On Thanksgiving, it might be largely business as usual today outside a U.S. military base’s gate. That is, unless you happen to be in Plymouth, England. At noon, a Thanksgiving celebration on the Mayflower Steps of the West Pier features the naval attaché from the U.S. Embassy in London, who will represent the U.S. president.

Plymouth might be a bit of a drive for most U.S. servicemembers stationed in England, but some could console themselves by visiting the Christmas Fayre in Bury St. Edmunds on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. The fair offers stalls selling goodies and features choirs, carolers and other street entertainment. Live musical performances from jazz to rock will take place on the Greene King stage. Get details at burystedmundschristmasfayre.co.uk.

Those in Germany will find a handful of Christmas markets open Saturday: Aachen, Bonn and Heidelberg already offer holiday cheer. Be aware, however, that they will be shuttered on Totensonntag, the Sunday before Advent, on which celebrants commemorate the dead.

Good food or drink are synonymous with this time of year, and places to seek out these essentials could include Stuttgart’s Eat & Style, running Friday through Sunday at the city’s Messe. It features numerous stands offering gourmet treats from mustard to marzipan and cooking demos (in German). Adult entry costs 12 euros. Read more about what awaits at eat-and-style.de.

Alternately, toast your good fortune with a wee dram at Interwhisky Frankfurt 2012. The event, held at Thurn-Und-Taxis Palais, offers Scottish and Irish food pairings with a musical backdrop. An entry fee of 15 euros includes a nosing glass. Find details at www.interwhisky.com/de/frankfurt/2012/home.html.