Can You Still Book a Kitchen Fitter Before Christmas? Here’s What You Need to Know

For many households, Christmas brings not only festive cheer but also the annual urge to spruce up the home before guests arrive. 

A brand-new kitchen in time for the holidays sounds wonderful, perhaps you had an unexpected bonus from work, or a modest lottery win, but is it still possible to book a fitter this close to Christmas?

The short answer: sometimes, yes… but you'll need a little luck and a lot of flexibility.

In this guide for That’s Christmas 365, we break down what’s realistic, what isn’t, and how you can boost your chances of securing a last-minute installation.

Why December Is So Busy for Kitchen Fitters

The run-up to Christmas is one of the peak periods for tradespeople. As soon as autumn arrives, diaries begin to fill with homeowners eager to complete renovations before the big day. By December, many fitters, especially the highly rated ones, are fully booked until January or even later.

That doesn’t mean all hope is lost, but it does mean you’ll need to be strategic.

When You Can Still Secure a Pre-Christmas Booking

While the majority of established kitchen installers are booked up, last-minute availability does crop up particularly for:

Smaller or straightforward jobs

If you're swapping cabinets, upgrading worktops, or fitting new appliances rather than ripping everything out, some fitters may be able to squeeze you in.

Independent fitters rather than big chains

Large retailers such as B&Q, Wickes or Magnet often have long lead times. Independent tradespeople, however, may have gaps between larger projects.

Cancellations

It happens more often than you’d think. A customer postpones or delays their install, and suddenly a fitter has two or three days free.

Premium short-notice work

Some teams specifically offer express installations at a higher rate. If your budget stretches, this can be a lifesaver.

What Could Hold Up Your Christmas Kitchen?

Even if you find a fitter, the install can only go ahead if everything is ready on your end.

Stock and Delivery

Cabinets, appliances and fittings must be:

Delivered

Checked

Undamaged

In your home before the fitter arrives

Any delays here can push the project into January.

Worktops

Solid-surface materials like quartz or granite require templating before they’re cut. This alone can take 1–3 weeks, making pre-Christmas installation unlikely at this point.

Laminate worktops, however, can usually be fitted immediately.

Tips for Finding a Fitter Fast

If you’re determined to get your kitchen sorted before Father Christmas pays a visit, try these steps:

Check local Facebook and community groups, many fitters advertise availability here.

Contact independent installers directly, don’t rely solely on big retailers.

Ask about cancellations, tradespeople appreciate polite, prompt customers who can act fast.

Be flexible with dates and timing, even a two-day job can make a big difference.

Consider splitting the job, for example, units installed now, tiling or specialist worktops fitted in January.

So, Is a Pre-Christmas Kitchen Still Possible?

Yes... but it’s not guaranteed.

If your kitchen is already delivered, the design is straightforward, and you move quickly, you may still secure a fitter in time. But if you’re only beginning the process now, you’ll likely need to plan for early in the New Year.

Either way, a refreshed kitchen, whether this month or next, can make all the difference to your home, your cooking, and your Christmas cheer.