Grab your scarf and gloves and head outside for a packed programme of winter events in England, whether it’s sipping mulled wine whilst browsing through Christmas markets or enjoying evening winter funfairs in the heart of the city.
Events in winter
Grab your scarf and gloves and head outside for a packed programme of winter events in England, whether it’s sipping mulled wine whilst browsing through Christmas markets or enjoying evening winter funfairs in the heart of the city.
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
Celebrate Portsmouth's literary heritage at BookFest
Meet some of the UK's most beloved authors in an annual literary festival for the whole family.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Watch a kick about like no other in Derbyshire
Witness a 16-hour football match in the streets of Ashbourne, an eccentric sporting event that’s been played since the 17th century.
Location: Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Get beside the seaside for the Coastival arts festival
Be part of Scarborough’s three-day celebration of all things music, theatre, dance, film and art.
Location: Scarborough, Yorkshire
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: 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
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
Feel the winter glow of a city illuminated for Light Night
See Nottingham become filled with after dark illuminations and neon displays as it blinds the winter chill from the air with live music and street theatre.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
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: 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
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
November events: Step back in time at the Victorian Christmas Festival
Get in the festive spirit at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Experience Cambridge evensong
The perfect musical accompaniment on a winter evening in Cambridge.
Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
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: 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
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
Embrace the festive spirit with Yorkshire Coast’s winter events
The winter is full of highlights as venues in Scarborough, Whitby and Filey host a variety of shows; musicals, comedies, plays and dramas with a real flavour of Christmas with wassailing and traditional pantomimes.
Location: North Yorkshire Coast & North York Moors
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: 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: Wander through a Bavarian-style village in Bristol
Bristol is brimming with free events, festivals and markets during the winter.
Location: Bristol
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