The best last-minute Christmas holiday deals for 2017

Leave the overdone veg and family squabbles at home and jet off to these more exotic locations

(Getty)

If the idea of sitting around a dinner table in awkward silence because Aunty Sue made a pointed comment about the meat being “a bit dry” instantly gives you terror burps, there is an answer: the Christmas exodus. There’s still time to get the hell out of dodge this festive season, with last-minute holidays on offer and even some seasonal deals to be found. Here are some of the best.

Explore Christmas markets in Berlin

Germany knows how to do Christmas charm, with gluhwein and lebkuchen in abundance. Combine this with Berlin’s plethora of Christmas markets, and there’s no better place to get in the spirit without having to play a single game of charades. British Airways (britishairways.com) is offering great-value packages to the German capital – three nights at boutique hotel Indigo Berlin, which is a 10-minute walk from Alexanderplatz Square, plus return flights from London Heathrow including checked luggage, costs £189pp. Based on two adults sharing, room only, on trips departing 24 December.

Enjoy all-inclusive in Turkey

If you fancy trading a white Christmas for a hot one, Turkey is averaging a pleasant 18 degrees over the next seven days. Thomas Cook (thomascook.com) has a range of week-long, all-inclusive packages to resorts in Antalya on Turkey’s south coast. A seven-night stay at Sunprime C Lounge Hotel costs £765pp, all-inclusive, including return flights from Manchester and transfers for trips departing 26 December. The hotel has a pool, gym and spa and is a stone’s throw from the beach.

Get a tan in Egypt

With temperature highs of 28 degrees forecast next week, Marsa Alam on Egypt’s east coast is a strong choice for holing up over the Christmas holiday. First Choice (tui.co.uk) is offering 14 nights at Resta Reef Resort, all-inclusive, for £701pp (saving £312pp) including return flights from London Gatwick and transfers for trips departing 27 December. The hotel has a beachfront location and a pool with a swim-up bar.

Go traditional in Scotland

Head for the highlands and let someone else do the Christmas cooking with a hotel stay in Perthshire. Superbreak (superbreak.com) has put together special three-night packages to Macdonald Loch Rannoch Hotel and Resort departing 24 December, which include mulled wine on arrival, Christmas “feast” dinner and Champagne brunch, plus live entertainment; £265pp, full-board. The hotel is a former shooting lodge overlooking Loch Rannoch, and local attractions include Blair Castle, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, the Edradour whisky distillery and Castle Menzies.

Escape to St Anton this Christmas holiday (Josef Mallaun)

Party in Las Vegas

There’s nowhere quite like Las Vegas for escapism, and a trip there this festive season can combine with an off-the-charts New Year’s Eve celebration. Virgin Holidays (virginholidays.co.uk) is offering nine nights at the Bellagio (home to the famous fountains) for £1,622pp, room only, including return flights from London Heathrow departing 26 December. The hotel features five fine-dining restaurants, a spa, boutique shopping parade and pool complex.

Ski in St Anton

The Alps have received a generous dump of snow in December for the first time in years, so make the most of it with a last-minute ski trip. Alpine Elements (alpineelements.co.uk) has a seven-night package to the world-class resort of St Anton in Austria for £1,130pp, chalet-board, including return flights from London Gatwick and transfers, for trips departing 27 December. Chalet Rathia is a 20-bed ensuite chalet with a sauna, and is located near the Nassereinbahn gondola.