Alsager travel expert Sara Dickenson says there's unusually still some Lapland availability for this December, and families wanting the best lodges for 2027 should be booking now.

If you've been quietly wondering whether it's too late to take the kids to Lapland this year, here's the honest answer: not quite. But the window is closing fast.

"I get asked this every November," says Sara Dickenson, a local independent travel consultant with Travel Counsellors.

"There is still some availability for December 2026, but it's patchy, and it changes daily. Some locations have already sold out for this year. If you want to go, now is the time to pick up the phone."

And she's keen to clear up one common myth. "People assume using a travel agent costs more. It doesn't. You don't pay a penny more booking with me than booking the same holiday direct.

"What you do get is someone who'll find the right place, look for the best deal, and be there if anything goes wrong."

Last-minute Lapland for 2026

Sara's advice for anyone hoping to go this year is to be flexible. Early December and New Year dates tend to have more space than the week before Christmas, and a short break can be easier to find than a longer stay.

"This year, day trips from local airports start from £699* per person, and three-night breaks from £1,415* per person," she says. "But availability changes daily, so I'd rather tell you what's there today than promise anything for next week."

Why 2027 is already the smart move

For families who've missed out this year, or simply want to plan properly, Sara says the time to book Christmas 2027 is now.

"The best rooms go first," she explains. "The glass igloos, the cabins with their own sauna, the family lodges where everyone can sleep together. They're the ones people remember, and they're the ones that sell out. Booking a year ahead gets you first pick of dates and rooms, and many suppliers offer low deposits so you can spread the cost."

There's no one-size-fits-all Lapland

One of the biggest surprises for families is just how much choice there is. Day trips, short breaks of two to four nights, and longer week-long stays. Busy Santa-focused resorts, or quiet wilderness spots where you're more likely to see the Northern Lights. Hotels, log cabins and glass-roofed igloos.

"It really matters that you get the right one for your family," says Sara. "A trip that's perfect for a four-year-old who still believes is very different from one for teenagers who want husky sledding and snowmobiles.

"How far you're happy to travel from the airport, how long the days are, how cold it gets, whether you're there for Santa or for the adventure. All of that changes what I'd recommend."

Yes, it's expensive. It's also magical.

Sara doesn't pretend Lapland is a cheap holiday. "It's a big spend, and that's exactly why it's worth getting right," she says.

"Nobody wants to pay all that money and find the room's too small, the transfer is two hours longer than expected, or the activities aren't right for your children's ages."

Bookings are made through Travel Counsellors, so families get financial protection on their holiday too.

Get in touch

If Lapland is on your list, for this December or next, Sara's happy to help. Just send her three things: your preferred dates, who's travelling (with the children's ages), and a rough budget.

She'll come back with options that suit your family, with no obligation to book.

She's based in Alsager and is always happy to meet for a coffee and a proper chat about your plans.

• Phone: 01270 917091
• Email: [email protected]
• Web: www.travelcounsellors.com/sara.dickenson

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