There are so many fabulous Christmas events and attractions in the UK. Here is a list of the best of the Christmas attractions, Santa’s grottos and Festive Events!
Also see my Christmas Events in Yorkshire post for more Yorkshire based festivities!
Lapland UK
We visited Lapland UK last year and it was amazing – expensive, but amazing! There is a lovely festive play to start the proceeding and then you go through a series of workshops – all beautifully themed, before arriving in the Christmas village where you can eat, drink and be merry and take the children ice skating. The most marvellous thing about Lapland UK though is Father Christmas himself, he knows so much about the children they can’t fail to believe!
Have a look at our review of Lapland UK here.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
21st November 2019 – 5th January 2020
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is London’s spectacular Christmas destination! Located in the heart of London, get ready to fully immerse yourself in all things festive from 21st November 2019 to 5th January 2020. Open at 4pm on Thursday 21st November, Winter Wonderland is then open every day from 10am to 10pm. This year we’ve got loads in store with exciting new attractions including the world’s tallest transportable Observation Wheel, a new theme ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Magical Ice Kingdom, a Season Ride Pass, Paddington™ on Ice, Mr. Men & Little Miss and a fantastic new programme of comics at the Winter Wonderland Comedy Club. Let’s not forget our returning favourites including the UK’s largest open-air ice rink, funky new apres ski vibes at Bar Ice and jaw dropping acts in the Circus MegaDome!
See our review of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland here.
Hever Castle at Christmas
November 23 – December 24th 2019
“Walk through the rooms of the Castle adorned with beautiful decorations and welcoming log fires. As dusk falls, the gardens are magically illuminated with up-lighting and colour washes. For an extra special day visit Father Christmas in his Grotto (available on select dates, pre-booking is essential). Enjoy superb seasonal dining options in the festively decorated cafés and restaurants serving a feast of winter warmers, and be inspired by a wonderful array of seasonal gifts, luxurious decorations, toys and stocking fillers that can be found in the Hever Shop.”
From Erica at The Incidental Parent.
Blakemere Village, Christmas Woodland in Northwich
Find Father Christmas in a unique outdoor theatrical experience set in the heart of our magical Cheshire Woodlands featuring wonderful festive characters Entertainment by woodland characters Meet Father Christmas in his Sorting Office and receive a gift Build you own cuddly toy with Mrs Claus in her Toy Workshop A small gift for each adult Meet Snowy the owl and friends Unlimited outdoor family skating Magical wand whittling 30 Nov-23 Dec.
Paulton’s Park
Christmas is a special time of the year at Paultons, meet Santa in his magical Grotto, experience Peppa Pig World in a festive setting and enjoy selected rides and attractions, including Lost Kingdom and Critter Creek, across the Park.
Santa’s Grotto is available to book 9:30 – 17:15 on selected days throughout November and December. There is limited capacity so book early to avoid disappointment. Park entry is included with your booking, rides and attractions open from 10am (excluding Friday 20th December when the Park will open from 12noon — 7:00pm).
Kielder Winter Wonderland, Northumberland
2019 dates run from Saturday 16 November to Sunday 22 December*, including Friday 20 December and Monday 23 December
Kielder Winter Wonderland is a full day experience packed full of festive activities to keep you and your little ones entranced all day. Your full day will include everything from helping Mrs Christmas get ready for Christmas to helping in the elves workshop to walking through the forest to find Father Christmas plus lots more! With the forest home to Father Christmas and his festive friends you never know who you could bump into!
Leaplish Waterside Park at Kielder turns into an AMAZING winter Wonderland every weekend from November. It’s a day long event but when we’ve been we’ve rented a log cabin too as it’s the Hoseasons park. Anna from Me, Annie B
Drayton Manor – Magical Christmas events in the UK
16th November – 31st December 2019
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Unwrap an amazing treat this festive season when you meet Father Christmas in our Castle of Dreams, and make even more special memories with over 25 child-friendly rides and attractions. Plus experience magical character parades, live Christmas shows, falling snow and spectacular fireworks all at Drayton’s Magical Christmas on selected dates from Saturday 16th November until Monday 31st December.
The park will open at 9:45am, rides will start at 10:30am and close at 5pm. The park will close at 5pm. On 24th December the park will open at 9:45am, rides will start at 10:30am and close at 4pm. The park will close at 5pm.
Christmas at Kew Gardens, London – 2019
It’s the most wonderful time of the year as our sparkling after dark trail returns to light up Kew Gardens. Now in its seventh year, the 2019 winter trail takes a magical new route and includes a host of all-new installations.
Framed by glittering spiral trees, dynamic laser projections will illuminate the iconic Temperate House. A dazzling arch leads to a cascade of glowing silvery shards at the Treetop Walkway. Walk amongst immersive vines as they surprise with changing ribbons of light, and wander beneath the branches where mysterious fairy-fire known as Will-o’the Wisp softly glows.
Thursford Christmas Spectacular Fakenham, Norfolk
6th November – 23rd December 2019 2.00pm & 7.00pm.
Set in the magical surroundings of mechanical organs and fairground carousels, with a cast of 130 professional singers, dancers and musicians – many of whom are West End performers. The 3 hour performance delivers an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety. It’s a fast moving celebration of the festive season featuring an eclectic mix of both seasonal and year-round favourites, with famous and much-loved chart toppers being sung alongside traditional carols. Suggested by Renee at Close Enough to Kiss.
An extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety. It’s a fast moving celebration of the festive season featuring an eclectic mix of both seasonal and year round favourites. With a cast of 120 this is the biggest Christmas show of it’s kind in Europe!
Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham
7th November 2017 – 23rd December 2019
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is a firm fixture in the city’s annual calendar and, together with the neighbouring Christmas Craft Market, a massive favourite with both residents and visitors to the city from across the UK and Europe. Birmingham comes alive every winter with the arrival of the Market, a clear sign that Christmas is just around the corner. With more than 80 stalls there is something for everyone.
The largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market offers a large range of traditional good and gifts and a selection of tempting food and drink. Pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts, and roasted almonds will tempt your tastebuds, all of which can be washed down with gluhwein, weissbeer (wheat beer), or tasty hot chocolate.
A great place to meet up with family and friends and enjoy the live music programme on Victoria Square. And whilst you’re here why not pick up some presents for your family and friends with everything from handcrafted wooden decorations and delicate glass baubles to in the form of the ever-favourite crystal lamps, Sounds of Nature, hand-crafted leatherwork, toys, jewellery and much more besides!
Blithbury Reindeer Lodge
Various dates – 17th November 2019 – 23rd December 2019
Christmas Lapland Experience
Our main Christmas event held on selected weekends in November and December for you and your family to experience the Christmas magic and visit Father Christmas in his Grotto.
Bookings must be made online in advance.
Cost: £17.00 per adult, £23.00 per child, under 2s free of charge.
Gates Open: 9.00am
Gates Close: 5.30pm
Last Entry*: 4.30pm
Tulley’s Farm
Tulley’s farm do an awesome Xmas event from the end of November, through December. There’s a magical woodland walk, gingerbread decorating, Xmas puppet show, reindeer food package, sleigh ride to visit Santa in the woods and a build a bear type present from Santa, plus loads more.
Bring your family to enjoy a magical and unique Christmas experience for all ages!
Created by the same award winning team that bring you the Tulleys Halloween Festivals and Escape Rooms. The Christmas Experience is set within the beautiful woodland grounds of Tulleys Farm.
Thank you also to Christmas Magic, Cruises and Caravans, Inspire Gratitude, Candyfloss and Dreams, Vikki at Family Travel with Ellie, Mel from Two Plus Dogs, Faye at Glossytots. and to Faith at Raising Moonbows, Boo, Roo and Tigger Too, Wave to Mummy. Heidi from Southern Mummy. Candace at Buckets of Tea, Awaybies Kids, Mama Mighalls, Stacey from One Small Human.
Looking for European Christmas Markets, have a look at this great foodie post!
Also have a look at our dedicated post for Christmas events in Manchester and Yorkshire.
Pin Christmas Events and Attractions in the UK to Pinterest
Or why not visit Lapland itself in Finland?
