pancras and just one hour and 24 minutes later you could be in Lille – then 30 minutes farther and the delights of Brussels await.
With fares from £39 each way if booked in advance, it’s the perfect way to sprinkle some magic on your festive season.
So Lisa Minot and Kara Godfrey took to the Eurostar this month to check out the cities – and their Christmas markets.
Lisa in Lille
Lille’s Old Town and Place Rihour sparkle with 90 festive chalets, charming shops, and hearty French fare for a perfect quick Christmas getawayCredit: Supplied
WITH beautifully decorated stores in Lille’s Old Town, a fabulous Ferris Wheel in the Grand Place and a charming Christmas market on Place Rihour featuring 90 wooden chalets, Lille is a great place to hop over to for a quick festive break.
With a compact city centre and oodles of lovely independent shops, Lille also promises hearty French fare in its traditional ‘estaminet’ restaurants to keep you fuelled.
BEST SNACK
COME hungry to the Christmas Market as there are endless stalls offering hearty snacks.
From baguettes to paninis and oysters, caviar and salmon as well as waffles and crepes, there’s a huge amount of choice.
But for a French speciality, it has to be the aligot. A truly indulgent dish of ultra-creamy mashed potatoes mixed with garlic, butter, cream and gooey cheese, a generous portion costs just £8.70.
Or perhaps go for the traditional Savoie dish of tartiflette — slices of potato with onions, bacon and reblochon cheese.
BEST DRINK
YOU’LL find mulled wine everywhere. This is France, after all!
In the Christmas Market, a large cup costs seven euros but you’ll get two euros back when you return the eco-friendly cups, so a warming drink will set you back just £4.40.
At the traditional Lille estaminet restaurant, Au Vieux de la Vieille, your mulled wine comes with a shot of Amaretto on the side for a nutty alternative and costs £5.70.
BEST VIEW
ADMIRE the festive lights around the streets of Lille from high above on the Ferris Wheel, at the centre of the Grand Place.
Soaring 164ft into the air in the gondolas gives you a fabulous view of the city and beyond. Book ahead to avoid the queues.
Sunset is a perfect time to take in the views with the lights of the town and market a delight.
Prices start from £6.10 for adults and £4.40 for children. See lagrande rouedelille.com.
For those without a head for heights, you can also get a fantastic view from the balcony of the City Hall’s Belfry — getting there involves climbing up 109 steps.
BEST SHOPPING
Travel Editor Lisa Minot enjoys a festive drink in LilleCredit: Supplied
LILLE’S compact, cobbled old town is a delight for shopaholics. There are plenty of independent gift stores as well as lots of options for clothes and shoes.
To bring back a reminder of your stay, head to the legendary Meert — famed for being one of the oldest pastry shops in the world.
The ornate building is even more festive at Christmas and it’s the perfect place to pick up one of their signature waffles, from a recipe first invented in the 1840s.
You can also buy a huge range of cakes, chocolates and a variety of exotic tea blends. The tea room is a delight. Just be sure to book in advance.
BEST RESTAURANT
FOR a relaxed but sophisticated dinner with a fantastic view, head to Nu, close to the train station. This rooftop restaurant and bar is fabulously festively decorated at Christmas but it’s the food that is undoubtedly the star of the show.
As well as a selection of tapas-style dishes starting from £7.90, there’s a host of French classics.
We enjoyed a decadent lobster dish and a delicious seared tuna finished with a cafe gourmand — where your cup comes with a selection of their best desserts.
For truly authentic dishes from the North of France, head to Estaminet Au Vieux de la Vielle.
Booking is essential at this tiny, historic restaurant and locals flock here for carbonnade flamande, where chunks of beef are cooked in beer and spices.
Also amazing was the Welsh au maroilles — beer-soaked bread topped with ham and then drenched in melty maroilles cheese. Come hungry!
BEST HOTEL
HOTEL l’Arbre Voyageur is ideal for a weekend break — just an eight minute stroll from the train station.
The 4H hotel has 48 rooms with comfy beds and L’Occitane toiletries.
With two restaurants and its own patisserie, food is top notch. Rooms are from £143 per night, with breakfast. See hotelarbrevoyageur.com.
Kara in Brussels
Brussels’ Winter Wonders Christmas Market dazzles with 250+ stalls, a Ferris wheel, ice rink, curling, and a spectacular light show in the Grand-PlaceCredit: Alexander Spatari
WITH more than 250 stalls and chalets to browse, the Christmas Markets in Brussels are certainly an extravaganza.
Called the Winter Wonders, this also includes the popular Ferris Wheel, an ice skating and curling rink and the huge light show in the Grand Place.
The largest section is in Marché aux Poissons, where you will find 200 of the stalls. It runs until January 4, so you have more than enough time to fit in a quick weekend trip.
BEST SNACK
IF you spot a long queue, it’s most likely outside Fritland. Right next to the Christmas markets, the much-loved shop has been serving up huge portions of chips since 1978 (from £3).
There are many sauces to choose from, with the tomatoey Dallas tasting delightfully zingy.
If you need something sweet afterwards, the other busy spot is the stunning Maison Dandoy, where you’ll find some of the city’s best waffles.
Even with the rich Speculoos spread slathered on top, the waffles are so light they are easy to eat even on a full stomach.
BEST DRINK
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey gets into the Christmas spirit in BrusselsCredit: Supplied
YOU can’t go wrong with a mulled wine, or gluhwein, which can be found throughout the markets.
A glass will set you back around £4.30, although keep an extra 90p if you don’t have your own cup.
It is the right amount of sweetness and warmth to keep you cosy in the chilly winter weather.
Not a wine fan? Most of the stalls also sell hot chocolate.
BEST VIEW
FOR some of the best vistas across the city, you can’t beat the Ferris Wheel.
With tickets around £8.70, the ten-minute trip is stunning both during the day and with the twinkling lights at night.
But if you want a secret way to see the picturesque Grand Place light show without the crowds, keep an eye out for the Christmas Fairies door.
Walk through a fairy light tunnel, up a winding staircase and past Santa to grab your spot at the window overlooking the huge tree that lights up every hour.
At the start of the winter, the assumption was that top free-agent closer Edwin Díaz would fall out of the Dodgers’ preferred price range.
Knowing they needed bullpen help, however, the Dodgers decided to reach out with interest anyway.
What followed will go down as one of the most surprising outcomes of this MLB offseason. And, for the Dodgers, their latest in a string of big-name, star-player acquisitions.
Even though the Dodgers initially had doubts about their chances of landing Díaz — especially on the kind of relatively shorter-term deal they were seeking in their hunt for relief help — circumstances changed, Díaz’s market evolved, and they went from dark horse to front-runner.
On Friday, it all culminated in a Dodger Stadium news conference, the once-unexpected union between the two-time defending champions and three-time All-Star right-hander being made official as Díaz’s three-year, $69-million contract was finalized.
“It wasn’t easy,” Díaz said of his free agent process, which ended with him leaving the New York Mets after a decorated seven-year stint. “I spent seven years in New York. They treated me really good. They treated me great. But I chose the Dodgers because they are a winning organization. I’m looking to win, and I think they have everything to win. So picking the Dodgers was pretty easy.”
That didn’t mean it came as any less of a surprise.
Early on this winter, the Dodgers signaled a hesitancy to hand out another long-term contract to a reliever, after watching Tanner Scott struggle in the first season of the four-year, $72-million deal he signed last winter.
And though they gradually grew more open to the idea, giving serious consideration to Devin Williams before he signed a three-year, $51-million deal with the Mets two weeks ago, the thought of landing Díaz seemed far-fetched.
After all, the 31-year-old was widely expected to receive a four- or five-year deal, having already opted out of the remaining two seasons on his record-breaking five-year, $102-million contract with the Mets to become a free agent this winter. Also, since he had turned down a qualifying offer from the Mets at the start of the offseason, the Dodgers knew they’d lose two draft picks (their second- and fifth-highest selections) to sign him.
“We checked in from the get-go,” general manager Brandon Gomes said. But, he acknowledged, “the opportunity to add somebody of this caliber to what’s already a really talented bullpen was something that we weren’t sure was going to be able to actually come to fruition.”
Turned out, a few factors were working in the Dodgers’ favor.
First, the Mets weren’t willing to give Díaz a longer-term deal, either. Instead, in the wake of the Williams signing, they were reportedly offering only three years for a similar salary as the Dodgers. Not coincidentally, it was only entering last week’s winter meetings — mere days after Williams’ Dec. 3 agreement with the Mets — that Gomes said talks started to intensify.
“Having those conversations and making sure you’re in there and [letting him know], ‘Hey, we’re really valuing you, and if things make sense on your end, great, we’re here’ — that was the biggest thing,” Gomes said. “Making sure you’re exploring all avenues, because you don’t know how things are gonna play out.”
Another benefit for the Dodgers: They had advocates close to Díaz vouching for the organization.
The Dodgers’ new star closer, Edwin Díaz, speaks at his introductory news conference on Friday at Dodger Stadium.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Díaz said he received rave reviews about the club from both his brother Alexis (who spent most of last year with the Dodgers, after they acquired him from Cincinnati following an early-season demotion to the minors) and his Team Puerto Rico teammate Kiké Hernández (a longtime Dodgers fan favorite who is currently a free agent).
“They treat every single player the same,” Díaz said of the message he received. “That’s really nice, [especially] knowing they have a lot of great players, future Hall of Fame players. … That’s really good. That’s how a winning clubhouse is.”
Ultimately, it all led up to a rather swift signing process on Tuesday morning, one in which the Dodgers gave Díaz the highest average annual salary for a reliever in MLB history ($23 million per year) but kept the terms to three years and were able to defer more than $13 million of the total guarantee.
“I think once Devin came off the board, it was like, ‘OK, let’s continue to explore the different options,’” Gomes said. “Obviously having no idea what conversations had gone on up to that point between Edwin and other clubs, it was more about: ‘Hey, we’re here if there’s something that makes sense. And we would love to have you join our group.’ And fortunately enough, everybody’s interests were aligned on that.
“That’s why you shouldn’t play the game of assumptions, and just do the due diligence on the front end,” Gomes added. “Sometimes things work out, sometimes they don’t. But having those conversations and making sure you’re doing the work that’s needed to really understand the situation is important, especially when you see situations like this play out.”
Now, the Dodgers will put their faith in Díaz to play a leading role in their quest for a World Series three-peat.
He will be the club’s designated closer — a role they have been hesitant to bestow upon any one reliever since the departure of Kenley Jansen (the only MLB reliever with more saves than Díaz since his debut in 2016).
“For us, we have a high bar. To name someone the closer, you have to be one of the best. You have to be elite and dominant at what you do,” president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said.
The team’s expectation is that Díaz’s presence will elevate the rest of the bullpen, too, giving a more defined late-game structure to a relief corps that ranks just 21st in the majors in ERA last season.
“It allows Doc and our coaching staff to kind of put guys into spots leading up to that,” Gomes said, “knowing that it doesn’t really matter who’s in the ninth, that we’re gonna like the matchup.”
Perhaps the biggest news from Friday’s introduction: Díaz still plans to enter games to his iconic walk-out song, “Narco” by Timmy Trumpet — which Gomes described as “probably the most electric walkout song in the game.”
“I can’t wait, the first game of the season, coming in the ninth with Timmy Trumpet and getting the W for the Dodgers,” Díaz said.
A few weeks ago, that scene felt like an unlikely vision.
But now, anytime the sounds of trumpets echo around Chavez Ravine in the summers to come, they will serve as a reminder of the team’s latest free-agent coup — one more unexpected than almost all the rest.
Swiss suffer third crash in a month by an Olympic champion in training ahead of World Cup and 2026 Milan Cortina Games.
Published On 11 Dec 202511 Dec 2025
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Two-time Olympic champion Michelle Gisin has been airlifted from the course after crashing hard in a practice run for a World Cup downhill.
The 32-year-old Swiss skier hit the safety fences racing at more than 110km/h (69mph) on a cloudy morning on Thursday at St Moritz in practice for the downhills scheduled for Friday and Saturday, followed by a super-G on Sunday.
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One of Gisin’s skis seemed to catch an edge approaching a fast left-hand turn, and she lost control, going straight on and hitting through the first layer of safety nets until being stopped by the second.
There was no immediate report of any injury. Television pictures showed Gisin conscious, lying by the course with scratches and cuts on her face as medics assessed her.
Gisin is the third current Olympic champion in the Swiss women’s Alpine ski team to crash in training in the past month, after Lara Gut-Behrami and Corinne Suter.
Gisin, who won gold in Alpine combined at the past two Winter Games, is currently the veteran leader of the Swiss women’s speed team because of injuries to her fellow 2022 Beijing Olympic champions.
Michelle Gisin celebrates after winning the gold medal in the women’s Alpine skiing combined event during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games [File: Harrison Hill/Reuters]
Gut-Behrami’s Olympic season was ended after she tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee while crashing in practice last month at Copper Mountain, Colorado, in the United States.
Suter is off skis for about a month with calf, knee and foot injuries from a crash while training at St Moritz last month.
At the last Winter Games in China, Suter won the downhill, Gut-Behrami won the super-G — where Gisin took bronze — and Gisin took the final title in individual combined. The Swiss skiers have seven career Olympic medals.
Gisin crashed on Thursday when American star Lindsey Vonn was already on the course, having started her practice run. Vonn was stopped while Gisin received medical help and resumed her run later.
Vonn was fastest in the opening practice on Wednesday.
The Milan Cortina Olympics open on February 6 with a women’s Alpine skiing race at the storied Cortina d’Ampezzo hill.
Concerns had been raised in advance of the World Cup in September, primarily about how to limit risks in the high-speed sport, following the death of Italian skier Matteo Franzoso in a training accident in Chile.
The debate continued into the start of the Olympic ski season a month later, with prominent American skier Mikaela Shiffrin stating: “We are often training in conditions where the variables are just too many to control, and you have to decide sometimes: is this unreasonably dangerous?”
Since 1963, people have taken the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway on a 10-minute, 2.5-mile ride from its Valley Station, about 2,650 feet elevation, to its Mountain Station, at just over 8,500 feet elevation where passengers can continue their adventure in Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
My friends and I have experienced the kind of contradictory adventure this route allows: playing in the snow in the same weekend we visited an oasis shaded by hulking palm trees.
That’s always been the goal. As a 1937 Times story about the plan to build the tram explained, “the desert dwellers then would be able to whisk from one-piece bathing suit swimming under the ultraviolet ray sun at the Desert Inn pool to woolen undies and snowshoe land in an hour.” (Although the Desert Inn has since closed, you can find plenty of other Palm Springs hotels.)
The only hitch for anyone wanting to visit now is that the winter holidays mark one of the busier seasons for the tram, especially since it snowed at Mt. San Jacinto around Thanksgiving. Spots fill up quickly online and in-person lines can be long. Here’s what you need to know about snagging a ticket and planning a trip.
A day on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
(David Fouts / For The Times)
How do I get tickets for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway?
A limited number of each day’s tickets are available to prepurchase on the tramway’s website. Most tickets are sold in person, said Rachel Anderson, public relations manager at the tramway.
To avoid long lines on the weekends, Anderson said guests should arrive at 7 a.m., an hour before the first tram goes up at 8 a.m. The ticket booth opens at 7:30 a.m. “Otherwise, wait times can be several hours long during the holiday season,” she said.
Wait times are especially long closer to Christmas, when children are out of school and out-of-town guests are visiting Southern California.
The line’s length does ebb and flow throughout the day, she said, reaching its longest on the days around Christmas and New Year’s, and on weekends when children are out of school for their winter breaks. Weekdays are less busy, but can still see lines, she said.
The tram’s winter hours, which run from Sept. 2 to May 21, are: Monday through Friday with the first tram up at 10 a.m., last tram up at 8 p.m. and the last tram down at 9:30 p.m. On weekends and holidays, the last tram up is 8 p.m. and the last tram down is 9:30 p.m.
Tickets are $20.95 for children ages 3 to 10, $36.95 for older kids and adults, and $33.95 for adults 65 and older.
A balcony where guests can take in the breathtaking views of the desert below.
(David Fouts / For The Times)
What can I do once at the top?
Yodel, dance, eat snacks — the possibilities are endless!
OK, in all seriousness, you have a snack or enjoy fine dining on dishes like vegetarian lasagna or filet mignon, hike any part of the 50-plus miles of trails, snowshoe, cross-country ski or just vibe out among the Jeffrey pines.
The tram offers hikers who don’t feel like taking the strenuous Cactus to Clouds route: From the tram’s Mountain Station, you can hike 10 miles out and back, which shaves off about 10 arduous miles.
Can I bring my sled and dog?
Many visitors take the tram to go sledding. Anderson said small plastic sleds are allowed while inflatable rafts or sleds, and those sleds with metal, aren’t. (Rolling down hills on your own accord is just fine, though!)
Unfortunately, unless Fido is a registered service dog, you’ll need to leave your pup at home. Dogs are not allowed on the tram and generally are prohibited from trails in the park.
Other banned items include drones and outside alcohol (but can buy booze on site).
What’s the parking situation?
Parking is $15 for most vehicles, and lots open at 9 a.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. on weekends and holidays. A free shuttle bus takes visitors to the Valley Station, where they can buy tram tickets.
What else do I need to know?
I am personally a sucker for California trivia, so allow me to tell you more about the tram’s history and why it remains a unique opportunity to this day.
I wanted to understand how rare of an experience it is to ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, so I spoke to Peter Landsman, editor for LiftBlog, where he’s been compiling data on trams and ski lifts for about 10 years.
Landsman said the Palm Springs tram is special for multiple reasons, but in particular because the car rotates as it travels up and down the mountain, an experience found only on a few tramways across the globe.
Overall, there are only about a dozen tramways of similar builds in the U.S. — and not many are being constructed today. The recently completed tram in Big Sky, Mont., was the first new tram built at a North American ski area since 2008, according to Landsman’s blog.
The tram’s original construction cost, per a Times article on its opening day in 1963, was $7.7 million. That’s about $81.5 million in today’s money, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation calculator.
“I would say $7.7 million wouldn’t get you much these days,” Landsman, who works in the ski industry, said. “That’s pretty remarkable.”
WHEN it comes to January you can either embrace the chill, or escape it.
Sun Travel has got seven destinations all over the globe from African Islands to UK staycations and a beautiful city under four hours away with return flights from just £35.
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When it comes to January, head to the likes of Cape Verde for winter sun
Cape Verde
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey can’t abide cold weather during January so has a suggestion for anyone wanting winter warmth.
She said: “If you want guaranteed sun without having to spend too much post-Christmas money, then Cape Verde is a great option.
“Expect much warmer temperatures – think 26C in January – without having to hop on a long flight. Taking just six hours, there’s just one hour’s time difference, so no jet lag either.
“Both TUI and easyJet offer flights there, with Boa Vista and Sal the two most popular islands. TUI’s package holidays start from £515pp, or easyJet’ flights are around £92 each way.
“There’s activities from boat trips to dune bashing, but I wouldn’t blame you if you ended up on the sun lounger more often than not for some winter warmth.”
Cruises
Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot recommends hopping on a cruise next month. She said: “Getting your Vitamin D fix couldn’t be easier when you choose a holiday at sea.
“Ocean cruising in the warm waters of the Caribbean, the Canary Islands or even the Gulf is the perfect January pick-me-up and you can sit back and relax on deck soaking up the sunshine while a new port of call will deliver the chance to explore ashore.
“For Brits, Marella Cruises offers great all-inclusive packages including flights, all your food and alcoholic drinks plus tips.
“Or how about adding some Mexican flavour to your Caribbean escape? Iglu has a cruise-only deal for seven nights’ full-board on MSC Seashore from just £401pp, you’ll just need to book flights to Orlando to join the cruise. Seeiglucruise.com.”
Sophie says opt for staycation to the likes of North Wales – she took her pooch for a walk around Lake TegidCredit: Sophie Swietochowski
Wales
Meanwhile Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski suggests sticking to the UK.
She said: “Generally speaking, I’ll pick a sunny holiday over a wintry escape every time. Except at this time of year, that is. January, for me, is about embracing winter – and I’m not quite ready to chuck on a bikini after all those mince pies.
“Instead, I’ll stay in cosy mode, with a cottage staycation where I can spend the week holed up in a typically British pub with a roaring fireplace and generously sized glass of red wine to warm me through.
“I visited North Wales in January last year and it was the perfect spot to reset myself after the festive period.
“Our Sykes Cottages property, Cefn Nannau cottage was set on a working farm and the area had just been caught in a flurry of snow.
“Mornings consisted of frosty dog walks around Lake Tegid, the largest natural lake in the country, followed by a soak in the outdoor hot tub with a cup of tea, watching the sheep huddle in the snow in the field opposite.
“A three nights’ self-catering break at Cefn Nannau cottage costs from £114pp, based on 12 sharing.”
Helen has been travelling to Tenerife with her two kids for yearsCredit: Helen Wright
Tenerife
Travel Writer Helen Wright has one island she goes back to year on year.
She said: “In my opinion, you can’t beat the Canary Islands in January. We go every year, usually to Tenerife, but if we get a good deal, we’ll sometimes choose Gran Canaria instead.
“It’s the perfect way to wind down after the Christmas chaos as the Canary Islands are always so chilled out.
“The weather is perfect for us as a family. It’s not as hot as some winter sun destinations, but very pleasantly warm. We’ll be wearing shorts and t-shirts during the day and then a hoodie or jacket with jeans in the evening.
“We spend our days on the beach or by the pool at our hotel – when booking, always remember to check the pool is heated and preferably not by solar panels because if it’s cloudy, the water can be cold.
“Often, we’ll book all-inclusive or half-board with Jet2, which means food and drink are hassle-free. Even when we eat out, the Canary Islands are never too expensive.
“It’s the perfect little January getaway and if you look around for some great last-minute deals, it can be super affordable too.”
You can explore Dar El Bacha Marrakesh in pleasant temperatures during JanuaryCredit: Alice Penwill
Marrakesh
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill is also seeking out heat in January and there’s somewhere you can be in under four hours.
She said: “I really don’t mind the cold up until Christmas. But post December 31 and I’m ready for spring.
“Sadly living in the UK means it won’t be warm for months so if I can, I’ll head off somewhere not too far for some sun – like Marrakesh.
“In January the weather can be as high as 19C, if you’re lucky. But it’s still pleasant enough to stroll about without packing on the layers and thermals.
“There’s lots of exploring you can do too in the mild weather – which I find more pleasant than their scorching summers. Some of my favourite spots are the Dar El Bacha – a huge palace with beautiful mosaics, and of course the medina full of spices, leathers and great souvenirs.
“You can get return flights to Marrakesh from £35 with easyJet flying out on January 27 and returning on January 31, 2026.”
Seville
One places close to home that Kara loves is over in Spain, she said: “The city of Seville is perfect to visit for your first 2026 trip. Just two hours by flight, it’s one of Spain‘s hottest cities.
“Not only that, but it’s not one you want to visit in summer, with huge crowds and temperatures hitting an unbearable 40C.
“It’s an easy place for a weekend break, with fantastic food, live flamenco and beautiful architecture. I recommend staying at Only YOU – a boutique hotel that opened last year and is as little as £96 a night.
“And top tip – try and nab the free tickets for the Royal Alcázar of Seville palace, which are found in the last hour of opening.”
Just a few hours away is Paris with lots to do indoors like visit the Musée d’OrsayCredit: Alice Penwil
Paris
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill believes sometimes you have to compromise on heat for a shorter travel time – and head to somewhere like lovely Paris.
She said: “While you might not get the heat of places further afield, sometimes you can’t beat a short trip to somewhere like Paris where you can do so much in just a few days.
“When I went across on the Eurostar it was for an extreme daytrip and took just a few hours – but of course you can stay longer if you like.
“See incredible sites like Notre Dame, the Musée d’Orsay and you can even go on a food tour which will take you through beautiful neighbourhoods.
“When it’s not raining, walking along the River Seine during the winter with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate is delightful.
“If you fancy a short trip, you can get a return journey on the Eurostar from £83 departing on January 27 and returning a day later.”
It is set to be built on a current aviation facility, mainly used for flying lessons.
Construction hopes to start next year, with the first phase opening two years later.
This is set to cost around R$7billion (£309million), which includes a new 2.2millon runway and passenger terminal.
It will eventually welcome five million passengers by 2050 with two million international passengers and three million domestic.
The overall project is expected to cost as much as R$20billion (£880million)
Deon Cloete, Managing Director of Cape Winelands Airport, said that it would both increase tourism to the area.
He said: “We are thrilled to introduce this our airport expansion to the Cape Winelands region.
“This facility represents a commitment to providing world class transportation options, promoting tourism, and stimulating economic growth in our beautiful region.
“Airports world-wide are known to have a positive impact on the socio-economic conditions of the regions which they serve.
“This airport will be no different.”
The city was named the best value long-haul holiday destination in the Post Office’s 2024 Long Haul Holiday Report.
Organise your autumn and winter holidays for next year now and take advantage of easyJet’s Big Seat Release sale with flights available from just over £20 per person
easyJet has announced millions of cheap seats for next winter (Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
If you fancy escaping the dull, wet and windy UK weather next winter or the thought of Halloween and Christmas festivities fills you with dread, now’s the time to book a winter getaway for 2026.
Low cost airline easyJet has just launched its Big Seat Release with millions of seats available for the October half term and Christmas holidays at bargain prices. There are plenty of destinations to choose from in Europe and North Africa too, whether it’s a short city break or a late sun-soaked beach holiday you’re after.
More than 14 million seats on flights from 22 UK airports, including Gatwick, Luton, Glasgow and Belfast are up for grabs, some for as little as £23.99, one way, per person.
Swap the snow for sand next winter at one of Palma’s stunning beaches (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The offer is for trips between 19 October 2026 and 31 January 2027, and booking early is essential if you want to bag the best prices.
If you live in or near Birmingham, you could take a trip to the beautiful city of Paris with its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Soak up the cafe culture and romance in the French capital from just £23.99 one way (including taxes).
From £34.99 those wishing to travel from Gatwick airport could head off to the sunny climes of Faro in Portugal, hit the sandy beaches in Spain’s Alicante and Palma or cruise the iconic canals of vibrant Amsterdam.
Cruise the canals in vibrant Amsterdam (Image: Getty Images)
EasyJet holidays also has thousands more package deals to favourite winter destinations such as the Canary Islands, Egypt, Morocco, Spain and Tunisia, as well as popular city escapes including Paris, Reykjavik, Prague and Amsterdam.
There are over 8,000 hand-picked hotels in 100 destinations to choose from, and the tour operator is also offering free kids’ places across a selection of their family-friendly hotels.
All packages include flights and hotel, with 23kg luggage and transfers on all beach getaways. They are also covered by Ultimate Flexibility, which has a refund guarantee, best price guarantee, and enables travellers the opportunity to change a booking.
Flights for next autumn and winter are available to book now via easyJet’s website and the mobile app. Head to the low fare finder section of the website to snag the best deals, and if you’re stuck for ideas, the Inspire Me section will suggest destinations across their network.
Visit the Eiffel Tower in the romantic city of Paris (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Kevin Doyle, easyJets UK country manager, said: “Putting millions more seats on sale today for next winter means our customers across the UK can book early and enjoy great value fares to Europe’s most popular leisure destinations, including firm favourites such as Amsterdam, Paris, Alicante, Tenerife, and Malaga.
“With hundreds of routes available from 22 UK airports, our short-haul network offers unrivalled choice for those planning their holidays for next year and we can’t wait to welcome them on board.”
THE last time Britain had a white Christmas was 15 years ago – and its unlikely to be one this year either.
But there is one way of guaranteeing one in the UK thanks to a holiday lodge that has a sneaky way to make sure you have snow.
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Holiday Lodges are launching this festive stay where you’ll definitely have snow in 2026Credit: Holidaylodges.co.ukOutside is a small dining area and a hot tub tooCredit: Unknown
You can get festive quite easily with cosy log fires, a cup of mulled wine, and a classic Christmas dinner.
But there’s one thing that would make it that extra special – a blanket of snow outside.
And Holiday Lodges have announced a stay that will actually guarantee snow – thanks to hidden snow machines throughout.
Tucked away in the heart of Wales is its White Christmas Lodge where in December guests will wake up to snow outside.
The description reads: “From the moment you arrive, you’ll step into a winter wonderland. Fully decked out in Christmassy decor and covered in snow”.
The lodge sleeps up to eight people and has its own hot tub, games room, cosy living and dining room along with icy lake views and you can stay there from £350 per night.
For further festivities, you can add a “decorate-your-own tree” experience or a festive wreath-making class.
In the evening, the kitchen is full-kitted out so you can relax with a cup of hot chocolate, mulled wine or spiced cider.
There might even be a special visit from Santa himself.
You can decorate your own tree while you’re there – or make a festive wreathCredit: Holidaylodges.co.uk
The following morning you’ll actually get to see snow falling outside (thanks to the hidden snow machines too).
The lodge has captured attention on social media too. TikTok‘s @_miawootoon said “I feel like it would be the most incredible experience in the world to have a white Christmas – why hasn’t it been done before?”.
@alexandratealeaf added “it looks like it’s straight out of a Christmas movie”.
More details are yet to be announced and the lodge isn’t available for booking quite yet.
But if you’re interested in a stay at the White Christmas Lodge next tear then head here to register your interest at holidaylodges.co.uk.
The idea of the sea that I grew up with was associated with sundowners and souped-up cars and skipping classes to sunbathe with the models who took over Cape Town’s beaches each summer. As a student, long nights would end, not infrequently, with a swim at sunrise (until, one morning, the police arrived to remind us that sharks feed at dawn). So it’s hardly surprising that, after moving to Norwich to study in my 20s, the British seaside trips I made felt tepid. Cromer, with its swathe of beige sand sloping into water an almost identical colour, seemed to suggest that over here, land and sea were really not that different from one another. That the sea as I’d known it – with all its ecstatic, annihilating energy – was an unruly part of the Earth whose existence was best disavowed.
It was only several years later, burnt out from a soul-destroying job, that I took a week off and boarded a train to Cornwall. I was 25, poor and suffering from the kind of gastric complaints that often accompany misery. With a pair of shorts, two T-shirts and a raincoat in my backpack, I arrived in St Ives and set off to walk the Cornish coastal path.
On my second day, to my surprise, I was joined by an Iranian philosophy student I’d met at my local cafe – perhaps he was lonely and ill at ease too – and we skirted the cliffs in single file talking Hegel and subsisting almost entirely on the blackberries which burst from the verges demanding to be eaten. Beneath us, the sea shifted between being darkly rageful and a blue so pure that, if you squinted, could be the Mediterranean. By day three, we were sleeping together, and by day five, having suddenly become allergic to each other, I carried on alone.
I didn’t discover Portscatho on that trip, but I did discover the pleasures of tracing the Cornish coastline on foot. Which is how, a decade later, coming round the headland of the Roseland peninsula while hulkingly pregnant, I laid eyes – in the next bay – on a group of oddly gentle-looking Georgian houses surrounding a small harbour.
‘Georgian houses surround the small harbour.’ Photograph: PA Images/Alamy
The feeling I had, coming into that village, reminds me of a passage in a Nabokov story, Cloud, Castle, Lake. A bachelor, who’s been forced to go on a communal holiday by the “Bureau of Pleasantrips”, unexpectedly comes upon a configuration of elements – a dark castle overlooking a lake on which a cloud is reflected in its entirety – whose particular arrangement simultaneously reveals and fulfils a longing so deeply buried in himself that, until then, he hadn’t known it existed.
It was late autumn. As the narrow path dropped from the cliffs, the landscape became almost tropical: dry grasses turned into passionflowers. Crepey pink rhododendrons peered from the front gardens of the houses on the outskirts of the village. I remember the clouds that had brooded over the landscape for days suddenly clearing, giving way not to a half-hearted sunshine, but to the kind that makes you want to strip off your clothes and inhibitions and become your true self. In the village square, above a pier, off which a group of children were throwing themselves into the sea, was a pub that spilled on to the pavement, where a group of men sang sea shanties watched by people leaning against the low walls of houses over the road, sipping pints.
Writers, in my experience, prefer disillusionment to transcendence. I, for one, suspected – even as it occurred – that my Cloud, Castle, Lake experience would, on repeat visits, turn out to be false: the product of novelty or pregnancy hormones. And yet, in the decade since – and not a year has passed when I’ve not gone back to Portscatho at least once – it hasn’t lost its sheen.
Katharine Kilalea on the beach with her children. Photograph: Karni Arieli
What does one picturesque seaside village, with its two pubs and its fish and chip shop, its Harbour Club hosting cover bands on Saturday nights, give that another does not? Sometimes, my love for it seems embarrassing. An indictment on my heart. As though, if I were less naive, less needing of tenderness or comfort, I’d give myself over to wilder, more difficult beaches – like Towan Beach, a mile or so further along the coast, whose crescent of empty sand resembles the beaches in New Yorker cartoons where a bearded man washes up to spend eternity eating coconuts.
I should be able to enjoy a wild sea surrounded by nothing but wilderness, rather than a sea, like Portscatho’s, in which one is always a few steps from humanity and the comforts of the low-ceilinged Plume of Feathers, or a chowder cooked by local celebrity chef Simon Stallard (whose latest venture, the Standard Inn,is up the road in Gerrans). Or a grocery shop selling artisanal cheeses and New World wines. Or a gallery with paintings in the style of Georges Braque, instead of the bits of driftwood bric-a-brac and watercolour paintings of boats that wash up in most coastal towns. I ought to join the local wild swimming group for its daily 8am dip without needing the comforts of an espresso from a beachfront coffee bar to warm me afterwards. But, just as ghost stories are best enjoyed from a cosy chair by the fire …
The author takes a cold water dip. Photograph: Karni Arieli
What redeems me, in my own eyes, is my preference for the winter months over the summer ones. I love being in Portscatho when the clocks change, and we’re meant to stay indoors watching whatever’s done well at the Emmys, but are often still on the beach at 5pm when the clear night sky brings out its wares. I love New Year, too, when Stallard cooks up a meal on the slipway – one year it was paella – and everyone gathers for the annual firework display.
I love, best of all, the moment when, turning down the steep road into the village at the end of the long drive from London, I see the Plume, and the two roads extending from either side of it like outstretched arms towards the bay. How the sea, every time I arrive, seems to say: “Here you are, at the edge of the world, you’ve arrived at the end of the place where you’ve carried out your labours, so you can finally relax.”
Katharine Kilalea is the author of OK, Mr Field, published by Faber at £8.99. To support the Guardian, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.
FOLK singer Jewel showed off her incredible figure in a brown and white zebra bikini in pics shared to Instagram.
The singer, 51, captioned the carousel, “#Barbuda for a few days of sun before more winter snow.”
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Jewel, 51, revealed her bikini bod in this Instagram carousel.Credit: Instagram/jewelJewel was in Barbuda in the CaribbeanCredit: Instagram/jewel
Her shredded abs were on display in the string bikini in two photos of the carousel, which also included photos of spiny lobsters and the blue Caribbean sea.
Fans admired the star’s bikini bod and flowing beach blond hair, although she didn’t drop any details on her diet or workout.
Jewel is mom to Kase, 14, with her ex-husband, rodeo star Ty Murray.
She appears to be currently single, after a rumored fling with actor Kevin Costner in 2023.
She also gained notoriety after signing the American national anthem at San Diego’s Super Bowl XXXII.
Fans and music reviewers criticized the singer for lip synching over a digitally-recorded track of her own voice.
The slip up was caught on camera when she missed a cue during the first words of the patriotic song.
The Sun reported on a similar situation that occurred at the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
Blue oceans on the island of Barbudahttps://www.instagram.com/p/DSBHEiBkgLoCredit: Instagram/jewelEnjoying Barbuda’s famous spiny lobster.Credit: Instagram/jewelThe white sands and Caribbean ocean views of Barbuda.Credit: Instagram/jewel
EVEN if you enjoy crisp mornings and a bit of snow, it’s hard not to daydream about a sunny break during the British winter.
You could be looking for a half term getaway with the family or simply trying to escape the UK at its chilliest.
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Europe’s sunniest beach is in Gran CanariaCredit: AlamyFebruary marks the end of peak season in Cape TownCredit: Getty
Whatever your motivation, the desire to shed your winter coat is understandable.
There is a great variety of destinations ranging from long to short-haul which offer a chance to catch some February rays, whether that be in the sizzling tropics or the mild Mediterranean.
We’ve rounded some of these up, along with great deals that will get you there, so that you can chase the sun all year round.
The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited AgadirCredit: Alamy
Just under four hours from the UK lie the golden sands of Agadir’s crescent-shaped beach.
The six mile stretch of coast is a hotspot for surfing – but it’s also popular with holidaymakers who simply want to kick back and enjoy the sunshine, which the city gets 300 days of per year.
And Agadir boasts more than just a beach, with a bustling souk and stunning 16th century ruins adding to the reasons it was named a top travel destination by British Airways in 2025.
The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited and said: “You can easily sunbathe on the beach with highs of 21C in February, and I was easily able to walk around in a t-shirt during the day. Just make sure to bring a jumper for the evening as it can drop to 10C by night.”
Plus, this Moroccan gem is incredibly easy to reach from the UK as most major European airlines offer direct flights from London, Manchester, Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Orlando, Florida
Average high temperature: 24C
Orlando is home to a number of amazing theme parksCredit: Alamy
Florida benefits from a powerful Atlantic Ocean current which causes warmer water to be brought in from the tropics, which means it’s warm year-round.
With temperatures reaching highs of 24C in February, a tan is definitely on the cards.
It might still be worth packing a brolly, as chances of rain do increase in February with the average total rainfall being 77mm across the month.
That being said, Orlando is home to some of the world’s best theme parks, and February might be one of the best times to visit as you won’t be queueing under the scorching summer sun.
Gran Canaria, Spain
Average high temperature: 21C
The Canary Islands are great for outdoor activitiesCredit: Getty
Winters in the Canary Islands are balmy, with temperatures regularly surpassing the 20C mark.
Gran Canaria sees little to no rainfall during the whole month of February, making it a safe bet if you want to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or boat tours for dolphin-watching.
The island boasts over 80 beaches with both white and volcanic black sand, so visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to sunbathing spots.
One of these is Playa de Maspalomas, which was recently named the sunniest beach in Europe due to getting over 10 hours of daily sunshine, even during the winter months.
Cape Verde
Average high temperature: 25C
It takes just six hours to get to Cape Verde from the UKCredit: Shutterstock
As an archipelago off the coast of West Africa, Cape Verde is surprisingly close to the UK in terms of flight-time.
The six hours it takes to travel from Blighty – and the added benefit of no jet lag – makes it a convenient, mid-haul destination for sunseekers.
Strong breezes keep the warm temperatures comfortable while also making the islands ideal for activities like windsurfing and kiteboarding.
“I visited Cape Verde in February, when the sunshine is guaranteed and there is less than a millimetre of rainfall in a month,” said Jacob Lewis. “I was also lucky enough to be around for Carnival, the nation’s biggest annual celebration.”
Of its 10 islands, head to Boa Vista for pristine white-sand beaches, Sal for watersports and Santo Antão for breathtaking landscapes.
Malta
Average high temperature: 16C
The temperature in Malta can reach up to 20C the winter monthsCredit: Getty
If you prefer milder weather, Malta is a fantastic option for a winter trip.
Even with an average high of 16C, it can reach up to 20C on the warmest days.
You’ll get to enjoy impressive amounts of sunshine while you explore its ancient citadels and lesser-known islands – all without the crowds that arrive during the hottest months.
February is also the cheapest time to visit, with direct return flights from the UK available for as little as £33 per person.
Cape Town, South Africa
Average high temperature: 27C
February is one of Cape Town’s driest monthsCredit: Alamy
February is Cape Town’s hottest month of the year, and allows you to swap the extremes of UK winter for South African summer.
It is also one of the driest months, unlike in tropical destinations where you’d run the risk of a shower.
There are many events happening in February, with the Cape Town Art Fair and the Pride Festival both taking place.
To make it even better, February marks the end of the peak holiday season, so you can make the most of significantly cheaper accommodation and flights.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Average high temperature: 26C
Dubai’s high season in in February due to cooler weatherCredit: Getty
There’s a reason that February is the high season in Dubai.
The days are pleasantly warm without reaching the sweltering temperatures of a UAE summer, meaning you can better enjoy daytime outings such as tours, water parks or even a desert safari.
The Sun’s Daniel Tison holidayed in the city in February, saying: “The weather was hot, especially around noon which made the cold sea water very refreshing.”
With its opulent skyscrapers and luxurious resorts, Dubai during this month offers the best of its desert climate.
The Gambia
Average high temperature: 32C
There are beaches, wetlands and savannahs in The GambiaCredit: Alamy
The hottest place on our list is the unsung nation dubbed ‘the smiling coast of Africa’ – The Gambia.
It has a small Atlantic coastline where soaking up the sun is best done in February, as the month falls within the dry season and guarantees endless sunshine.
Besides beaches, The Gambia’s diverse natural environment includes savannahs and wetlands, making it a prime destination for nature lovers.
What’s more, it’s a highly accessible country for British travellers, with English as the official language, direct TUI flights and no time difference at all.
Valencia, Spain
Average high temperature: 16C
Valencia is a great option for a winter city breakCredit: Getty
Just over a two-hour flight from the UK is Valencia, with its mild climes that make February feel more like spring than winter.
Caroline McGuire – The Sun’s Digital Head of Travel – said: “I travelled to Valencia in February half term and the weather was lovely and warm.
“There’s plenty to see and do for kids and it’s a beautiful city with a gorgeous beach. It wasn’t roasting, but definitely t-shirt and shorts weather – and it beat the 5C back in the UK for sure.”
At this time of year flights can be bagged for just £28 return per person, with budget airlines including easyJet, Ryanair and Vueling all offering direct routes.
If you’re after a city break rather than a beach escape, Valencia’s striking architecture, vibrant atmosphere and exciting food scene make it an excellent choice for some winter warmth.
Dubai is known for its opulent skyscrapers and desert climateCredit: Getty
Travel expert Simon Calder recommends this walkable coastal town where retirees can enjoy average 18C December weather
One of the most beautiful and walkable towns in the Algarve is Portimao(Image: Getty)
Travel expert Simon Calder has championed an winter sun destination that is affordable and walkable. He has praised the Algarve in Portugal as an excellent getaway from the cold and wet UK.
The Algarve offers brilliant value for money with average daily highs of 18°C in December, though TUI notes that “during the day temperatures can reach up to 20°C in some areas”. This stunning coastal region boasts charming and easily navigable towns, making it a superb choice for pensioners wanting a peaceful winter break.
Those looking to discover the magnificent Algarve away from the crowds should visit in December, when even the busiest towns remain calm compared to the hectic summer months.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast previously, Simon highlighted Portugal as one of Europe’s top winter destinations, saying: “In Western Europe, it has to be Portugal – obviously a very popular package holiday destination.”
A holidaymaker praised it on Reddit, they said: “Highly recommend Portimao, somewhere between the central city and Praia da Rocha area.
“The city of Portimao itself has tons of restaurants, cafes and a walkable riverside area. Then the Praia da Rocha area has the beautiful beaches and more touristy areas.”
Travel specialist Alice Smith described Portimao on her blog Adventuresofalice as a “wonderful” and genuinely “authentic” Portuguese town.
She said: “I loved how authentic it was. It’s simply a typical Portuguese working town.
“While I was there, I didn’t feel too overcrowded by tourists like you often do in other parts of the Algarve.
“The Algarve as a whole, is much busier, of course. One of the best places to visit in Portugal, it’s incredibly popular with travellers around the globe.”
The nearest airport to Portimao is Faro Airport, situated 30 miles away. Direct flights to Faro are available from most UK airports, including London Gatwick and Manchester Airport.
Simon Calder also recommended the town of Cassis, in the south of France, an “absolutely magical” place that’s easy to visit in winter.
Sam Teesdale jetted off to Malta for a winter break, staying at the AX Odycy hotel. He went to check out the island’s reputation at great for catching the winter rays
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Sam was treated to a whole variety of weather
The small island country of Malta, found between Italy and North Africa, has long been regarded as one of the best places to get away for some winter sun.
With affordable flights, a flight time of around three hours, and close ties to Britain, it’s no wonder that it’s ranked number one on easyJet’s top winter getaways for 2025. But, there are, of course, wins and trade-offs with winter holidays.
Yes, the crowds on a winter getaway are a fraction of what they are in the high-season, but then again, so are the temperatures. It’s a mixed bag. Which is why I set off to stay at the all-inclusive AX Odycy hotel, to see whether a winter getaway was worth the hassle and cash.
The weather
With December looming on the horizon, the weather was understandably up and down. There were rainbows, downpours, thunderstorms, sea winds of 50mph and also, some moments of glorious sunshine.
So, while it was most definitely a climatological smorgasbord, Malta was undoubtedly warmer than Blighty. As is always the case with holidays, the final day, which was spent in the airport, saw completely clear skies and a lovely temperature of 20 degrees. Such is life.
Sunbathing
Sunbathing is indeed possible in the late November Malta sun, weather permitting, but whether you’ll see the all-important tan lines appear is a different question. Temperatures reached a cool high of 17 degrees, but, coupled with some fairly relentless winds and sporadic rain bursts, it made for some of the less balmy sun-worshipping experiences I’ve had in my life.
However, it is most definitely warmer and more enjoyable than braving the UK’s measly end-of-November highs of five degrees. So, yes, sunbathing is possible. You will just have to wrap up warm.
Swimming in (unheated) hotel pools
For this, I will have to assign a 1/10 on the enjoyment scale. Although the AX Odycy was blessed to have a lovely heated indoor pool, this was not the case for the numerous rooftop pools. It’s humbling when the brut served at breakfast is warmer than the outdoor pool water. I naively thought that as a hardy Lincolnshire-native, I could firm a quick dip in 15-degree water. So I put my nervous system’s cold shock response to good use, and after some undignified guttural breathing, I decided that swimming was not on the agenda in winter.
Hot tubs
The hot tubs at AX were brilliant, with no notes to report. After a while, it does essentially feel like you’re sitting in a big bowl of human soup, but still, anything is a blessing after the Arctic plunge of the non-heated pools. Opportunities were scarce to have the jacuzzi to yourself, with fellow Brits understandably hogging the coveted warmth of the hot tubs.
Sitting at the ‘beach’
‘Beach’ may be a bit of a misnomer as the beaches near the hotel consisted mainly of jagged limestone. The water was not much warmer than the rooftop pools, so yes, while you can sit at the beach, it most certainly won’t live up to the Euro-summer images you probably had in mind.
Visiting tourist sites
Now, this is an often-overlooked but important factor in winter getaways. I had the distinct sense both in the hotel and out and about that the crowds were a fraction of the size normally seen in high season. My visit to Disney film-set-turned-living-museum, Popeye Village was a similar experience, and I was able to roam unabated by the throngs of tourists one normally encounters on a typical high-season holiday.
Dining
Dining both in and outside of the resort was notably different from a summer holiday. Although I had never visited before, AX Odycy had a quieter atmosphere and dining was similarly subdued.
The hotel was not empty by any stretch, and it still enjoyed a good number of guests, but there were no notable instances of queues and lots of room and time to dine leisurely without the constant barging and overstimulation normally expected at an all-inclusive.
Prices
Finally, the prices. As it was low season and during term time, the prices were incredibly good value. Popeye Village cost just £13 to spend all day there, with minigolf and popcorn included, while AX Odycy’s stunning Junior Suite, complete with private wraparound balcony, came in at £750 per person.
The holiday offered great bang for my buck, so it’s no wonder Malta has become such a popular destination for Brits looking to warm their cockles over the winter months.
Book it
Lastminute.com offers convenient, great-value package deals. Its January Sale starts at the end of December. A six-night stay for two adults in the 4* AX ODYCY in Qawra, Malta from 12 to 18 January costs from £199 per person, with flights from Manchester included.
ORLANDO, Fla. — At the start of this offseason, the Dodgers signaled a willingness to be patient and methodical in building their roster for 2026.
At the start of this week’s MLB Winter Meetings, at least, the team arrives in Orlando having thus far remained true to form.
Compared to their whirlwind offseasons the past two winters, the Dodgers have been conspicuously quiet in the wake of their second consecutive World Series championship. Their only free-agent deal has been the re-signing of veteran infielder Miguel Rojas. Their only trade was a swap of minor-league pitchers with the Seattle Mariners. The biggest news, to this point, was their decision to non-tender reliever Evan Phillips (and they could very well wind up bringing him back).
Behind the scenes, there have been efforts for more, of course. The team came up short in pursuit of free-agent relievers Raisel Iglesias and Devin Williams. They have canvassed the trade market and laid potential groundwork for possible future moves.
But for now, exactly what their winter will hold remains a largely unanswered question.
And, in all likelihood, it could ultimately be dictated by whom they’re willing to part with as they go about re-shaping their roster.
All offseason, the trade market has looked like the Dodgers’ most logical path to upgrading their roster — the place they could most easily shore up their needs in the bullpen and outfield, while still avoiding having to add another long-term contract to their expensive and aging core.
There are targets galore to go after, too, from Brendan Donovan or Lars Nootbaar of the St. Louis Cardinals, to Jarren Duran or Wilyer Abreu of the Boston Red Sox, to potentially even bigger names like Cleveland’s Steven Kwan or Minnesota’s Byron Buxton (though the latter is reportedly unlikely to be dealt this offseason).
Oh, and as long as there remains even a slim chance of two-time Cy Young-winning pitching Tarik Skubal getting traded by the Detroit Tigers, you can bet the Dodgers will be monitoring that situation, too.
For president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and Co., the task will be trying to line up a trade package to pull off on any of those moves.
The Dodgers have plenty of chips to bring to the bargaining table, with ample young pitching depth and a minor-league farm system considered perhaps best in the sport. But balancing it all while finding value is still a challenge. Which is why, as trade rumors fly, don’t be surprised to see a potentially wide range of familiar names bandied about in such speculation.
The team’s most obvious trade bait, of course, remains their collection of young talent. They have a crop of highly-touted outfielder prospects they could potentially deal from, including Josue De Paula, Zyhir Hope, Eduardo Quintero and several others. They have a former top prospect in Dalton Rushing, who struggled through his rookie year but still possesses promising raw tools.
Most of all, they have plenty of young pitchers who could also help fetch a nice return, from ascendant minor-league prospect Jackson Ferris, to returning 2024 breakout rookies River Ryan and Gavin Stone, to potentially even more established big-league names like Justin Wrobleski (a natural starting pitcher who was stuck in more of a swingman role in the bullpen last year) and Emmet Sheehan (who is about at the same stage of his career that former top Dodgers prospect Ryan Pepiot was when he was dealt two winters ago).
The Dodgers, however, are still prioritizing the future. They want to go for a historic three-peat next season. But they also know, at some point in the coming years, they will need to cycle in a new generation of talent to maintain their championship window.
Thus, any young player traded now will come with a potential future cost.
Which could help explain why, in recent weeks, young players have not been the only ones caught up in trade rumors around the team.
Last month, ESPN cited one anonymous MLB executive who described Tyler Glasnow as a potential “sleeper name” on this year’s trade market. Last week, The Athletic reported that Teoscar Hernández’s name has come up in trade discussions, too.
Granted, the odds of either getting dealt appear low. And for now, they figure to remain key cogs in next year’s pursuit of another World Series title.
At the same time, however, they are also veterans approaching their mid-30s, with significant salaries due over the next several seasons. And if the Dodgers were to find deals to move them — either as a way to shore up other spots of the roster, or to offload money for a potential free-agent signing — it’s far from unfeasible that the club could pull the trigger.
After all, for a front office that is conscious of its roster’s advancing age, and trying to juggle both short- and long-term goals, such considerations reflect the wide net the Dodgers are believed to be casting this offseason; the kind of deliberate, exploratory mode they’ve been in while evaluating potential paths through this winter.
Perhaps this week, the team’s most serious pursuits will become clearer, as they meet with rival clubs during the league’s annual Winter Meetings at the Signia by Hilton here in Orlando.
But to this point, they are seemingly keeping their options open, content to engage in a slower winter pace as they continue to let both the free-agent and trade market develop around them.
