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.
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: 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: 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
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: 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
November events: Step back in time at the Victorian Christmas Festival
Get in the festive spirit at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Visit the largest Viking Festival in Europe
Immerse yourself in the gruesome world of the Vikings as the city of York celebrates its Norse past.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
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
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
Experience Cambridge evensong
The perfect musical accompaniment on a winter evening in Cambridge.
Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
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
November events: See Longleat in a different light
Experience the magical Festival of Light with hundreds of illuminated displays after dark before staying in a luxury Longleat spa hotel.
Location: Warminster, Wiltshire
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 your ‘blues’ fix at Broadstairs Blues Bash
Aint’ nothin’ but the blues - not the winter ones, but the music type in Broadstairs every February for one weekend.
Location: Broadstairs, Kent
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: 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: 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
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
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
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