Best Christmas Events In The UK 2026

• Locations: West Midlands, Liverpool, Manchester, and Tooting and Haggerston in London
• When: throughout December
• Price: from £32.40 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: Fire & The Garden, 6A, South Lambeth Place, London, SW8 1SP or Area, 50 Sackville Street, Manchester, M1 3WF
• When: 27th November - 20th December
• Price: from £10 per person (party only)
• Why we recommend: Sleigh Bougie is the only Christmas party where you can sip bottomless cocktails, belt out Mariah, and be served by queens who actually know how to werk a Santa hat. It's the festive escape we didn't know we needed - glitter, glamour, and a whole lot of sass

Get ready to jingle all the way at Sleigh, Bougie: Christmas Bottomless Drag Brunch & Dinner Show across London and Manchester. This festive extravaganza is the perfect mix of glamour, glitter, and outrageous fun, hosted by some of the most fabulous drag queens.

Whether you're celebrating the season with brunch or a cosy dinner, you'll be treated to an unforgettable lineup of fierce performances, side-splitting comedy, and diva-worthy lip-sync battles. Did we mention bottomless drinks? Sip, slay, and sparkle as the queens bring you a sleigh-load of festive spirit, all set against a backdrop of dazzling holiday vibes. 

Thanks to Slug & Lettuce venues being all across the UK, from London and Manchester to Birmingham and beyond, you're never far from a festive brunch this December. Head to one of their fun-loving venues to enjoy glittering decor and festive tunes, not to mention one helluva brunch. 

Chow down on the brand's famous brunch classics, from fluffy stacks of American pancakes to poached eggs and avocado, or go for one of their festive specials (we recommend the pigs in blanket croissant roll). Even better, they're offering two hours of bottomless drinks, ranging from prosecco and cocktails to beers and mocktails.

• Location: 15 Montague Street, Holdborn, WC1B 5BJ
• When: 12th November to 31st December
• Price: from £115 per person for ten to 110 guests
• 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: The Rivoli Ballroom, 350 Brockley Road, Crofton Park, London, SE4 2BY
• When: 20th and 21st December
• Price: from £11 per person
• Why we recommend: it almost doesn't matter what film you watch at the Rivoli Ballroom, there's enough going on with its stunning interiors to keep you entertained

The debate is over. Die Hard is officially a Christmas movie. It's one of many cult classics hitting the silver screen at Rivoli Pop Up Cinema in London's iconic 1950s ballroom.

Whether you settle in with Bruce for the evening, or want to watch Elf, Gremlins or Home Alone instead, with a bucket of popcorn and a tasty tipple from the bar, you'll feel festive before you know it.

• Locations: Lincoln, Chelmsford, Portsmouth and more
• When: 6th December
• Price: from £52.99 per person
• Why we recommend: we're beyond obsessed with the 90s Xmas Bottomless Brunch across the UK - because sweater vests, Britney ballads, and bottomless fizz are basically our festive love language

The Brunch Club have a whole host of Christmas parties across the UK, including Essex, Lincoln and more. Expect a curated blend of holiday classics ('All I Want for Christmas Is You,' 'Last Christmas') and irresistible 90s songs - from Spice Girls to Britney, TLC to Oasis - delivered by a live Xmas duo and a resident DJ spinning guilty-pleasure hits for a full three-hour soundscape.

Suit up in your sassiest 90s gear - flip flops, fanny packs, frosted tips... even a dash of 'Sexy Santa vibes' is encouraged. Then fuel the fun with 60 minutes of bottomless booze, paired with a seriously delicious brunch.

• 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. 

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. 

• Locations: 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.

• Locations: Manchester, Leeds, and London
• When: 22nd November - 21st December
• Price: from £40 per person
• Why we recommend: prosecco? Check. Bottomless pizza? Double check. Shuffleboard fun under festive songs? Absolutely. Electric Shuffle's brunch is a must-book for mulled-wine vibes and an epic festive party 

Christmas events in Leeds, Manchester or London (King's Cross, London Bridge and Canary Wharf)? Electric Shuffle has just the thing.

The festive brunch parties here know just how to get you in the spirit, offering unlimited pizza and a bottle of prosecco to every ticket holder. To top it off? A go at the souped-up shuffleboard. This event is perfect for friend groups, or work crews, and it won't break the bank at just £40 per person.

• Locations: Ormskirk, Moorgate, Lancashire, L39 4RT
• When: Every Thursday to Sunday
• Price: tickets from free
• Why we recommend: a warm welcome, great food and all kinds of crafting are sure to get you in the festive spirit

Ormskirk Food & Drink Market has plenty of plans this festive season. In the historic former home of the town's original indoor market, it's putting on wreath crafting, chocolate making, bauble painting, comedy nights and festive family brunches.

Whatever gets you through the door, six street food vendors serving up pizza, noodles and all kinds of sensational small plates are sure to make you stay. Don't forget to pay a visit to the bar before you leave - its cocktail menu is the stuff of local legend.

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. 

• Locations: Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle, Oxford, and more
• When: 22nd November - 21st December
• Price: from £40 per person
• Why we recommend: we reckon the Festive Brunch Social is the ultimate excuse to swap your winter coat for a Christmas jumper (optional - but why not?), because where else can you sip a whole bottle of prosecco, demolish bottomless pizza, and launch darts while your mates cheer you on under twinkling wreath-lit dartboards?

With colourful venues across the UK, Flight Club will have you ho-ho-ho-ing all winter long at these themed brunches. Expect to find some of the country's most fun Christmas activities at this quirky bar, where you'll get competitive over high-tech darts and enjoy many a festive refreshment. 

On the menu? Starting from £40 per person, you'll be able to sip on a bottle of prosecco or four beers for every guest and devour bottomless pizza, all before an hour of high-energy Social Darts.

• Locations: 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.

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.

• Locations: across Fuller's venues, including The Manor House Gloucestershire, The Queens Head, and Anglers
• When: 26th 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 like Wreath Making at the Manor with Baytree Flowers (£70.20) or a magical performance of The Elves and the Shoemaker at venues including The Queens Head, Anglers, and Windmill (tickets from £11).

For a tipple with a festive twist, try Mistletoe & Martinis at Chineham Arms (£5.50), or create your own festive décor at The Orange Tree's Festive Foliage Workshop (£43.20). Families can delight in Christmas Afternoon Tea with Santa at The Bay Tree (£27.50–£38.50), while intimate performances and singing events, like Festive Singing at The Bear (from £5.50), add extra seasonal cheer.

• Locations: 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. 

With locations in Nottingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Liverpool, York, Oxford, Sheffield, Reading, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Sheffield, Birmingham, Bristol and more, Social Pub and Kitchen have plenty of places for you to go for a Christmas brunch. Ring in the season for £36 each with a two‑hour Christmas brunch, all‑you‑can‑sip drinks and the brunch course you fancy.

Tuck into limited‑edition plates teamed with themed cocktails.

• Locations: Elenora Street, ST4 1QQ
• When: 4th 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 Night 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. 

• Locations: 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: The Old Government House Hotel, Ann's Place, Guernsey, GY1 2NU
• When: TBC
• Price: from £40 per person
• Why we recommend: nothing says Christmas quite like clotted cream-topped scones, sparkling prosecco, and twinkling lights with a view over the Guernsey harbour. It's our go-to spot to indulge and get merry

Get on down to Guernsey's The Old Government House Hotel for a festive afternoon tea in plush surroundings. Guests can tuck into a spread of dainty finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with rich Guernsey cream, and an array of festive pastries, all served with the hotel's signature warmth and hospitality.

Not only will you be able to shovel down dainty finger sandwiches and pastries, but also freshly baked scones smothered in clotted cream and homemade preserves.

• Location: LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Winkfield Road, SL4 4AY
• When: from 22nd November - 3rd January
• Price: from £34 per person
• Why we recommend: for us, it's the ultimate family Christmas day out. From watching the little ones' faces light up with Father Christmas to building festive LEGO® creations and enjoying themed rides, it's a playground of pure holiday magic

Get ready for a brick-tastic festive adventure at LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort this Christmas. From twinkling lights to a giant DUPLO® Christmas tree, the park transforms into a winter wonderland perfect for families of all ages. Children and adults alike can enjoy festive shows, LEGO® building fun, and themed rides alongside seasonal surprises around every corner.

No Christmas visit is complete without meeting Father Christmas in his cosy, snow-dusted cabin in the Christmas Kingdom. Each child leaves with a special LEGO® gift, making this a magical memory that will last a lifetime. With activities tailored for little elves and older children alike, there's plenty of opportunity to laugh, play, and soak up the festive spirit. LEGOLAND's Christmas short breaks offer the ultimate family-friendly escape, combining creativity, thrills, and twinkly holiday magic in one unforgettable Windsor experience.

• Location: Victoria Square and New Street, Birmingham, B1 1BD
• When: 1st 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. 

• 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: 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.

• Location: Cambridge Park, Guernsey, GY1 1UY
• When: throughout December
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: we suggest heading to The Duke of Richmond Hotel  for festive experiences, because whether it's sipping seasonal cocktails, indulging in a cosy Afternoon Tea, or tucking into a spectacular Christmas Day dinner, this is where we'd want to be celebrating

Get into the Christmas spirit at The Duke of Richmond Hotel in Guernsey, where seasonal celebrations are taken to the next level. From November 2026, the hotel is serving up an array of festive experiences designed to make the holiday season truly special. You can enjoy cosy seasonal afternoon teas, three-course Sunday lunches featuring the chef's roast of the day with pescetarian and vegetarian options, and an unforgettable Christmas Day dinner showcasing the finest local produce.

For those looking for something extra special, the hotel's incredible Domes at the Duke provide a unique, intimate setting for festive gatherings, combining twinkling lights, luxury surroundings, and delectable seasonal menus.

• Location: Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
• When: 13th November - 4th January
• Price: £29 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. 

• 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: 21st November - 2nd January
• Price: from £24.65 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.