Are you sick of the same Christmas songs being played every December? Do you dread the mad shopping rush on Christmas Eve? If you want to escape the festive craziness this year, what’s stopping you breaking with convention and spending the merry season somewhere distinctly un-Christmassy? We’ve come up with some destination ideas to give you a quirky Christmas to remember.

At a casino in Las Vegas

Fed up with tinsel and turkey? Then head to the City of Sin for a Christmas like no other. Vegas is a notorious adult’s playground and what better place to escape the carol singers than in a swanky, dimly lit casino, cocktail in hand. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a hotel, but for the ultimate in Las Vegas pomp, we say stay at the unparalleled Bellagio Hotel and Casino on the central Strip. Just don’t gamble all your Christmas money away!

On a beach in Australia

If you’re more concerned about escaping the British drizzle, head down under for a true Aussie Christmas on the beach. The East Coast is inundated with beautiful bays and beaches – Bondi Beach is a particularly ‘awesome’ place to soak up the sunny atmosphere thanks to the 40,000 international visitors that migrate from Sydney every year. But forget the turkey - it’ll be shrimps on the barby for Christmas lunch.

Getting extreme in New Zealand

New Zealand is famous for its dramatic landscapes which make the perfect backdrop for extreme activities such as sky diving and bungy jumping. If you’d rather spend Chrismas dangling from a cliff than rooted to the sofa watching the Queen’s speech, head to Kauri Cliffs on the North Island where you can get your adrenaline fix in some of the most breathtaking landscapes you’re ever likely to experience.

Volunteer in Nepal

If you’re sick of the commercial excess of the festive season, why not consider entering into the true spirit of Christmas and volunteering abroad this year? Nepal is not only a beautiful country to explore, but with more than 40% of the population living below the basic poverty line, you can really give something back too. Volunteers are placed at project locations where they can work with children at care homes and orphanages, ensuring it will be an eye-opening Christmas experience.

Shop til you drop in Dubai

Dubai is a shopper’s paradise so if you want to spend all your Christmas money early this year, this is the place to do it. Dubbed ‘the shopping capital of the Middle East’, Dubai is inundated with opulent shopping malls and markets, so whether it’s designer clobber or more unique ethnic items you’re after, you will not be disappointed. And don’t forget its tax free, so no excuses to not bring back some Christmas gifts for the family!

For further reading, check out these online travel guides.