Christmas Events and Attractions in the UK 2021 – We need to make this Christmas the best yet to make up for last year! 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
Whitmoor Forest, Swinley Rd, Winkfield Row, Ascot SL5 8BD
We visited Lapland UK a couple of years ago 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.
The Polar Express
Churnet Valley Railway is celebrating the arrival of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Tickets for Christmas 2021 will be on sale from the 1st June 2021 starting from £24.95.
Staffordshire’s much-loved heritage railway is tipped to be one of the best places for believers to experience a magical Christmas this year. The immersive family-oriented experience hosted over 1.4 million riders at 54 locations in the UK, US, and Canada in 2019. Popular dates and times for the 2021 event in Staffordshire are expected to fill quickly. Early registrations are advised, giving access to the best ticket prices 48 hours prior to general release.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
19 NOV 2021 – 3 JAN 2022
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. Winter Wonderland is 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 après 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
Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG
“Walk through the rooms of Hever 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.
Magical Woodland At Christmas – Blakemere Village
Blakemere Village, Chester Road, Sandiway, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 2EB
9th October – 7th November 2021
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.
See the review of the Magical Woodland here.
Paulton’s Park
Ower, Romsey SO51 6AL
Selected dates from the 1st December to the 23rd December
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.
Kielder Winter Wonderland, Northumberland
Kielder Winter Wonderland runs from Mid November to 23rd December 2021
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
Waiting for confirmation for 2021.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Drayton Manor! 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.
Christmas at Kew Gardens, London
17 November 2021 – 9 January 2022
It’s the most wonderful time of the year as our sparkling after dark trail returns to light up Kew Gardens. The 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
9th November – 23rd December 2021
Thursford Christmas Spectacular – 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
Waiting for confirmation for 2021.
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!
Tulley’s Farm
27th November 2021 to 24th December 2021
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.
Illuminated Trails Across the UK
With NINE trails set to be unveiled in historic and iconic venues across the country, there’s never been a better time to find your happy place with friends and family – tickets have already gone live, due to high public demand.
Each magical trail is created to showcase the natural and unique environment of the individual location, so wrap up warm and be transported into a winter wonderland, surrounded by millions of twinkling lights and amazing illuminated installations, all choreographed to a soundtrack of Christmas classics
Independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist to tasty treats on offer. Have yourself a holly, jolly Christmas and complete your walk under the stars with a *spiced winter warmer or *hot chocolate shared with someone special.
My Christmas Trails provides a special way to celebrate the festive season with an unmissable outdoor experience. Every trail is designed for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
For information on all the illuminated trails and to book tickets visit: mychristmastrails.co.uk
CHRISTMAS AT KEW: 17 November 2021 – 9 January 2022
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, TW9 3AE kew.org/christmas #christmasatkew
CHRISTMAS AT BEDGEBURY: 19 November 2021 – 2 January 2022
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, Kent, christmasatbedgebury.co.uk #christmasatbedgebury
CHRISTMAS AT BLENHEIM PALACE: 19 November 2021 – 2 January 2022
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP, blenheimpalace.com/christmas #christmasatblenheimpalace
CHRISTMAS AT DUNHAM MASSEY: 19 November 2021 – 2 January 2022
Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Cheshire. WA14 4SJ, nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey #christmasatdunhammassey
CHRISTMAS AT BELTON: 25 November 2021 – 2 January 2022
Belton House, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LS, nationaltrust.org.uk/belton-house #christmasatbelton
CHRISTMAS AT THE BOTANICS: 25 November 2021 – 2 January 2022
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, EH3 5NZ, rbge.org.uk/christmas #christmasatthebotanics
CHRISTMAS AT STOURHEAD: 26 November 2021 – 2 January 2022
Stourhead, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD, nationaltrust.org.uk/Stourhead #christmasatstourhead
NEW FOR 2O21: CHRISTMAS AT TEMPLE NEWSAM: 26 November 2021 – 2 January 2022
Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds LS15 0AE, Museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/temple-newsam, #christmas-at-temple-newsam
NEW FOR 2O21: CHRISTMAS AT KINGSTON LACY: 3 December 2021 – 2 January 2022
Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset BH21 4EA, nationaltrust.org.uk/Kingston-lacy #christmasatkingstonlacy
Raymond Gubbay Limited, a division of Sony Music, work with venue partners to transform heritage landscapes into magical winter wonderlands. Trails are created by Culture Creative.
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Or why not visit Lapland itself in Finland?
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.
