Some holiday destinations fill up faster than travelers expect, often months before the season begins. Every year, the way these destinations get fully booked show where demand spikes early due to festivals, weather, school breaks, and limited lodging. These places tend to attract repeat visitors who plan far ahead to secure flights and rooms.
Booking early can make the difference between a smooth trip and missed plans. With these destinations, it becomes easier to see why timing matters and which places require early decisions. Keep reading to find out where spots disappear first and decide which trips are worth locking in before the calendar turns.
Lapland, Finland
Lapland is one of the earliest destinations to sell out because travelers want guaranteed snow, northern lights chances, and a true winter atmosphere. Families book months ahead for stays in glass igloos, cozy cabins, and lodges offering reindeer rides and visits to Santa-themed attractions. Limited accommodations in smaller towns like Rovaniemi and Levi mean demand quickly exceeds availability. Holiday tours, husky sled rides, and guided northern lights excursions also reach capacity long before December. Couples and families planning special seasonal trips lock in reservations early to secure the dates they want. This creates a pattern where Lapland books out faster each year as travelers compete for a classic Arctic holiday experience.
New York City, USA
New York becomes one of the most crowded holiday destinations well before December even begins. Travelers book early to attend major events like the Rockefeller Center tree lighting, ice-skating at Bryant Park, and holiday shows that draw large audiences. Hotels near Times Square, Midtown, and Central Park usually hit capacity first, especially those close to decorated streets and popular attractions. Retail events, seasonal markets, and window displays add even more demand. Many families and couples treat December in New York as a bucket-list experience, so they plan far ahead to avoid high last-minute prices. As a result, flights and centrally located stays are often sold out weeks in advance.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is known for its classical concerts, markets, and festive streets that create a charming holiday environment. Travelers from around the world come specifically for its seasonal events, which start in late November and build toward Christmas week. The city’s historic squares transform into market spaces that host vendors, music, and local crafts. Because these events are popular with both Europeans and international visitors, hotels near the old town fill quickly. Vienna’s reputation for cultural programs—opera, orchestras, and ballet—also raises demand for seats and accommodations. Many travelers book early to secure good locations and avoid rising rates. This steady interest leads to sold-out dates before December begins.
Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City is one of North America’s most festive winter destinations, drawing early reservations from travelers who want a setting that looks straight out of a holiday scene. Its old-world streets, stone buildings, and regular snowfall make December feel magical. Visitors come for seasonal markets, outdoor ice-skating, and special events held throughout the historic district. Smaller boutique hotels and charming inns fill first because travelers value atmosphere and location. Since Quebec City has a limited number of properties inside the old town walls, availability drops rapidly. Many people book before December to secure spots near decorated streets, river views, and the iconic Château Frontenac.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo sees a surge in demand leading up to December because travelers want to experience year-end festivals, illuminated districts, and extensive shopping events. Neighborhoods like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Roppongi host large seasonal displays that attract both locals and international visitors. Hotels close to major train stations fill especially fast since travelers rely heavily on transit to move around the city. December also aligns with winter vacations in several nearby countries, adding more competition for rooms and flights. Many visitors book early to secure convenient locations and avoid holiday price spikes. With Tokyo’s large population and high tourism numbers, demand rises quickly, creating limited availability before December even arrives.
London, England
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London becomes fully booked before December because its holiday season is one of the busiest in Europe. Travelers come for markets, decorated streets, and major theater productions that draw both locals and international visitors. Areas around Covent Garden, Hyde Park, and Westminster fill first, especially since many hotels are smaller and cannot absorb the surge in demand. Seasonal events like Winter Wonderland, river cruises, and light displays add even more pressure on availability. Families, couples, and tour groups often secure reservations months in advance to avoid rising prices. As December approaches, the combination of tourism, business travel, and local events makes central London hotels extremely limited.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik sells out quickly because December marks one of the most popular northern lights travel periods. Tour operators have limited daily capacity for glacier excursions, lagoon visits, and guided aurora outings, so travelers book far ahead to secure spots. The city’s hotels are smaller compared to major European capitals, which makes availability drop faster. Visitors also want access to geothermal spas, scenic drives, and holiday events that begin weeks before Christmas. Since Iceland’s winter weather is unpredictable, many people choose longer stays, reducing the number of rooms left for others. This combination of small supply and high early demand leads to full occupancy before December begins.
Hawaii, USA
Hawaii reaches full occupancy before December because the islands attract travelers escaping cold weather across North America and beyond. Families, retirees, and honeymooners often plan months in advance for beachfront resorts, which have limited inventory during the holiday period. Activities such as whale-watching cruises, snorkeling tours, and sunset boat trips also fill quickly. Popular islands like Maui, Oahu, and Kauai see strong early bookings because many travelers prefer specific areas or hotels known for scenic views. Airfare spikes closer to December push people to finalize plans early, adding to the trend. As a result, prime resorts and oceanfront rentals are usually taken long before the month even starts.
Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg’s famous Christmas market draws travelers from around the world, causing hotels near the old town to sell out well before December. The market has a long history and is considered one of Europe’s most atmospheric seasonal events, attracting repeat visitors who reserve far in advance. Vendors, concerts, and food stalls fill the main square and surrounding streets, creating a festive atmosphere that appeals to travelers seeking a traditional holiday experience. Because the old town has limited hotel space and many people prefer staying within walking distance of the market, availability drops quickly. Tour groups also reserve blocks of rooms early, leaving fewer options for last-minute visitors.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is known as the “Capital of Christmas,” and its seasonal markets attract crowds from across Europe. The historic center transforms into a network of decorated stalls, illuminated streets, and festive displays that draw early planners each year. Hotels inside the old town are particularly sought after because travelers want to stay close to the markets without relying on transit. With limited rooms and high demand, many places sell out weeks or even months ahead. The city also hosts concerts, river cruises, and cultural programs that add to early booking pressure. As December approaches, the combination of tourism and local events makes availability extremely scarce.
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