London has some fantastic things to do at Christmas, but as these festive events show, it’s worth leaving the capital once in a while. Browse our Beyond London section for ideas for other day trips and weekends away.
LIGHT TRAILS: Forests, palaces, gardens and castles close to London are holding their own light trail and illumination festivals this winter, including Kew Gardens’ sister property, Wakeshurst in Sussex. This is our pick of winter light trails in south east England — in addition to the light festivals in London.
CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS: Fancy picking your own Christmas tree this year? Whether that means doing the hard work of digging it out from the ground yourself, or simply picking it up, ready-cut from the spot where it grew, get yourself to one of these Christmas tree farms close to London.
ROCHESTER DICKENSIAN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL: Rochester has a wealth of Dickensian fare all year round, but it really plays up to the author’s local heritage at the annual Victorian Dickensian Christmas fair. Some people get into costume for the event, but it’s not mandatory. Along with the many stalls in the streets and special events taking place inside the local shops, street entertainers amuse the crowds, while a candlelit parade and open air carol concert take place in the olde worlde surroundings. 7-8 December (Kent)
A lantern in the shape of a clock being carried in a parade
Burning The Clocks is a Brighton tradition. Photo: Carlos Felipe Pardo via creative commons
BURNING THE CLOCKS: Brighton marks the shortest day of the year with Burning the Clocks, which brings local people together to parade lanterns through the city before burning them on a beach bonfire, to mark the end of the year. Up to 20,000 people turn up to watch. Browse other things to do in Brighton, and remember that the beautiful Royal Pavilion ice rink is open throughout December too. 21 December (East Sussex)
WINCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKET: London has an abundance of its own Christmas markets, but if you want to get out of the capital for your festive retail therapy, we suggest hopping on a train to Winchester. The Christmas market is set in the grounds of the Cathedral, making for a beautiful backdrop, with all manner of gifts, decorations, food and drink sold from the traditional wooden chalets. It gets busy, so we suggest going on a weekday if you don’t want to be shuffling through the crowds elbow to elbow. Until 22 December (Hampshire)
CHRISTMAS AT AUDLEY END: The Audley End Miniature Railway goes all out for Christmas, with a ride on the Christmas Express, overseen by the Nutcracker Station Master, to visit Santa’s workshop. Meet elves and Mother Christmas — and Santa himself might even come to see you on the train. Until 24 December (Essex)
TULLEY’S CHRISTMAS SANTA EXPERIENCE: After going all out for Halloween, Tulley’s Farm has a complete transformation for Christmas with loads of activities including ice skating, gingerbread decorating, a sleigh ride, a 3D cinema, an elf hunt and storytime with Father Christmas. Exhausted just thinking about it to be honest. Until 24 December (West Sussex)
RAMSGATE LUMIERE: We’ve long been fans of Ramsgate’s Harbour Illuminations, which sees local boat owners lighting their vessels up for Christmas. This year, organisers have branched out with a whole Ramsgate Lumiere Festival consisting of several events including a light trail through the town, a Christmas tree festival, lantern-making workshops and a parade on New Year’s Eve. Until 3 January (Kent)
NARNIA CHRISTMAS: Step into a ballet at Kent’s Leeds Castle, which hosts A Nutcracker Christmas, bringing the contents of the toy box to life. Roam from room to room, each decked out with sets from the enchanting tale, enjoying live performances culminating in a showdown between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Feeling fancy? Add a Nutcracker themed afternoon tea to your booking. Until 5 January
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS: Painshill Park on the London-Surrey border has a 12 Days of Christmas trail — ideal if you want to get the family outdoors and away from the festive madness for a while. Pick up a trail sheet at the Visitor Centre and hunt out Christmas gifts to complete a well-known carol. Until 5 January (Surrey)
READING WINTER WONDERLAND: Described as a ‘smaller version of Winter Wonderland in London’, Reading Winter Wonderland offers fairground rides, a covered ice rink, Santa’s grotto, food and drink stalls and the like. It’s a good excuse to ride the Elizabeth line too. Until 5 January (Berkshire)
