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: 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
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
See how the Chinese party as they usher in the New Year
Manchester’s Chinatown is transformed as lanterns, food stalls and a Dragon Parade take over the streets of the city.
Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester
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
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: 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 beer and cycling at Manchester Beer & Cider Festival
There are hundreds of beers, ales and ciders to test out as you watch the cyclists whizz by at the Manchester Beer & Cider Festival.
Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester
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: 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: 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
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
Indulge in a tripple at Manchester’s Beer and Cider Festival
If beer and cider are your passion don’t miss this CAMRA-organised festival at Manchester the Velodrome between 25th - 27th January 2018.
Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester
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
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
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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
