Snowflake patterned pyjamas. Thick woolen socks. Mugs of hot chocolate. There’s a lot to be said for traditional Christmas comforts. But if you’ve managed to stay off the naughty list this year, why not add a pinch of the exotic to your celebrations and spend the festive season somewhere special. Here are some ideas for your yuletide wanderings if you want to try something new.

Dubai  – United Arab Emirates

For a celebration to rival the rest, stave off the winter blues in iconic Dubai style. Despite the blue skies and sunshine, you can still dream of a white Christmas. Of white sandy beaches that is! After a day on the beach, flow through this metropolitan landscape on a stream of activity that will lead you from thrilling experience to thrilling experience. Cool down with a visit to Ski Dubai, a winter wonderland in the heart of the desert. Fuel your festive fire along the Dubai Marina where high-class restaurants rub shoulders with authentic street food stalls, or get your toes tapping at a family-friendly pantomime in QE2. And if you want to extend your stay... with opulent firework displays, top notch food choices and an amazing clubbing scene, there are options to satisfy every resolution in Dubai this New Year’s.

Where to stay: Give yourself the gift of glam this year. At Avani Deira Dubai Hotel, your dream holiday will be served up on a platter. Indulge in fine dining at Jigsaw Restaurant, lounge by the rooftop pool or take on the city and all it has to offer.

Maseru – Lesotho

For an out of this world holiday, Lesotho is the destination to go to. Roll out of bed on Xmas morning to bold views of Maseru and the imposing Lion Rock Mountain. Overflowing with tradition and natural beauty, the ‘Kingdom of the Sky’ is the place to be if you want to take your celebrations to new heights. Dressing to impress is a local custom around this time of year, so get fancy and venture out to feast on Basotho delicacies and locally brewed beer. After dinner, step back in time and ride on horseback through mesmerising landscapes, take a tour through atmospherically decorated streets or pop on your hiking boots and work off the calories trekking through the Sehlabathebe National Park.

Where to stay: Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino have decked their halls this year. Embrace the festive season and relax by the fire with a nightcap or put a local twist on the traditional Xmas dinner in Nala Café.

Lisbon – Portugal

Make a break for the Mediterranean and soak up the festive spirit with some crusty Portuguese bread and soul-warming local wines. While this urban seaside haven definitely won’t be covered in snow, a visit to the tallest Xmas tree in Europe will undoubtedly keep the holiday vibes alive. Smack bang in the centre of a square known by locals as the Terreiro do Paco, the iconic palatial facades make an Instagram-worthy backdrop for the extravagantly decorated tree. Snap some pics, grab a winter-warmer in the city’s oldest café, Martinho da Arcada, and ride up the elevator to view the majesty of Lisbon from the top of the Arco da Rua Augusta. For some last-minute gift shopping, the Rossio Square Christmas Market is just a quick stroll away. Stock up on stocking fillers or discover artisan products and regional wares that will be certain to jingle some bells.

Where to stay: It will fill you with Xmas cheer to hear that Avani Avenida Liberdade Lisbon is situated right in the heart of the action. Cosy up in this urban oasis or use it as a base for festive adventures; the city of Lisbon is right at your fingertips.

Bangkok – Thailand

With glitz, glamour and a whole lot of energy, Bangkok is the dream destination for your end-of-year blowout. You’ve wrapped your presents. Written to Santa Claus. Now it’s time to round up the fam for a visit to one of Bangkok’s top foodie stops. Indulge in delectable dining in upscale Sathorn, treat yourself to a traditional (Thai) meal in Khlong Toei or go all out with a spectacular festive feast in one of Sukhumvit’s classy hotels or hopping Irish bars. After dinner, kick off the evening in style and put sipping a Mai Tai high above the skyline at the top of your list. If your eyesight is good, you might even be able to spot CentralWorld Plaza’s gigantic Christmas tree from your 50th storey perch.

Where to stay: Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel offers a stay so snug you might not want to leave. The lure of skyline views from your room, a poolside bar and fabulous cuisine is hard to resist. And don’t worry, what happens under the mistletoe stays under the mistletoe.

Siem Reap – Cambodia

Gather your nearest and dearest and head to the cultural wonderland that is Siem Reap. With a majority Buddhist population and a Khmer past, this destination may not seem like the instinctive choice for the holiday season, but the myriad of fun things to do in this temple hub will make it one to remember. After the inevitable day of temple hopping (because Angkor Wat has been dubbed the eighth wonder of the world for good reason), hit up one of the bustling night markets for a well deserved street food snack. Some say there’s no beating a traditional Xmas feast, but we’ll bet that they haven’t tried the Khmer sausage, Twa Ko. Or you can check out our Avani insider tips for more things to see and do in Siem Reap.

Where to stay: Base yourself at one of the most illustrious hotels in Siem Reap. FCC Angkor by Avani is one of our favourite merry destinations. Start Xmas off on the right foot with scrumptious food, seasonal beverages and local crafts at their very own Christmas market.