As sad as it is saying goodbye to summer, the colder months bring with them the anticipation of Christmas! The season of fairy lights, mulled wine, hot chocolate, Christmas films and so much more. We've pulled together the best festive events this year that are sure to get you in that festive spirit (even if the weather outside is frightful). From magical illuminated winter trails topped off with a warming hot chocolate or mulled wine, to one of a kind cinema experiences and even meeting the main man himself, there is something happening this year that would get even the grinch in the Christmas spirit. Take a look to see what's on!
Winter Wonderland
Where? Hyde Park, London
When? November 2022 - January 2023
The UK's largest and most iconic festive event will be making its grand return this Christmas to celebrate it's 15th edition in London's Hyde Park. This year's Winter Wonderland is set to be the most magical one yet, with amazing attractions including the UK's largest outdoor Ice Rink, an exciting new theme inside the Magical Ice Kingdom, Bar Ice experiences, thrilling Zippos and Cirque Beserk shows, the Giant Wheel and the Real Ice Slide! There's something for everyone, so book your tickets today!
Christmas at ZSL London Zoo
Where? London
When? November 2022 - January 2023
It’s the most magical time of the year at the Zoo and they’ve got everything you need for a jam-packed festive family day out. Explore their winter wonderland and countdown to Christmas with the giant animal advent calendar! Each day from 1 – 24 December, they will be opening the giant advent calendar and revealing a different animal to celebrate every day. Plus, you're little one might even get the chance to meet Santa! Book now.
Skate Into Coventry
Where? Coventry
When? November 2022 - January 2023
Get ready this winter season to 'Skate into Coventry', a magical Winter Wonderland in the heart of Coventry's city centre. Broadgate will become home to a festive ice rink, Christmas food market, joyful music, and a Winter Wonderland, with a unique light curtain backdrop. So, get your skates on and don't miss out on the magical atmosphere in Coventry this Christmas.
Christmas at Kew
Where? Kew Gardens, Richmond
When? November 2022 - January 2023
Firmly positioned as one of the highlights of the UK's festive calendar, sparkles and seasonal sounds will fill the air at Kew Gardens in South West London. Make memories with family and friends as you discover sparkling tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colour. Tickets are selling fast, so book now to secure your entry!
Royal Pavillion Ice Rink
Where? Brighton
When? November 2022 - January 2023
The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is back in the bustling North Laine District of Brighton this festive season. Beautifully lit at night for a truly magical skate, enjoy the stunning and twinkly atmosphere, alongside independent shops, the toasty rink-side Bar & Kitchen, and the amazing green-powered ice rink. Book now to be sure of your skating session.
Christmas at Waddesdon
Where? Buckinghamshire
When? November 2022 - January 2023
Christmas at Waddesdon is back with magical lights, the gardens aglow and dazzling displays inside the house creating a Waddesdon-inspired wonderland for the first time since 2019. Follow a new route through the East Wing with festive displays, sparkling trees and sumptuous decorations inspired by the Manor’s many treasures, from famous portraits to exquisite porcelain, or soak up the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas at the Christmas Fair with hand-selected stalls all housed in charming wooden chalets, surrounded by twinkling trees.
Ice Rink at Hampton Court Palace
Where? Hampton Court, London Borough of Richmond
When? November 2022 - January 2023
Wrap up warm and skate under the stars with your friends, family or loved ones this Christmas at Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink. With magnificent views of this astonishing Tudor Palace, you are sure to make magical memories. Book your tickets and spend some quality time on the ice this winter.
Windsor Great Park Illuminated
Where? Windsor
When? November 2022 - January 2023
This very special light trail returns to light up the festive season, bigger, better and more dazzling than ever with a brand new trail design and spectacularly re-imagined installations. Spend a magical evening with family and friends watching the breath-taking displays of colour, and enjoying mouth-wateringly good food, mulled wine or hot chocolate, and toasted marshmallows at one of the fire pits. Don't miss this perfect festive evening!
Ice Rink at Winter Village, Westfield London
Where? London
When? November 2022 - January 2023
Make this the most wonderful time of year with a trip of one of London's best outdoor ice rinks. Discover a magical winter wonderland, complete with Europe's tallest Christmas tree to feature on ice, almost 65ft and positioned in the middle of the rink. There's no better way to get into the festive spirit than with a spot of skating. So, grab your tickets for an evening you won't forget.
Skate Manchester
Where? Manchester
When? November 2022 - January 2023
This winter season Skate Manchester is back and better than ever, with twinkling lights, the smell of gingerbread filling the air, Christmas songs and of course the sounds of skates swishing across the ice. This year’s stunning ice rink will be in the heart of the city at Cathedral Gardens, with a brand-new ice path taking you around a beautiful Christmas tree and a roof covering the rink, so you can skate whatever the weather. So get your skates on and don’t miss out on this magical event
Ashridge House Illuminated
Where? Hertfordshire
When? November 2022 - January 2023
This festive adventure of light and sound is something for the whole family to enjoy at the most magical time of the year. With immersive light art installations bringing the winter gardens to life and taking you on a multi-sensory journey through the majestic gardens, plus a festive food and drinks village, this is set to be an evening you won't forget.
Backyard Cinema - London
Where? Wandsworth
When? October - December 2022
Visit one of the UK's most magical cinemas to watch all your favourite festive and winter films this year at their incredible venue in Wandsworth Gasworks. You can watch films like Elf, Frozen, Love Actually, Home Alone and so many more, all set in an environment like no other! Book your tickets today to enjoy this brand-new adventure with all the family.
Backyard Cinema - Manchester
Where? Manchester
When? October - December 2022
Backyard Cinema is opening a cosy winter cinema on the roof of Broadwick Live's Depot Mayfield. This immersive cinema experience is more than just the movies, you can expect to be transported on a magical journey, exploring movie-grade sets, tunnels of trees, and magical doors leading you to the Enchanted Forest and home of the Lost Theatre. Cosy up with your loved ones and enjoy the movie with seasonal cocktails and sweet treats!
Christmas at Bedgebury
Where? Kent
When? November 2022 - January 2023
It's that time of year when the woods at Bedgebury National Pinetum come alive with twinkling lights, festive sounds, seasonal food and drinks chalets and more. Make memories with family and friends as you explore the new picture-perfect installations for 2022, including a larger-than-life walk through Christmas wreath that slowly changes colour, a huge ground level rainbow effect called Ray of Light and the constellation of the moon and stars on the lake! Tickets are selling fast and more have been added die to popular demand. Book your tickets today.
Christmas at Belton
Where? Lincolnshire
When? November 2022 - January 2023
It's beginning to look at a lot like Christmas at the National Trust's Belton House this winter where sparkles and seasonal sounds fill the air. Set amongst the beautiful gardens of the Grade I listed country house near Grantham, this is a spell bounding trail that you won't want to miss this Christmas.
BINGO LINGO Step Into Christmas
Where? Cardiff
When? November - December 2022
Cardiff’s popular BINGO LINGO Christmas events return to the cities favourite venue The Depot. Brace yourselves as you are taken on a journey through time with all of your favourite Christmas classics as you Step Into Christmas! It's set to be an unrivalled experience of dance off's, twerk off's and the chance to win festive prizes that will change your life forever!
Cinderella Christmas at Belvoir Castle
Where? Leicestershire
When? November 2022 - January 2023
Step into the magic of Cinderella this Christmas! As the clock strikes twelve on the 18th November, Belvoir Castle will be transformed into a breath-taking Cinderella-themed scene with lavishly decorated spaces and exquisite gardens, adorned with a spell-binding path of twinkling lights for you to explore. Plus, there is plenty of opportunity for you to shop in the Engine Yard, eat festive food, and for the little ones to meet Father Christmas and his friends! This is sure to be an unforgettable family Christmas experience, book now!
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
Where? Oxfordshire
When? November 2022 - January 2023
What better time to visit a 300 year old palace than at Christmas time? Gather up your loved ones and roam around the picturesque grounds with sparkles and festive sounds around every corner. Plus, new for 2022, you can explore the Palace rooms which have been exquisitely transformed and filled with hidden surprises. With tickets selling fast, and more added due to popular demand, this fantastical winter wonderland is where the magic of Christmas really begins.
Christmas at Botanics
Where? Edinburgh
When? November - December 2022
Firmly established as unmissable within Scotland's winter calendar, this trail gives friends and family a chance to explore the the Botanical Gardens where you can walk under sparkling tunnels of light, giant baubles, glistening trees and more. Don't miss out, book your tickets now.
Christmas at Bute Park
Where? Cardiff
When? December 2022 - January 2023
Wales' biggest ever festive lights trail is back for its second year with a host of new sights in tow. The award-winning event has an exciting 'hypnotic laser journey', an 'epic orb of iridescent colour' and a whole lot more on offer, including a magical 'light canyon'! If you live in Cardiff or are visiting in the festive season, you won't want to miss this!
Cardiff Castle Christmas Festival
Where? Cardiff
When? December 2022
The Cardiff Castle Christmas Festival is a spectacular new entertainment attraction being staged inside a stunning 548-seat Spiegeltent in the ground of Cardiff Castle. Three incredible shows - 'Castellana', 'Santa's Wish', and 'The Nutcracker' will offer something for everyone, transporting audiences to a nostalgic and magical world. Book your tickets now!
Circus 1903 at the Eventim Apollo
Where? London
When? December 2022 - January 2023
Roll Up! Roll up! This Christmas, the marvellous Circus 1903 returns to London. Experience all the thrills and daredevil entertainment of a turn-of-the-century circus in an all-new home for 2022 – Eventim Apollo! This is a world of entertainment sure to impress family members of all ages this Christmas, from strong men to contortionists, acrobats to high wire and much more.
Country Living Christmas Fair
Where? London, Glasgow & Harrogate
When? November - December 2022
Enjoy the perfect festive day out in style at the must-attend Christmas event of the season. Returning to London, Glasgow and Harrogate, you can find the perfect unique gifts for your loved ones, home styling advice, handmade decorations, plus a whole host of tempting food and drink made by small artisan producers - all under one roof! Book now and celebrate the start of the festive season!
Christmas at Cowdray
Where? Sussex
When? December 2022
After their incredible first year in 2021, Christmas at Cowdray is back this December and promises to be bigger and better than before! The enchanting, outdoor, festive light trail begins in Cowdray woods and ends by the castle ruins, stepping you back into the 16th century while enjoying illuminations with evocative soundscapes and tasty festive treats! Book now.
Christmas at Delamere
Where? Cheshire
When? November - December 2022
Look forward to a magical festive evening with your loved ones as you discover the twinkling lights amongst the trees in the beautiful Delamere Forest. Set in Cheshire's largest area of woodland, this is the perfect place to escape from daily life and soak up the Christmassy atmosphere. Grab your tickets now!
Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol
Where? London
When? December 2022 - January 2023
This Christmas, experience the classic Dickens' tale with a Tennessee twist in an all-new musical - Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol. Featuring an original soundtrack written by the Queen of Country herself, join for a limited festive season at London's Southbank Centre from this December. You won't want to miss this spin on a Christmas classic.
Christmas at Dunham Massey
Where? Dunham Massey, Manchester
When? November 2022 - January 2023
Surround yourself with sparkle as the illuminated trail winds magically through the formal gardens and deer park of Dunham Massey. Firmly positioned as one of the highlights of the UK’s festive calendar, sparkling lights and seasonal sounds will fill the air at Dunham Massey, near Manchester. Tickets are selling fast, with more added due to popular demand. Your very merriest Christmas starts here!
Eat & Drink Festival Christmas
Where? London
When? November 2022
Packed full of festive food and culinary delights The Eat & Drink Festival Christmas will inject some buzz into the air at Olympia, London from 23rd November – 27th November 2022. Celebrity experts will offer their top tips and advice to inspire visitors to perfect a delicious Christmas feast. You'll also find independent artisan food producers selling an eclectic selection of fresh food, the best street food vendors, mixologists, and a wealth of the UK’s top brands all celebrating the finest seasonal food and drink of 2022. Book your tickets today!
Enchanted with English Heritage
Where? Essex, London and Kent
When? December 2022
Enchanted is back! Visit Audley End House and Gardens, Eltham Palace and Gardens and Walmer Castle and Gardens in December and discover a magical world of illumination, sound and colour. Marvel at the historic buildings being bathed in light as you warm up with a glass of mulled wine. Book your tickets now!
English National Ballet's Nutcracker
Where? London
When? December 2022 - January 2023
Over 100 dancers and musicians bring Nutcracker to life with exquisite dancing, beautiful sets and Tchaikovsky’s popular score played live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic. From the sound of the orchestra tuning up, to the final bows and cheers, this trip is set to be an unforgettable Christmas treat!
ELF The Musical
Where? London
When? November 2022 - January 2023
This is set to be a favourite among the kids! ELF - the smash hit Christmas musical based on the beloved film - returns to London for eight weeks this winter! Follow the funny and charming tale of Buddy, who mistakenly crawled into Santa's bag as a baby and was raised as an elf. You won't want to miss this, book your tickets now!
Christmas at Gibside
Where? Newcastle
When? December 2022 - January 2023
A firm family favourite every Christmastime, be in awe as some of the most majestic landscapes in the UK come to life with breath-taking colours, light and sound. Designed by renowned artists and designers, each trail has larger-than-life illuminations around every corner. This year, immerse yourself in a snowflake walk and laser garden where thousands of tiny lights are reflected between the branches along a woodland path, a carpet of colour-changing light stretching out into the distance and a huge heritage tree that sparkles with pea-lights.
Glow Illumination Trail
Where? Maidstone, Kent
When? December 2022
Share a dazzling, memory-making experience with family and friends under the stars at Glow Illuminations! Encounter the installations along the way, designed and created by a wide range of local light artists and inspired by the nocturnal landscape, explore the Enchanted Woodland as it comes alive in a kaleidoscope of colours celebrating all the beauty, colour, and magic of Mother Nature when the sun goes down, and feel the joy of Christmas as you wander along the festive path. This is an experience not to be missed!
Glow Wild
Where? Wakehurst, Sussex
When? November 2022 - January 2023
Experience a spellbinding winter lantern trail for all ages. Now in its ninth year, Glow Wild at Wakehurst in Sussex has become a winter essential, and 2022 brings a trail like no other. This year, Glow Wild celebrates the spectrum of colours in nature, inviting you to explore how we see colour and the role it plays in our daily lives. Tickets on sale now for this magical lantern trail!
Christmas at Hatfield
Where? Hertfordshire
When? November - December 2022
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Hatfield Park. Surround yourself with sparkle and create that memorable Insta moment with picture-perfect installations including a laser garden filled with hundreds of tiny refracted lights, a huge heritage tree covered in neon that reaches high into the night sky and a cathedral shaped tunnel that sparkles all over.
Christmas at Hillsborough
Where? Hillsborough, Northern Ireland
When? December 2022 - January 2023
The Christmas spirit is returning to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Wander beneath larger-than-life illuminations, pause at mesmerising flames in the fire garden and don’t forget to wave hello to Father Christmas along the way! Installations for this year include a carpet of colour changing lights that stretches into the distance, a huge heart shaped tunnel that sparkles with pea-lights and a heritage tree covered in neon that rises high into the sky.
Ideal Home Show Christmas
Where? London
When? November 2022
Back for its twelfth magical year at Olympia London, the Ideal Home Show Christmas brings you everything you need to prepare your home for the festive season. From the 23–27 November, this annual Christmas shopping event will give you seasonal ideas on everything from decorations and hand‐crafted gifts, Christmas puddings and festive fizz, to furniture and New Year Home Improvements ‐ the show has it all.
Irn Bru Carnival
Where? Glasgow
When? December 2022 - January 2023
Scotland’s favourite festive day out, the IRN-BRU Carnival has returned! From 23 December-15 January (not including Christmas Day), the Carnival will be back at the SEC with over 65 fun attractions including new rides for this year, and all the fun of the fair. Packed with thrill rides, family rides, and children’s rides, as well as games, stalls and an inflatable play area for the little ones - it’s easy to see why the IRN-BRU Carnival has been running for over 100 years – it’s an unmissable event in your festive calendar!
Jack and The Beanstalk
Where? London
When? December 2022
Christmas at Kingston Lacy
Where? Dorset
When? December 2022
Turn moments into memories this Christmas at Kingston Lacy! The new picture-perfect installations for 2022 include a green laser garden with hundreds of tiny reflections that bounce between the branches, a path between mirror-ball hearts that sparkles as you walk by, larger than life crystals that rise high into the night sky and a captivating carpet of colour-changing light.
Christmas at Leeds Castle
Where? Kent
When? November 2022 - January 2023
Make memories with family and friends at Christmas at Leeds Castle. This year installations include a huge heritage tree covered in neon that rises high into the night sky, a flock of oversized origami birds suspended in the tree canopies as if fluttering in a gentle breeze and larger-than-life colour-changing floral sculptures. The crew of talented independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist to the tempting treats on offer. Complete your walk under the stars with a perfectly festive spiced winter warmer or hot chocolate shared with someone special!
Northampton Winter Light Trail
Where? Northampton
When? November 2022 - January 2023
Discover an array of magical light installations with a brand-new trail experience that spans over 1 mile throughout the stunning woodland, walled garden and grounds of Delapré Abbey, plus, a great selection of local, independent food vendors, Après Ski bar and kids funfair attractions…Get ready for the ultimate festive illuminations, following around a woodland trail through the stunning surroundings of Delapré Abbey!
Potted Panto
Where? London
When? December 2022 - January 2023
Christmas at Roundhay
Where? Leeds
When? December 2022 - January 2023
For the first time ever, sparkles and seasonal sounds will fill the air at Roundhay Park near Leeds. The picture-perfect installations for 2022 include giant colour-changing lilies, larger-than-life glowing snowdrops and a heritage tree covered in neon whose branches reach high into the night sky. For a moment of reflection, pause at mesmerising flames in the fire garden, wander beneath larger-than-life illuminations and don’t forget to wave hello to Father Christmas along the way!
Spirit of Christmas Fair
Where? London
When? October - November 2022
Celebrating 21 years with even more festive cheer and sparkle than ever before, visit Spirit of Christmas Fair between 31st October– 6th November at London Olympia. Now supporting over 700 small independent businesses, you can discover over 200 new and exclusive brands as well as many of your returning favourites at the home of Christmas shopping. With everything from artisan food and drink producers to high-end sustainable brands enabling you to gift with the environment in mind, the Fair has something for everyone!
Christmas at Stourhead
Where? Somerset
When? November 20222 - January 2023
The after-dark Christmas trail returns to Stourhead from 25th November to 1st January. Following last year's success, surround yourself with sparkle this Christmas as the after-dark trail lights up for 2022. You'll find new moments to share with family and friends – brand new bright lights for winter nights. All created to make memorable insta moments!
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas
Where? London
When? December 2022
Jack is Back! Multiple award-winning composer, songwriter and reigning Pumpkin King, Danny Elfman, returns to the UK to bring back Disney’s timeless classic, 'Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas' for two very special UK shows at London's The SSE Arena, Wembley. This unique live cine-concert production taking place Christmas 2022 features Danny Elfman performing live in sync with the full-length movie projected on the big screen, accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra and very special guests.
Christmas at Wimpole
Where? Hertfordshire
When? November 2022 - January 2023
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas when sparkles and seasonal sounds fill the air with festive fun at the National Trust’s Wimpole. The new installations for 2022 include a huge heart shaped tunnel that sparkles with thousands of pea-lights, a snowflake walk, giant reed-shaped neon plants that rise high into the night sky and 'Floraison' which features hundreds of poppy shaped flowers suspended in the branches of trees as if they have been swept up by a gentle breeze.
Winter Wonderlight
Where? Thornton Manor, Cheshire
When? November 2022 - January 2023
The magical Winter Wonderlight trail at Thornton Manor returns bigger and better for another year of Christmas illuminations and a fun packed family adventure. Wander through the historic Manor Gardens under illuminated canopies and shimmering paths and watch the grounds come alive with Christmas cheer. Plus, new for 2022, set in the beautiful surroundings of the walled gardens, Father Christmas will be ready to welcome visitors young and old to his grotto with his elves on hand to hear Christmas wishes and deliver a parting gift. Tickets for Winter Wonderlight are on sale now!
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