Christmas holiday ideas

Take a reindeer tour in Lapland, home of Santa Clause

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For family fun: Lapland, Finland

Visit the birthplace of Santa Claus in Lapland’s capital city, Rovaniemi. Thousands of children bring wish lists to the jolly man himself in 'Santa Clause City'. Situated at the tip of the Article Circle, Finnish Lapland is a place for the young at heart and parents can enjoy many activities such as a reindeer or husky safari, snowmobiling or ice fishing. Alternatively, enjoy the thrill of a sled ride, warm up with some hot chocolate in a classic log cabin or book an Arctic tour. If you can’t decide where to start, there are a number of package deals that include a visit to Santa land. Don’t forget - Lapland is also one of the best places to witness the breathtaking Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).

For thrill-seekers: Mont Tremblant, Quebec

Mt. Tremblant balances luxury and the rugged outdoors
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For those who’d rather hit the slopes than dive into turkey dinner, Mont Tremblant balances luxury and the rugged outdoors as one of Canada’s most highly rated ski resorts. The resort offers a wide range of activities such as cross-country skiing, ice climbing, dog sledding and snowshoe hiking. With 95 runs and almost 3 sq km (1 sq mile) of skiable terrain, there are guaranteed slopes for all levels. If you want to take a break from the slopes, head to Montreal. It’s only an hour’s drive away and is the perfect place for a special meal or some shopping.

For a total escape: Luang Prabang, Laos

Explore sites beyond the city such as the famous Buddah caves
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For a tropical holiday with no signs of Santa to be found, head to one of southeast Asia’s fastest growing tourist destinations. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Luang Prabang in Laos is best known for its many temples and daily alms ceremony, in which monks gather to collect food from the locals. The bustling night market sells great handicrafts; it’s a good place to work on your bargaining skills. A guided tour is the best way to explore sites beyond the city such as the famous Buddah caves and the Kaung Si waterfalls.

For romance: New York City

No romantic New York holiday is complete without a horse-drawn carriage ride
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The holiday festivities are always over the top in the city that never sleeps. Take a romantic stroll by the Rockefeller Christmas tree and the glittering Christmas displays on 5th Avenue. Stop into the classic diner Serendipity for some 'frrrozen hot chocolate', a drink made popular by Marilyn Monroe and Jackie-O. Skate (or stumble) into your partner’s arms with a trip to the Central Park ice-skating rink, or find your sea legs with a boat tour along the Hudson River. Rather than battling the crowds in Times Square during the New Year’s Ball Drop ceremony, celebrate with fireworks in Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza. And no romantic New York holiday is complete without a horse-drawn carriage ride and a bottle of champagne to toast the New Year.

For a classic escape: Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen's Trivoli Christmas market is one of the best in Europe
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Copenhagen offers plenty of genuine festive cheer. If you feel like shopping, the Trivoli Christmas market is one of the best in Europe, but this dynamic city has tons to offer once the markets close after Christmas. Take advantage of Copenhagen’s free outdoor ice rinks, and then thaw out with a visit to one of its famous tea rooms like A.C. Perch or Tante T. Not to be missed is a canal ride in Christianshavn, formerly a working-class district, now a trendy and enchanting borough. For a memorable New Year’s Eve celebration, visit Amalienborg, the monarch’s winter residence, where you can watch the ceremonial changing of the royal guards in the courtyard.

For ultimate relaxation: Mauritius

Celebrate religious diversity and escape the cold in Mauritius
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Shed your winter woollies and head to tropical Mauritius, where December is the hottest month of the year. Home to Hindus, Muslims, Creoles, and Catholics, the island’s rich cultural mix means Christmas is celebrated in diverse, colourful ways. A visit to Grand Bay will illuminate these traditions, but for a break from the crowds, head to Labourdonnias Orchards and hike amongst exotic foliage. Alternatively, soak up the sun at beautiful Pereybere Beach. Or for a less touristy experience, La Cambuse Beach offers untainted sand and sparkling waters. The town of Curepipe has a more of an English market feel and is the best place to pick up souvenirs and gifts.