The Top Christmas Events To Attend This Festive Season
As the iconic Andy Williams sang, ‘It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year’. The festivities have begun, and the whole of the UK is in full Christmas mood, especially us! Having said that, between work, seeing the in-laws and maintaining a social life, trying to find the time for a cheeky mulled wine can be tricky.
So, to take the pressure off, we’ve searched far and wide for some of the best events to enjoy this December. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly shows, day trips, or nights out, you name it, there’s a Christmas event!
Christmas Markets
Originating in Germany, Christmas markets have become a festive staple up and down the UK! With a variety of stalls selling mouth-watering food, delicious sweet treats, crafts and drinks, they are the place to be for self-confessed foodies. Plus, lots offer rides, Ferris wheels and more!
Many, if not all, are free, so they are perfect day or night trips! We will be here for an eternity if we list all the markets currently open, but here are a few locations worth visiting!
Attractions
Are you looking for an all-singing, all-dancing event? There are plenty of big attractions, from winter wonderlands to illuminated trails and festive-themed extravaganzas at unique locations!
Winter Wonderlands
- Hyde Park, London (free entry at off-peak times!)
- Newcastle (free for NHS staff — all you need to do is show your NHS ID upon entry!)
- Winter Funland, Manchester & Midlands
Illuminated Walks
- Luminate Winter Light Trail, Hardwick Hall, Chesterfield
- Magical Gardens Illuminations, Chatsworth House, Bakewell
- Christmas Light Trail, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster
- Christmas at Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire
- Christmas at the Botanics, Edinburgh
- Lightopia at Heaton Park, Manchester
- Christmas at Kew Gardens, London
- Illuminated Light Trail at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Big Trips Out
- Magical Christmas at Drayton Manor, Tamworth
- The Kingdom of The Snow Queen at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
- Christmas at Chatsworth, Bakewell
- Santa Sleepover at Alton Towers Resort, Stoke-on-Trent
- Lapland UK, Whitmoor Forest, Ascot
Pantomimes
The ultimate family choice, pantomimes are one of the best events to attend with the whole family. You’re guaranteed performances full of entertainment, hilarious characters, magical storylines, larger-than-life costumes and audience participation! Check out some of the best currently running below.
- Dick Whittington — Nottingham, Birmingham, Leeds, Cambridge, Wakefield, & more
- Mother Goose — Hackney, Sheffield, Brighton, Liverpool, London & more
- Cinderella — Portsmouth, Sheffield, Leeds, Oxford & more
- Beauty and the Beast — Birmingham, Glasgow, Bournemouth, Nottingham, Bradford & more
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs — Milton Keynes, London, Newcastle, Southend, Nottingham & more
- Aladdin — Derby, Harrogate, Sunderland, Wolverhampton, Southport, Glasgow & more
Honorary Mentions
- Christmas Club Tropicana, The Leadmill, Sheffield
- Just The Tonic Comedy Specials — Leicester, Birmingham, Nottingham, Reading
- The Clapham Grand’s Christmas Movie Nights, London (Also on our platform!)
- London Christmas Beer Festival, Tobacco Dock
Final Message…
So, whether you’ve got Mariah Carey blasting non-stop or looking for some Christmas inspo to get you in the spirit, our list is sure to get the Christmas cogs turning! We hope this helps, and we wish everyone a merry one this December 🙂
