If the idea of a traditional Christmas is making you want to leave the country, it’s not too late to book a last-minute Christmas break and find out how the rest of the world celebrates, as Helen Raine demonstrates.
Red Square looks particularly lovely when St Basil’s cathedral is cloaked in snow.White snow in Red Square
Moscow can’t help but look all winter wonderland at Christmas; snow is guaranteed here. January 7 is when Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and Snegurochka (the Snow Maiden) visit but with ice skating, Christmas trees and plentiful shots of vodka available, there’s no shortage of Christmas cheer even in December.
Red Square looks particularly lovely when St Basil’s Cathedral is cloaked in snow.
December 25 is just another day in Russia, but the Scandinavia Restaurant puts on a fabulous buffet for the expats and tourists (www.scandinavia.ru).
You can also experience Midnight Mass at the Moscow Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Air Malta has a return flight to Moscow from December 24 to January 8 for €302 and a night at the Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya will set you back around €89.
The Cold War listening devices that used to be ubiquitous in the hotel are now just part of history but the architecture is a marvel in itself.
For tighter budgets, try the Oasis (www.hostelbookers.com), which costs around €31 a room.
The cottages are just five minutes from the stunning hikes of the Brecon Beacons National Park.Cosy Welsh cottage
If it’s snow you are after, there’s only a 25 per cent chance Wales will be able to provide a white Christmas according to the Netweather forecast.
But the two Cwmshon Cottages have got roaring wood fires, scenic views and a cosy atmosphere to escape from the cold.
You will be welcomed with fresh flowers, a pot of tea and a platter of local cheese; a real Christmas tree is available on request.
The cottages are just five minutes from the stunning hikes of the Brecon Beacons National Park and the coast is close by too if you feel like some (very) bracing sea air.
Borrow the cottage bikes to explore.
A week in the run-up to Christmas costs from €750 for six people and you will be able to self-cater your Christmas dinner, which will save money.
Visit www.cwmshoncottageswales.co.uk.
A festive visit to Milan’s magnificent Duomo cathedral is a must.Merry Milan
Air Malta and Ryanair have regular flights to Milan throughout the Christmas period. Check into the Antica Locanda Leonardo for cherrywood floors and beautiful antique furniture. A double room for two people from December 21 to 26 will cost around €300 per person (www.booking.com).
A visit to the magnificent Duomo cathedral is a must and even if you’re all shopped out pre-Christmas, head to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II just to check out the beautiful interior (and shelter from the cold). The cheery red-tented Christmas market in the adjacent square is a good place to buy snacks too.
Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of The Last Supper is in Milan at the Church of the Santa Maria delle Grazie. Tickets are very limited so book in advance or take a tour with www.darkrome.com (€65); they cover all the main sights and include a visit to the painting.
Food is one of Milan’s main attractions. Enjoy brioches for breakfast at the sublime www.pasticceriamarchesi.it and follow up with lunch at www.gualtieromarchesi.it.
At 6pm, opt for an aperitivo buffet spread; for just €10, you’ll be able to enjoy so many pre-dinner snacks, you won’t actually need any dinner itself.
Almost everything will be shut on Christmas Day itself so book your dinner in advance; La Cadrega on Via Vincenzo Viviani is a good choice; contact them on +39 02 6738 2931. Afterwards, take a walk in the grounds of the Castello Sforzesco and then sleep it all off back at the hotel.
A winter scene in Shanklin, Isle of Wight.Island castaway
Norton Grange Hotel has a commanding position right by the sea on the coast of the Isle of Wight.
Hire one of their bikes and cycle on Christmas morning before they fill you up with turkey.
There’s an indoor pool and jacuzzi as well as tennis, archery and rifle shooting to keep the kids busy.
Four nights full-board in a chalet costs from €453pp (www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk).
Catch the ferry from Lymington or Portsmouth for as little as €5 one-way.
Gatwick and Heathrow airport are about 1.5 hours drive away from Portsmouth.
You can ski, snowshoe and do pretty much everything else associated with the white stuff in Stowe, Vermont.Snow in Stowe
If snow is an absolute must, head to Vermont in New England, the US.
It couldn’t be more picture perfect, with white church spires pointing into a flake-filled sky, locals skating on ponds and holly wreaths gracing wooden front doors.
You can ski, snowshoe and do pretty much everything else associated with the white stuff.
A night at the Golden Eagle Resort costs around €77 or you can upgrade to a mini suite with a fireplace and a jacuzzi tub; visit www.goldeneagleresort.com.
Boston is the nearest major international airport and Lufthansa flights from Malta via Frankfurt over Christmas cost upwards of €1,200.
Getting into the Christmas spirit at the Crieff Hydro.Scottish sojourn
If there’s one thing that will warm a parent’s heart more than a strong glass of mulled wine, it’s the words ‘free childcare’. The Crieff Hydro offers this most tantalising of Christmas presents as part of its festive package. You also get three nights accommodation, ceilidhs (the traditional Scottish dance; after a couple of whiskys, you’ll all be joining in) and over 60 other activities, including roller-skating and, rather oddly, survival skills training (perhaps in case of a major snowfall). There’s also an adults only Victorian Spa (that’s where the childcare comes in).
A family room costs from €1,479 for December 24 to 27, including welcome drinks, full-board and all entertainment. A flight for the same dates costs around €450 through www.skyscanner.com.