Explore the most enchanting things to do across the country that’ll give you memories to cherish all season long.
As the holiday season sweeps across the UK, cities and towns transform into glittering wonderlands, bringing festive cheer to every corner.
From enchanting light trails that illuminate historic castles and gardens to whimsical Santa’s grottos where little ones can meet the big man himself, the UK is brimming with events that make December truly unforgettable.
This year’s celebrations are bigger and brighter than ever, featuring spectacular entertainment performances, cosy markets, and immersive winter experiences that’ll leave you feeling as if you’ve stepped into a Christmas movie.
1. Christmas at Bute Park, Cardiff
This is award-winning festive lights trail takes place in the heart of the Welsh capital.
Families with children of all ages can take a stroll through an enchanted world of illumination, uniquely crafted by world-leading lighting designers.
In picturesque Bute Park, they’ll experience a mesmerising journey in the shadow of historic Cardiff Castle and enjoy a huge range of festive food and drink in the Christmas village.
Leading the new sights on show for 2024 is Mycelium Network — a huge, fibre-optic network of festive fungi that leads visitors through a colour-changing carpet of glowing virtual mushrooms.
Open 22 November to 31 December. Tickets cost £16.50 for children and £23.50 for adults. Ages 0-2 years go free. Book at christmasatbute.seetickets.com
Read more: The best Christmas markets to visit in Europe this year
2. Northern Lights in Newcastle and Leeds
Enjoy a mesmerising journey around Newcastle’s oldest city park or breathtaking Temple Newsam, a Tudor-Jacobean house with landscaped grounds.
In Newcastle, visitors can submerge themselves in a kaleidoscope of colour at the Rainbow Road as they walk through a vibrant spectrum as part of a dynamic display choreographed to original music.
In Leeds, visitors will be amazed by Aurora Rising, which sees hundreds of floating orbs synchronised to music in an effortless dance of water and earth, while thousands of mysterious glowing forms will cover the ground.
The trails are designed with all ages, backgrounds and abilities in mind to ensure it can be experienced by all.
Until 31 December. Book at northernlightsnewcastle.seetickets.com and northernlightsleeds.seetickets.com
3. The Christmas Orchestra, various locations
This winter, a live orchestra is coming to 18 breathtaking UK locations to sprinkle festive cheer.
The enchanting spectacle will see a 16-piece chamber orchestra play in iconic settings, promising feel-good fun for all.
Visitors can expect to enjoy heart-warming tunes alongside popular sing-along classics and feel nostalgic vibes listening to compositions from iconic films such as Home Alone, Love Actually, The Holiday, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Muppet Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, The Grinch and Polar Express.
Locations include:
- Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe Church – 21 November
- Worcester, Worcester Cathedral – 22 November
- Brighton, All Saints Hove – 23 November
- Cheltenham, Cheltenham Town Hall – 25 November
- Truro, Truro Cathedral – 27 November
- Exeter, St David’s Church – 28 November
- Norwich, St Peter Mancroft Church – 30November
- Oxford, Oxford Town Hall – 2 December
- Leicester, Empire Hall – 3 December
- Selby, Selby Abbey – Wednesday 4 December
- Swindon, Christ Church – 6 December
- Cardiff, Llandaff Cathedral – 7 December
- Swansea, Brangwyn Hall – 9 December
- Brecon, Brecon Cathedral – 10 December
- Taunton, Taunton Minster – 12 December
- Reading, Reading Minster – 13 December
- Poole, St James’ Church – 14 December
- Southampton, Central Hall – 17 December
Tickets cost £19, book at thechristmasorchestra.co.uk
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4. Reindeer Lodge, Mold, Wales
Step into ‘a magical land where reindeer and elves live hand in hand’.
This immersive Christmas village is waiting for you and your kids to explore.
Visitors can enjoy a ride on the new Polar Express to stations around the farm. Kids will love exploring the enchanted lands and sending letters to Santa from Toy Town’s post office.
A delightful Christmas lighting trail also illuminates the Welsh countryside, setting the scene for a beautiful encounter with a herd of reindeer.
Reindeer Lodge is packed with attractions such as fairground rides, stage shows, a VR sleigh ride, prize game stalls and glitter tattoo boutiques.
Then complete the day meeting the big man himself at Santa’s grotto.
Until 24 December, tickets from £35. book at tickettailor.com
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5. The Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS experience
In a magical pinewood setting, The Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS experience invites visitors to wander among 50,000 twinkling lights and captivating effects.
Named Best Visitor Attraction 2024 at the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards, highlights include the 26ft-high Red Squirrel Trail, offering breathtaking canopy views, and a brand-new UV Light Tunnel to guide explorers through this winter wonderland.
Until 19 February, with tickets costing £10 for children and £15 for adults. Book at landmarkpark.co.uk
Read more: White mulled wine recipe: the fresh twist on winter’s favourite drink
6. Santa’s Christmas Tour at York’s Chocolate Story
Delve into York’s sweet history with Santa’s Christmas Tour at York’s Chocolate Story.
This interactive journey brings to life tales of the city’s chocolate dynasties, including Terry’s and Rowntree’s.
Enjoy delicious samples, meet Santa in his workshop and create your own chocolate treats along the way.
Until 23 December, tickets cost £23.95 from bookings.yorkchocolatestory.com
7. Santa’s Toymaker Workshop at the Spinnaker Tower
Based in Portsmouth, Santa’s Toymaker Workshop at the Spinnaker Tower offers a high-flying Christmas adventure.
Children can follow an elf-led trail through the tower, create a custom plush toy and meet Santa himself at the top of this iconic landmark.
Until 24 December. Tickets are £25 and can be booked at spinnakertower.co.uk
8. Christmas trail at Oxford Castle and Prison
At Oxford Castle and Prison, a whimsical Christmas trail invites families to craft festive decorations under the guidance of cheerful elves.
Visitors can create penguin baubles, button trees and festive garlands, then meet Santa in St George’s Tower.
Until 23 December, tickets start from £20 for one adult and a child. Visit oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk for bookings.
9. Celebrate Voice at Christmas
Head down to the iconic Theatre Royal Winchester for a festive variety performance evening like no other.
Expect a mix of opera, show songs, cabaret and festive numbers, plus carols for the whole audience to join in.
Performed by a dazzling array of professional singers and giving a platform to young upcoming local talent, this show is renowned for its charm, warmth and rousing, inclusive style.
Friday, 20 December, tickets start from £18. Book at theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk
10. Elf the Musical
The family favourite Christmas film comes to life on stage in a feel-good musical production. Follow Buddy the Elf, played by Jordan Conway, on his journey to meet his real human father in New York City — and laugh at the hilarious hijinks he gets involved with along the way.
Chock-full of catchy songs and lively choreography, if this musical doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit then nothing will.
Upcoming locations include:
- Wycombe Swan, 19-23 November 2024
- P&J Live Arena Aberdeen, 30 November 2024
- Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, 3-7 December 2024
- ICC Wales, 14 December 2024 – 4 January 2025
- Brighton Centre, 17-18 December 2024
- BP Pulse Live Birmingham, 20-22 December 2024
- First Direct Arena Leeds, 23-24 December 2024
- Connexin Live Hull, 27 December 2024
- Ovo Hydro Glasgow, 28-29 December 2024
- Ulita Arena Newcastle, 30 December 2024
- Gleneagle Inec Arena Killarney, 2-5 January 2025
Book at elfthemusicaluk.com
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