Escape from Christmas and get some peace

Christmas isn’t for everyone. That’s quite literally the case for two-thirds of the world’s population, for whom the celebration of rampant consumerism – bah, humbug! – sorry, the festive period, passes unremarked. Globally, there are at least 30 countries where 25 December is a date just like any other.

That might sound like bliss to the many of us who want to escape the pressure to deck the halls with expensive tat, see relatives you don’t get on with, or receive gifts you don’t want. Whatever your reason for not being on board with the enforced jollity of the ho-ho-holidays, you can jump onto a plane to find the tranquillity or adventure you need.

Christmas Island

There’s an old joke about the newly built Eiffel Tower that goes: Parisians who found it an eyesore would spend time in it so they didn’t have to look at it on the skyline. In the same way, heading to Christmas Island during Christmas might be the best way to avoid the Christmas festivities. Once there, embrace the natural beauty of the remote Australian territory, which is close to Indonesia and can be reached from both Perth and Jakarta. Its unspoilt vistas range from rainforest to wetland, while its famously jaw-dropping red crab migration has been known to happen as late as December.

Harbin, Chinese Mainland

Sleigh bells ring if you’re listening, and the snow is also glistening, but the winter wonderland of China’s northernmost province is far from Christmassy. Heilongjiang’s weather can be frostier than a dreaded dinner with the in-laws, making it ideal for the annual Harbin Ice and Snow World, which opens around mid-December. Beyond the ice sculptures, other wintry treats include dog and horse sledding, indoor skiing and tobogganing, while the city’s fascinating history means it also has plenty of Russian-inspired architecture. Check that out at the museum in the former Saint Sophia Cathedral.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

While you can celebrate Christmas in Saudi Arabia, you can also easily ignore it entirely. Embrace the myriad museums and galleries showcasing traditional Arab art or explore the remarkable landscapes around Riyadh, such as by climbing the rocky hills of Wadi Namar, scrambling around Hidden Canyon or stargazing at the End of the World. Maybe lounging by the pool, playing golf or hitting the spa is more your speed? The choice really is yours – even if you want to ride a rollercoaster, watch falcon racing or attend a camel auction.

Sri Lanka

Marking the end of the monsoon season, December is an ideal time to enjoy Sri Lanka’s outstanding natural beauty and diverse culture. From jeep safaris to hiking to Hindu and Buddhist temples, there’s something for every adventurer. You could even combine them with a climb to see the sunrise atop Adam’s Peak, a holy site in many faiths. Or you could do absolutely nothing on the idyllic sandy beaches in the south, or go whale-watching off the coast or clubbing in Colombo or Kandy.

Nepal

The top of the world seems a good place to act out the Grinch looking down on Whoville or just enjoy a breath of truly fresh air away from the worries of home. If you don’t fancy trekking and monastery-hopping, there’s plenty of sightseeing to keep you entertained and a bustling nightlife scene in Kathmandu, should you still have the energy to let your hair down.

Cambodia

Whether it’s exploring the ruins of ancient temples like the world-famous Angkor Wat and Preah Vihear, cruising the water villages on the Tonlé Sap lake or spotting dolphins in the Mekong, there’s a lot of non-festive fun to be had in Cambodia. Beyond the ancient sites and natural wonders, Phnom Penh offers a window into the country’s recent history, plus bustling night markets and Kun Khmer (Cambodian kickboxing) training camps.

Delhi, India

A trip to Delhi puts you on the doorstep of some of India’s most memorable sights and sites. Admire breathtaking surroundings in the “golden triangle”: Delhi, the pink city of Jaipur, and Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. Or head north to Rishikesh to feed your soul with some much-needed me time in the “yoga capital of the world”, where you can visit the place where The Beatles spent their yoga and meditation days, meet monkeys and even bungee over the Ganges. Wherever you go, you’ll fill your belly as well as your camera reel.