December holidays: The best destinations at home and abroad

The fairytale looks of the Czech capital are the backdrop for two of Europe’s best Christmas markets, in the Old Town and Wenceslas Squares. Shop for traditional handicrafts, including wooden and glass ornaments – even a complete nativity set if there's room in your suitcase. Other highlights include the 14th century Charles Bridge and the hilltop Castle. Find great value city breaks to Prague with Lastminute. BOOK NOW

Padstow Christmas Festival (December 5-8) is an annual celebration of food, drink and all things Christmassy. Festivities in the Cornish town include a Christmas market, demos by chefs (Rick Stein, Paul Ainsworth, Nathan Outlaw et al), a lantern parade, fun run, fireworks, live music and food stalls. Stay at The Linhay (sleeps four), an attractive cosy cottage. BOOK NOW

Christmas in the Azores is a religious affair, with beautiful nativity scenes in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel, classic choir concerts and celebrations throughout many towns and villages across the archipelago. The mild weather (average 15°C) means it’s also a great time for activities such as cycling, bird watching or dunks in the warm thermal pool of Terra Nostra Park in Furnas. Check out Holiday Lettings for rentals in the Azores. BOOK NOW

Looking for some early-season ski? Head to Lech, located in the Arlberg region, a resort made famous by the rich and the royals, including Princes Diana and both the Dutch and Jordanian royal families. It still retains villagey charms and hosts a Christmas market. Stay at the Kristiania with arty décor and views of the surrounding mountains. BOOK NOW

Located on the edge of the largest natural coral reef in the Caribbean, the Mandarin Oriental is launching a new hawksbill turtle conservation initiative this year in partnership with Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, including their release back into the sea from Godahl Beach. BOOK NOW

Brimming with tradition and oozing with culture, Vienna is perfect for a winter break to hear classical music, see countless master works of art, feast on traditional recipes, be overwhelmed by so much grandiose, pompous imperial architecture and, in December, enjoy its magical, sprawling Christmas markets enhanced by lots of gingerbread and glühwein. Titan Travel offers a Viennese Christmas tour, taking in the best of the festive season. BOOK NOW