It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas and with just five months to go, it's time to start planning.

Santa's Lapland is always popular for a winter break and you can fly direct to Lapland from some UK airports.

But you need to book early as the best dates get snapped up pretty quickly.

What are the best deals for Lapland?

Three or four day breaks are available if you're visiting Lapland between November 29 and December 29.

They include a greeting by Santa's reindeer and friends upon arrival with photo opportunities before you've even checked in.

These are some of the activities available.

  • A private meeting with Santa
  • Reindeers Sleigh Ride
  • Husky Sleigh Ride
  • Igloo Fantasia
  • Snow and Ice Fun
  • Ice fishing
  • Snow hockey
  • Kick-Sledding
  • Tandem skiing
  • Mini Skidoo rides
  • Tobogganing
  • My Reindeer Centre
  • Snow and Ice Fun

The final day will give you the chance to relax and take in the stunning scenery before you head home for a magical Christmas.

If you book half-board you will be able to enjoy Gala dinners in the wonderful winter setting of Lapland or instead enjoy a home cooked meal in your cabin if you choose to self-cater.

Three day breaks are available from £869 per adult and four day breaks start at £1029 per adult with free child places available.

Thomas Cook offer one night stays if you just fancy a quick - and cheaper - break to Lapland, these deals are available on www.thomascook.com/holidays

There are a number of hotels at Lapland including the Holiday Club, Hotel Tunturi, Hotel Riekonlinna, the Saariselkä Inn and 10 different private cabins.

Booking some activities online could save you money. You could take a trip on a snowmobile or sleigh while looking out for the Northern Lights.

There is Rudolph's Reindeer Run where you will be introduced to the animals and local farmer via a magical sleigh ride. Then whilst getting cosy under a blanket you will be taken through the Lapland forest by Rudolph and his friends.

You can drive around the village of Saariselkä with Snowmobile Safari and get to know the Huskies at Husky Heaven.

The best Christmas markets in Europe

As well as the Christmas markets in Wales and around the UK, there are also some great markets to see in other parts of Europe for a longer break.

If you're thinking ahead and want to book a Christmas market trip in one of the many European cities, now is the best time to beat the rush - and the hiked prices.

Nuremberg, Germany

December 1 -24

The city's Christmas Market is famously known as 'Little Town from Wood and Cloth' as hundreds of stalls are decorated in red-and-white cloth.

The Bavarian city is home to plenty of traditions including an old fashioned carousel, a ferris wheel and a steam train. Plus there's plenty of classic food choices with spicy gingerbread, fruit loaves and of course mulled wine.

Tallinn, Estonia

November 18- January 7

This Christmas market isn't an immediate choice for many with the likes of France and Germany being the most popular destinations, but it's definitely a hidden gem.

The picturesque town includes little houses covered in lights and hosts Santa Claus, singers and dancers, as well as hand crafted products and mulled wine.

Strasbourg, France

November 25 - December 31

Although Strasbourg Christmas markets aren't the easiest to get to from Liverpool they'll definitely be worth the trip.

It's home to the oldest Christmas market in Europe - dating back to 1570 - and hosts 300 stalls across 12 locations in the city offering a trip back through history in the old towns.

Zagreb, Croatia

December 2- January 7

The Croatian city is home to one of the best European Christmas markets.

The idyllic setting has had an increasing number of tourists over the past few years during the festive period which is thanks to the special atmosphere created by the lights and lanterns and its ice rink centre piece.

Munich, Germany

November 25 - December 24

Some of the UK's own Christmas markets can give the German counterparts a run for their money, but everyone needs to make a trip to the originators at least once for an authentic experience.

They take place in Marienplatz, St Mary's Square which is towered by a glowing Christmas tree centre piece.

Prague, Czech Republic

December 2 - January 6

The Old Town Square plays host to Prague's stunning market, complete with giant Christmas tree and stalls full of festive treats such as sugar coated nuts and traditional bratwurst.

The Prague markets are even open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day, so if you're planning on seeing in the New Year in the city then what better way to spend your hangover day than at a Christmas market with plenty of food options.

Vienna, Austria

November 13 - December 23

This one starts a little earlier than some of the others. The most popular of the markets is 'Vienna Magic of Advent' which transforms the City Hall Square into a glowing fairytale land.

Dresden, Germany

November 29 - December 24

This annual market in Altmarkt Square is Germany's oldest Striezelmarkt, playing host since the 15th century. The main attraction is the 14 metre Christmas pyramid which is also the setting for the singing festival.

Budapest, Hungary

November 10 - January 1

Saint Stephen's Square hosts the Budapest markets with almost 80 stands selling traditional arts and crafts, whilst the Basilica will showcase cultural events and concerts.

Lille, France

November 18 - December 30

The centre piece of Lille's winter wonderland is the giant dazzling Ferris wheel in the Place Rhiour town square, surrounded by hundreds of stalls selling hand crafted goods such as wooden toys and artworks.

Cardiff, Wales

Cardiff Christmas Market

November 9 - December 23

If you don't want to travel far then this annual market is right on our doorstep and has become an important date in the festive calendar. More than 200 stalls will serve up seasonal food, drinks, artwork and gift ideas, with shoppers flocking from across the UK.

The tickets you need to book for Christmas events in Wales now

There are so many events taking place all over Wales to celebrate Christmas and tickets are already on sale at some of the biggest attractions, including:

Celtic Manor Resort

Father Christmas at Celtic Manor Resort

November 23 - Christmas Eve

The Christmas Kingdom is returning to the Newport hotel for 2017 and it will feature ice-skating and Santa's Grotto where young visitors will be able to decorate tasty treats, write a letter to Santa and meet the man himself.

Book by September 1 for early bird prices which are from £11.50 per child. Visit the Celtic Manor website

Bluestone

November 6 - January 7

The Kingdom of the Elves is back at the Pembrokeshire attraction and bookings are now being taken for Christmas family breaks from November 6 to January 7, which includes free tickets to the kingdom.

There's a host of different breaks which range from Santa's Workshop to the Elves' Christmas Dinner Show and Rudolph's Breakfast Bar. Visit the Bluestone website

Steam train rides

Get all aboard for Christmas fun with these festive steam train rides that are taking place in Wales.

Tickets are already on sale for Santa's Magical Steam Trains, which run on the West coast from December 2 to Christmas Eve - just visit Gwili Railway website

There are also Santa Specials running in the Brecon Beacons area throughout December and you can find out more on the Brecon Mountain Railway website