Saturday 7 December is Christmas Eve. At least it is for the coach-load of Welsh party-goers staying at one hotel in Eastbourne.

The tour group is one of many ignoring the calendar and celebrating early. Even Santa will be on hand to help bring cheer to the festivities.

Their hotel - and indeed the coach driver bringing them from Wales - have endured several Christmases already this year.

A plate of mince pies and a kiss for the ladies

These mock "Turkey and Tinsel" Christmas breaks - which come far cheaper than a package holiday closer to 25 December - have been filling the nation's resorts in the lean weeks between the last summer holidaymakers leaving and the first office Christmas parties arriving.

Peter Hampson, of the British Resorts Association, says these make believe festivities are big business - and a much-needed tourism boost in otherwise quiet periods.

Not only do resorts host Turkey and Tinsel events in November and early December, mock New Year breaks are increasingly popular as a way to brighten up the dull days of February.

"Turkey and Tinsel is one of those things that you think 'how strange', but it's booming.

"It's fun for those taking part, it's excellent business for hotels and coach companies, and it brings people to the shops and tourist attractions in the area."

Pre-festive cheer

A Turkey and Tinsel break typically involves a decorated coach, perhaps a tea dance or fancy-dress ball, stacks of mince pies, and a chance to do a spot of Christmas shopping in between feasting on festive fare.

Like turkey but can't stand the prep involved?

While a mini-break will encompass a mock Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, a week away will cram in Boxing Day and New Year's Eve as well.

Helen Groom, a tour director with Brian Issacs Coaches in Wales, says the age range is slowly broadening as the breaks become more popular.

"When we started running these in the mid-1990s, it used to mostly be over-65s. Now it's 50-plus. It's a growing market - we keep having to add extra dates to cope with demand.

Spice up November

"Generally they are people who love Christmas and who want something fun to do when there's nothing happening in November."

At Smiths Hotel in Weston-super-Mare, staff have been hosting Turkey and Tinsel events for eight years.

Just time to squeeze in some Christmas shopping

"We do get people from all over, mostly older people, to keep us busy before the office parties start in December. These breaks keep the resort busy in a time we might otherwise be struggling."

Eric Sharpen, of Palmers Travel in Kent, agrees that the breaks are a boon at an otherwise lean time of year. "We get the coaches out in winter, the hotels and tourist attractions get the business, and the clients get a good time."

Maybe there is something in it: Christmas without the work and without the family crises. Turkey and tinsel in Torquay, anyone?