Twas the night before Christmas and across the world, footballers past and present were making the most of their time off over the festive period. 

Several stars uploaded pictures of their celebrations on their official Instagram accounts, including Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski, Real Madrid’sCristiano Ronaldo, Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic and former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, who is now at Bayer Leverkusen and enjoying some down time over the holidays.

Indeed, the Premier League is one of the few competitions in Europe which does not have a designated winter-break, though that didn’t stop Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and his Arsenal team-mates from taking part in a karaoke session.  

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski celebrates Christmas in style with a dapper suit 

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo sends his Instagram followers a cheerful message over the holidays

Los Blancos defender Pepe and his family pose for a photo in front of their Christmas tree  

Poland international Lewandowski, who has scored 23 goals in 24 appearances in all competitions for Bayern this season, was looking sharp in a suit as he posed alongside his Christmas tree. 

Ballon d’Or nominee Ronaldo, meanwhile, went for something more modest – a simple message of goodwill to his fans, ‘Happy Christmas fans, love you,’ as he shared a snap of himself lying smiling on his couch.  

Rakitic and Hernandez took the chance to spend some quality time with their partners – Raquel Mauri and Lucia Villalon.

Hernandez, who was deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester United by manager Louis van Gaal during the summer and sold to Leverkusen for a cut-price £8million fee, has been in prolific form since arriving in Germany. The Mexican forward has netted 19 goals in 22 games so far.  

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, now on loan at Roma, was with his girlfriend Marina Luczenko and they shared a cuddle in front of a very impressive festive fir, lit up with flashing neon lights. 

Former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez pulls a face with partner Lucia Villalon 

Barcelona forward Ivan Rakitic spends some quality time with his wife Raquel Mauri over Christmas

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, on loan at Roma, cuddles his girlfriend Marina Luczenko 

Real Madrid star James Rodriguez and wife Daniela scrub up nicely to strike a festive pose 

Barca right back Dani Alves and girlfriend Joana Sanz are making the most of La Liga’s winter break

Neymar has been in stunning form for Barca this season and has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or 

 Former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill still loves the club and decorated his tree with mini Toffees kits 

Former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard is back in Merseyside for Christmas 

Former Everton favourite Tim Cahill showed that he still retains a great sense of affection for the Toffees by decorating his tree with miniature replica kits.

The 36-year-old left Goodison Park in 2012 and via a brief spell with New York Red Bulls, is now playing out the twilight of his career in China at Shanghai Shenhua. 

Ex-Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard left his boyhood side last summer to join LA Galaxy, but is back on Merseyside over Christmas. 

He has recently been training with Liverpool’s first-team at their Melwood base in order to maintain his fitness. 

As for current Premier League players, some of the Arsenal squad grouped together for an ensemble karaoke performance. 

The Gunners are second in the table going into their Boxing Day clash away at Southampton with 36 points, two behind the pace set by leaders Leicester. 

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (centre, left) and his Arsenal team-mates enjoy a group karaoke session  

Defender Calum Chambers (left) and Oxlade-Chamberlain show off their musical skills with a duet

Former Gunners striker Dennis Bergkamp spreads the festive cheer with his family 

Elsewhere, Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard got back to his roots with a trip to Kent and, where the Warrington-born youngster handed out presents to residents of the Heathfield Care Home. 

His team-mates Juan Mata and Memphis Depay were all smiles in front of their trees, seeming to put United’s troubles on the pitch to the back of their minds.  

Jesse Lingard heads back to Kent to hand out presents at Heathfield Care Home in Warrington  

United forward Memphis Depay is all smiles as he stands in front of his Christmas tree 

Red Devils playmaker Juan Mata is in a cheerful mood for the Christmas holidays 

Former United winger and Portugal international Nani sits at the head of the table with his family 

Chelsea midfielder Oscar puts his team’s league position to the back of his mind and poses with his family

QPR midfielder Sandro (centre) adds to an already impressive beard with a custom Santa hat