The 15 Christmas trips you need to book now - from Lapland to New York
It might seem ridiculously early, but booking that festive break now is the best way to ensure you don't miss out, with cheaper deals often on offer too.
Published: 11:32 BST, 19 September 2026 | Updated: 11:56 BST, 19 September 2026
It's only September - there's plenty of time to get organised for Christmas , which is miles away, right? Wrong.
One of Britain's top festive attractions, LaplandUK, has already sold out at Ascot and in Manchester - and prices are already starting to creep up for other popular activities and holiday destinations for the winter season.
Whether you fancy a Christmas panto (it's behind you!), traditional market or your favourite city dressed in its festive finery, planning in advance is the key to ensuring you don't miss out on seasonal events.
From Seville and Prague to top attractions here in the UK, booking early means you'll also avoid the prices that soar in the run-up to December.
Here are the 15 Christmas trips and events you need to book now - or risk missing out altogether...
Lapland excursions can get booked up months in advance of Christmas
Accommodation and popular excursions to Lapland can sell out months in advance, thanks to major publicity and the fact that many holidaymakers look forward to these experiences as bucket-list items.
Taking your brood to Lapland to see actual Santa (almost) feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so be sure not to miss out.
For example, dates in December, prime viewing for the Northern Lights, igloo stays and reindeer safari experiences can sell out, especially in popular spots such as Rovaniemi.
Indeed, Visit Rovaniemi even warns: 'Please note: During December-March, many activities in Rovaniemi sell out early. We recommend you book in advance to guarantee the availability.'
Churchill's regal birthplace in the Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace, has festivities galore from mid November
You may not own a palatial mansion on a sprawling estate but that doesn't mean you can't indulge yourself for an afternoon about what celebrating December 25th as Lord or Lady of the manor might be like.
From Chatsworth to Blenheim, many UK heritage properties, royal residences and stately homes hold festive extravaganzas, including light trails, carols and Christmas villages.
Blenheim Palace, Churchill’s regal birthplace in the Cotswolds, does it particularly well, with this year's seasonal events kicking off from November 13th and running until January 3rd. Alongside the Illuminated Trail, there's an ice rink, market and Cinderella experience inside the palace's walls. Family tickets from £95, blenheimpalace.com.
Planning a visit to Prague? This magical city can get busy at Christmas
While Prague Christmas market doesn't 'sell out' per se, as it is a public event held in the Old Town, popular central hotels can get full, and flight prices can soar.
Guided tours and popular events in the area can also get booked up.
The Prague Christmas Markets will be open daily from 28 November, 2026 to 6 January, 2027, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Old Town Square Christmas Market is the best one, with decorated huts selling local handicrafts and food and drink, a Christmas tree and an open-air music stage.
Feria del Belén Christmas Market features handcrafted decorations
While Germany and eastern Europe might be many people's first port of call when it comes to Christmas markets, there's plenty of fun to be had elsewhere - and the Feria del Belén in Seville, an open-air street market, is one of the best in Europe.
The speciality here is nativity scenes and tiny figurines, as well as chocolate churros and roasted chestnuts.
But despite its lower position on the festive radar, flight prices to Seville can still soar due to high demand.
Unless you fly on Christmas Day itself - or book in advance - you could miss out on great deals.
Christmas at Walt Disney World is the stuff of childhood dreams... if you can book in time!
Tickets are already on sale for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, set to take place this year from November 8 to December 22, 2026.
But if last year is anything to go by, several 2025 dates had sold out by the end of October - so you'd better get a move on!
As part of the seasonal fun, guests can enjoy a Christmas parade, majestic fireworks show and a stage show at the Cinderella Castle.
The ticketed event has sold out many times, so it's essential to look in advance if you're keen to head to Florida.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a top New York attraction
Christmas in New York is magical - that is, if you're organised. For instance, you need to book the famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes, as early as you can.
Plus, prime-time ice-skating sessions, as in London, need to be planned in advance. Try the Rockefeller Center for a great session with a great view.
Christmas sunset slots at the Empire State Building also sell out weeks in advance because December sunset is early in the day, around 4.15pm to 4.30pm.
Switch the snow for sun and sand with a summery winter getaway
Seeking some winter sun? Popular destinations for those looking to escape the cold (and snow) at Christmas don't exactly sell out, but prices can soar if you miss the early booking window.
Want some inspiration? Try a Caribbean holiday, with weather reaching 27C to 29C.
The Maldives is also popular at this time of year with temperatures of 28C to 30C.
Closer to home, the Canary Islands offer temperatures between 21C and 25C, as well as beaches and short flights.
In the Swedish Lapland village of Jukkasjärvi, the Ice Hotel is the world's biggest of its kind - a room in December costs around £1388 per person including dinner and breakfast
