Can you see it on the horizon? All bustling streets, bright lights and office parties. Yes, Christmas is coming. And with it, a tidal wave of stress, incendiary relatives and fiery hangovers. But this year, there’s no need to enter the festive season on the back foot (however well-shod). Instead, why not roll that odd day or two of remaining holiday allowance into a restorative long weekend away? The right break now will ensure you march into Yuletide rested and refreshed. Read on for our expert tips on where best to use up for your final days of annual leave.

Once the winter destination of choice for the kings and queens of Europe, this pretty hilltop town remains a summer favourite of the elite, usually quietening down after October. Usually, that is, until now. This year, Taormina’s foremost property – the spectacular Grand Hotel Timeo – is staying open into the new year for the very first time. With cheap flights from London into two nearby airports (Catania and Palermo), decent weather and one of the finest food scenes in Italy to explore, this is a Sicilian offer you can’t refuse.

Copenhagen might be a known quantity – from one of the world’s longest shopping streets to its oldest amusement park, but the city often compared to a “modern fairy tale” has more things to offer of late. Driven by a hygge-fuelled hotel boom (check out new additions Scandic Kødbyen and Herman K for starters), and building on its growing status as the culinary capital of Northern Europe (step forward the rebooted Noma 2.0 and latest must-visit Sanchez), Copenhagen is now an entirely different prospect to the city of a few years ago. The good news is that it remains a short flight from London (around two hours), with ridiculously cheap deals available via Ryanair, easyJet and Norwegian.

A place nicknamed “Music City” has a reputation to uphold, and Nashville certainly delivers. Crammed with rooftop bars, hip hangouts and honky-tonks, it’s also currently seeing a surge in both boutique hotels and new restaurants (there have been more than 100 openings in the last two years). Add new direct flights from London, courtesy of British Airways, and you’ve got an outstanding contender for a long weekend Stateside.

If you’re angling for a more romantic getaway, where better than the setting of Romeo And Juliet? Sandwiched between heavyweights Venice and Milan, Verona might be overshadowed in some respects, but it still remains one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Thanks to Wizz Air, it’s now connected to London via direct flights, from the frankly ridiculous price of £17.99. Shakespeare buffs and foodies alike will love the city, characterised by Renaissance architecture, lively piazzas and delicious local wines. Plus, if you’ve got an extra day or two to burn, you’re just a 30-minute train ride from Lake Garda.

With Marrakech a little over three hours’ flight from London, you could set off in the morning and be sunning yourself on an entirely different continent by lunchtime. Head to Amanjena, the best hotel in the city (and the place chosen by Mr David Beckham for his 40th birthday party), for some restorative North African rays, a good 20 minutes from the colour and hubbub of the medina’s infamous souks. When you’re ready to head into town and fill up on kaleidoscopic Christmas gifts, the hotel will provide a chauffeur. Just don’t miss happy hour at Grand Café de La Poste and dinner at La Villa des Orangers while you’re there.