While Christmas is usually all about festive parties, glitzy knits and the arrival of snow, this December, why not make it all about sunshine?

So pack away those woolly jumpers and dig your shorts out of hibernation – it’s sunshine time! Here are six amazing destinations you can discover this December.

Lanzarote

Look to Lanzarote this December for a stint in the sunshine! It’s all warm weather and white-sand beaches on this Canary Island. You’ll feel right at home at the resorts strung along the south coast of the island, with jolly Irish pubs and English restaurants serving traditional Christmas dinners really bringing that festive spirit!

When you’re not toasting to a new year and pulling crackers, make the most of Lanzarote’s lovely beaches! Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise and Puerto Del Carmen all have sandy stretches with shops and bars close by.

Fuerteventura

Fly off to Fuerteventura this December! You’ll be welcomed by sun-kissed shores and festivities with a Spanish twist. Thanks to temps in the high teens, you can expect to spend most of your time rotating between the pool and the island’s famous white-sand beaches. Just wait until you see the dreamy stretches in Corralejo and Costa Calma!

And if it’s nightlife you’re here for, you won’t be disappointed! Costa Caleta’s got festive spirit by the bucketload. Head to Main Street for Christmas drinks and dinner, al fresco style – cheers to that!

Antalya Area

Ready to have a good old rest this Christmas? There’s no cooking or running around after others here in the Antalya Area. Oh no, you’ll be waited on hand and foot at one of its swanky all-inclusive hotels. Just lie back and enjoy drinks arriving by your lounger and dinners at various different restaurants in your hotel complex.

Away from your hotel, you’ll find pristine golf courses and gold-sand beaches in Belek. While Side shows off ancient ruins, a lovely harbourside and bustling bazaars.

The Algarve

Fancy balmy days of sunshine and temperatures of around 19˚ C? That’s exactly what you’ll get on a December break to the Algarve. Along with the mild and pleasant temperatures, you can expect fewer crowds, so there’s more opportunities to get out and explore (and it’s generally a lot cheaper too!).

Embrace local traditions, shop at the festive markets, sample local delicacies and explore charming old towns while they’re draped with cheerful decorations. Here for Christmas or New Year? There’s plenty going on!

Gran Canaria

Swap snow banks for the famous Maspalomas Sand Dunes this year! With a December getaway to Gran Canaria, you can feel the sand between your toes and the sun on your skin as you get festive – this is the place to be for your dose of vitamin D in winter.

With average temperatures of 19˚C, you can enjoy everything the island has to offer at this time of year. Whether it’s exploring the dramatic landscapes, enjoying meals by the shore, or simply lazing by the pool, December is a fantastic time to visit the Canary Islands.

Madeira

Get the best of both worlds with a December holiday to Madeira. With average temperatures of around 18˚C, it ticks the boxes when it comes to winter sun.

On top of that, a visit to Funchal offers that magical touch that makes Christmas so special. Throughout the Yuletide season, the city is dressed up in all it’s festive finery. Expect twinkling fairy lights, illuminations and seasonal decorations at every turn.

Celebrate New Year in style too. With a firework display to rival the show over the Thames, this is the place to be to say goodbye to one year, and welcome in the next.

Tenerife

Embrace the Yuletide period from the comfort of your sun lounger this year, when you head to Tenerife. With glorious weather and highs of around 20˚C, you can top up your tan while everyone at home is topping up their winter layers.

Not only can you enjoy the warmth of the sun this Christmas, you can tick off a once-in-a-lifetime experience too. This is the prime time to go dolphin and whale watching in Tenerife! Head out to sea on an expedition to catch a glimpse of these incredible sea dwellers.