Details of the coronavirus restrictions for England will be revealed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday.
The winter strategy will enter into force after the current national lockdown finishes on December 2 and will include a strengthened three-tier system of local restrictions.
England was split into three in October in the original tiered strategy, with areas in the first tier - medium alert - subject to the same national measures which were in force at the time across the country including a 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants and a ban on most gatherings of more than six people.
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More areas are expected to enter the higher end of the system, and restrictions in each of the areas are expected to be altered.
Under the old system, local leaders were to help determine whether venues such as gyms or casinos should be closed in very high alert level areas, and this may change in the new system.
Ministers will announce on Thursday what tier each area will enter.
Several households - potentially three - could be allowed to create a bubble temporarily between December 22 and 28, with the plans covering all four nations of the UK, according to The Daily Telegraph.
Restrictions on church services are also due to be lifted allowing Christmas Day services to be held, the paper said.
But while plans have not yet been set out, ministers have made clear that the festive season will be different to normal.
What time is Boris Johnson making his speech today?
Appearing virtually in the Commons from his test and trace-ordered quarantine, Mr Johnson will set out his winter strategy on Monday afternoon.
Mr Johnson will address the Commons at 3.30pm today followed by a press conference at 5pm from Downing Street.
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Mr Johnson is also expected to announce a trial of the repeat testing of close contacts of those who test positive for Covid-19 to prevent them from having to isolate.
The contacts will get the opportunity to be tested every day for a week and will not have to quarantine unless they test positive.
Downing Street said the pilot will begin in Liverpool on Monday.
