Things to do near me for Christmas that our team are loving

1. Winter Wonderland – London

If you’ve been searching for “things to do near me for Christmas”, you may have come across  Winter Wonderland.  This is the most magical place to be at Christmas time. This festive wonderland takes place in Hyde Park in London. For 6 weeks, visitors can immerse themselves in this magical land. It is filled with food and drinks, attractions, activities and entertainment.

With over 100 rides and attractions, thrilling shows and London’s biggest Christmas market, it’s the place to be. There is something for the whole family here. There is so much to see and do you can make a weekend out of it.

If you’re looking to go anywhere this Christmas, it must be Winter Wonderland.

2. Kielder Winter Wonderland – Northumberland

This is another event you’ll have come across when searching for “things to do near me for Christmas”. The little ones will be entertained all day with a visit to Kielder Winter Wonderland. Your little ones can help Mrs Claus get ready for Christmas or help the elves in the workshop. The forest is home to Father Christmas and his festive friends, so you never know who you will bump into. This truly is a magical day out the whole family will enjoy together.

3. Frankfurt Christmas Market – Birmingham

As far as Christmas markets go, this is one of the best in the UK. Visitors from across the UK and even Europe travel to this market so you know it’s awesome. Every winter, Birmingham comes alive with a spectacular Christmas market. The market features over 80 stalls and is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria.

There are plenty of traditional German foods to enjoy such as bratwursts and schnitzels. You can wash those tasty treats down with a German beer or a delicious hot chocolate.

Frankfurt Christmas Market is a great place to meet up with family and friends and enjoy live music. You can also browse the stalls and tackle that Christmas shopping you’ve been putting off.

4. Victorian Christmas Fayre – Worcester

Take a step back in time with this next Christmas activity. The fayre has been running for almost 30 years and has stayed true to its traditional roots. The fayre is filled with Victorian-themed characters, festive treats and a great atmosphere.

There is plenty to do for the full family. Highlights of the fayre include:

• 200 stalls – You can find delicious food and drink, handmade gifts, crafts and Christmas supplies.
• The fun of the fair – A Victorian fayre wouldn’t be complete without a funfair and carousel.
• Entertainment – Enjoy live music including school choirs and buskers.

Head along to see all the fun festivities for yourself, you won’t regret it.

5. Christmas at Kew Gardens – London

Spend the most wonderful time of the year at Kew Gardens in London. The gardens will be transformed into a magical winter trail lighting up the skies. Bring the whole family to experience the after-dark festivities.

 There’s so much to discover including:

• Sparkling tunnels of light
• Dancing waterside reflections
• Trees covered in glistening jewels.

Be amazed at the flickering flames in the fire gardens and the bright illuminations.

Throughout the route, stop off at food vendors for a tasty treat. You may even spot Santa on your travels.

6. Lapland UK – Berkshire

Searching for “Things to do near me for Christmas” will have brough up this fun event. Everyone dreams of going to Lapland at Christmas and now you can too. No need to hop on a plane and travel miles away when the UK has its very own Lapland in Berkshire. This is one of the most magical places you can visit at Christmas time. It can be enjoyed by people of all ages and is an incredible experience you won’t forget.

Lapland UK will make you feel you’re really in the North Pole. There is fake snow, log cabins and real huskies, bringing the Christmas experience to life.

Take a trip around the venue and discover a skating rink, elf village, the toy factory and more. The best part of all will be meeting Santa.

7. Santa Train – North Yorkshire

This next Christmas activity will have your children mesmerised. North Yorkshire Moors Railway hosts its very own Santa train each year. This incredible experience will allow you and your little ones to travel on a heritage steam train.

You’ll travel in style in your own private compartment whilst listening to Jingle Bells FM radio. As you can imagine this is the dedicated Christmas music channel. Make the journey more fun as you sing along to the Christmas songs.

Once you reach Pickering Station you will embark on a Christmas adventure. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to spot Santa as he prepares for the biggest night of the year.

8. Christmas at Paulton Park – Hampshire

This next Christmas activity to do is great if you have little ones who love Peppa Pig. They’ll be able to meet Peppa and George in their festive outfits. Don’t forget to take pictures. Let your little ones explore Peppa Pig World as it undergoes a Christmas transformation.

There is also a range of other festive activities to enjoy at Paulton’s Park:

• Magical illuminations
• Christmas characters
• A Christmas show featuring Santa
• Rides and attractions
• Storytime.

This is a fun day out for all the family and one to add to the Christmas adventures list.

9. Wensleydale Polar Express – North Yorkshire

If you’ve seen the film ‘The Polar Express’, you’ll love the sound of this next activity. The Polar Express train will pick you up at Leeming Bar station to take you to the North Pole.

Your children will be amazed as they will get to meet all the characters from the film, and Santa.

You and your children can ride the train in your PJs whilst enjoying cookies and hot chocolate. Once you arrive at the North Pole you will meet Santa. He will board the train, and if you’ve been good, you will be handed a silver sleigh bell.

This Christmas activity is a must for you and your family.

10. Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light – Norfolk

If you’re still searching for “things to do near me for Christmas” we still have plenty of ideas. The Enchanted Journey of Light is a non-stop sensational show that makes a great family day out.

This spectacular extravaganza is filled with dancing, singing and music that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This fast-moving celebration of the festive season offers a great mix of seasonal and year-round favourites.

It is the biggest Christmas show in Europe with 130 cast members. You won’t want to miss it.

11. Snowdome – Staffordshire

Embark on this wonderful winter wonderland as Staffordshire brings Christmas to life. Once your children arrive, they won’t want to leave as there’s so much to see and do.

Play and slide around in real snow as you explore Santa’s Christmas snow trail. There are snow slides, fun displays and falling snow. Walk through the enchanted forest and have a snowball fight or hitch a ride on a sledge.

Discover Santa’s furry friends in the animal village, what animals will you spot? Or step inside Santa’s house and take a photo of his huge Christmas tree.

This year features a new Christmas show with your favourite festive characters. You won’t want to miss it!

12. Winter Funland – Manchester

Our final idea is Winter Funland in Manchester. This event is full of things to see and do to keep the whole family entertained.

Winter Funland has something for everyone and you’ll be able to make a full day of it. Activities include:

• Funfair rides
• Ice skating
• Santa’s grotto
• Circus show.

What will your favourite activity be? With so much to choose from you’re in for a great day.

Still looking for ideas?

If you’re still looking for things to do to keep the whole family entertained over Christmas, try our activity packs. They are filled with fun and creative activities for everyone to enjoy. You can design your own Christmas jumper or colour in some festive characters.

Our 4 activity packs are:

• Santa Academy
• Reindeer Recruit
• Elf Ed
• Fairy Fellow.

Stay up to date with Santa Academy

You can find new stories every day on the Lacus Herald! Your little one can stay up to date with all their favourite characters, as well as the latest news. Lacus Island features 70+ characters, 50+ buildings, 19 unique shops and its own TV and radio stations.

On the Lacus Herald, we will be publishing stories and news updates daily, written by our Author, Jill. You’re in for a treat.

The Santa Academy app is undergoing a major re-boot, so it won’t be available to download this year. Our app will be back in 2022 with plenty of exciting things to see and do.

Find more fun, festive tips and ideas, such as:

• Easy Christmas crafts for kids
• Christmas printables
• Things to do near you for Christmas
• Christmas activity book ideas
• Christmas art ideas
• Christmas party ideas for kids
• Tips for helping kids to read
• Christmas baking for kids
• Christmas countdown ideas for your family
• Christmas writing ideas
• And many more!