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

Hotel Plaza Athenee, ParisAdd a touch of magic to your family's Christmas celebrations with festive ice-skating at La Cour du Jardin at Hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris. As your child perfects her pirouettes, you can sit back and relax with patisseries

was constructed using over 2000 individual pieces baked by the hotel pastry team. Prices from £486 for a double room. For details, visit www.thedorchester.comRead more...Enjoy an ice-skating session in the French capitalSeek out winter sun in Dubai

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 the iconic Claridge's in Mayfair is just that, making every member of your clan feel

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

Located on a sandy beach overlooking secluded lagoons and a river, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino at Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic has three children’s swimming pools with slides, a children’s club, arcade centre and playground. Family Level