Tis the season to be jolly! England is packed with loads of things to do this Christmas to keep you warm and entertained during the long evenings. Keep the chill out of your bones by sipping warmed mulled wine as your browse the Christmas market stalls at London’s Winter Wonderland, sample delicious hot foods at Victorian-themed winter festivals, and pick up the perfect gift at one of many Christmas events around the country.
Christmas events
Tis the season to be jolly! England is packed with loads of things to do this Christmas to keep you warm and entertained during the long evenings. Keep the chill out of your bones by sipping warmed mulled wine as your browse the Christmas market stalls at London’s Winter Wonderland, sample delicious hot foods at Victorian-themed winter festivals, and pick up the perfect gift at one of many Christmas events around the country.
December events: Walk in Nottingham's magical Winter Wonderland
A traditional Christmas-card scene is recreated in Nottingham's Old Market Square every winter – the perfect place to get into the festival spirit.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
December events: Enjoy a city Christmas festival with a difference
Experience the timeless beauty of Durham City as you explore the traditional Durham Christmas festival this winter.
Location: Durham City, Durham
December events: Meet Santa on a steam train
Take a trip on Swanage Railway in the run up to Christmas and get the chance to meet Santa. It's fun for all the family and each child gets their own present!
Location: Swanage, Dorset
December events: Join Santa on the La'al Ratty through Eskdale
Climb aboard the family favourite 'Santa Express' which returns to the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway this winter.
Location: Ravenglass, Cumbria
9 fantastically festive places for a Christmas break
Get stuck into the festive season by visiting some of England’s most Christmassy locations, include charming villages, market towns and historical cities.
December events: Find the perfect gift at the Exeter Christmas Market
The Exeter Christmas Market represents the best of what Britain, the South West and the rest of Europe has to offer – with a mix of great food, excellent crafts, unique gifts and decorations.
Location: Exeter
December events: Christmas at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
Make your Christmas magical with a visit to Cheshire Oaks, the UK’s largest designer outlet.
Location: Ellesmere Port, Cheshire
December events: Grab yourself a festive bargain at Bath Christmas Market
Bath Christmas Market is a magical festive shopping experience, set against the city centre’s stunning backdrop of historic buildings.
Location: Bath, Somerset
December events: Enjoy Christmas magic at the Dickensian Festival
Get into the Christmas spirit with a trip to Grassington Dickensian Festival where you'll find stalls, entertainment, local food and crafts.
Location: Grassington, Yorkshire Dales National Park
December events: Create unique Christmas gifts at Hot Pot Pottery
If you’re looking to find the perfect unique gift then a visit to the Hot Pot Pottery Christmas Fayre is a must.
Location: Coleford, Gloucestershire
Join a festive guided walk in Stratford-upon-Avon
Experience a festive guided walking tour of Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's home-town on Christmas Day.
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
December events: Have a winter weekend at Compton Verney
Delight in festive fun with the family at at Compton Verney, Warwickshire's award-winning art gallery.
Location: Warwickshire
December events: Enjoy a festive family day out at Perrygrove
Enjoy a truly magical experience with the family this Christmas at Perrygrove Railway.
Location: Coleford, Gloucestershire
December events: Visit Hyde Park at Christmas and witness a Winter Wonderland
Gather the family and get your skates on for the UK’s biggest outdoor ice rink at London’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.
Location: London
December events: Experience a quintessentially English Christmas
Visit the small market town of Much Wenlock for festive trinkets, handmade gifts and sweet and savoury snacks at its Christmas Fayre.
Location: Much Wenlock, Shropshire
Enjoy a festive day out to one of Europe's biggest Christmas markets
Wrap up warm and head down to the Manchester Christmas markets this winter to experience a festive array of sights, smells and sounds.
Location: Manchester
December events: Discover yuletide fun at Kielder Winter Wonderland
Visit Father and Mrs Christmas in their secret woodland home, help the elves prepare for the big day, meet real reindeer and enjoy a jolly musical experience.
Location: Kielder Water & Forest Park, Northumberland
December events: Enter an underground Christmas cave
Follow the story of Archie and the Unicorn, told through glittering lights in an underground cavern.
Location: Clearwell Caves, Gloucestershire
December events: Step inside Worcester’s Victorian Christmas Fayre
Worcester's Christmas Fayre is the West Midlands' leading Victorian-themed street market.
Location: Worcester, Worcestershire
Cambridge evensong
The perfect musical accompaniment on a winter evening in Cambridge.
Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
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