Best Christmas Events and Days Out for Families in the UK 2026
1. Cinderella: An Immersive Pantomime Experience, YORKSHIRE
National Trust, East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Rd, Riddlesden, Keighley BD20 5EL
Forget the traditional theatre setting: this immersive production of Cinderella brings the classic fairy tale to life throughout the 17th-century East Riddlesden Hall. With scenes unfolding around the historic house, its yuletide village and stables, this imaginative retelling gives the Prince a rather different outlook, celebrating creativity, music and a little festive magic. Wrap up warm for this wonderfully atmospheric Christmas adventure.
2. Christmas at Warwick Castle, WARWICKSHIRE
Warwick Castle, Warwick, CV34 4QU
Glowing brighter than ever for 2026, Warwick Castle is lighting up its 64 acres with a ‘Follow the Glow, Find the Fairies’ Festive Light Trail including brand new zones, Christmas Village with ice rink and market; not forgetting Santa Sleepovers and story time in the staterooms. For families with additional sensory needs, a Sensory Light Trail designed with slower transitions and static lighting, reduced and adapted audio and the removal of roaming characters, will take place on 7 December
3. Nightmare Before Christmas, CHESHIRE
Arley Hall & Gardens, Arley, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6NA
Festive half term feeling a little… nightmarish? Not to worry, there’s an activity for those vibes too. Bring yourself back to life with over 1,700 light installations and 3D printed sculptures at Disney Tim Burton’s ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail’. Halloween Town and Christmas Town collide in the most fun way. Jack Skellington and his motley crew feature throughout, all to the soundtrack of the 1993 cult film.
4. Disney on Ice presents Discover The Magic, NATIONWIDE
see schedule details below
It’s been a big year for Disney with the release of Toy Story 5 and the live action Moana, not to mention Frozen World at Disneyland Paris. All that magic and more will be ‘frozen’ this winter in a dazzling display of ice-skating characters that will be travelling across the UK. Join Mickey Mouse in a quest to rescue Tinkerbell from that troublesome Captain Hook, and the story plays out across friends from films including Coco, Stitch and more. The all-new VIP Magical Pass includes premium reserved seating and early access to a special pre-show character greeting.
Where: Birmingham BP Pulse LIVE: Oct 28 – Nov 8, 2026 // Newcastle Utilita Arena: Nov 11 – Nov 15, 2026 // Nottingham Motorpoint Arena: Nov 19 – Nov 22, 2026 // Aberdeen P&J Live: Nov 26 – Nov 29, 2026 // Belfast SSE: Dec 3 – Dec 6, 2026 // Sheffield Utilita Arena: Dec 9 – Dec 13, 2026 // Manchester AO Arena: Dec 16 – Dec 20, 2026 // London The O2: Dec 24 – Jan 3, 2027
5. The Snowman’ Live Orchestra, NATIONWIDE
Stockport, Oldham, Buxton, Derby, Durham, Manchester, Guildford, Watford, Nottingham, Liverpool, Brighton, Birmingham, Chester and York
Few Christmas traditions capture the magic of childhood quite like The Snowman. So, here’s a chance to combine Millennial nostalgia with modern-day drama; ‘The Snowman’ film shown on the big screen with the music performed live by world-class musicians at concert halls and cathedrals across the country – complete with a singalong performance of ‘Walking in the Air’. There will also be a new live orchestral adaptation of Shaun the Sheep’s ‘Fleece Navidad’ shown at each venue, created especially for the tour, as Aardman Animations celebrates its 50th anniversary.
GOOD TO KNOW: British Sign Language interpretation will feature on screen, provided by Deaf trumpeter Sean Chandler.There are dedicated SEND shows in Derby and Brighton.
6. Wookey Hole Winter Wonderland, SOMERSET
Wookey Hole Caves, The Mill, Wookey Hole, BA5 1BA
Once visited, always treasured, the village of Wookey Hole’s famous warren of limestone caves is back this season with its biggest Christmas experience ever; a completely reimagined experience including a journey from an enchanted forest, via a magical 4D train ride experience, to meet Father Christmas in his Grotto and eventually the Toy Factory. Not forgetting, of course, the thousands of twinkly fairy lights and projections across the caves, and a thrilling circus show – this Wonderland is surely a new family tradition in the making.
7. Lanterns of the Wild, LEICESTERSHIRE
Twycross Zoo, Burton Road Atherstone CV9 3PX
Leading the way once again in bright and bold light trails, Twycross Zoo is home to more than 2,000 lanterns along a mile-long trail this season, each handcrafted by specialist Chinese artisans from Zigong, known as “The Lantern Capital of the World”. Ten zones celebrate the natural world, including some incredible looking jellyfish and whales, the return of the Gruffalo and the first showing of Stick Man lanterns! Twycross Zoo is one of the UK’s major charity zoos, caring for hundreds of animals from around 70 species; a magic day out indeed.
8. Tailor of Gloucester, SURREY
Farnham Maltings, Bridge Square, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7QR
Did you know it is the 160th Anniversary year of Beatrix Potter’s birthday? Junior already celebrated with a themed afternoon tea at the Park Room at JW Marriott House, now you can keep the party going with a musical production of one of her best-loved tales. ‘The Tailor of Gloucester’ is a cacophony of pop and puppetry, combining live pop and rock with innovative puppetry work featuring talking animals and a heavy focus on the importance of communities and the power of good.
9. Glow Wild at Kew Wakehurst, WEST SUSSEX
Kew Wakehurst, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6TN
With its prehistoric-looking giant rock walk and natural art, Kew Wakehurst is a magical place to visit year-round, but this Christmas season the ‘Glow’ has been dialled up. It’s hard to overstate just how big and glorious this place feels; 535-acres to be exact, decorated with over 2000 handcrafted glowing lanterns, including a giant iceberg topped with a colony of penguins, landscapes made with 140kg of willow, and a flower carpet created with 2500 handmade petals.
10. The Snow Queen, TYNE & WEAR
Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RH
The Northern Stage is synonymous with class and elevated storytelling, so it’s time to get excited for its winter production of the ‘The Snow Queen’; a magical musical reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale. Drawing on folk traditions the story is told from the perspective of a brave young girl. Worth checking out the website for details on accessible performances, and the cutest animated trailer for the show!
11. Selfridges Snow Show, MANCHESTER, BIRMINGHAM AND LONDON
Manchester, Birmingham and London stores
If you use social media, you will no doubt have seen last year’s ‘Snow Show’ whip up a storm across the channels. Well, it’s back, baby! The in-store event sees festive bellhops lead the charge, as a brass band plays and a showgirl takes to the stage. Momentum (and noise) builds until Father Christmas appears and ‘snow’ begins to fall. It’s basically like an OTT ‘80s Christmas film come to life, and it is fabulous – and free.
When: London Snow Show dates: 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 November, plus 5, 6, 12 and 13 December. Check website for other locations.
12. Santa’s Cottage, NORTHERN IRELAND
Santa’s Cottage, 59 Sandbank Rd, Newry Co Down, BT34 5XX
This magical Mourne Mountains cottage sees Santa living off the land; growing his fruit and veg, collecting the eggs in the morning and water from the mountain spring. His cottage, all stone walls and open fires, is the setting for visitors to be guided around his Igloo, Great Hall and light displays, ending with a visit with the main man himself. It has the official stamp of being the Official Residence of Santa in Ireland. Recognised by the Greenland-Denmark World Congress of Santas, it even holds the official title of Santa’s Residence in Ireland. Magic.
13. The Polar Express at Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway, SCOTLAND
Museum of Scottish Railways, Bo'ness Station, Union Street, Bo'ness, EH51 9AQ
The classic Christmas tale of The Polar Express comes to life at Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, with a 75-minute round trip to the North Pole (South)! Guests will enjoy refreshments onboard the beautiful steam train while festive singers and a magician entertain – and of course Father Christmas will be the guest of honour, talking to each family individually and giving out gifts to all. Not forgetting the chance to ride on the miniature steam train at Bo’ness when you get back. Pure joy, and a day we imagine might become an annual tradition.
14. Luminate Light Trails, WALES
Margam Country Park, Port Talbot, South Wales, SA13 2TJ
Billed at Wales’ ‘most spectacular light display’, ‘Luminate Margam Country Park’ is back for its seventh year with brand new digital animations emblazoned across the gothic castle and its grounds. Play with interactive light games, toast marshmallows (BYO welcomed) in the fire pits, and enjoy wandering the mile-long trail. Other Luminate light trail locations include: Sandringham Estate, Ashton Court in Bristol, Coombe Abbey in Coventry and Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
15. Chessington World of Adventures at Christmas, SURREY
Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2NE
For families looking for a side of thrill-seeking with their Father Christmas visit, a trip to Chessington World of Adventures is the perfect mix of festive and fun with a capital F! The grotto is set within a snowy wonderland area, surrounded by elves and real reindeer. Stages across the resort host pantomime shows, carol singers and life-sized characters. Plus, this is the first Christmas PAW Patrol World will be open, and the pups will be dressed accordingly!
- Age recommendations are provided as a guide to help families choose the right festive experience. Please check individual event websites for ticketing requirements and any age restrictions before booking.
