Ritual of the Faglia

Date: December 24.

Location: Oratino, Campobasso, Italy.

Description: For reasons best known to themselves, the inhabitants of Oratino celebrate Christmas Eve by building a 35ft-tall flaming torch out of sugar cane in the town square.

Contact: 0039 0649711.

Link: whatsonwhen.com/events/~45448.jml.

Christmas Dip

Date: December 25.

Location: The Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park, London.

Description: The hardiest members of the Serpentine Swimming Club have an annual dip at 9am on Christmas Day.

Contact: 01344 291578.

Link: whatsonwhen.com/events/~60001.jml.

Feria de Cali

Date: December 25-January 6.

Location: Cali, Colombia.

Description: One of the country's biggest festivals, with salsa, pageants and parades.

Contact: 0057 1 282 8979.

Link: feriadecali.com.

The Giant Village

Date: December 31.

Location: Coliseum Gardens, 3939 S Figueroa Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90037, US.

Description: LA's biggest club night builds its own temporary village for their most spectacular New Year's Eve yet.

Contact: 001 323 464 7373.

Link: giantclub.com.

Sydney Pride New Year's Eve Party

Date: December 31.

Location: 26 Hutchinson St, Sydney, New South Wales Surry Hills 2010, Australia.

Description: Dress as your favourite super hero and break all your party limits.

Contact: 0061 2 9331 1333.

Link: pridecentre.com.au.

For more information on these events and other entertainment ideas, go to whatsonwhen.com