Best Christmas Events In The UK 2026

• Location: 15 Montague Street, Holdborn, WC1B 5BJ
• When: winter 2026/27
• Price: £30 per person
• Why we recommend: we love the Montague on the Gardens Ski Lodge because it effortlessly brings a touch of alpine magic to central London - their specially curated festive décor, from gently falling snow to twinkling fairy lights, transforms any gathering into a cosy, unforgettable winter escape

One of the most magical Christmas places to visit in the UK, The Montague On The Gardens Ski Lodge is ready for everything festive this season, armed with pine trees, fairy lights, lanterns and snow. Warm your cockles at this cosy pop-up by supping mulled wine or hot spiced cider before settling in for a three-course feast in the Great Russell Suite, complete with half a bottle of wine per person, mince pies, and Christmassy centrepieces.

But the real charm lies in the atmosphere: candied pecans, hot chocolate, steaming cider, and soft blankets keep you snug as you sip Schnapps under the stars. For groups of ten to 110, the Ski Lodge and adjoining Conservatory are yours exclusively - perfect for corporate parties, festive reunions or even a stylish Christmas 'do with friends. 

• Locations: West Midlands, Liverpool, Manchester, and Tooting and Haggerston in London
• When: winter 2026/27
• Price: from £36 per person
• Why we recommend: we're huge fans of The Big Bake because it turns a regular night out into a full-on baking fantasy. We love that everything's set up for you (no baking disasters here), the atmosphere is buzzing, and you even get to box up your masterpiece to show off later - or scoff on the way home

On the hunt for activity ideas? If you think you've got what it takes to be crowned the baking champ, gather a fellow chef to test your whisking, folding and kneading skills over a light-hearted competition at The Big Bakes, which makes a great pick for 2026 Christmas events in the West Midlands, Liverpool, Manchester and London's Tooting and Haggerston.

Hosted in a festive marquee or bake-off tent (especially in East London), this playful and creative experience invites pairs to go head-to-head in a 90-minute bake-off. All ingredients are pre-measured, aprons are supplied, and a friendly head baker is there to cheer you on and guide your creations.

• Locations: Nottingham, Bath, Newcastle, London, Belfast, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and more
• When: throughout November and December
• Price: from free entry
• Why we recommend: we're absolutely smitten with our roundup; we've done the sleigh-driving and research for you so you don't have to. We adore how each market, from Bath's glow-filled Georgian streets to Manchester's sprawling festive wonderland, brims with its own flavour of holiday cheer

We put together our guide to the UK's best Christmas markets because, frankly, we think you deserve more mulled wine and fewer browser tabs. We've sleighed our way across the country to find the spots with the fluffiest snow, cheesiest gifts, and most Instagrammable fairy lights, so all you need to do is grab a mate, wrap up warm, and pretend you're in a festive rom-com.

From London to Brighton and everything in between, there's plenty for you to check out this December. There are beautiful huts in Manchester, delicious pints or eats courtesy of Glasgow, and ice-skating across Nottingham.

• Locations: Manchester, Leeds, and London
• When: throughout November and December
• Price: varies 
• Why we recommend: whether you're twirling under twinkling lights in London or skating around Manchester, we've got the perfect rink for every ice enthusiast. Lace up, slide in, and let the frosty fun begin

Fun Christmas things to do in the UK don't get much better than gliding round the ice to festive tunes. Whether you spend more time on your bum, are a pro, or want to grab a warming, festive drink after, these skating rinks have your back.

London's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland offers a Victorian-inspired rink surrounded by twinkling lights, while Ice Rink Canary Wharf provides a modern urban twist beneath towering skyscrapers. Riverside rinks like Glide at Battersea Power Station combine breathtaking views with seasonal charm, and Leed's Ice Cube is a great place for a cool winter date.

• Locations: Essex, Birmingham, Cambridge and more
• When: throughout November and December
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: what's not to love about dining under twinkling fairy lights, wrapped in cosy faux-fur throws, and sipping mulled wine or cocktails in your own private dome? From wintery snow globes in London to sun-soaked rooftop pods in Brighton, we've hunted down the very best spots 

Offering some of the best Christmas experiences across the UK are these igloo pop-ups, where you can settle down at your own private sphere for yuletide food and drinks galore. From rooftops to quaint courtyards and gardens, the settings here are bound to get you in the spirit. High above Oxford Street, 1874 Rooftop Bar offers a winter igloo experience with mulled wine, small plates, and indulgent desserts like sticky toffee pudding.

Outside the capital, Essex's Anchor serves intimate OakPods overlooking the River Crouch, where diners can enjoy locally sourced three-course meals under fairy lights with temperature control at the touch of a button. 

• Location: Warner Bros Studio Tour, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR
• When: TBC
• Price: from £56 per person
• Why we recommend: from wandering through Diagon Alley under a blanket of snow to spotting the hidden snowmen on the castle model, this is the Christmas event that brings a little extra magic to your holiday season. We'd happily sip Butterbeer by the Great Hall fireplace all day long

For a winter wonderland of wizardry, head to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: Hogwarts in the Snow. The Great Hall is transformed into a dazzling Yule Ball scene straight from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, complete with towering Christmas trees, golden decorations from the Philosopher's Stone, and fireplaces festooned with holly, mistletoe, and wreaths. 

Fans can wander through the Gryffindor and Slytherin common rooms, now decked out in authentic Christmas décor and handwritten cards created by the film crew. Step into the Forbidden Forest blanketed in snow, or stroll down Diagon Alley with cobbled streets and snowy shop fronts, and don't miss the Christmas shop offering exclusive gifts, souvenirs, and stocking fillers. The magical tour culminates with the Hogwarts Castle model, meticulously coated in snow using the same technique from the films, with tiny hidden snowmen adding a playful twist for eagle-eyed visitors. 

• Locations: Cornwall, London, and more 
• When: throughout November and December
• Price: from free 
• Why we recommend: we adore the National Trust at Christmas - it's our top pick for festive days out with friends or family. From meeting Father Christmas to wandering through historic homes decked in twinkling lights, every visit feels like stepping into a storybook

If you're looking for Christmas events in the UK for families, then you'll want to visit one of the National Trust's many locations across the country this year. Whether you're enchanted by twinkling winter illuminations, meeting Father Christmas in his grotto, or exploring festively decorated historic homes, there's a magical event for everyone. Wander through properties decked out in seasonal greenery, enjoy traditional crafts and storytelling, or take part in Christmas workshops to create your own decorations and gifts.

From immersive fairy tale experiences at Nymans and The Children's Country House at Sudbury to festive light trails at Waddesdon Manor, each event combines charm, history, and seasonal sparkle. Families can spot reindeer, stroll through snowy gardens, or enjoy warming treats at cafés, while music lovers can get into the spirit with carol concerts and Christmas choirs. 

• Location: Hever Road, Hever, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG
• When: 20th November - 2nd January
• Price: from £17.85 per person
• Why we recommend: we absolutely adore Christmas at Hever Castle - it's our top pick for a festive family adventure. From following the yellow brick road into the Land of Oz to wandering through gardens bathed in twinkling lights, every moment feels magical

Get lost in a world of festive magic at Hever Castle, where Christmas 2026 brings the enchanting Land of Oz to life. Follow the yellow brick road from Dorothy's house through colourful, immersive displays and meet familiar characters along the way before stepping inside the Castle for a traditional, heartwarming Christmas experience. Little ones can also enjoy an optional visit to Father Christmas, making it a truly memorable family outing.

As dusk falls from 4pm, the Castle, gardens, and lake are transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland. Wrap up warm and wander through illuminated grounds, admire twinkling lights and music-filled pathways, and discover interactive areas sprinkled throughout the estate. Daytime visitors can enjoy a Christmas trail, fairground rides, play areas, and the Castle itself, while twilight ticket holders can soak up the full lights and illuminations experience, capturing the very spirit of the season.

• Location: Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
• When: 12th November - 3rd January
• Price: £24 per person to visit the house and gardens 
• Why we recommend: Castle Howard is our ultimate festive playground. From wandering through Oz to meeting Father Christmas, crafting wreaths, and indulging in afternoon tea, every moment is brimming with magic

Looking for magical places to visit at Christmas in the UK? Yorkshire's iconic stately home, Castle Howard, is transformed into the magical world of Oz. Wander through immersive installations, soundscapes, and projections created by the team behind Alice's Christmas Wonderland and Christmas in Neverland. 

Families can enjoy Father Christmas in the Castle, meet Mrs Claus and WonderPhil, and receive a special gift to take home, or visit Santa's cosy Boathouse Grotto for a festive story show and present. For those seeking a more hands-on festive experience, wreath-making workshops offer a chance to craft your own Christmas decorations, complete with tea, coffee, and a splash of sparkling wine for evening sessions. Plus, you can indulge in a Christmas afternoon tea with dainty finger sandwiches, sweet and savoury scones, and miniature cakes created by UK Pastry Champion Florian Poirot, served either in the roaring Grecian Hall or the intimate Chinese Dining Room. 

• Location: Victoria Square and New Street, Birmingham, B1 1BD
• When: 5th November to 24th December
• Price: free entry 
• Why we recommend: Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market is like stepping into a winter wonderland without leaving the city. From mulled wine in hand to braving the sweet treats and snapping photos by the giant Christmas tree, it's our favourite festive fix

Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market is back and bigger than ever, kicking off earlier this year to give you more time to soak up the festive vibes. Known as the largest German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria, this pop-up extravaganza on Victoria Square and New Street is bursting with twinkling lights, a giant Christmas tree, huge Santa statues, and an Instagram-ready carousel.

Sip on warming mulled wine or hot chocolate while catching live performances from international and local musicians, or wander between dozens of independent stalls selling handcrafted decorations, glass baubles, and festive gifts. For those with a serious sweet tooth (or a love of hearty snacks), indulge in bratwursts, salted pretzels, roasted almonds, schnitzels, and gooey chocolaty crêpes - all guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit. 

• Locations: across Fuller's venues, including The Manor House Gloucestershire, The Queens Head, and Anglers
• When: 25th November - 23rd December
• Price: tickets from £5.50
• Why we recommend: Fuller's festive calendar has something for everyone, whether you're in the mood for crafts, theatre, cocktails, or seasonal treats

Get into the Christmas spirit with experiences at Fuller's pubs all over the country. You can find everything from wreath-making workshops to Casino Royale festive soirees and afternoon tea with Santa.

You can even find performances of A Christmas Carol in the garden, fully immersing you in the show.

• Location: Duke of Wellington, Church St, Stanwick, NN9 6PS
• When: Saturday 28th November
• Price: from £15.40
• Why we recommend: nothing says Christmas like crooning. Get down here for hits from two of the very best

David Bradley is bringing his Buble and Robbie tribute back to the Duke of Wellington. Get down here to kick off your Christmas season in poptastic style. 

This act is always a hit, so be sure to secure your spot to avoid disappointment. Tickets are just £15.40.

• Location: The Royal Maritime Hotel, 75-80 Queen Street, Portsmouth, PO1 3HS
• When: 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th and 19th December 2026
• Price: from £54
• Why we recommend: with several dates to choose from, there's no excuse not to see in Christmas with dinner and dancing at The Royal Maritime Hotel 

The beautifully elegant Royal Maritime Hotel in Portsmouth is seeing in the festive season with a series of Christmas parties. Kicking off from 4th December, it's serving up epic three-course dinners in Horatio's restaurant.

Next up, it's time to party 'Below Decks' with DJs right through to midnight. Grab your tickets from just £54.

• Location: Sheep Street, Cotswolds, OX18 4LW
• When: 13th December
• Price: from £27.50
• Why we recommend: a fun event for the whole family, this seasonal afternoon tea even comes with the chance to meet Santa

Bring your little ones down to Bay Tree Hotel this December for a special treat – in the form of a festive afternoon tea and visit from Santa himself. It's a gathering the whole family can enjoy, with both adults and children receiving their own tailored spread. For the adults: scones, cakes, sandwiches, tea or coffee, and most importantly... mulled wine. The kids get a mini version of the foodie fun, topped off with a hot chocolate.

Once everyone's full, Santa will make his entrance with small gifts for all the kids and absolutely no false promises when it comes to what will be under the tree on Christmas Day. 

• Location: Level 5 & 6, Trinity Centre, 70 Boar Lane, Leeds, LS1 6HW
• When: 5th December
• Price: £74.20
• Why we recommend: you'll get the chance to make and decorate your very own wreath at this hands-on workshop, perfect to go on your front door

Taking this festive activity to the next level, the deluxe CrowdedHouse is hosting a Wreath Making Workshop in their private dining room that will see you leave full of food as fizz with your bespoke wreath in tow.

As you craft your creation from seasonal foliage, you'll be able to enjoy a glass of prosecco along with mini bites for an all-round experience – all in collaboration with the experts from The Petal Studio. 

• Location: Station Approach, RG1 1LY
• When: 8th and 14th December
• Price: £11
• Why we recommend: this is a great way to meet other new parents, while getting into the festive spirit at the same time

If you're a new parent in the Reading area, check out this Festive Maternity Lunch at the Three Guineas. They're welcoming parents and babies alike, in a friendly setting where you can get to know local people.

The three-course menu features dishes like pan-roasted sea bream, wild mushroom and spinach Wellington or turkey with all the trimmings - followed by a sticky toffee Christmas pudding.

• Location: Elenora Street, ST4 1QQ
• When: from 27th November until 19th December
• Price: from £11
• Why we recommend: get to know a hot new venue in Stoke while adding an event to your Christmas calendar for you to look forward to

For just £11 you could enter into a world of festive fun with Christmas DJ Nights in The Warehouse. The brand-new late-night venue will be setting the scene for an unforgettable celebration with incredible music, immersive lighting, festive cocktails and DJ sets blaring out party tunes and commercial pop.

Dance into the night from 7:30pm, for 4+ hours of music for just an £11 entry fee. 

• Location: 71, High Street, KT10 9RQ
• When: from 25th November
• Price: from £74.20
• Why we recommend: make your wreath instantly recognisable in a lineup by making the most of the wide variety of materials on offer, all in the surrounds of a snug pub with a roaring fireplace

Walk into a winter wonderland at cosy cottage-core pub The Bear for a workshop all about Christmas Wreath Making. Let your imagination flow as you make use of festive materials to create a beautifully formed wreath to adorn your front food with. 

There'll be expert guidance on hand to help you through the process, as decorate and include flourishes that add a personal touch. 

• Location: Stoughton Grange, Gartree Road, Leicester, LE2 2FB
• When: from 12th December
• Price: from £27.50
• Why we recommend: an essential part of Christmas (and growing up) for kids, introduce your little ones to Santa and give them the opportunity to share all their wishes for the festive season

Teach your children just how magical Christmas can be with a visit to Santa's Grotto at Stoughton Grange. This twinkly retreat is a fully immersive experience, where you'll get to hear tales from the big man himself and take photos as a family that you're treasure forever. 

Each session lasts up to 30 minutes, and a family ticket for two adults and a child is £27.50 – costing an extra £16.50 for additional offspring. 

• Location: Spode Creative Village, Elenora Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1QQ
• When: from 25th November
• Price: from £12.50
• Why we recommend: there really is something for everyone at the Factory Floor, with an inclusive lineup of events that accommodate families, party-goers and crafters

The Factory Floor at the QUARTER at Potbank is a hive of fun-filled activity throughout the year – with the new venue making its mark on Stoke come Christmas time. 

From wreath making workshops to festive parties and a family-friendly breakfast buffet hosted by Anna and Elsa from Frozen, the festivities don't stop at this versatile events space. 

• Location: 53 High Street, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1BA
• When: 24th November
• Price: from £64.80
• Why we recommend: a wholesome festive event that allows you to unleash your creative side, this wreath workshop really kicks off Christmas

Head to The Chequers in Buckinghamshire for a Festive Wreath Workshop involving a guided craft session that will see you leaving with a beautiful Christmas ornament to adorn your front door. 

Your £64.80 ticket will include all the materials you could possibly need to create a stunning personalised wreath, along with a selection of speciality cocktails to sip on while you craft to really get your creativity flowing.

• Location: Academy Espresso Bar/297, Hood Road, CF62 5BE
• When: 26th November
• Price: from £5.50
• Why we recommend: do something different this November and enjoy a night of great cocktails and festive competition 

Join Academy Espresso Bar's Christmas Music Quiz for a night that will test your knowledge of the all the best festive tracks. From Mariah to Slade, this fun and interactive event will see you quizzing on a rooftop with 2-4-1 cocktails in hand and a mince pie which comes included in your £5 ticket.

Tickets also come with bar snacks for the table and a contribution to the donations from the night given to Music Venue Trust.