It’s starting to look a lot like…
Looking for an event to feature? Here’s our pick of the best events coming up in December. As ever, please check individual websites for the latest details.
Discover more…
There’s plenty more to experience, for details on the full range of events check out each destination’s What’s On pages:
A very merry medieval Minster town
Returning for its 28th year, the ever popular free-to-enter Beverley Festival of Christmas is back this December, transforming the historic medieval market town of Beverley into a magical Christmas shopper’s wonderland. One of the largest celebrations of its type in the UK, there will be traditional Victorian Christmas markets at three sites – the Saturday Market, Wednesday Market and at North Bar Within – on 8 December.
See Lincoln in a new light
Back for another year, but with more large scale illuminations, the imposing stone walls of Lincoln’s Norman castle provide the backdrop for Lincoln Castle Illuminated, until 23 December. It again features an illuminated medieval wall walk, offering spectacular night-time views across the city from the medieval battlements, snow machine, fairground rides, food and drink, plus a mini Christmas Express train ride. Tickets for the full experience cost £11.50 adults, £6.50 children and £29.50 for a family. Grounds only admission costs £3 per person.
New eco festival shines White Lights over Hampshire
There’s a new experience this winter in Hampshire: White’s Eco Light Festival, at Gilbert White’s House. Set to shine new light on wildlife and the natural world, the event at the home of the pioneering 18th century naturalist Gilbert White will feature light installations powered by renewable energy sources, solar power and low-level lighting. Running until 21 December, it celebrates White’s internationally important legacy to ecology.
Winter Wonderland
Visitors to East Yorkshire’s Sewerby Hall and Gardens can enjoy a free-flowing walk through an enchanted woodland, lit up with stunning displays of colour, and join the panto cast in a fully immersive experience at this Georgian house set amidst 50 acres of parkland on a clifftop overlooking Bridlington. A new spectacular display of lights, sounds and special effects aim to bring the grounds to life for Winter Wonderland 2024, while the house itself will be filled with Christmas decorations, lights and trees. Running 6 – 22 December 2024, tickets costfrom £23 adults, £17 children (3-15 years)
Illuminated Arboretum
The UK’s year-round place to remember will be lighting-up after hours for the festive season, bringing “a kaleidoscope of colour” to the 150-acre woodland site. The mile-long Illuminated Arboretum route at Staffordshire’s National Memorial Arboretum will use mesmerising light, colour and sound to bring the fascinating stories of the Arboretum to life in an entirely new way. Running 6-22 December 2024, tickets cost from £25
All’s fair in ‘England’s Christmas Capital’
Winchester in Hampshire has been dubbed ‘England’s Christmas Capital,’ not least because of Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market, which is one of Europe’s best. Famous for its bustling atmosphere, location and high-quality exhibitors, this year’s Market will see festive wooden chalets, inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets, set up around the grounds. For more seasonal spirit, step inside the Cathedral to explore over 1,000 years of history. Running until 22 December, admission to the Market is free.
Hampshire’s all a glow
Hampshire will glow even brighter with this 2024 seasonal spectacle. Glow Marwell promises a magical light experience, and organisers say this year’s will be brighter than ever. The seasonal trail returns to the top Hampshire zoo attraction on selected dates until 30 December, and this year’s theme will be the natural wonders of fire, earth, air and water. New for 2024 will be an ocean display, a Sky Zone, and vibrant UV face paint designs that come to life under special lights. Tickets are £22 per adult and £18 per child.
All aboard for a Polar Express treat
For those wanting to take a magical journey to the North Pole on the famous train with enthusiastic cast telling the story whilst singing along with favourite characters from the hit film, then Staffordshire’s Churnet Valley Railway is the place to be this season. The Polar Express will be running the special festive trains through the glorious Staffordshire Moorlands countryside on various dates until 23 December. Tickets from £28.95 per person.
Woodland winter festive fun
Award-winning family attraction William’s Den in East Yorkshire has revealed its Christmas line-up for 2024 – including a new festive show and winter lodge made from materials in the attraction’s woodland. William’s Christmas Experience, taking place every Saturday and Sunday until 22 December, plus 23 and 24 December, will also feature a new giant snow globe. Tickets cost £29.95 for children and £17.95 for adults.
