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
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
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: Enter a magical winter wonderland in Suffolk
Get into the Christmas spirit with a visit to a Christmas Fair in medieval Lavenham and a Dickensian Christmas at a Tudor manor in Long Melford.
Location: Lavenham and Long Melford, Suffolk
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: 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
Glide into Christmas at the Tunbridge Wells Ice Skating rink
A favourite festive destination, ice skating in Royal Tunbridge Wells offers something for skaters, shoppers and spectators this season.
Location: Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Do your Christmas shopping the Victorian way in Leicestershire
This Christmas, Melton Mowbray town centre goes back in time to offer a traditional Victorian experience at the Victorian Fayre.
Location: Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
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: 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
Get that festive feeling at a cosy Christmas Fair
Soak up the festive atmosphere at a Christmas fair, while staying in a luxury apartment, and sipping cuppas with cute kitties.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
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
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
December events: Start off your Christmas season in Chester
Visit Santa, sip on mulled wine and spend the weekend celebrating all things festive in the beautiful city of Chester.
Location: Chester, Cheshire
November events: Get into the festive spirit at Hertford Christmas Gala
Start off the festive season at Hertford's annual Christmas Gala.
Location: Hertford, Hertfordshire
November events: Start your shopping at the Weald and Downland Christmas Market
Find the perfect gift and enjoy a great day out at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum.
Location: Chichester, West Sussex
December events: Enjoy a spot of festive shopping at Taurus Crafts
Pick up tasty treats and Christmas gifts at Taurus Crafts’ annual Christmas market.
Location: Lydney, Gloucestershire
December events: Find your festive spirit at Salisbury's Christmas Fayre
Shop 'til you drop at Salisbury's annual Christmas Fayre, held in the beautiful Guildhall Square.
Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire
Enjoy winter ice skating at the Centre for Life
Ice skating returns to Times Square in Newcastle this winter, offering the perfect opportunity to start your winter break in style.
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
November events: Enjoy a festive shopping experience at Derby Roundhouse
Buy perfect festive gifts at the fabulous Christmas Fair held in the stunning Derby Roundhouse, a beautiful building offering a magical atmosphere.
Location: Derby, Derbyshire
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