Nobody wants to hear the 'C' word when it's only in September, but then nobody wants to miss out on the best events either.
And when it comes to Christmas, tickets sell out fast, which is why you might want to get cracking with your plans for this festive season.
With events only just returning to normal last year following the pandemic, many families were keener than ever to make the most of the festive season and this year's festivities look set to be just as popular.
We've been taking a look at some of the events that sell-out quick to give you a better chance of getting the best tickets.
Read more: The festive light events across Greater Manchester and beyond to get booking now
Christmas at Dunham Massey
One of the most popular festive events for families is Christmas at Dunham Massey, a spectacular magical lights trail.
Returning for a sixth year, the winter trail has quickly established itself as a family tradition.
If you’ve been before, you’ll recognise some of the favourites, including the larger-than-life glittering deer and the towering walk-through Tunnel of Light twinkling with thousands of pea-lights.
There are dancing waterside reflections, trees drenched in jewel-like colour and much more, including the chance to glimpse Father Christmas along the way.
The event is running from November 18 to January 2 and tickets, costing £22.50 for adults, £14.50 for children (under threes free), or from £50 for a family, can be booked online.
Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4SJ
Scroll through the gallery below to see more pictures from previous Christmas at Dunham Massey events
Santa Specials, East Lancashire Railway
Another sought-after festive event is the Santa train at East Lancashire Railway and tickets are already on sale.
The magical Santa Specials give families the chance to enjoy a steam train journey through Lancashire's very own winter wonderland.
The seasonal event attracts more than 40,000 people each year and features decorated stations, brass bands, carol singers, costumed characters and magicians.
Little ones get to meet Father Christmas as he gives a present to each child and a glass of Sherry and mince pie to the adults.
The event is running on the last weekend in November, the first two weekends in December and then daily from December 17 to 24.
Tickets, priced from £23, can be booked online.
East Lancashire Railway, Bury Bolton Street Station, Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire, BL9 0EY
Cockfields Christmas Experience
An 'authentic Christmas experience' is promised once again at Cockfields Farm this year.
The whole farm will be transformed into 'a magical winter wonderland' for what promises to be 'a Christmas experience you will never forget'.
The place will be transformed into the 'North Pole' with little ones given the chance to nosey through the Elf Village, snuggle animals in Santa's cuddle corner and enjoy a private family visit to meet the big man himself.
They can visit the Reindeer Stables to meet Prancer and Dancer, listen to a magical Christmas story from the reindeer keeper and build their own reindeer.
There's also gingerbread decorating in Mrs Claus' kitchen, marshmallow toasting and a whole lot more.
The event is running from November 26 and tickets, from £15 for adults and £35 for children, (£8 for under ones) can be booked online.
Cockfields Farm, Lees Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 8AR
The Lanterns at Chester Zoo
Animals of a different kind come out to play at Chester Zoo at Christmas time - glowing ones.
The Lanterns is a festive family event featuring animal-inspired illuminations, magical lanterns, twinkly costumed characters and Father Christmas himself.
The event promises to 'transform the zoo into a spectacular wonderland, full of sparkle, illumination and a sprinkling of snow' and tickets are already on sale for this year.
Expect colourful animal lanterns, spectacular Christmas scenes and festive characters delighting guests young and old.
The event is running on selected dates from November 11 to December 23. Tickets are available online.
Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Chester, CH2 1EU
Scroll through the gallery below to see more images from The Lanterns event
Glow at RHS Garden Bridgewater
A twinkling lights trail will once again illuminate RHS Garden Bridgewater this Christmas.
The Glow trail transformed all five gardens of the site, in Worsley, Salford, last year with 'spectacular illuminations' lighting up the night.
Visitors were able to see a selection of the garden’s best-loved locations, including the Weston Walled Garden, Chinese Streamside Garden and Ellesmere Lake, as they'd never seen before, and be 'wowed by the sight of sparkling trees, shrubs and water features basking in the glow'.
New for 2022 guests can weave their way through yew domes festooned with fairy lights, explore a magical family discovery trail inspired by local folklore and take a selfie with giant, colour-changing stars.
The event will run Wednesday to Saturday from November 16 to December 17.
To book tickets, costing from £13 for adults (£6 members) and £6.50 for children (£3.50 members), visit the website here.
RHS Garden Bridgewater, Occupation Road, Worsley, M28 2LJ
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