Top 5: Quirky Christmas holiday ideas

Check out our quirky Christmas ideas 2010

Max Oppenheim / Digital Vision / Thinkstock

Alternative Christmas idea: Satan's Grotto, London Dungeon

Venture into Satan's Grotto at the London Dungeon
Creative Commons / nikoretro

If you think Christmas is a load of old humbug and are fed up of fake festive cheer, visit London Dungeon which is offering a Satan's Grotto this year. There's not a Santa Claus or grinning elf in sight as visitors are instead greeted by the Prince of Darkness and his devilish henchman and serenaded by a bunch of fiendishly bad carol 'sinners'. Kids also get a chance to win some truly unseasonal gifts, provided they're prepared to confess their naughtiest behaviour. This rather wicked London Christmas grotto runs until 26 December. Closed Christmas Day.

Alternative Christmas idea: Ice skating on the Eiffel Tower, Paris

Ice skate on the Eiffel Tower this Christmas
Creative Commons / trodel wiki

Skate with a view at the Eiffel Tower this winter. The new ice rink is located 57m (187ft) above ground and is lodged between the tower's legs - providing a magical view of Paris. Glide across the ice as the city lights twinkle below before heading to the Altitude 95 bar for mulled wine and Christmas treats. The rink will be open from 15 December until 9 February 2011 and access is free for those already visiting the tower.

Alternative Christmas idea: Tenby's Boxing Day swim, Wales

Join the fun at Tenby's Boxing Day swim
Creative Commons / lhourahane

Celebrating its 40th birthday this year, this Welsh tradition draws more than 600 brave-hearted swimmers, often in fancy dress, who dare to plunge into the icy waters of North Beach every 26 December cheered on by thousands of spectators. This year, the fancy dress theme is appropriately a festive red colour, in tribute to the event's mascot, the Scarlet Swimpernel. The action begins at 1130, come rain, snow or shine, but there'll be a roaring bonfire on the beach to help greet chilled swimmers and spectators.

Alternative Christmas idea: Night of the Radishes, Mexico

Head to Mexico for the Night of the Radishes
Creative Commons / drewleavy

Head to Oaxaca City in Mexico and celebrate the festive season with their annual Night of the Radishes on 23 December. Residents carve the unlikely vegetables into nativity scenes, all vying for first place and their photo in the morning paper. Although not the most traditional of Christmas affairs, a canopy of lights, convivial atmosphere and impressive fireworks display all serve to get visitors in the festive mood.

Alternative Christmas idea: Christmas Beer Festival, Belgium

Head to Belgium for the annual Christmas Beer Festival
www.kerstbierfestival.be

If you want to party, head to Belgium for its annual Kerstbierfestival in Essen on 18 and 19 December. Featuring only seasonal and Christmas beers, this Christmas Beer Festival (just 45 minutes by train from Antwerp) should be on top of any beer aficionado's list. For two days, visitors can taste more than 150 Belgian Christmas and winter beers. Beer-inspired food - such as Christmas beer soup - and hot Gluhkriek (winter beer) will also be available.