From magical light trails and steam train rides to markets and immersive experiences, England does Christmas in style.
Here’s our selection of some of the best festive experiences for 2023…
CHRISTMAS MARKETS & FESTIVE EVENTS
The Big Christmas Day Out, Lancashire
Until 22 December 2023
Williamson Park in Lancaster will be transformed into a winter wonderland festival complete with fairground rides, Christmas crafts, festive cinema screenings, and Christmassy Storytime sessions. Surprises await in the Christmas maze along with performances and workshops by Heartbeeps, Northern Heights, and the Rag Tag Roadshow. Visitors can immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Magical Story Jars nestled within the Ashton Memorial, while savouring seasonal treats from the diverse food and drink stalls. Also on offer will be a Crafty Vintage Christmas Market, Café-oke for a festive sing along, Santa’s Grotto, a brass band, carol singers and DJs across the park. Tickets start from £11.
www.visitlancashire.com/whats-on/the-big-christmas-day-out-p1076480
The BIG Christmas Market, Cornwall
Until 24 December 2023
New for 2023, the revamped award-winning Truro Farmers Market transforms into The Big Christmas Market, introducing bespoke wooden cabins hosting Cornwall’s top artisans and producers. From 29 November to Christmas Eve, Lemon Quay will become a lively hub, showcasing Cornwall’s finest talents in food, drink, art, and crafts. There will be live music, street food and festive entertainment to bring in the Christmas spirit.
www.thebigchristmasmarket.co.uk
Harrogate Christmas Fayre, North Yorkshire
Until 17 December 2023
Harrogate is set to host its annual Christmas Fayre which this year will extend to 17 days of merriment. School choirs and local performers will grace the Christmas market each day and the Candy Cane Express Road train will make a return, ferrying folk around the spa town in festive style. Nearby Crescent Gardens will morph into a fairground with an outdoor ice rink, rides, a bar and a traditional carousel. For festive shopping there’s a host of independent retailers in the town centre and the Country Living Christmas Fair at the Harrogate Convention Centre, offering an assortment of traditional market cuisine and gifts.
www.visitharrogate.co.uk/events/harrogate-christmas-fayre
The Christmas Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse, The Cotswolds
15 – 16 December 2023
A weekend of racing at the Cheltenham Racecourse is set to have a Christmassy makeover in mid-December with two days of festive sporting fun. On Saturday guests can indulge in a Christmas Extravaganza themed Raceday, featuring a Santa’s Grotto and workshops for the little ones to enjoy. Throughout the weekend, the melodious performances of the Got2Sing Choir fill the atmosphere with festive cheer, entertaining racegoers with classic Christmas Carols. Tickets start from £12.
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/the-christmas-meeting/friday
CASTLES AND STATELY HOMES AT CHRISTMAS
Christmas in Neverland at Castle Howard, North Yorkshire
Until 7 January 2023
Castle Howard invites visitors to delve into Neverland this Christmas, where they will discover vibrant ship displays, laughter-filled halls, and transformed tropical settings. This immersive experience brings JM Barrie’s Peter Pan tale to life through theatrical installations, projections, and soundscapes. Visitors can explore the Bauble Emporium, savour Mrs Darling’s Afternoon Tea and enjoy seasonal treats at the Farm Shop. Tickets start from £19.
Myths and Legends at Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland
Until 7 January 2024
Charlotte Lloyd Webber Event Design team return to Bamburgh Castle this winter with an enchanting sequel to last year’s acclaimed The Twelve Days of Christmas. Visitors can uncover Northumberland’s folklore-inspired stories within the Castle’s staterooms, adorned with fairy magic and whimsical creatures. Expect frosted forests bustling with fantastical beings and the melodic echoes of mermaids and selkies, adding to the allure for visitors of all ages. Access to The Christmas Kingdom is included with general admission which starts from £8.50.
www.bamburghcastle.com/events/christmas-kingdom
All-new illuminated trail at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Until 1 January 2024
This Christmas, Blenheim Palace presents an all-new illuminated light trail. The after-dark trail features displays such as heart-shaped arches, star-filled tunnels, and an impressive eight-metre sphere adorned with over 20,000 moving lights. Returning favourites include the enchanting Cascades and a contemporary retelling of Sleeping Beauty featuring themed rooms with festive decorations and a grand Christmas tree. The Great Court hosts a Christmas Market, while The Orangery serves Sleeping Beauty-themed Afternoon Teas for a memorable festive experience. Tickets start from £14.50.
www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/christmas
www.visitbritainshop.com/gb/en/blenheim-palace
Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle, Kent
Until 31 December 2023
Leeds Castle will get a festive makeover with the return of its Christmas lights event. New features will include chandeliers suspended from trees, a laser garden filled with small beams of lights, a pathway of mirrored hearts and the Feast of Light, involving immersive glowing multicoloured strings. Snacks will be available on site from the nearby street vendors and tickets will be available from £13.
www.leeds-castle.com/events/christmas-lights-at-leeds-castle
www.visitbritainshop.com/gb/en/leeds-castle-annual-admission-tickets
Fantastical Christmas Revels at Hatfield House, Hertfordshire
Until 31 December 2023
Visitors are welcomed to Hatfield House this winter to celebrate Queen Elizabeth I’s childhood with sparkling Christmas festivities fit for royalty. Guests can explore the manor and its grounds, where Tudor melodies and memories come to life, offering a glimpse into celebrations of old. There will be Christmas installations across the estate including a 12ft statue of Queen Elizabeth I herself. Tickets start from £14.84.
www.hatfield-house.co.uk/christmas
Winter Wonderland at The American Museum & Gardens, Bath
1 – 31 December 2023
This Georgian House will get a Christmas makeover this December with an impressive 18-foot tree in the main hall, adorned with 9000 twinkling lights. On offer for visitors will be Christmastide workshops and activities, the opportunity to make the most of the extended opening hours (open until 5pm) with a frost covered walk in the extensive grounds and a visit to the LEGO exhibition, Brick America. Normal admission applies starting from £9.00.
www.americanmuseum.org/whats-on/winter-wonderland
www.visitbath.co.uk/inspire-me/bath-at-christmas
QUIRKY & IMMERSIVE FESTIVE EXPERIENCE
Wishmas, London
Until 7 January 2024
Wishmas is a new central London-based experience which blends the best of theatrical performance and immersive technology. Visitors will enjoy a 60-minute walkthrough activity, encountering Wishkeepers, Robins and the legendary Father Christmas in a journey through magical rooms. Tickets start from £29.
Santa Island Experience at Alderford Lake, Shropshire
Every weekend from Until 23 December 2023
In North Shropshire, families can enjoy an unconventional Santa visit involving a power boat ride to ‘Santa Island’ in the lake’s centre. Led by eco-minded elves, children can engage in various activities like storytelling, gift making and campfire treats. Parents can enjoy mulled wine while children craft surprise presents, aided by the elves’ magic dust that erases any witnessing memories. Tickets start from £26.95.
www.alderford.com/alderfords-santa-island-experience
Hop on board a festive rail express at North Yorkshire Moors Railway, North Yorkshire
Until 24 December 2023
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is set to host Father Christmas and his elves this festive season aboard the Santa Express, which will run on weekends starting from 25 November to 24 December. Visitors can climb on board at either Pickering or Grosmont station and be whisked away on a journey filled with visits from familiar yuletide characters. There are games to be had and present to be given. Tickets start from £25.
www.nymr.co.uk/Event/santa-specials
The North Norfolk Pole Experience, Norfolk
Various dates until 23 December 2023
Father Christmas is ready to set up shop in Norfolk for nine days this December to kick-start the Christmas celebrations with some festive cheer. Join Santa and his playful elves as they spread the holiday spirit, singing merry tunes and sharing yuletide tales in the Grotto’s storytelling sessions. There will be festive crafts, creating Christmas-themed decorations and the opportunity to indulge in some hot chocolate and cookies before heading over to the present room. Tickets start from £6.95.
www.pensthorpe.com/events/the-north-norfolk-pole
Kingdom of Winter, London
Until 7 January 2024
Kingdom of Winter is an all-encompassing winter experience boasting an ice rink, traditional fairground rides and an ‘Ice Expedition’ designed for picture-perfect moments. With a circus adding to the festive entertainment, visitors can also explore alpine craft stalls and indulge in a variety of winter warmers at the chalet-inspired bars, all within London’s ExCeL Centre. The two food and drink villages provide a cosy haven to enjoy a diverse selection of culinary delights. Tickets start from £5.50.
New trail at The Festival of Light at Longleat, Wiltshire
Various dates until 7 January 2024
This year, the UK’s original and largest lantern festival unveils a new trail which delves into beloved childhood tales such as Snow White, The Wizard of Oz, Winnie the Pooh and more. The event features the 15-metre Enchanted Christmas Tree show, a Santa Train and a fountain display on Half Mile Pond. Longleat House itself will be lit up with festive cheer in a colourful light show which will bring its historic façade to life. Tickets start from £18.70.
www.longleat.co.uk/the-festival-of-light
Brand-new Scarborough Lights, North Yorkshire
Until 23 December 2023
A brand-new festive event, Scarborough Lights promises 14 installations across the seaside town plus a grand drone display over Scarborough Castle accompanied by a bespoke script by Nick Lane, celebrating the town’s vibrant history. The immersive winter lights trail at Peasholm Park showcases artworks from local and international artists, while St Mary’s Church hosts Flemish artist Peter Snijder’s mesmerising light exhibit.
www.scarboroughfair.uk/about-scarborough-lights
Christmas at Dunham Massey, Cheshire
Until 31 December 2023
Visitors can experience a range of new captivating colour-changing light installations at Dunham Massey’s 2023 Christmas Trail. Highlights include the sprawling batons and the mist-shrouded Nova silver star, alongside star-shaped arches with the occasional appearance of Father Christmas. There will be an illuminated ambiance created by the reflections on the grand trees, all harmonised with a medley of festive tunes. Guests can indulge in a variety of culinary offerings from local food vendors and warm up with seasonal beverages like spiced winter drinks and hot chocolate. Tickets start from £12.50. Other National Trust properties around the country will light up the dark with sparkling illuminations at locations including Belton House in Lincolnshire; Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire and Stourhead in Wiltshire.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/dunham-massey
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/christmas/christmas-lights-and-winter-illuminations
Christmas at Bedgebury, Kent
Until 31 December 2023
This winter, Christmas at Bedgebury offers an illuminated experience with its light trail featuring new installations for 2023, set amid the landscapes of the national pinetum and forest in Kent. The one-mile trail showcases an array of light displays, including balanced doves, sparkling light tunnels, and neon structures. Designed by both international and UK-based artists, the displays create a festive and whimsical atmosphere, perfect for family outings and memorable selfies. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal treats from the Bedgebury café and selected street food vendors. Tickets start from £13.
www.christmasatbedgebury.seetickets.com
Lanterns and Lights at Chester Zoo, Cheshire
Until 31 December 2023
Promising flickering fire gardens, light tunnels, larger than life illuminated animals and festive fun – from marshmallow toasting to fairground rides – Chester Zoo’s Lantern and Lights offers a captivating way to experience the zoo after dark. Tickets start from £12.
www.visitmanchester.com/whats-on/lanterns-and-light-at-chester-zoo-p780921
www.visitbritainshop.com/gb/en/chester-zoo
Thursford’s Enchanted Journey of Light, Norfolk
Until 24 December 2023
Back again with new displays, Thursford’s Enchanted Journey of Light will take guests on a journey through the Fantasyland Building to greet the inhabiting penguins, polar bears and giant teddy bears. Visitors will witness Santa’s elves diligently load his sleigh and craft toys in the bustling toy factory, complete with the enchanting wrapping machine. There will be many encounters with fantastical characters along the way and a Lantern Light Extravaganza outside filled with luminous sculptures, ranging from an underwater realm to the wilderness of the North Pole. There will also be food and drink available as well as a vintage funfair where ride admission is sold separately. Tickets to the event start from £22. And for those wanting more, Thursford Christmas Spectacular is the largest Christmas Show in Europe, with a cast of 130.
www.thursford.com/enchanted-journey-of-light/#ticket-prices
New AGLOW festive light trail, County Durham
Until 31 December 2023
AGLOW, a newly introduced festive light trail at Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland, Durham, boasts the region’s tallest Christmas tree and the country’s longest outdoor light tunnel. With seventeen additional light installations, AGLOW stands as one of England’s largest light trails. Visitors can enjoy a one-and-a-half-mile-long trail spanning the Castle’s historic grounds, encompassing the scenic Deer Park, the tranquil River Gaunless and a specially designed Santa’s Village. Tickets start from £14.50. Other English Heritage properties across the country will once again be ablaze with festive light trails this winter; from Eltham Palace in London to Walmer Castle in Kent.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/christmas
All-new Christmas at Heaton Park, Manchester
Until 31 December 2023
Christmas at Heaton Park is an all-new event from the creators of Christmas at Kew. This Manchester-based experience promises a vibrant fairground atmosphere immersed in a display of seasonal lights. Visitors will discover installations of colour-changing globes, gigantic flower arrangements and neon strings that soar high into the night sky. Tickets start from £12.
Cambridge Botanic Lights, Cambridgeshire
Various dates until 22 December 2023
Cambridge University Botanic Garden’s will host its first ever winter light trail, bringing life to the garden after dark. Vibrant colours and Christmassy lights will illuminate iconic features of the garden such as the Fountain, Lake and Glasshouse Range. Halfway along the trail spectators can warm up with a hot drink and snack from the Garden Café. Tickets start from £13.20.
www.visitcambridge.org/event/cambridge-botanic-lights
BeWILDerwood’s Sparkly Light & Panto Trail, Norfolk
Various dates until 23 December 2023
BeWILDerwood in Norfolk will present an immersive experience in its whimsical woods this winter, with trees adorned with handmade decorations and sparkling lights, alongside some appearances from familiar characters. There will be a mini pantomime to entertain visitors along the way, complete with a woodland twist. Not only will guests meander through festive pathways exclusive to the event but they can also take home an exclusive copy of the new BeWILDerwood book. Tickets £15.50 per person.
www.bewilderwood.co.uk/events/bewilderwood-presents-christmas
Main photo credit: Longleat – Festival of Light – Copyright 2023
