Christmas breaks

Underwater wonderland

Whether you dive, snorkel or just snooze in the sun, a holiday in Sharm el Sheikh is a great way to escape the cold weather at home.

This Red Sea resort is known for its dazzlingly white beaches, the rich blue of the sea and the amazing marine life beneath the waves. Book a diving or snorkelling course to appreciate the underwater scenery.

Your holiday: A seven-night festive break at the three-star Ocean Club with Explorers starts at £531 per person (twin share) for departures on 23 December. This includes return flights from Gatwick, transfers and breakfast. Call 0845 094 3367 or visit www.explorers.co.uk

Let it snow

Stay in a chic chalet in the Alps and you can spend all day working up an appetite on the slopes while someone else worries about the cooking.

And what great cooking it is; canapes and Kir Royale by the fire on Christmas Eve, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on Christmas morning and the full turkey extravaganza that evening.

Your holiday: Seven nights at Chalet Brenettes in Meribel with Snowline, departing 23 December, costs from £799 per person, based on eight sharing. This includes return BA flights from Gatwick, transfers and accommodation on a catered basis. Call 0844 557 3118 or visit www.snowline.co.uk

Party on down

Night owls love Barcelona for its bars, clubs and late-night eateries, so it's the perfect place for a lively Christmas with friends.

You can even do your last-minute shopping at the festive market next to the famous Sagrada Cathedral which runs until Christmas Eve. If you're keen on seeing the sights, most of them are open on Boxing Day.

Your holiday: Three nights at the three-star Sant Agusti Hotel with Cities Direct, departing 24 December, costs from £239 (twin share). This includes return flights from Manchester and breakfast; call for prices from other airports. Call on 01242 536900 or visit www.citiesdirect.co.uk

Dune roaming

Enjoy a break from the norm with a family trip to the sands of the Moroccan Sahara. Instead of watching TV, you could be riding camels, haggling in bustling souks and sleeping in the desert under the stars.

You'll also discover some of the customs of the local Tuaregs, including baking bread in the sand.

Your holiday: An eight-day Sahara Dune Adventure with Families Worldwide, departing 22 December, costs £849 (£729 for children 5-11yrs) plus a local payment of £100 per person. This includes return flights from London, transfers, all transport on tour, accommodation in hotels, tented auberge and desert camps with most meals, experienced guides, camels and mules. Call 0845 051 4567 or visit www.familiesworldwide.co.uk