Santa visits
Woodland Santa's Cabin
A lantern-lit walk through the trees to meet Father Christmas in his log cabin.
- Mid
- Outdoor
- Toddlers
- Children
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Open my Festive ActivitiesChristmas ideas to inspire you
Ideas to spark a plan — not live listings, so there are no dates or tickets here yet.
Santa visits
Steam Train to the North Pole
Cocoa, carols and a golden ticket on a heritage railway — the full storybook treatment.
- Splash out
- Indoor
- Toddlers
- Children
Light trails
Town Square Lights Switch-On
Brass band, a countdown and the moment the whole high street glows. Costs nothing.
- Free
- Outdoor
- Toddlers
- Children
Free
Light trails
Botanical Winter Light Trail
A mile of illuminated gardens, fire pits and a mulled wine stop halfway round.
- Mid
- Outdoor
- Children
- Teens
Christmas markets
Village Christmas Market
Wooden stalls, roasting chestnuts and a choir at four. Free to wander.
- Free
- Outdoor
- Children
- Teens
Free
Christmas markets
Riverside German Market
Bratwurst, glühwein and a Ferris wheel above the water — best after dark.
- Budget
- Outdoor
- Teens
- Adults only
Theatre & panto
Cinderella at the Grand
Proper old-fashioned panto with a pumpkin carriage and far too much booing.
- Mid
- Indoor
- Toddlers
- Children
Carols & community
Candlelit Carol Concert
A cathedral, a thousand candles and the descant on the last verse. Grown-up magic.
- Budget
- Indoor
- Adults only
- Teens
Afternoon teas
Festive Afternoon Tea
Mince pie scones, a glass of fizz and a pianist in the corner. Book early.
- Splash out
- Indoor
- Adults only
Afternoon teas
Museum Christmas Tea
Cake under a Victorian glass roof, with the decorations up and the galleries quiet.
- Mid
- Indoor
- Children
- Adults only
Trips & stays
Cosy Cabin Weekend
Log burner, hot tub, dog by the fire — two nights of doing absolutely nothing.
- Splash out
- Indoor
- Adults only
- Children
Trips & stays
Frosty Morning Reindeer Walk
A short, easy trail with real reindeer at the end and hot chocolate to finish.
- Budget
- Outdoor
- Toddlers
- Children
Ice skating
Outdoor Ice Rink
Wobbly laps under the fairy lights, then chips and hot chocolate to warm up.
- Mid
- Outdoor
- Children
- Teens
Meals out
Christmas Lunch at the Local
Three courses, crackers on the table and no washing up. Book the big table early.
- Mid
- Indoor
- Adults only
- Teens
Parties
Friends' Christmas Party
Everyone brings a dish, someone brings a terrible playlist. A proper festive night in.
- Budget
- Indoor
- Adults only
- Teens
Family gatherings
Boxing Day at the Grandparents'
Leftovers, board games and the same argument about the film. Worth putting in the diary.
- Free
- Indoor
- Toddlers
- Children
Free
Carols & community
Christingle Service
Oranges, ribbons and candlelight — a gentle half hour that starts Christmas properly.
- Free
- Indoor
- Toddlers
- Children
Free
Trips & stays
Lapland Day Trip
Huskies, snowmobiles and the real Father Christmas. The once-in-a-childhood one.
- Splash out
- Outdoor
- Toddlers
- Children
Best rated festive activities
The ones people rave about year after year.
Free festive magic
Beautiful things to do that cost nothing, or nearly nothing.
Little ones will love these
Gentle, short and full of wonder — made for toddlers and children.
Worth splashing out on
Once-a-year treats that everyone still talks about in March.
Grown-ups only evenings
Candlelight, mulled wine and no one asking for the toilet.
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