Christmas is just around the corner, and if you fancy a well-deserved break to get you into the spirit of the festive season before the parties kick off, we've got some great suggestions of places to visit

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Resort Paris is just a short Eurostar ride away and the minute you step off the train you're transported into the magical winter wonderland of Disney's Fairytale Christmas.

The entire park is lit up with colourful decorations and twinkly lights and there are plenty of special Christmas events to keep kids of all ages entertained.

Mickey's Winter Wonderland Ice-Skating Spectacular is a must-see, while the gorgeous daily Disney's Once Upon a Dream Parade boasts characters dressed in festive outfits as well as Santa on his sleigh.

The all-singing, all-dancing Enchanted Candlebration takes place every evening in front of the beautifully lit Sleeping Beauty Castle, while every hour on the hour it snows on Main Street right in front of one of the biggest Christmas trees you're ever likely to see.

Belle's Christmas village is beautiful, and kids (and adults!) can visit the Santa Claus Village where they'll meet the man himself and also get the chance to send off a letter so Father Christmas in the Santa Claus Post Office.

Once they're back home, they'll get a surprise Christmas postcard from Santa as well as a special link where they can download Christmas goodies.

There are plenty of places to eat, and for adults Disney Village offers a selection of bars, grown-up restaurants and even a nightclub, Hurricanes.

There are several hotels on offer which are literally minutes away from the park, and as kids under seven Stay and Play free until March 7 2009 there's never been a better time to go.

For further information about family holidays to Disneyland Resort Paris call 08448 008 111 or visit www.disneylandparis.com

Visit Santa in Lapland

You're never too old for Santa, and whether you've got kids or not, a visit to Lapland is something everyone should do once in their lives.

Canterbury Travel offers a wide range of accommodation, from fun log cabins to luxurious chalets, as well as the opportunity to go skiing and take in the incredible landscapes.

Kids especially will love getting the opportunity to 'search for Santa', which involves reindeer and husky rides and snowmobiling. Santa's special elves are on hand to help them track Father Christmas down, and once they do they'll get the chance to meet and greet the man himself, and also get a CD and DVD of their amazing experience.

To make sure you don't get too chilly, you'll be provided with some special warm protective clothing, and there's also an adult and children's entertainment programme for the evenings should you decide to stay for more than one night.

For more information on all breaks and special packages see www.santa-vacations.co.uk

Get cosy in Kent

If you want to stay a little closer to home, then why not take a trip to fabulous Leeds Castle in Kent? From December 1 to January 4 it will be given a festive makeover. Each room will be dressed up like scenes from The Nutcracker Suite and dancers will make each room come alive by putting on vignette performances.

Children get the chance to meet Santa on December 6 and 7, and daily from December 13 to 24 in his cottage on the castle's Pavilion Lawn. It's necessary to pre-book by calling 01622 767865 and tickets cost £8 per child, which includes a gift.

Meanwhile, if you're visiting on December 15, 16, 17 and 22, you can also book a timed evening tour around the castle and go on an enchanting walk through the illuminated wood garden between 4pm and 6pm.

Hot chocolate, winter punch and lovely treats for the children will be available afterwards. Evening tours cost £15 for adults and £10 for children and can be booked on 01622 767794.

For more information see www.leeds-castle.com. Leeds castle is open from 10.30am-4pm daily. Entrance is £15 for adults and £9.50 for children. To find hotels and bed and breakfasts nearby see www.kent-accommodation.co.uk.

Have a lovely time in Lille

If you're after some last-minute gifts and fancy losing yourself in around 80 bustling stalls laced with fairy lights, then head to Lille's famous Christmas Market, held on the Place Rihour in the centre of the town.

It's easily accessible thanks to the Eurostar, and it lasts for an entire month so there's plenty of time to stock up on unusual presents, including arts and crafts and local fare.

As well as offering great traditional French food and delicious mulled wine, there is plenty to keep the kids amused thanks to the games and theatre shows. Children can also meet Father Christmas, and have a ride on the Big Wheel. Just remember to take an empty suitcase to transport all of your buys back...

The market is open from 11am - 8pm (9pm on Fridays and Saturdays) with a special late night opening (until 10pm) on the first two Saturdays in December.

A two-night stay costs from £119 per person including travel on the Eurostar. See www.short-breaks.com for this and many more offers.