Christmas activities from The QHotels Collection

The festive season is almost upon us, bringing with it all that sparkles, from decorative baubles to candles, crackers, and colourful lights. But as December approaches, it's easy to let the time run away.

So, The QHotels Collection list their top five ways to keep the sparkle alive, bring a little twinkle to your eye and warmth to your heart in the run-up to the holidays...

1. Start a countdown to Christmas
Who says advent calendars are just for the kids? Extend the Christmas fun over the whole of December by finding a special way to countdown to the big day. Why not play a different Christmas song each day on your commute? To really get in the festive spirit why not book a festive activity for every weekend in December? It could be anything from making homemade wrapping paper to heading out to see the panto or enjoying a festive-themed afternoon tea with your mates.

2. Christmas markets and Christmas shopping
Who doesn't love a traditional Christmas market? And there are plenty up and down Great Britain, each with its own unique identity and a special selection of stocking fillers. A wander around the stalls and a tasty bratwurst will soon have you feeling full of festive sparkle. Manchester, Leeds, Oxford, York, Birmingham, there are so many to explore.

3. Quality time with the ones you love
From festive drinks with your colleagues to toast to a well-needed break from work to the traditional annual get-togethers with your extended family, Christmas is the perfect time to reconnect with your nearest and dearest. We travel far and wide to share thoughtful gifts and sumptuous turkey dinners and get some sparkle from the ones we love.

4. Festive feasts
What would Christmas be without sugar and spice? Christmas cake, sugar canes, mince pies, mulled wine, hot cocoa, and more – every mouthful makes you sparkle! We bet you're looking forward to sampling sweet festive treats at the Christmas table, not to mention savoury favourites like roast turkey, potatoes, peas, and honey-glazed gammon with gravy.

5. Old and new Christmas traditions
Hanging stockings, making a gingerbread house, decorating the tree, putting out milk and cookies for Santa, and opening presents by the fireplace might all be current Christmas traditions that you do each year. And these are so precious, so keep them up! But if you want to get creative with your family this season, try adding a few new traditions to your itinerary, like festive scrapbooking and cracker making. You might find the extra activities make you extra sparkly on Christmas Day.

What better way than to use this inspiration to plan your festivities large and small at one of the 21 resorts within The QHotels Collection? The QHotels Collection manage some of the UK's best-kept hidden gems Their spa resorts include historic hideaways, Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort, nestled deep in the serene North East landscape. The wonderful Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa, set on eight acres of stunning grounds in the peaceful Cheshire countryside. The Telford Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort allows guests to experience the charms of scenic Shropshire while visiting their award-winning spa. Also in the collection Norton Park Hotel, Spa & Manor House, set in a blissful parkland just outside historic Winchester, Stratford Manor Hotel & Spa, superbly placed for taking in world-famous local attractions like Shakespeare's Birthplace and Warwick Castle, and Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort set within the rolling Yorkshire countryside.

With an array of places to stay, make it the perfect end to the year with The QHotels Collection. Explore resorts and hotels at www.qhotels.co.uk/hotels

Fancy winning a one-night break for two? The QHotels Collection is offering you the chance to WIN just that! Simply share a photo on Facebook or Instagram of you enjoying some seasonal merriment at one of the hotels using #ShareYourSparkle and you'll automatically be entered into their prize draw. Full details and terms can be found at https://www.qhotels.co.uk/shareyoursparkle-to-win-a-stay/