21 Most Wonderful Christmas Days Out in England

Looking for the best UK Christmas days out? Well, here you go. We need to make the most of the rest of this year, so get yourself booked in to these fab Christmas events ASAP!

It’s the MOST WONDERFUL time of the year! Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, ‘Tis the season to be Jolly! (okay no more puns or songs) I believe you get the point, Christmas is dreamy and an almost surreal time of festivities that you don’t really get to experience at any other time in the year.

So, here are the best days out in December money can buy.

1. Christmas in Bath, Somerset

Bath is an extra special English location for a romantic weekend getaway year round, but during Christmas, this picturesque Georgian town transforms into the perfect novel kind of Christmas scene. The Bath Christmas market is famous for having almost 200 light-strewn wooden chalets dotted around the iconic Roman Baths and the Abbey.

You’ll find all sorts of unique ceramics, glassware, clothing items, and presents you can get personalised then and there, as well as plenty of food and drink for sale. You can then head out on the Christmas Tree Carol Trail to spot the 10 trees each decorated in a unique musical theme.

2. LEGOLAND at Christmas

Kids love the magical experience of LEGOLAND® at Christmas.

There’s special twinkling lights on all the attractions, snow-dusted pine trees, exciting seasonal festivities and you can even opt to Sleepover at the resort where you’ll stay in a themed family room. All guests staying before Christmas will receive a personalised letter and LEGO gift from Santa!

LEGOLAND is one of the best Christmas days out for kids. All the fun starts on the 25th November.

3. Christmas at Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle has loads going on this year for a fun and festive day out for all the family. There’s a light trail, the ice rink is back, and you can join in with stories with Santa too. There’s also a festive market for you to pick up that all important mulled wine.

You can book your Midlands Christmas day out at Warwick Castle here. Ticket prices start at £16, rising to £23.50 if you want to include a visit to Santa in your trip.

Come inside and enjoy the castle at Christmas
Includes access to daily shows & attractions
Pre-book online to guarantee entry
Book with Confidence Guarantee

BOOK YOUR TICKETS TO WARWICK CASTLE BEFORE YOU GO TO SAVE TIME & MONEY

You could also do a Santa Sleepover this Christmas at Warwick Castle! How amazing does this sound?

4. Christmas in York, Yorkshire

York’s Christmas festival draws more people every year with its spectacular shows and ice sculptures. You won’t be able to help but feel the Christmas spirit in the air as you browse the St. Nicholas Fair.

The traditional decorations look like they came straight out of a fairytale.

5. Christmas at Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London

Located in the heart of London in Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland lasts six weeks. There’s a real buzz about celebrating the festive season with a wide variety of rides, attractions, entertainment, food and drinks.

If you’re visiting as a family day out then mornings are the best time to enjoy Winter Wonderland at a leisurely pace. When the evening rolls around, the park will be transformed by thousands of sparkling lights and exhilarating festive fun.

6. Christmas at Alton Towers

Christmas at Alton Towers is pure festive magic. The whole resort transforms into a sparkling winter playground, with twinkling lights, cosy Christmas markets and enchanting shows around every corner.

Families can meet Santa in his woodland grotto, glide around the ice rink, and hop on gentle rides made extra special with festive touches.

CBeebies Land comes alive with Christmas characters, while the Gardens glow beautifully after dark. Whether you’re sipping hot chocolate, watching little ones’ faces light up, or soaking up the seasonal atmosphere, it’s a brilliant way to kick off the holidays. A festive day out that feels truly unforgettable.

Book your Christmas at Alton Towers tickets now!

7. Christmas day out at Cadbury World

Christmas at Cadbury World is a chocolatey affair that combines the festive spirit with the deliciousness of Cadbury chocolates. It’s a great Christmas thing to do if you have a sweet tooth!

Santa’s grotto is a special highlight, where children can meet Father Christmas and even receive a Cadbury gift. The joy of watching chocolatiers craft seasonal treats and the chance to indulge in festive-themed chocolates make Christmas at Cadbury World a mouthwatering, memorable experience.

Book your Christmas at Cadbury World tickets now!

8. Festive day out in the New Forest

Visit the New Forest for one of the best days out in Hampshire. And for a Christmas day out, that soft covering of frost on the ground makes it even more special. You could spend the morning walking in the forest deer spotting with the Deer Spotting Walk Routes Map from the Forestry Commission, England.

And then your afternoon looking around the New Forest villages and getting toasty by a crackling fire at a New Forest pub. You could also meet Santa on a canoe in the New Forest – find out more in our article on the best Christmas days out in Hampshire.

On a frosty day, the New Forest is a magical place to visit at Christmas.

9. Xmas day out at Blenheim Palace and Oxford

Christmas at Blenheim Palace is all kinds of magical. The whole palace is specially decorated and there are themed experiences throughout. There’s also a Christmas market to enjoy, and the whole atmosphere is just amazing. The experience makes for a great Christmas day out for all the family.

I went in 2022 and had a great time. Can’t help but notice the strange outfit on Reggie there – must’ve been the reserve trousers.

Immerse yourself in the history of English academia in Oxford this Christmas. Touring the grounds of the university at any time of the year is a truly special experience, but Oxford possesses an extra bit of magic during the Christmas holidays.

The city’s historic Broad Street is livened up by the annual Christmas market with over 60 stalls selling gifts and food, and local live entertainment.

10. Christmas at Chatsworth and Bakewell, Derbyshire

Chatsworth House is one of the absolute highlights of the Peak District, and makes for a great Christmas day out in the Midlands. In fact, it’s one of the top Christmas attractions in the UK.

If you’re wondering if the infamous pudding ‘Bakewell Tart’ is named after this place then we’re pleased to inform you, you’re correct and it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about Christmas cheer. In Bakewell, there are pubs and tea rooms almost around every corner, and if you’re counting calories the Peak District is right at its doorstep where you can walk it all off on a nature trail or hike.

If you want a low-key day out the town hosts candlelit tours of Haddon Hall, a romantic medieval manor house that has featured in several period films such as Pride & Prejudice and Elizabeth.

11. Christmas at Longleat Safari Park

Christmas at Longleat Safari Park is a jolly jungle jamboree!

Where else can you see a lion wearing a Santa hat or a monkey unwrapping presents?

I mean, that’s obviously not true, but you never know what you will see!

“This year’s event is brimming with festive treats – from firm favourites like our incredible 15-metre Enchanted Christmas Tree show and beloved Santa Train, to a spectacular fountain display on Half Mile Pond. Longleat House will be even more luminous, with a phenomenal light show bringing its historic facade to life.”
– Longleat Safari Park

12. Christmas day out in Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire

If there ever was a place created with Christmas in mind, the Cotswolds would be it and Chipping Camden would be its star attraction. An Enchanted Christmas festival fully sets the tone for the rest of the Winter festivities.

Father Christmas parades the town and is preceded by a traditional brass band which is a breath-taking sight to behold. Then local traders really go to town turning the picture-postcard high street into a scene straight out of a Charles Dickens novel.

It’s one of the best days out in the Cotswolds – there are always loads of Christmas events there, so maybe go all out and book in a weekend!

13. Christmas days out in Newquay, Cornwall

Fancy a coastal vibe this Christmas?

Look no further than Newquay. It’s one of the best Christmas places to visit.

It’s Cornwall we’re talking about and who doesn’t like Cornwall?

It may be crowded in the summer but in the winter it’s the perfect break from the crowds, for those seeking to curl up by a fire while being serenaded by the sound of crashing waves.

Bundle up and stroll along Fistral Beach before taking in a stunning sunset over the rugged cliffs. It’s ideal for families too, you could visit Newquay Zoo – an aminal lovers dream. With dozens of different animals across 13 acres – you’re in for a really wild time. Here are a few more ideas on how to spend a great day out in Newquay for your Christmas activities.

14. Christmas day out in Rochester, Kent

‘A Christmas Carol’ is still to this day one of the most loved Christmas stories of all time, and with Rochester being the final resting place of Charles Dickens, the city truly honours him in the form of a festival with all the bells and whistles.

Its dramatic cathedral, castle, and medieval architecture become the perfect backdrop for the Charles Dickens Christmas festival, which sets the tone for a magical season. Even the streets come alive with performers, markets, pantomimes, and artificial snow. The overall effect turns the clocks back two hundred years during the festive season, bringing the world of England’s most loved author back to life for a spell.

15. Christmas with Peppa Pig at a theme park

Paulton’s Park is one of the most popular theme parks in the UK, and a definite winner with the kids. The entire Peppa Pig World will be decorated for Christmas, right down to characters sporting their favourite holiday outfits. There’s even Santa’s Christmas Wish Show, starring the main man himself!

The best part is, all of the special Christmas extras are included in the price of a standard Paulton’s ticket. If you’re looking for Christmas events for kids near you, this is the one!

16. Christmas days out in Birmingham, West Midlands

Birmingham has become England’s second most populous city for a good reason and it could be the ideal spot for you to get your Christmas fix this year.

If you enjoy authentic German Christmas markets then Birmingham is perfect for you. It hosts the largest Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria, attracting over 5 million visitors. If you’re visiting with children you have to stop by Santa’s Winter Wonderland at SnowDome.

17. UK Christmas days out on trains

Amerton Railway (Staffordshire) are hosting their Santa Specials again this year, as is Dartmouth Steam Railway’s Train of Lights in Devon, and North York Moors Railway’s Santa Specials. Check out your local train station to see what Santa specials are available near you!

For a classic UK Christmas day out, a Santa Special train ride is always a good idea. If you’re visiting the Isle of Wight for Christmas for example, you could join a Santa’s Special train ride at Havenstreet Station for a fun Xmas day out.

18. Christmas day out in Brighton by the sea

If you want some fresh air in your lungs this festive period – how about spending a day out at Christmas in Brighton? There’s the Christmas Festival, pantomimes, the ice rink at the Pavilion, and you can even meet Santa up the i360. Also, you’ve got the wonderfully wild beach, and all the foodie options Brighton is so well known for too.

Check out our guide to all the best things to do in Brighton for Christmas here.

19. Christmas at Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is a magical experience for Christmas. As dusk falls, the famous botanical gardens are transformed into an enchanted winter wonderland, illuminated by over a million twinkling lights. Visitors can stroll along a trail adorned with mesmerising light installations, glowing lanterns, and animated projections that bring the garden’s trees and plants to life.

The reflections on the lake amplify the ethereal atmosphere, while the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air. Carol singers and festive music heighten the spirit of the season, making Christmas at Kew an unforgettable festive outing for all ages.

20. Hogwarts in the Snow

Christmas at Hogwarts is pure magical mayhem!

The Great Hall’s ceiling blankets itself with snow, ghostly carolers float by – occasionally going flat (looking at you, Nearly Headless Nick!) – while bewitched trees dance merrily.

Visit Hogwarts in the Snow and you’ll see the school bedecked in the gold decorations from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

From the Gryffindor Boys’ Dormitory to the Gryffindor and Slytherin common rooms, discover how these sets were dressed for Christmas scenes in the film series. You’ll have the chance to spot authentic decorations and Christmas cards made by the crew during filming!

Step into the Forbidden Forest, where the woodlands will be covered in snow, or stroll down Diagon Alley with its snowy shop fronts and cobbled stones. Stop by the Christmas shop which has returned this year to provide you with a premium and exclusive selection of Christmas gifts, souvenirs, and stocking fillers.

21. SEALIFE Centre

If the weather outside is frightful, and you’re looking for somewhere delightful – how about one of the amazing SEALIFE Centres dotted around England?

Each SEALIFE Centre is different so you’ll have to check your local listing for the best things to do at Christmas when it comes to marine life but here are the links to make it that bit easier for you.

Best days out for Christmas

1. Christmas in Bath, Somerset
2. LEGOLAND at Christmas
3. Christmas in York, Yorkshire
4. Christmas at Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London
5. Festive day out in the New Forest
6. Xmas day out at Blenheim Palace and Oxford
7. Christmas day out at Disney’s FROZEN The Musical
8. Christmas at Chatsworth and Bakewell, Derbyshire
9. Christmas day out in Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire
10. Christmas days out in Newquay, Cornwall
11. Xmas day out in Rochester, Kent
12. Christmas with Peppa Pig at a theme park
13. Christmas days out in Birmingham, West Midlands
14. Christmas days out on trains
17. Christmas day out in Brighton by the sea