Calling all vegans and herbivores. Embark on a meat-free adventure at the London Vegan Fayre. Located in Kensington Town Hall, the London Vegan Fayre is so much more than a collection of all things plant-based. It is an educational weekend of speakers, special offers, new products and entertainment. Look out for the Bristol Vegan Fayre, too, which usually takes place in June.
The world’s top players descend on Alexandra Palace in North London during the festive period, December to early January, for one of the biggest competitions in darts, often accompanied by raucous crowds donning an array of eye-catching fancy dress.
Glide into the festive season with Birmingham’s iconic library as your backdrop. Located in the heart of the city centre at Centenary Square, close to the dynamic library building, bag yourself some skates and take to the ice. Explore the area filled with a big wheel, on-site bar for a warming cup of festive hot chocolate and all the Christmassy feels. Both the undercover ice rink and big wheel are fully accessible.
Until 10 January 2027: Longleat Festival of Light, Wiltshire, south-west England
This outdoor light festival boasts hundreds of illuminated characters and scenes that transform the estate into a winter wonderland, with each year boasting a new theme. This year is all about myths, legends and folklore – think the Lost City of Atlantis, dragons, giants and more.
Until 3 January 2027: Christmas at Kew, London, England
Get into the spirit of Christmas against the picturesque background of Kew Gardens in London, which delivers a sparkling after-dark experience and a truly festive atmosphere every year. Previous highlights include a Fire Garden, towering fairy-lit trees and the spellbinding Palm House light display.
A true family favourite, Winter Wonderland returns to London’s Hyde Park with big top shows, the observation wheel and a huge Christmas market. As well as the ice rink, Winter Wonderland includes gentle rides for younger children.
Showing over 50 works, Renoir and Love is the first exhibition devoted to the artist since 2007 at the National Gallery, London. Look out for ‘Bal au Moulin de la Galette’ (‘Dance at the Moulin de la Galette’) 1876, making its British debut, alongside pieces from the 1860s to 1880s at the height of his career.
31 December 2026: Hogmanay, across Scotland
Hogmanay is what the Scots call New Year’s Eve and the arrival of the New Year is always celebrated in style across the country. Fireworks, open-air concerts and street parties make Hogmanay Scotland’s biggest party of the year. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations will span from 29 December until 1 January, with epic concerts and parties to look forward to.
31 December 2026: Howaymanay, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north-east England
Newcastle’s vibrant quayside is the host of the city’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations, bursting with Geordie charm. Expect whimsical entertainment, including street singers, a disco on wheels and an appearance from Father Howaymanay himself.
