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With short days and the anticipation of Christmas in the air, it can be hard to know what to do with yourself.

No fear though, from visiting reindeers to taking a European break for Christmas market heaven, these experiences will get you in the winter mood

So wrap up warm and get inspired.

Meet the reindeers at Barn Owl Cottage

Forget the North Pole – see reindeer closer to home at a cosy cottage in west Wales. Barn Owl Cottage in Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, sleeps six, has a log-burning fire and is set on the owners’ private reindeer retreat.

You’ll be able to get up close with them as well as meet some of the other animals on site. There are dozens of country walks to do too. Head to Pembrey Country Park, which offers eight miles of golden sand, or the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

From £620 for seven nights.

Lifesized Monopoly

Fancy something a bit more exciting for your office Christmas party? Head to Monopoly Lifesized in London’s Tottenham Court Road, where you get the chance to be a racing car, thimble, Scottie dog or other token of your choice, and move around a, well, life-sized board buying property and hotels to try to beat other teams to a prize.

Afterwards, head to the Top Hat Restaurant & Bar, which is serving a festive menu until January 8. Try the ‘Brie Parking’ Christmas burger with all the trimmings.

Go from £49pp, festive menu from £37.50pp.

Head to Verbier

The chic town of Verbier has just been awarded World’s Best Ski Resort for a second time by the World Ski Awards 2022. This charming Alpine village is perched on a sunny plateau at 4,921ft, and is the gateway to the 4 Valleys ski area, offering more than 70 lifts and 248 miles of pistes for all levels of experience.

It’s also known for the November electro-music festival Polaris and Xtreme Verbier, which gathers the world’s best freeriders every March.

For more information, head to the Verbier website.

Go to a European market

Planning a trip to a European Christmas market? Holiday Pirates has a range of deals that are flight-only or packages with a hotel stay. Treat yourself to a four-star stay in Budapest, flights included, from only £99pp, or get a return flight to Warsaw from only £23. Then you’ll have more money to spend on hand-crafted Christmas decorations.

Holiday home revolution

Smart-banking app Revolut has just added holiday home rental to its list of services, with a cashback element. Revolut Homes is offering thousands of holiday homes around the world, with customers able to get up to four per cent cashback for bookings.

Visit Revolut for more information.

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