WE are barely through summer and some locations are already looking to Christmas – including year-round spots.
Cold winter days and merry jingles seem like a distant memory, but for some destinations across the UK, the holiday season has already arrived.
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Chessington’s Christmas room
Missing your festive fix? Then stay at Chessington World of Adventures’ year-round Christmas bedroom.
Full of twinkling lights, garlands and even a perfectly decorated tree, Chessington’s Christmas gets guests into the festive spirit no matter the time of year.
There are Christmas mugs in the room as well, to have marshmallow-loaded hot chocolate in.
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While the room is all things Christmas you can switch seasons with a dip in the hotel’s Savannah Splash Pool.
The room starts from £77 per person, based on a family of four sharing.
If you are feeling extra festive, you can arrange to have an Elf Wake-up Call or Reindeer Encounter too.
Santa’s Sleigh Ride, Sundown Adventureland
Sundown Adventureland markets itself as “the theme park for the under 10s”.
And while the theme park does have numerous non-festive themed rides, it is also “Christmas every day at Sundown” as the attraction has a year-round sleigh ride.
Santa’s Magical Sleigh Ride travels through a winter wonderland and has appearances from a number of Santa’s helpers like Mrs Claus, Rudolph and dancing snowmen.
Those on the ride are taken through several rooms, including a quirky house set up where you see woodland animals preparing for the big day cooking and wrapping presents.
There is even a reindeer sat in bed and a toy store advent calendar, with doors opening and closing as visitors slide by in the sleigh.
Harrods Christmas Store
For many festive fans, shopping for Christmas decorations and presents is a day out activity.
And some keen holiday lovers will head to specific destinations for this.
One such location is the Harrods Christmas Store, which opened last month – yes, in July.
Located near the books, Harrods’ Christmas World features new decorations including highland cow baubles and jewelled peach decorations.
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There is even a hair oil bauble full of pink glittering liquid.
Several bloggers and vloggers have already headed to the store to document this year’s offering, with one view having already racked up 114,000 views.
And you can even purchase a nutcracker for £2,539…
Bridmas, East Yorkshire
The picturesque seaside town of Bridlington in East Yorkshire hosts an annual event called Bridmas.
The Christmas-themed festival features a load of Christmas crafts, food, live music and even a panto dame – all in the peak of summer.
The event aims to show that the town is more than just a summer staycation spot, and actually features year-round attractions.
Bridmas only lasts for one day and includes showings of classic Christmas movies like Home Alone, a ‘Santa Express’ land train and festive-themed beach games.
The event took place on August 6, so if you want to go – you will need to wait until next year.
TUI launches day trips to Lapland for 2026
TUI has introduced a new ‘extreme day trip’ to Lapland for the winter of 2026.
The trip, called “Search for Santa,” allows families to fly to Kittila, Finland and return on the same day.
Flights will be available from 11 UK airports, including Cardiff for the first time.
The trip from Bournemouth airport is also returning for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the flight to Lapland, a cooked English breakfast is served, and a Christmas dinner is served on the return flight.
Upon arrival, families receive snowsuits and boots before heading to the Snow Village.
Activities include reindeer and husky sleigh rides and learning to drive a snowmobile.
The day also features a magical journey to meet Santa and his elves.
Some Christmas attraction tickets are already selling out – here is how you can still book.
Plus, The Sun headed to Lapland UK – here is what it is like.
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