If severe weather warnings take the edge off of the festive spirit, a trip to property in Portugal could be the ideal way to restore it.
The entire UK is told by the Met Office to be 'aware' or 'prepared' heading into the weekend, with icy roads and heavy, drifting snow forecasted.
But Emma Gregg writes for the Independent of how a stay in property in Portugal offers a "tempting escape" from the "big freeze" set to hit Britain this week.
In particular, she suggests heading to Funchal, capital of the Portuguese island Madeira.
Flights are available from a variety of UK airports, including Manchester, Gatwick, Bristol, Stansted, Glasgow, Luton, Birmingham and East Midlands.
Ms Gregg writes: "Funchal boasts thrillingly 3D festive illuminations – waterfalls of fairy lights, hosts of angels and giant walk-through baubles – that put London's Christmas bling to shame."
She adds that midnight on New Year's Eve brings with it a firework display on a par with Sydney, Australia, but with fewer tourist crowds.
