Ho, ho, GO! The Christmas events to book now
There’s no surer way to get yourself in the yuletide mood than by planning some festive fun. Whether it’s wrapping up warm to walk around a twinkling light trail, booking to see a Christmas show (there’s everything from The Nutcracker to A Christmas Carol and Peter Pan on offer this year) or wandering through a traditional Christmas market, it’s important to plan ahead.
Christmas events and experiences have soared in popularity over recent years; there were just 30 European-style markets around the UK in 2007 – now they’re everywhere. Love them or loathe them, you’re never far from mulled wine- and mince pie-fuelled shopping in traditional wooden chalets that are pumping out Christmas tunes. And believe it or not, Manchester boasts the world’s most popular Christmas market – now bigger than the ones in Frankfurt and Vienna.
When you’ve had your fill of Christmas shopping, you can pop your skates on at an outdoor ice rink, belt out carols or throw yourself into one of the many new immersive experiences on offer. One of the most popular annual events is LaplandUK, the Christmas experience in Berkshire that’s welcomed more than 1m visitors - including the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Beckhams and Elton John - since it launched more than 15 years ago. Tickets go on sale in summer and are so popular they sell out in hours.
But don’t worry, we’ve found plenty of other great things to do with friends and family to help get you into the Christmas spirit...
Magical experiences
FIRESIDE STORIES WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS
Held at County Durham’s Raby Castle, little ones will adore curling up in front of a crackling fireplace while the big man himself tells enchanting stories and leads a festive sing-along before handing out Christmas gifts. Be warned though: you might have a tough job getting them to leave!
HOGWARTS IN THE SNOW
At the Warner Bros Studio Tour London (wbstudiotour.co.uk) conjures up the magic faster than you can say expelliarmus, as the Harry Potter sets are given a white Christmas makeover. On select dates in December, guests can also have 'Dinner in the Great Hall', just like Harry, Ron and Hermione. Explore the Studio Tour after hours and finish with dessert on Platform 9¾.
TULLEYS CHRISTMAS SANTA EXPERIENCE
Missed out on tickets to LaplandUK? This is the next best thing. The team at Tulleys Farm promises a day of fun for children of all ages, whether they want to make your own teddy bear, help Mother Christmas decorate gingerbread biscuits or go on a sleigh ride to visit Santa in his log cabin.
THE KEY OF DREAMS
At Treowen Manor in Monmouthshire, The Key of Dreams is serving up a series of 24-hour theatrical experiences (you stay overnight) inspired by a lesser-known Dickens work, The Haunted House. A cast of characters guide guests through mysterious puzzles and escape room-style challenges to unlock the secrets of the manor, while a candlelit banquet dinner will transport you to Christmases past.
HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND
Around 2.5m people visit London’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland each year to enjoy more than 100 rides and attractions. Returning favourites include Zippos Christmas Circus and the Magical Ice Kingdom, which is crafted from 500 tonnes of snow and ice.
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THE GREAT CHRISTMAS FEAST
Christmas isn’t Christmas without Charles Dickens, and The Great Christmas Feast in west London combines theatre, live music and Victorian dining in one. Tuck into a lavish banquet Scrooge would disapprove of as you’re whisked back in time to 24 December 1843 to see A Christmas Carol brought to life.
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CANDLELIT CHRISTMAS TOUR
If Charles Dickens isn't your thing, how about seeing Christmas through Shakespeare’s eyes? At the playwright’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, book on to a candlelit tour of his historic house and learn about the festive traditions of the Tudor and Jacobean periods.
YORK CHRISTMAS WALKING TOUR
For those further north, the York Christmas Walking Tour is a 90-minute festive walk that will take you around the city’s medieval streets, which hum with stories of past festivities – from the Romans’ Saturnalia to the Vikings’ midwinter solstice.
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Twinkling lights
CHRISTMAS AT KEW
Light trails have quickly become another festive family tradition, and there are plenty of illuminating events across the country. Christmas at Kew in London is showcasing two new installations, alongside returning favourites such as the romantic tunnel of light.
GLOW WILD
Meanwhile, Kew’s sister venue, Wakehurst, in Sussex welcomes the return of Glow Wild, where guests can wander along the twinkling lantern trail, with the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree standing proudly at its heart.
CHRISTMAS AT BUTE PARK
Christmas at Bute Park in Cardiff features even more kaleidoscopic light installations, such as the new Mycelium Network depicting the underground network of mushrooms. Two enormous, 400-year-old trees will also be adorned with over 3000 dazzling lights.
AGLOW
Twenty-two glittering illuminations bring the night sky to life at County Durham’s Auckland Castle. Follow the 1.5-mile trail through Auckland Palace’s gardens and grounds and see one of the largest Christmas trees in the North of England, as well as the longest outdoor light tunnel in the country.
CHRISTMAS AT BLENHEIM PALACE
Christmas at Blenheim Palace boasts an all-new outdoor light trail for 2024, while the State Rooms inside have received a sprinkling of Tinkerbell’s fairy dust with 'Neverland in the Palace'.
Carols and shows
CAROLS AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL
Who doesn’t love belting out We Three Kings in the run-up to Christmas? Join a 150-strong choir for Carols at the Royal Albert Hall in London across six December dates.
HANDEL’S MESSIAH (HIGHLIGHTS) AT CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT
Head to St Ann’s Church, Manchester, to hear a glorious selection of arias and choruses from Handel’s masterpiece. Performed by The Piccadilly Sinfonietta alongedis some of the UK's finest vocalists, expect a true musical feast.
CANINE CAROLLING
Four-legged friends (and their humans!) should head to Norfolk for Holkham Hall’s Canine Carolling. The short service of thanks includes carols, readings, poetry and prayer to celebrate our canine companions.
THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE
If opera is more your cup of mulled wine, the Royal Opera House, London, is staging three productions this festive season: Cinderella by The Royal Ballet, La Bohème and Hansel and Gretel.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Now in its eighth year at London’s The Old Vic, A Christmas Carol is back and John Simm is starring as Ebenezer Scrooge. Adapted by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) from the Charles Dickens classic, it's the show that keeps on giving.
NUTCRACKER IN HAVANA
Renowned choreographer and ballet director Carlos Acosta has given one of the world's most performed ballets a colourful makeover. Set to an exuberant Cuban version of Tchaikovsky's score, the touring production fuses the timeless story of The Nutcracker with the vibrancy and energy of the Havana ballrooms of the 1940s and 50s. A stunning spectacle for all ages.
MATTHEW BOURNE'S SWAN LAKE
To mark the show's 30th birthday, Matthew Bourne's reinvention of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece is heading on a UK tour. See a new generation of dancers bring the story of a young prince struggling with identity and desire to life, as the production travels to Plymouth, London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and more.
Star-studded pantos
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS
At Bristol Hippodrome, Brian Conley stars in in a panto meets circus mash-up with hair-raising stunts (atgtickets.com). Goldilocks' circus is under threat from an evil rival circus owner and they're battling to rescue their Big Top from ruin. But will they succeed?
PETER PAN
Birmingham Hippodrome will see famous local Alison Hammond take to the stage (for a second year, no less) to play The Magical Mermaid in this wondrously inventive show. Danny Mac also stars as Captain Hook. Enjoy a trip to Neverland like never before.
ROBIN HOOD
This year, The London Palladium’s popular panto will star Jane McDonald (as Maid Marion), Julian Clary (as the titular hero) and Nigel Havers in a retelling of Robin Hood. A show that will charm from start to finish.
SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS
On stage at Theatre Royal Plymouth, Lesley Joseph and Rob Rinder will bring the Disney classic to life. With spectacular song and dance numbers and even more spectacular costumes, it's sure to delight.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Another classic, over at the New Wimbledon Theatre, Alexandra Burke is stepping into the shoes of the villainous Mrs. Blunderbore, while Joe Pasquale joins her as Jack Trot's brother, Simon. If you're after plenty of audience participation, you'll find it here.
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