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: 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: 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: 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
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
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
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
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: 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: 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
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
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
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
December events: Wander through a Bavarian-style village in Bristol
Bristol is brimming with free events, festivals and markets during the winter.
Location: Bristol
Experience Cambridge evensong
The perfect musical accompaniment on a winter evening in Cambridge.
Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
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
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
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 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
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
Sample real ales at the Winter Ales Festival
Discover your favourite real ale at the Derby CAMRA Winter Ales Festival at the Derby Roundhouse from 20-23 February 2019.
Location: Derby, Derbyshire
Be the first to hear about our offers and competitions.
The latest travel news, events and ideas for holidays and breaks in England
VisitEngland would like to invite you to take part in a short survey about our website, it should take no more than a couple of minutes.