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Christmas experiences in Britain

From light trails to silent discos – and everything in between. Meet local artisans, pick up an unusual present or get crafty at a festive workshop with friends old and new.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

21st November 2024 - 5th January 2025

Transforming one of London’s spectacular parks, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland offers a festive paradise in the heart of the city.

Discover the festive spirit at Winter Wonderland

Photo by: Shutterstock / Alexey Fedorenko

Location: London, England

A night view to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland lit up with people milling around the market
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

From Covent Garden to Carnaby Street, Oxford Street and more, embrace the festive season as you walk through London’s world-famous Christmas lights.

See London’s Christmas lights

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rama Knight

Location: London, England

Couple in front of Christmas decorated entrance
London's Christmas Lights

Leeds Castle Christmas Lights

23rd November 2024 - 5th January 2025

Take a walk through the enchanted illuminated trail in the castle grounds and look out for Father Christmas along the way!

Explore Leeds Castle Christmas Lights

Photo by: Richard Haughton for Sony Music

Christmas Cathedral at Leeds Castle. Image by Richard Haughton for Sony Music
Leeds Castle Christmas Lights

All are welcome to experience the Christmas spirit at this iconic location through concerts and services, with Christmas carols, Midnight Mass and more.

Celebrate Advent and Christmas at St Paul's

Photo by: Graham Westley Lacdao

St Paul's Choristers lighting candles at Christmas
Advent and Christmas at St Paul's Cathedral

Christmas at Blenheim Palace

15th November 2024 - 1st January 2025

See the Palace rooms transform into Neverland, complete with a fairy dusting from Tinkerbell.

Discover the magic of Christmas at Blenheim Palace

Photo by: Blenheim Palace/Sony Music

Location: Oxfordshire, England

Festive Christmas lights shining onto Blenheim Palace
Christmas at Blenheim Palace

Christmas displays at Bamburgh Castle

9th November 2024 - 5th January 2025

This year’s theme for Bamburgh Castle’s Christmas spectacular is A Christmas Through Time, taking visitors on a journey through the centuries.

Explore Bamburgh Castle’s Christmas displays

Photo by: Stuart Boulton

Location: Bamburgh Castle, England

A girl looking at a hanging ornament in front of a decorated christmas tree at Bamburgh Castle's Christmas Kingdom
Christmas displays at Bamburgh Castle

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland

15th November 2024 - 5th January 2025

From Santa's magical grotto to the twinkling lights of the funfair, cosy alpine cafe and ice rink, Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland has something for all the family.

Visit Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rama Knight

Location: Yorkshire, England

Hands holding a pair of white ice skates by the laces
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland

Harry Potter - Hogwarts in the Snow

16th November 2024 - 19th January 2025

Experience The Making of Harry Potter on a whole new festive level, with spectacular decorations and displays.

Enjoy Harry Potter at Christmas

Photo by: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Location: Watford, England

Christmas tree in Gryffindor common room with casual student clothes on dummies
Harry Potter - Hogwarts in the Snow

Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland

14th November 2024 - 5th January 2025

Glide around the Ice Rink and Ice Walk within the grounds of Cardiff Castle and stroll through the family funfair at City Hall Lawn.

Visit Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

People ice skating on a skating rink under glass ceiling
Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland

Christmas at Weston

29th November - 22nd December 2024

Festive afternoon teas, Christmas markets and wreath-making classes are all on the menu this festive season at Weston.

Enjoy the festive season at Weston

Photo by: Enchanted Weston

Three people walking under an arch of lit-up trees towards more light displays in woodland at Enchanted Weston at Western Park, Shropshire
Christmas at Weston

Warwick Castle at Christmas

23rd November 2024 - 5th January 2025

Set the scene for a noble Christmas at Warwick Castle. Take to the ice for an adventure around the castle grounds, and meet Santa!

Celebrate Christmas like a king or queen at Warwick Castle

Photo by: Warwick Castle

Location: Warwick, England

Title TBA
Warwick Castle at Christmas

Unwrap unique gifts, shop local crafts and decorations, and sample the festive food and drink on offer at this family-friendly Christmas festival.

Enjoy a family-friendly time at Durham Christmas Festival

Photo by: Durham Cathedral and Heritage House Media Ltd 2009

Location: Durham, England

Durham Castle during Christmas
Durham Christmas Festival

Christmas at Fountains Abbey

30th November - 29th December 2024

Each holiday season, see the park illuminate with atmospheric tales from storytellers, candlelit carol concerts and wintery walks.

Immerse yourself in a Fountains Abbey Christmas

Photo by: National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Location: North Yorkshire, England

Visitors walking in the garden at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire
Christmas at Fountains Abbey

In place of the traditional Lincoln Christmas Market, visitors will find several smaller events making up ‘Christmas in Lincoln’.

Enjoy Christmas in Lincoln

Photo by: Getty Images/Julian Elliott Photography

Lincoln Cathedral with Tudor timber framed buildings in foreground
Christmas in Lincoln

Merry Zipmas

22nd November - 24th December 2024

Delve deep into caves for a subterranean Christmas adventure filled with adventure golf and a hidden grotto.

See what lies beneath north Wales this Christmas

Photo by: sandra__mal

Location: Snowdonia, Wales

Snowdonia’s Zip World Slate Caverns
Merry Zipmas

This luxury food seller's window comes alive at Christmas, from enchanted forests to scenes from fairy tales – this is one London shop window not to be missed!

Delve into a Fortnum & Mason Christmas

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rama Knight

Location: Fortnum & Mason, London, England

Woman exiting building carrying shopping bags
Christmas at Fortnum & Mason

Lavish window displays and endless shopping in the capital’s longest-established department store.

Discover the magic of Christmas at Selfridges

Photo by: Alamy/Robert Harding/Mark Mawson

Location: London, England

Selfridges at Christmas, Oxford Street, London, England, United Kingdom, Europe
Christmas at Selfridges

Every day is Christmas Day at this year-round Christmas shop. 

Find out more about Cotswold Christmas Shop

Photo by: cotswoldchristmasshop

Cotswold Christmas Shop
Cotswold Christmas Shop

Christmas at Bute Park

22nd November - 31st December 2024

This award-winning light trail in the shadow of Cardiff Castle is a spectacle for all the senses.

Enjoy colourful Bute Park

Photo by: Christmas at Bute Park

Location: Image lights

Colourful light installation at Christmas at Bute Park festival
Christmas at Bute Park

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

21st November 2024 - 5th January 2025

Transforming one of London’s spectacular parks, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland offers a festive paradise in the heart of the city.

Discover the festive spirit at Winter Wonderland

Photo by: Shutterstock / Alexey Fedorenko

Location: London, England

A night view to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland lit up with people milling around the market
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

From Covent Garden to Carnaby Street, Oxford Street and more, embrace the festive season as you walk through London’s world-famous Christmas lights.

See London’s Christmas lights

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rama Knight

Location: London, England

Couple in front of Christmas decorated entrance
London's Christmas Lights

Leeds Castle Christmas Lights

23rd November 2024 - 5th January 2025

Take a walk through the enchanted illuminated trail in the castle grounds and look out for Father Christmas along the way!

Explore Leeds Castle Christmas Lights

Photo by: Richard Haughton for Sony Music

Christmas Cathedral at Leeds Castle. Image by Richard Haughton for Sony Music
Leeds Castle Christmas Lights

All are welcome to experience the Christmas spirit at this iconic location through concerts and services, with Christmas carols, Midnight Mass and more.

Celebrate Advent and Christmas at St Paul's

Photo by: Graham Westley Lacdao

St Paul's Choristers lighting candles at Christmas
Advent and Christmas at St Paul's Cathedral

Christmas at Blenheim Palace

15th November 2024 - 1st January 2025

See the Palace rooms transform into Neverland, complete with a fairy dusting from Tinkerbell.

Discover the magic of Christmas at Blenheim Palace

Photo by: Blenheim Palace/Sony Music

Location: Oxfordshire, England

Festive Christmas lights shining onto Blenheim Palace
Christmas at Blenheim Palace

Christmas displays at Bamburgh Castle

9th November 2024 - 5th January 2025

This year’s theme for Bamburgh Castle’s Christmas spectacular is A Christmas Through Time, taking visitors on a journey through the centuries.

Explore Bamburgh Castle’s Christmas displays

Photo by: Stuart Boulton

Location: Bamburgh Castle, England

A girl looking at a hanging ornament in front of a decorated christmas tree at Bamburgh Castle's Christmas Kingdom
Christmas displays at Bamburgh Castle

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland

15th November 2024 - 5th January 2025

From Santa's magical grotto to the twinkling lights of the funfair, cosy alpine cafe and ice rink, Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland has something for all the family.

Visit Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rama Knight

Location: Yorkshire, England

Hands holding a pair of white ice skates by the laces
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland

Harry Potter - Hogwarts in the Snow

16th November 2024 - 19th January 2025

Experience The Making of Harry Potter on a whole new festive level, with spectacular decorations and displays.

Enjoy Harry Potter at Christmas

Photo by: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Location: Watford, England

Christmas tree in Gryffindor common room with casual student clothes on dummies
Harry Potter - Hogwarts in the Snow

Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland

14th November 2024 - 5th January 2025

Glide around the Ice Rink and Ice Walk within the grounds of Cardiff Castle and stroll through the family funfair at City Hall Lawn.

Visit Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

People ice skating on a skating rink under glass ceiling
Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland

Christmas at Weston

29th November - 22nd December 2024

Festive afternoon teas, Christmas markets and wreath-making classes are all on the menu this festive season at Weston.

Enjoy the festive season at Weston

Photo by: Enchanted Weston

Three people walking under an arch of lit-up trees towards more light displays in woodland at Enchanted Weston at Western Park, Shropshire
Christmas at Weston

Warwick Castle at Christmas

23rd November 2024 - 5th January 2025

Set the scene for a noble Christmas at Warwick Castle. Take to the ice for an adventure around the castle grounds, and meet Santa!

Celebrate Christmas like a king or queen at Warwick Castle

Photo by: Warwick Castle

Location: Warwick, England

Title TBA
Warwick Castle at Christmas

Unwrap unique gifts, shop local crafts and decorations, and sample the festive food and drink on offer at this family-friendly Christmas festival.

Enjoy a family-friendly time at Durham Christmas Festival

Photo by: Durham Cathedral and Heritage House Media Ltd 2009

Location: Durham, England

Durham Castle during Christmas
Durham Christmas Festival

Christmas at Fountains Abbey

30th November - 29th December 2024

Each holiday season, see the park illuminate with atmospheric tales from storytellers, candlelit carol concerts and wintery walks.

Immerse yourself in a Fountains Abbey Christmas

Photo by: National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Location: North Yorkshire, England

Visitors walking in the garden at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire
Christmas at Fountains Abbey

In place of the traditional Lincoln Christmas Market, visitors will find several smaller events making up ‘Christmas in Lincoln’.

Enjoy Christmas in Lincoln

Photo by: Getty Images/Julian Elliott Photography

Lincoln Cathedral with Tudor timber framed buildings in foreground
Christmas in Lincoln

Merry Zipmas

22nd November - 24th December 2024

Delve deep into caves for a subterranean Christmas adventure filled with adventure golf and a hidden grotto.

See what lies beneath north Wales this Christmas

Photo by: sandra__mal

Location: Snowdonia, Wales

Snowdonia’s Zip World Slate Caverns
Merry Zipmas

This luxury food seller's window comes alive at Christmas, from enchanted forests to scenes from fairy tales – this is one London shop window not to be missed!

Delve into a Fortnum & Mason Christmas

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rama Knight

Location: Fortnum & Mason, London, England

Woman exiting building carrying shopping bags
Christmas at Fortnum & Mason

Lavish window displays and endless shopping in the capital’s longest-established department store.

Discover the magic of Christmas at Selfridges

Photo by: Alamy/Robert Harding/Mark Mawson

Location: London, England

Selfridges at Christmas, Oxford Street, London, England, United Kingdom, Europe
Christmas at Selfridges

Every day is Christmas Day at this year-round Christmas shop. 

Find out more about Cotswold Christmas Shop

Photo by: cotswoldchristmasshop

Cotswold Christmas Shop
Cotswold Christmas Shop

Christmas at Bute Park

22nd November - 31st December 2024

This award-winning light trail in the shadow of Cardiff Castle is a spectacle for all the senses.

Enjoy colourful Bute Park

Photo by: Christmas at Bute Park

Location: Image lights

Colourful light installation at Christmas at Bute Park festival
Christmas at Bute Park
Northern Lights Newcastle, north-east England 

Hot chocolate in hand, follow Newcastle’s only immersive light trail as it winds through the city’s Leazes Park from 22 November to 31 December 2024. Discover a kaleidoscope of colour at the Rainbow Road and be dazzled by the giant Lily. 

Christmas Tree Festival, Chester, north-west England 

Head to Chester Cathedral from 22 November 2024 to 5 January 2025 to see this landmark transformed into a festive forest. Local schoolchildren and businesses are invited to decorate the Christmas trees, and this year’s theme is ‘Discover what Christmas means to you’. 

Kingdom of the Elves at Bluestone, Pembrokeshire, south Wales 

Santa’s cheeky elves have taken over Bluestone National Park Resort! Sign up to Elf School to learn some festive skills, meet Father Christmas at Santa’s Lodge and join Rudolph for a festive breakfast from 4 November 2024 to 2 January 2025. 

Castle of Light, Edinburgh, south-east Scotland 

When darkness falls, Edinburgh Castle beckons. Returning for a fifth year from 22 November 2024 to 4 January 2025, Castle of Light brings Edinburgh’s history and legends to life through immersive installations – magic for all ages. 

Twelve Days of Christmas, Belvoir Castle, Midlands, England 

You’ve seen it on screen in The Crown and The Da Vinci Code – now experience glorious Belvoir Castle at Christmas, from 23 November 2024 to 1 January 2025. Shop local crafts at the Christmas market, or feast on the Festive Afternoon Tea. Young visitors will love Breakfast with Father Christmas.

Winter Lights, The Alnwick Garden, north-east England  

See The Alnwick Garden in a whole new light this Christmas with its dazzling winter light trail, from 18 November 2024 to 1 January 2025. Families, listen up: For the price of one entry, you’ll not only get access to The Alnwick Garden itself but to Lilidorei, the world’s largest play structure.  

Portmeirion Christmas Food and Craft Fair, north Wales  

A corner of Italy on the Welsh coast, the Portmeirion Christmas Food and Craft Fair (6–8 December 2024) features the best of Welsh produce and crafts, as well as a packed programme of entertainment. 

Thames Christmas Party Cruise, London, England 

Tuck into a delicious Christmas lunch or dinner with spellbinding views over the River Thames on a relaxing cruise. Lunchtimes are accompanied by an on-board vocalist singing festive tunes, while dinner guests can party the night away with the live DJ. 

Glasgow festive silent disco, west Scotland 

Throw your best shapes and sing to your heart’s content on this festive themed silent disco through Glasgow. You’re sure to dance, strut and sing around the city on this musical adventure. 

Winter Funland, Midlands, England 

Enjoy all the thrills of the UK’s largest Christmas funfair at Winter Funland at The NEC in Birmingham from 7 December 2024 to 1 January 2025. There’s also an enormous ice rink to try, as well as a 1,200-seater circus.   

Winter sports in Britain

No snow? No problem. Skate past London landmarks or learn the ropes on the slopes in Manchester.
Bath, England 15th November 2024 - 5th January 2025

Test out your best balancing skills this winter in Bath as you embark on an ice-skating adventure at the Royal Pavilion.

Photo by: VisitBath

Iceskaters gliding across the ice in the evening at Bath on Ice
Cairngorm Mountain, Scotland

Whether you’re a skiing beginner or a total pro, hit the slopes at Cairngorm Mountain Resort.

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Cairngorms

Skiing at Cairngorm Mountain
Manchester, England

From pros to absolute beginners, there's room for everyone on the slopes at Chill Factore.

Photo by: Chill Factore

Location: Manchester, England

Two men skiing and snowboarding on an indoor snowslope at Chill Factore in Manchester
Brighton, England 26th October 2024 - 5th January 2025

Glide across the ice at this family-friendly festive experience, set against the spectacular backdrop of the Royal Pavilion.

Photo by: royalpavillionicerink

Ice skating at Brighton Pavilion
Hampton, England 22nd November 2024 - 5th January 2025

Put on your skates and glide into Christmas with an extravagant Tudor building in the background, then relax with a warming sweet hot chocolate.

Photo by: Leftfield Images

Location: Hampton Court Palace, London

An ice rink set within the grounds of Hampton Court Palace in London.
Birmingham, England 1st November 2024 - 5th January 2025

Glide into the festive season at Birmingham’s undercover ice rink at Centenary Square.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Storyman

People posing for selfie in front of the Birmingham Library
Ice Rink Canary Wharf, London, England

London’s longest-running ice rink, with its spectacular Christmas tree and mirrorball, returns to Canary Wharf’s Canada Square Park from 26 October 2024 until 23 February 2025.

Glide at Battersea Power Station, London, England

Framed by Battersea’s iconic towers, Glide at Battersea (8 November 2024 – 5 January 2025) has not one but three interconnected rinks to whizz around, with glorious views of the River Thames. 

Skate Manchester, north-west England

Make a beeline to Skate Manchester for a magical skating experience in Manchester’s Cathedral Gardens, from 8 November until 1 January 2025.  

Winter walks in Britain

Grab a hot chocolate and take a stroll to see Britain’s cities in their winter finery. Why not venture off the beaten track on a tour with an expert local guide?

Festive food and drink experiences in Britain

Munch your way through the season with a festive afternoon tea for two, or try your hand at a mince pie making workshop with the whole family.
London, England 11th November 2024 - 5th January 2025

Think decadent lady fingers, delightful sweet treats and classic British scones as you dine in style and see the sights of Britain’s capital.

Photo by: Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Ltd

Two young women enjoying an festive Afternoon Tea during a Brigit's Afternoon bus experience with fairy lights in the back and Christmas crackers on the table
Aviemore, Scotland 30th November - 23rd December 2024

Celebrate Christmas with afternoon tea on board, featuring festive cakes, sparkling wine and home-baked scones.

Location: Cairngorms

IMG_9003_100402-the-strathspey-steam-railway.jpg
The Great Christmas Feast, London, England

For Christmas with a twist, sample The Great Christmas Feast, a festive experience which takes visitors back to Victorian London and the home of Charles Dickens. A delicious dinner is woven into a magical retelling of A Christmas Carol.  

Festive dining at Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness, Scottish Highlands 

A scrumptious Christmas dinner, a festive afternoon tea or a Hogmanay feast – it’s all on the menu at Ness Walk. Look out for their wreath-making workshops too.  

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, south-east England  

A highlight of the winter at this Oxfordshire gem is the Festive Family Masterclass, an interactive foodie evening for the whole family – try your hand at mince pie making or Christmas cookie decorating. 

Traditional winter events in Britain

It may be chilly outside, but these fiery traditions are worth wrapping up warm for.

Stonehaven Fireballs, north-east Scotland 

At midnight on 31 December, watch 40 brave Stonehaven locals swing flaming balls around their head in a superstitious tradition dating back centuries. 

New Year’s Eve celebrations, nationwide 

See in 2025 with fantastic fireworks displays around Britain on 31 December. The world-famous London New Year’s Eve fireworks display takes place in Westminster.   

Allendale Tar Bar’l, north-east England 

Hot, hectic and hair-raising, this Northumberland tradition has wowed spectators for over 160 years – see it in action on 31 December. 

Hogmanay, Edinburgh, south-east Scotland 

On 31 December, Scotland’s capital welcomes the new year with a bang – expect Ceilidh dances, live music and fireworks.  The next day, watch swimmers brave the Firth of Forth in The Loony Dook dip.

Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim, south Wales 

Don’t miss the hardy swimmers jump into the freezing south Wales waters in their best fancy dress on 1 January. 

Photo by: Neil Denham

Location: Northumberland

Allendale Tar Bar’l

Festive shows and spectacles in Britain

Sing your heart out at a carol concert, or watch the professionals shine at a festive ballet.
London, England

Marvel at the absolutely enormous tree that fills Trafalgar Square each year, attend the tree lighting ceremony or stay for the carol singers.

Photo by: Getty Images/Betsie Van Der Meer

Location: Trafalgar square, London, England

Women with outstretched arms in Trafalgar square, London, England
London, England

All are welcome to experience the Christmas spirit at this iconic location through concerts and services, with Christmas carols, Midnight Mass and more.

Photo by: Graham Westley Lacdao

St Paul's Choristers lighting candles at Christmas
Hallé Christmas Concerts, Manchester, north-west England 

The sounds of winter come to the Bridgewater Hall from 1 December 2024 to 4 January 2025, with Christmas Concerts set to bring the festive spirit. Highlights include the Hallé Christmas Family Concert and the iconic story of The Snowman

Leeds Playhouse Christmas shows, Leeds, northern England 

Look out for productions throughout winter for theatrical entertainment at Leeds Playhouse. Two family-friendly theatre standouts include The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (18 November 2024 to 25 January 2025) and Mr Snow (30 November 2024 to 4 January 2025). 

The Nutcracker, London Coliseum, England 

Be wowed by over 100 dancers and musicians as the English National Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to London’s West End. Enjoy world-class dance and wonderful renditions of Tchaikovsky’s music from the English National Ballet Philharmonic. 

The Nutcracker, Theatre Royal Glasgow, western Scotland 

Join the Scottish Ballet in their magical retelling of The Nutcracker, a visual feast for the whole family. The venue offers relaxed and audio-described performances.

Other festive events in the UK to book now

Discover more festive experiences at the VisitBritain Shop

Get in the festive mood and book tickets for the best Christmas things to do in London and the UK. Enjoy spellbinding family shows like The Snowman. Experience the magic of a London Christmas lights tour. Or treat yourself to a luxurious Christmas lunch at some of the most enchanting destinations in England. Experience Britain as it comes alive this Christmas.

Get in the festive mood and book tickets for the best Christmas things to do in London and the UK. Enjoy spellbinding family shows like The Snowman. Experience the magic of a London Christmas lights tour. Or treat yourself to a luxurious Christmas lunch at some of the most enchanting destinations in England. Experience Britain as it comes alive this Christmas.

More festive fun

Follow twinkling lights and dive into a festive atmosphere filled with holiday cheer at Britain’s Christmas markets.

Photo by: VisitManchester

Christmas market stalls lining Cathedral Street in Manchester

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