Amazing Grace in Utah

Nothing expresses the age old traditions of the festive period quite like 45,000 lights and 176 channels of computer control, accompanied by a techno version of Amazing Grace.

Ice and Snow in Harbin, China

Stung by Siberian winds and average winter temperatures of -17C, Harbin makes the most of its frigid location with a spectacular annual ice and snow festival.

Winter in Norway

Golden sunlight casting sepia light on handsome Norwegians ice skating on a frozen lake, accompanied by twinkly piano music. Stavanger and Jæren might just be the most wholesome Christmas destinations of them all.

Ghouls in Austria

The Krampus, on the other hand, is a distinctly unwholesome creature. Hordes of Krampuses (Krampi?) terrorise the inhabitants of Alpine regions across Europe during the festive period. The lore goes thusly: if you've been good, Santa will pay you a visit. If you haven't: this lot will turn up instead.

Naked swimming in Berlin

God bless them Germans and their loveable eccentricities. Each Christmas, on the outskirts of Berlin, a group of enthusiastic naturists down a couple of mugs of glühwein, strip off, and jump around in a freezing lake. Good luck to them.