There’s a certain romance about the idea of building your own icy igloo and snuggling down for the night. However, if that sounds like a bit too much like hard work, why not book into the Ice Hotel in Swedish Lapland? Chiselled out of ice

of unusual vehicles – from rickshaws and bikes to sleeper trains. The Harbin Ice Festival on New Year’s Eve also features spectacular ice sculptures. Parents will love... The cultural feast where you’ll witness the delights of ancient dynasties, such as the 9

London takes on a magical air of sparkle at Christmas time, from the twinkling lights of Trafalgar Square to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. Dukes hotel in London’s Mayfair has a Christmas Family Sparkle package, which is ideal for taking in London

in Copenhagen, Denmark, has a lovely market and a quirky village of mechanical elves. Stay at the D’Angleterre from £322 per night (www.dangleterre.com). Finally, Cologne in Germany has a number of markets, as well as nativity scenes, concerts and an ice rink

According to a survey of families who had embarked on one of Explore’s Family Adventures tours, children’s favourite places to stay were in a tipi at Bryce Canyon in the United States, and The Ice Hotel in Sweden. The exciting experiences

Family-friendly fun combines with luxury at The Elms Hotel & Spa in Worcestershire. Set within ten acres of beautiful gardens overlooking the Teme Valley, this Queen Ann mansion aims to make travelling with children just as relaxing as a romantic

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that one of the world’s finest and most historic hotels is an adults-only affair. Far from it: the Family Heaven package at this iconic Mayfair hotel is just that, making every member of your clan feel suitable

166 4971; www.crystalholidays.co.ukGet your skates on The courtyard of the Hotel Plaza Athénée in Paris will be transformed into an ice rink in December. Check out www.plaza-athenee-paris.comSearch for SantaTake a seasonal day trip to Finnish Lapland

The five-star, all-suite hotel, Porto Sani Village & Spa, has a Baby Food Package, including fruit juices, baby ice creams and cookies. Baby bath tubs and sterilisers are available on request. The neighbouring Asterias Suites have a Baby Room

Mario Musoni is the two Michelin–starred head chef at super–luxe five star hotel complex Borgo Egnazia in Puglia (pictured).Here, he shares two of his favourite authentic Italian recipes:Hand-made OrecchietteIngredients1kg durum wheat semolina300g