December events

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: Celebrate the Winter Solstice at Burning the Clocks

Brighton marks the shortest day of the year with the Burning the Clocks winter solstice parade.

Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex

December events: Explore the Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland

Full of atmosphere and tradition, the Christmas Tree Wonderland is an epic trail through historic gardens and seafront walkways draped in lights.

Location: Bournemouth, Dorset

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: 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: Wander through a Bavarian-style village in Bristol

Bristol is brimming with free events, festivals and markets during the winter.

Location: Bristol

December events: Meet Father Christmas at Drusillas

A magical Christmas experience is waiting for all the family at Drusillas Park this winter.

Location: Alfriston, near Eastbourne

December events: Have an Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum

Venture into Westonbirt’s magical illuminated grounds this winter for acres of Christmas joy.

Location: Tetbury, Gloucestershire

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: Visit Birmingham's famous Christmas market

Have a Teutonic shopping experience, all washed down with a cup or two of Glühwein!

Location: Birmingham, West Midlands

December events: Get set for winter at The Alnwick Garden

For a festive day out with a difference, wrap up in your cosiest Christmas jumper and join in the fun at The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland.

Location: The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland

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: 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: 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: Get in the spirit at the Lincoln Christmas Market

Take in the sights, smells and sounds of the Lincoln Christmas Market in the historic Cathedral Quarter.

Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire

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: 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

December events: Join the biggest Christmas Day party in Britain

Wake up on Christmas morning and head down to Eastbourne's Bandstand for a festive live concert you won't forget.

Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex

8 unmissable Christmas steam train experiences in 2019

Get into the Christmas spirit by jumping on board any one of these classic steam train experiences in England. From meet and greets with a certain Mr Claus to illuminated rides through the countryside, the kids are sure to have an unforgettable time on board.