It’s December and Christmas is all around,
And that means there’s so much fun to be found!
From light displays to festive fun,
You’ll have plenty of entertainment in the Christmas run!
Christmas events have taken over the UK and there are festivities to enjoy everywhere! Find an event near you and celebrate with loved ones this December.
Kingdom of Winter – ExCel London
📆8th December – 7th January
London’s biggest indoor festive experience is coming this year and you can expect all kinds of festivities at this huge event! The gigantic venue will host a Christmas party like no other and all ages are welcome. Expect an indoor ice rink, fairground rides, delicious festive treats, shopping, entertainment and much more! The immersive ice expedition trail will set you on an adventure through snowy lands and amazing sculptures, or sit back and relax as you enjoy the incredible festive circus! This event is not to be missed!
Christmas in Neverland at Castle Howard
📆11th November – 5th January
Book with Picniq and save 15%!
York’s stunning castle has transformed into a winter wonderland and you’re invited to celebrate! Enjoy Christmas in Neverland with Peter Pan and Tinkerbell as they whisk you away for an enchanted Christmas where hearts will be bursting with joy as childish imagination is brought to life!
Christmas Markets
📆Various dates and locations
Christmas market season has begun and we couldn’t be happier! Visit your local one for fabulous gifts and trinkets, delicious food, and of course a glass of mulled wine! Some of the bigger ones also have ice rinks and festive family entertainment. Check out our tops picks and find one near you!
Longleat The Festival of Light
📆11th November – 7th January
Get 5% off tickets! Book here with Picniq
The Festival of Light at Longleat is the greatest light shows in the UK and a Picniq personal favourite! This years theme is The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and other treasured tales, so you can embark on a trail through Narnia meeting beloved characters and admiring the incredible displays. Don’t miss the famous giant singing Christmas tree!
The Snowman Tour
📆30th November – 23rd December
The beloved and classic Christmas film that brings a tear to everyone’s eyes is going on tour this Christmas, and by that we mean a screening with a live orchestra. One of the most memorable things about the film is the music, and you can hear it come to life in this magical performance. Included in the event is also a screening of Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers, the ultimate Christmas feel good film! The incredibly talented orchestra make this screen extra-special and shed a new light on the classic film. Find out more here.
Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo
📆17 November–31 December
From 17 November to 31 December, Chester Zoo will be lit up at nighttime with a fantastic nighttime lantern show. Across the zoo, there are colour-changing displays of life-sized lantern animals. As you walk around, there is a beautiful Winter Cathedral tunnel of lights to catch a glimpse of Santa and his reindeer. This is the perfect sparkly trip for the whole family, filling you with festive joy.
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
📆17th November – 17th December
This beautiful location is opening it’s doors once again and welcome Christmas with open arms. The courtyard will host a Christmas market featuring local gifts, crafts and tasty treats, and the light trail is not to be missed! Take a stroll through the grounds and explore the vibrant installations, or enjoy festive entertainment with the interactive Sleeping Beauty walk-through. Find out more here.
Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre
📆4th November – 3rd January
This is the ultimate fun family Christmas activity this December! This is a popular event so be sure to book in advance. Join in the fun at this thrilling Tobogganing slope which will be decorative is full-on festivities, and all in the atmosphere of a dark wintry evening. There is a snow machine for extra Christmas magic, festive music echoes down the slopes, and a FREE Santa hat is included! Find out more here.
Epping Ongar Light Fantastic
📆17th November – 7th January
It’s back, it’s glowing and it’s ready to take you on a musical, steam ride through a magical Christmas world. The Epping Ongar Light Fantastic is a train ride, which gives you your own LED wristband that will change colour in time with the onboard festive DJ. This is an amazing family attraction and is bound to be a magical evening. Rides start at 6pm or 8pm, from Friday-Sunday. Book your tickets here.
Legoland at Christmas
📆25th November – 3rd January
Book with Picniq and get a family of 4 from just £128!
Father Christmas will be spreading joy as he glides through the park on his enchanted sleigh, Christmas carols will echo through the park, and the giant DUPLO® brick Christmas tree will tower you setting the tone for the season, plus expect all the usual joys of LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort!
Christmas at the Castle – Warwick Castle
📆25th November – 7th January
Book with Picniq and get a family ticket from £70!
Warwick Castle are once again bringing back their iconic ‘Christmas at the Castle’ filled with many twinkling trees, dazzling decorations and festivity at every turn. This will be one of the most beautiful places to visit, so make sure it’s on your list! There is a beautiful ice rink to glide around on, an enchanting light trail, a market, and much more! So make sure to wrap up warm and enjoy the incredible displays and activities this December.
Zipmas at Zip World
📆24th November -24th December
Across into Zip World there’s the marvellous ‘Zipmas’ from the 24th November, where you can experience a magical Christmas Grotto and venture deep underground into lit tunnels to enjoy a mine experience like none other. This is an epic adventure to meet Santa and his elves, with a few cheeky characters along the way.
Christmas at Kew
📆15th November – 7th January
This festive botanical experience is the ultimate Christmas event with incredible light displays and seasonal illuminations! Discover tunnels of light and captivating sights throughout the gardens, and keep an eye out for Santa Claus himself! This mesmerizing experience is a great evening out for the whole family exploring the natural world in a fun and festive way! Find out more.
Polar Express Train Rides
📆Multiple dates and locations
This wonderfully unique Christmas event has become hugely popular in the last few years, and we can see why! Go on a magical adventure aboard The Polar Express and enjoy all the festivities from the film including hot chocolate (and the hot chocolate song!) beautiful interior décor, and the whole crew aboard The Polar Express. Wearing pyjamas is encouraged! These sell out very quickly so you’ll have to be speedy, find one near you.
Alton Towers Christmas
📆24th November – 7th January
Book with Picniq and get a family of 4 from just £166!
Alton Towers opens up its doors for selected celebrations over the Christmas period! The UK’s only CBeebies Land is the heart of the park for young families wanting a magical day out this December. Favourite CBeebies friends will be around to meet and greet your little ones creating special memories for them this Christmas, and selected rides will be open. Enjoy festivities around every corner with dazzling decorations and immersive walk-throughs.
Hogwarts in the Snow
📆11th November – 4th January
Everyone’s ideal place to spend Christmas is a reality at the Warner Brothers Studio Tour! Go on a magical journey through the world of Harry Potter and experience Hogwarts at Christmas in all its glory. Life-sized sets are beautifully decorated and sprinkled with snow, and gaze upon the beauty of the Great Hall and its towering Christmas trees. This is a must-do Christmas activity for Harry Potter fans! Find out more.
Drayton Manor Christmas Wonderland
📆25th November – 31st December
On selected dates this Christmas, Drayton Manor will be hosting fun family Christmas activities and taking guests on an adventure through their very own winter wonderland! Explore the enchanting light trail, visit Father Christmas at Santa’s Grotto, and take a ride on the Wishmas Express! When night falls, prepare for a festive light extravaganze with entertainment from Mrs Claus. This is the perfect destination for seasonal family fun this December. Find out more.
A Narnia Christmas at Leeds Castle
📆25th November – 1st January
Save up to 15% and get a FREE Picniq voucher!
ZOOLUMINATE at Dartmoor Zoo
📆25th November – 1st January
Family of 4 ticket from just £47.20!
Winters Tail at Chessington World of Adventures
📆25th November – 31st December
Family of 4 ticket from just £166!
Chessington World of Adventures are celebrating the festive season with lots of family fun activities including meeting Santa Claus in his grotto, a fabulous live panto with lots of laughs, dazzling decorations all around, plus a brand new experience for 2023 – ‘Enchanted Hollow’. The enchanted underground town is sprinkled with festive cheer and it’s residents are there to welcome you with open arms. Enjoy selected rides during your visit and don’t forgot all the amazing animals at Chessington Zoo!
The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo
📆25th November – 17th January
Get a free £5 Picniq voucher, book here!
London Zoo is celebrating Christmas with an illuminated festive wonderland, a Christmas sleigh trail, Santa experiences and lots more! There are so many seasonal family activities to get you in the Christmas spirit, and what better way to do that than surrounded by an abundance of wild animals ready to celebrate with you!
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