Christmas markets in the UK

If you’re after the bet places to enjoy a Bavarian sausage and pick up some unique gifts take a look at my guide to the best UK Christmas markets.

Christmas light trails in the UK

And if you need some sparkle in your winter, illuminations are where it’s at. Here’s my guide to Christmas light trails around the UK.

What’s on this Christmas in Bedfordshire

Here’s where to find festive cheer in Bedfordshire this year:

Santa at Stockwood Discovery Centre – 12 to 24 December 2025

Join Santa’s elves for some pre-Christmas Eve prep before meeting the man in red himself. There will be a chance to capture a photo memory of your visit and a small gift for children.

Pre-booking essential. Why not combine your visit with seeing the Discovery Centre gardens lit up for Stockwood Illuminated from 12 December to 4 January 2026.

Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton.

Days out this Christmas in Berkshire

Here’s some of the most popular Christmas days out in Berkshire this year:

The UK’s REAL Santa in Ascot – SOLD OUT

Lapland UK is an immersive Christmas experience near Ascot and one of the best Christmas days out in the UK. It sells out early every year and 2025 is no exception.

However, if you sign up to the Lapland UK mailing list you will hear about tickets that become available if they are returned. You’ll also be the first to hear about tickets for 2026.

Find out what it’s like to experience Lapland UK.

LaplandUK, Ascot.

The magic of Christmas at LEGOLAND Windsor – 22 November 2025 to 3 January 2026

Families can have a festive experience at LEGOLAND this Christmas with rides, characters and LEGO builds all going for a seasonal spin.

Spot tiny festive scenes in Miniland, see the DUPLO Puppet pantomime and see Father Christmas as he roams the park on his magical sleigh.

You can also have a Santa Sleepover in a themed family room at the resort hotel including breakfast, evening entertainment and a day in LEGOLAND.

Christmas at LEGOLAND*, Windsor.

Christmas days out in Birmingham

Here’s some ideas for Christmas days out in and around Birmingham:

Magical Christmas at Drayton Manor – 22 November to 31 December 2025

Christmas fun returns to Drayton Manor this year with an all new Elftoria, filled with festive surprises and elf-sized charm as well as a Cinderella pantomime.

The 15-acre zoo and other winter-ready attractions will be available during this festive day out.

Here’s a taster of what to expect in this review of Drayton Manor’s yule-tide experience from a previous year by Natalie at Plutonium Sox.

Drayton Manor’s Magical Christmas.

Christmas at Cadbury World -Weekends from 23 November – 24 December 2025

Keep an eye in the Cadbury World website or sign up to its newsletter for full details of this year’s event as the autumn progresses.

Christmas at Cadbury World*, Birmingham.

Christmas experiences in Buckinghamshire

Here’s a festive event in Buckinghamshire you won’t want to miss:

Christmas at Waddesdon – the Rothchild house – 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026

Experience a world of festive, musical splendour, as the gardens and exterior of Waddesdon – the Rothschild house in Buckinghamshire – is transformed for Christmas.

This year go on a journey to discover European Christmas traditions in the Manor. The house and gardens will be illuminated and there will be a Christmas fayre and food market.

Christmas at Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire.

Find Christmas events in Cambridgeshire

Here’s some ideas for Christmas days out in and around Cambridge:

Christmas at Wimpole – 21 Nov 2025 to 3 Jan 2026

Visit Wimpole National Trust estate in Royston and see its trail of magical lights illuminating the gardens. 

Lights, lasers and seasonal sounds will fill the air with festive fun, making the most wonderful time of year even more magical.

Christmas at Wimpole, Royston.

Take your pick from these Christmas days out in Cheshire:

Christmas at Dunham Massey – 14 November 2025 to 3 January 2026

Tickets are on sale now for this popular illuminated trail which is returning for an eighth year to this historic National Trust property.

Discover colour-changing batons of light, step into tunnels of stars, watch lights dance along the lawn and discover larger than life flowers that tower overhead.

Tickets sell out fast each year, therefore early booking is essential.

Dunham Massey, Altrincham.

Christmas at Tatton Park – 22 November to 31 December 2025

Tatton Park is holding three Christmas experiences giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season in its house and grounds.

Step inside Tatton Park house and find a Once Upon a Time at Christmas themed display. In the garden there’s illuminating garden adventure trail with a difference and Santa is returning to the farmyard.

All events including the Christmas Mansion and light trail are ticketed separately.

Tatton Park, Knutsford.

A Sparkly Light and Panto Trail at BeWILDerwood – selected dates from 29 November to 23 December 2025

Explore brand new areas of BeWILDerwood as you follow The Sparkly Light and Pants Trail through the woods.

Father Christmas will also be making an appearance.

BeWILDerwood Christmas, Whitchurch.

The Lanterns at Chester Zoo – 14 November – Saturday 3 January 2026

The lantern festival at Chester Zoo is a highlight in its events calendar. This year’s event details were still to be announced when this guide was last updated.

The Lanterns at Chester Zoo, Chester.

Also skip to the section about what’s on in the Peak District this Christmas.

Christmas in County Antrim

Check out this festive event in County Antrim:

Enchanted Winter Garden at Antrim Castle Gardens – 28 November to 30 December 2025

With more than a decade of magical Christmas experiences at the Castle, this year’s event is sure to be another date for your festive diary.

Visit the Wonderland Wood, enjoy the twinkling lights, drop in on Santa and don’t forget the rides, attractions, and mouth-watering food in the Festive Food Fayre. 

Enchanted Winter Garden, Antrim.

What’s on this Christmas in County Durham

Here’s an event not to be missed in County Durham:

Forest of Light at Beamish Hall – 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026

Expect an immersive theatrical experience laid out across Beamish’s ancient woodland. This illuminated experience is accompanied by music, interactive props and projections to dazzle and amaze. 

Christmas at Beamish Hall, Stanley.

Christmas in Derbyshire

Skip to the section about what’s on in the Peak District this Christmas.

Christmas days out in Devon

If you’re looking for more inspiration for days out in Devon this December I’ve written about Christmas events in Devon including cruises with Father Christmas, Santa trains and events happening at family attractions.

We love the Christmas experience at Pennywell Farm.

The Crealy Christmas Spectacular is another of our favourites and is back this year with new features (check the Crealy website for this year’s event details):

Christmas days out in Dorset this year

There’s loads of things to do in Dorset with kids all year round and Christmas is no exception.

Christmas at Kingston Lacey – 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026

Visit this historic National Trust property in Dorset this winter and you’ll find it decorated for a spectacular Christmas ball. You’ll follow the story as you move through the spaces, from quiet side rooms full of gossip and speculation, to the spectacular woodland dance floor and feast.

Outside, the woodland creatures have been drawn into the garden and are ready to be discovered under the giant Christmas tree outside the house.

Kingston Lacey, Wimborne Minster.

Christmas experiences in Edinburgh

Here’s where to book a Christmas experience in Edinburgh:

Christmas at the Botanics – 20 November to 30 December 2025

Now established as a firm family tradition in Edinburgh, this year’s trail will showcase a botanical world festooned with seasonal cheer. 

This year’s trail will feature new, spectacular installations from international artists, designed to complement the Botanics’ landscape. And, don’t miss Santa along the way! 

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Christmas Experience at Conifox Adventure Park – selected dates from 28 November to 24 December 2025

Conifox Adventure Park sees the return of its sell-out Christmas experience which will be bigger and better than ever this winter.

Embark on a journey to the North Pole to Meet Santa and his friends with plenty of festive activities and experiences along the way including a post room, reindeer flying school and make a teddy factory.

Advance booking is essential.

Conifox Adventure Park, Kirkliston.

Find more Christmas events in Scotland as collated by Jenny from Monkey and Mouse.

Christmas days out in Essex

Here’s where to enjoy a Christmas experience in Essex:

Miniature Santa Express at Audley End – 22 November to 24 December 2025

Ride the Santa Express at Audley End Miniature Railway for a magical festive experience.

Each year the woods are transformed into a winter wonderland compete with a craft area where you can write a letter to the Big Man under the guidance of cheeky elves.

Kids will also get to meet Santa and receive a gift and see a Christmas fairy storytelling show.

A Magical Christmas Experience, Audley End Miniature Railway.

Christmas days out in Gloucestershire

Have a magical Christmas is Gloucestershire with these days out:

Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum – 28 November to 31 December 2025

Enchanted Christmas for Westonbirt © [email protected]

The Enchanted Westonbirt illuminated trail is one of the most magical Christmas activities happening this year.

This year’s trail has been created by the award-winning producers behind Christmas at Kew, with an illuminated arboretum, where twinkling lights bring the stunning setting to life.

Marvel at the brand-new installations for 2025, including ‘Laser Lights’, ‘Mycelium Network’, ‘Fireworks Trees’ and ‘Wicker Animals’.

Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire.

See my post about even more Christmas lights trails around the UK.

Days out this Christmas in Hampshire

Hampshire is another one of those places we visit a lot so here’s a big round up of what’s on this winter.

Christmas days out in Kent

Here’s some seasonal experiences to seek out in Kent this year:

Illuminations at Bedgebury – 21 November 2025 to Wednesday 31 December 2025

This family-friendly one-mile magical festive trail in the heart of the High Weald AONB countryside will once again be awash with colour. 

This year’s new, reimagined trail has been created by the award-winning light trail producers behind events such as Christmas at Kew and Christmas at Blenheim. 

Marvel at new awe-inspiring installations such as the delicately enchanting ‘Light as a Feather’, the warming glow of ‘Floating Candles’, and the harmonious ‘Choir of Trees.’ 

Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, Kent.

Festive fun at Kent Life heritage farm – 29 November to 24 December 2025

A host of Christmas activities happens at Kent Life, from a live nativity with real animals to a WWI Home Front Christmas experience.

Exploring the sweet shop, build your very own teddy bear (additional charge, catch an enchanting live show and make a stop at The Snow Inn for delectable festive treats and drinks. Santa will even be in his grotto.

Kent Life heritage farm, Maidstone.

Santa’s grotto at The Reindeer Centre – 22 November to 24 December 2025

Meet Santa and his reindeer at The Reindeer Centre’s 150ft magical grotto.

Afterwards you can head into the big Christmas barn, meet all the wonderful farm animals, feed the reindeer and have fun in the popular snow pit.

The Reindeer Centre, Bethersden.

Christmas events in Leicestershire

All aboard for a Christmas train ride in Leicestershire:

Santa Steam Trains at Great Central Railway – Selected dates starting on 22 November -24 December 2025

This year’s event details were still to be announced when this guide was last updated.

Great Central Railway, Loughborough.

Christmas in Lincolnshire

Here’s what’s on this Christmas in Lincolnshire:

Christmas at Belton – 21 November to 31 December 2025

This year visitors will see a new illuminations at Belton National Trust’s magical Christmas light trail.

Discover a meadow of light, colour-changing larger-than-life neon string flowers, candles floating high into the sky and batons of light shining all the colours of the rainbow.

Belton House, Grantham.

Christmas days out in London

We do love visiting London with our kids – there’s a surprising amount you can fit in, even when you only have a weekend to explore. Here’s all the things to do in London with kids that we fitted into our last short visit.

If you want to give a special someone a London-themed gift to enjoy after Christmas then Red Letter Days have lot of experiences in and around the capital. Bag a bargain with these Red Letter Days voucher codes.

And here’s what’s on in London this Christmas:

Shrek’s Christmas Adventure – 30 November to 24 December 2025

Shrek’s Adventure! London is hosting a special seasonal experience with a grotto inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s beloved Christmas special, Shrek the Halls.

Meet Shrek Santa, pose for a picture with him and take away a Christmas card.

Shrek’s Christmas Adventure*, Westminster.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – 14 November 2025 to 1 January 2026

This popular London event returns this year with all the fun of spectacular shows, fairground rides, a Christmas market and Santa experiences in the heart of the capital.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park.

More festive ideas

Christmas fun in Manchester

The very best place to find out about is to read this guide to what’s on in Manchester at Christmas by We’re Going on an Adventure. Colette is the expert!

Want to make a date with the big man? Here’s also where to meet Santa in the Manchester area.

Christmas at Gibside – 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026

Visit Santa, meet his reindeer in the stables and enjoy a woodland fairy trail around the gardens.

Gibside, Gateshead.

See my post about even more Christmas lights trails around the UK.

Fenwick’s magical window – early November onwards

For events in Newcastle and the North East there’s no better place to search for festive days out than North East Family Fun. Here’s the family’s visit to see Fenwick’s window revealed.

Fenwick, Newcastle.

Festive Planetarium Show at the Life Science Centre – 2 November to 23 December 2025

Look up in the North’s largest planetarium to see Santa’s global journey across the world on Christmas Eve.

This world first show by the Life Science Centre team and includes specially tailored relaxed sessions for those with sensory needs.

Following this starry adventure, visit Santa’s home for an unforgettable encounter and enjoy an array of festive demonstrations.

What Santa Sees, Newcastle Life Science Centre.

Days out this Christmas in Norfolk

Here’s some of what’s on in and around Norfolk this Christmas:

Christmas Spectacular at Thursford – 8 November to 23 December 2025

The Christmas Spectacular returns this year with magical surroundings of mechanical organs and fairground carousels, with a cast of more than 120 professional singers, dancers and musicians making it the biggest show of its kind in Europe.

The three hour performance delivers an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety.

It’s a fast moving celebration of the festive season featuring an eclectic mix of both seasonal and year-round favourites, with famous and much-loved chart toppers being performed alongside traditional carols.

Thursford Christmas Spectacular.

A Sparkly Light and Panto Trail at BeWILDerwood – selected dates from 29 November to 23 December 2025

Explore brand new areas of BeWILDerwood as you follow The Sparkly Light and Pants Trail through the woods.

Father Christmas will also be making an appearance.

BeWILDerwood Christmas, Hoveton.

The North Norfolk Pole Experience at Pensthorpe – selected dates 29 November to 23 December 2025

Father Christmas is setting up shop in Norfolk this winter to kick-start the Christmas celebrations.

Join Santa and his playful elves as they spread the holiday spirit, singing merry tunes and sharing yuletide tales in the Grotto’s storytelling sessions.

There will be festive crafts, creating Christmas-themed decorations and the opportunity to indulge in some hot chocolate and cookies before heading over to the present room.

The North Norfolk Pole, Pensthorpe, Fakenham.

Christmas experiences in Northumberland

Here’s some of what’s on in Northumberland this Christmas:

A Christmas at Bamburgh Castle – 8 November 2025 to 4 January 2026

Enter a spellbinding world of Treasured Tales during an event curated by acclaimed theatrical designer Charlotte Lloyd Webber and her award-winning team.

Father Christmas will also be at the Castle on selected dates.

Christmas at Bamburgh Hall, Bamburgh.

Christmas days out in Oxfordshire

Here’s where to celebrate Christmas in Oxfordshire this year:

Christmas at Blenheim

The Palace’s gardens will be illuminated by a million lights, while inside you’ll find rooms transformed into the Land of Oz.

Adventure through the State rooms inspired by L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and follow the road of yellow brick sprinkled with Christmas magic. 

Outdoors you’ll also find Blenheim’s famed Christmas market and an ice rink.

Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire.

Christmas in the Peak District

Take a look at this brilliant guide on Peak District Kids to what’s happening in the Peak District this Christmas including events at Chatsworth House and Poole’s Cavern, plus Christmas markets.

Christmas days out in Staffordshire

Here’s some of what’s on in Staffordshire this Christmas:

Christmas days out at Alton Towers – 28 November 2025 to 4 January 2026

Make magical Christmas memories at Alton Towers and CBeebies Lands this winter. As well as all the usual rides and attractions there will be some extra seasonal sparkle with special shows and plenty of festive spirit.

Why not make an extra special trip of it and book a Santa Sleepover. This includes a visit to Santa’s grotto and an all new pantomime.

Sign up for the Alton Towers newsletter to receive more information.

Christmas at Alton Towers*, Staffordshire.

Winter Wonderland at Snowdome – selected dates from 15 November 2025 to 3 January 2026

Santa’s magical winter wonderland returns to Snowdome this year with a Santa show, snow trail and Christmas Village.

Snowdome, Tamworth.

Christmas events in Surrey

Here’s where to find festive fun in Surrey:

Christmas at Chessington World of Adventures – 22 November to 31 December 2025

This Christmas Chessington presents its Winter’s Tail event complete with elves, reindeer, a light trails, Father Christmas’ grotto and a panto.

Christmas at Chessington*, Surrey.

Christmas at Kew – 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026

Christmas at Kew, a much-loved highlight of London’s festive calendar, returns for its twelfth year this November.

This year’s light trail will illuminate Kew Gardens’ UNESCO World Heritage landscape with vibrant bursts of colour and over a million twinkling lights.

Immerse yourselves in sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections, glitter balls and trees drenched in jewel-like colour on your way to the panoramic Palm House light display.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Christmas days out in Sussex

There’s some brilliant days out with kids in Sussex. Here’s what’s on this Christmas:

Christmas at Drusillas – 22 November to 23 December 2025

Bring your little elves to meet the big man himself in the Drusillas grotto, as well seeing a huge illuminated tree and posing for plenty of festive photo opportunities around the park.

Santa’s grotto ticket must be bought in addition to park entry.

Drusillas Park, East Sussex.

Christmas days out in Warwickshire

Here’s some of what’s on in Warwickshire this Christmas:

Christmas at the Magic Alley – 22 November to 24 December 2025

This year’s immersive event at the Magic Alley starts in a snow covered enchanted forest from where you will make your way through the magical rooms completing a Christmas quest and solving puzzles on the way.

There are age targeted and SEN sessions to help you pick the best experience for your family.

Book your tickets before 31 October for a personalised experience.

The Magic Alley, Stratford.

Christmas at Warwick Castle – 22 November to 4 January 2025

Take your pick of festive experiences at Warwick Castle or book them all. There’s a Santa experience including storytelling, a a light trail, ice skating and Santa Sleepovers.

You can read review of previous Christmas celebrations at Warwick Castle on the Plutonium Sox and Mummy Travels blogs.

Christmas at Warwick Castle*.

Things to Do at Christmas in West Sussex

Here’s the Christmas events to enjoy in West Sussex this year:

Leonardslee Lights – 28 November to 30 December 2025

This winter Leonardslee Lights returns the historic 240-acre Grade I Listed estate with a dazzling new route and expanded cast of light, sound and spectacle.

Wander through woodland scenes bathed in light, music and mystery as nature becomes the backdrop to a magical evening performances. Each installation is a carefully crafted scene, inspired by the beauty of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens and brought to life with theatrical flair.

Leonardslee Illuminated, Horsham.

Christmas days out in Wiltshire

Here’s some of what’s on in Wiltshire this Christmas:

Longleat Festival of Light – 8 November 2025 to 11 January 2026

This year explore London — walking under a breathtaking 15m tall Tower Bridge — travel through Stonehenge and to Shaun the Sheep’s own Mossy Bottom Farm.

Marvel at the spectacular Welsh dragon before heading to Blackpool and the great British seaside. Then journey to Scotland and Giant’s Causeway as well as West Wallaby Street to meet Wallace and Gromit on their adventures.

Longleat will also be marking the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth as it focusses on writers, celebrating British native wildlife and landscapes, and presenting iconic singers through the decades.

The Festival of Light, Longleat.

Christmas activities in Worcestershire

Here’s what’s on in and around Worchestershire this Christmas:

Winter Glow at Three Counties Showground, Malvern – 21 November to 31 December 2025

Winter Glow invites you to embrace all things seasonal, with an impressive line-up of activities and excitement on offer this Christmas.

The light trail showcases structures, installations, and illuminations created especially for Winter Glow by our teams of local creative artists, lighting designers and craft-persons.

Winter Glow Illuminated Light Trail, Malvern.

Christmas days out in Yorkshire

Here’s where to celebrate Christmas in Yorkshire:

Christmas at Mother Shipton’s – selected dates from 29 November to 24 December 2025

Mother Shipton’s magical Christmas experience returns this winter with storytelling, reindeer food making and a visit to meet Santa in his grotto.

Venture deep into the twinkling woodland to visit the incredible Petrifying Well and see the Cave where the famous prophetess Mother Shipton was born.

Make a Christmas wish in the Wishing Well or hammer a coin into Wishing Logs as you explore the historic site.

Christmas at Mother Shipton’s, Knaresborough.

Winter Illuminations and Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park – 22 November to 24 December 2025

Stockeld’s Christmas adventure will return this year with all the magic of the season. There will be dazzling Christmas light show, Santa’s Grotto, live theatre show and ice skating. 

Winter Illuminations and Christmas Adventure, Stockeld Park.

Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Castle Howard – 13 November 2025 to 4 January 2026

See Castle Howard transformed into the magical world of Oz with installations, soundscapes and projections, created by CLW Event Design and Imitating the Dog – the same creative team that brought you Alice’s Christmas Wonderland and Christmas in Neverland.

There’s also a grotto, evening illuminations and other festive events that can be booked separately.

Christmas at Castle Howard, York.

Santa Special at North Yorkshire Moors Railway – selected dates from 29 November to 24 December 2025

Hop aboard a heritage steam engine at the beautifully decorated Pickering Station for a magical Christmas adventure.

Mr Claus and his jolly helpers will pass through the heritage carriages, giving children a chance to meet the legendary man himself on board the train.

There will be a special soft toy for all the children onboard, providing they’ve managed to keep themselves off the naughty list this year.

North Yorkshire Moor Railway Santa Specials.

Take a look at Yorkshire Tots to Teens for a full guide to things to do this Christmas in West Yorkshire.

Where else for Christmas days out in the UK?

Don’t forget to check out my post about Christmas markets happening this year.

Carrie at Flying with a Baby has all the info on Santa’s Grottos in Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

Still looking for the perfect Christmas present? Here’s some more ideas for gifts for the whole family and for kids who have everything.

If you know of a wonderful Christmas day out with kids that should be included in my post get in touch.