Christmas in a swimsuit? That's the pitch from Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, which has unveiled its festive season programme on Tri-Trang Beach, a quieter stretch of sand just next to the buzz of Patong on Phuket's west coast.

The resort is aiming squarely at families with a Santa Village where kids can meet the man himself, plus cookie-decorating sessions and ongoing children's activities running through the holiday period. For parents, that translates into a rare thing: a festive break where the entertainment is handled.

Food is clearly the main event. Beach Grill and Merchant Kitchen, the resort's two main restaurants, will serve special Christmas and New Year buffets featuring international classics, premium roasted meats, fresh seafood, live cooking stations and an array of festive desserts. It's a step up from the usual hotel buffet format, with the live stations giving it more of an event feel than a queue-and-serve affair.

The New Year's Eve finale is the one to plan around: a gala dinner paired with live music and entertainment, a countdown to midnight, and fireworks over the Andaman Sea. Watching the first minutes of the year with your toes effectively in the sand is a solid argument for swapping the winter coats for something lighter.

Who's this for? Families with young children who don't want to sacrifice the Santa experience, couples wanting a festive dinner with a beach backdrop, and groups of friends looking for a countdown with fireworks rather than frostbite. The Tri-Trang location is a smart middle ground — close enough to Patong's restaurants and nightlife for excursions, far enough to feel like a proper escape. Room rates and package pricing weren't announced in the announcement, so it's worth contacting the resort directly or checking Marriott's site for seasonal offers before booking.

If you're considering it, remember late December is peak season in Phuket: flights and rooms fill early and prices reflect demand, so locking in accommodation well ahead of time is sensible. And if the resort's programme doesn't fill your days, the wider island offers everything from island-hopping trips to Phang Nga Bay to old-town Phuket's Sino-Portuguese streets and night markets.

A very different way to do the holidays — full details of the festive programme via the source below.