Everybody loves getting into the festive groove as soon as December rolls around, with preparations beginning to build for the big day. But what if you fancy something different this year, where else is fun to spend the holidays? Here are 10 great locations!

London

If you have seen Love Actually or Bridget Jones’ Diary, you will know how picturesque a wintery London is. The streets are awash with decorations as carol singers and brass bands play some of the finest yuletide tunes – the epitome of a classic English Christmas.

Gavle

The Swedish town of Gavle may not be overly well known, but it is a fun place to take in the Christmas atmosphere. The town create a huge straw goat and parade it around the streets to welcome the festivities!

New York

When the holidays come round, New York becomes a hotspot for tourists doing their Christmas shopping, as the stores go all out to impress with window displays and decorations. Central Park also gets into the spirit by adding an ice rink to its grounds, as seen in the Home Alone 2 film.

The Philippines

With celebrations that last over 3 months, the Filipinos really know how to welcome the Christmas holidays. The main event doesn’t take place until 16th December, where locals attend nine nights of masses in the build up to Christmas, known as Simbang Gabi

Lapland

Renowned for its family friendly festivities, Lapland is the most Christmassy place you could ever wish to visit. With sledging on the slopes, rides with Rudolph and his reindeer buddies and getting to meet Old Saint Nick himself, Lapland is the perfect place to take your kids this winter.

Las Vegas

The Entertainment Capital of the World goes all out during the holidays, pull out all the stops to spread the festive cheer. The entire Vegas Strip becomes awash with lights and decorations and even the casinos take part! So grab your phone and learn a few of the games from i-Phonecasino.co.uk to become familiar with the games. The Bellagio turns its Botanic Gardens into a winter wonderland and the Venetian Hotel and Casino erects a 65 foot tree to create some festive competition for the King of the Yuletide Gambling Halls

Nuremberg

Nuremberg’s major Christmas event is its famed markets (or the Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt as it is locally known). Many traditional German markets are turning overly commercial but, Nuremberg stays true to its roots with authentic craft stalls, delicacies and even has a naivety scene with real farm animals!

Sydney

Rather than freezing your proverbial off in colder climates, get yourself to Sydney where Summer begins in December! Locals celebrate the big day by taking their families down to the beach, having a surf and enjoying a barbequed festive feast.

Prague

Purely for its architectural backdrop to the winter weather, Prague offers the most picturesque of Christmas breaks. Much like Nuremberg, the city is famed for its fantastic markets in the Old Town, with wooden huts dotted around selling seasonal products.

At Home

You can’t beat at spending the holidays at home with your nearest and dearest, so you don’t have to go to climates afar to have celebrate!