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There's nothing like a festive day out or trip to the Christmas market to get you in the mood for Christmas. For many families, it's not Christmas without that light display or a visit to Santa's grotto.
Check out our top picks for this year's best festive family activities and excursions for Christmas 2026:
Christmas at Blenheim Palace – 2026
Location:
West Oxfordshire
How much does it cost?
Check current 2026 ticket prices when booking. Prices vary depending on what you choose to do.
Date and time
Selected dates, 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
Market open between Friday 13 November – Sunday 20 December.
How long does it take?
Allow several hours to enjoy the Palace, Christmas Market, ice rink and Illuminated Trail.
Best for:
Families looking for a magical Christmas experience, festive lights and a fairytale adventure.
Do you need to book?
Yes, advance booking is recommended, particularly for popular dates and times.
Visit the beautiful and historic Blenheim Palace this Christmas and step into a real-life fairytale! For 2026, the Palace is being transformed into the magical world of Cinderella, with each State Room bringing a different chapter of the much-loved story to life. Follow Cinderella’s journey through the Palace, from the towering Christmas tree in the Great Hall to the glass slipper and fairytale Christmas wedding and don’t miss the pumpkin carriage, making for a gorgeous festive photo opportunity!
Outside, the festive magic continues with Blenheim’s spectacular Illuminated Trail, featuring more than a million lights, as well as the Christmas Market, covered ice rink and festive Observation Wheel. With so much to see and do, Christmas at Blenheim Palace is a fantastic place to connect with your family in 2026.
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park – 2026
Location:
Hyde Park, London
How much does it cost?
From £1 for entry, plus costs of rides and experiences extra
Date and time
19th November 2026 - 3rd January 2027
Best for: Families looking for a Christmas light trail.
How long does it take?
Allow at least 2–3 hours, although you could easily spend longer exploring the attractions, rides, food stalls and entertainment.
Best for:
Families with older children, teenagers, groups of friends and anyone looking for a lively Christmas day out.
Do you need to book?
Yes, advance booking is recommended, especially for peak dates.
For many, it isn’t Christmas without a trip to Winter Wonderland. Whether you’re going with children, a group of friends, or your special someone, there’s something for everyone. From exhilarating rollercoasters, to ice rinks, a ferris wheel, endless food and drink options, and much more, it’s impossible not to have fun at Winter Wonderland.
The Polar Express Train Ride - 2026
Location:
Nationwide, check website to find your nearest location
How much does it cost?
From £69 per person. Children under 2 can travel for £5 when sitting on an accompanying adult's lap.
Date and time
5 December 2026 to 23 December 2026
How long does it take?
Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Best for:
Families with young children and fans of The Polar Express looking for an immersive Christmas experience.
Do you need to book?
Yes, advance booking is essential as popular dates can sell out.
Relive the iconic Christmas movie with this immersive theatrical production. Board the polar express while the chefs and conductor take you on the beloved story of the Polar Express (as well as a cup of hot, hot, hot chocolate!). Grown-up or child, everyone will enjoy this experience. So, get your pyjamas and dressing gowns on, and get ready for the festive journey of the year!
Bath Christmas Market - 2026
Location:
Bath, Somerset
How much does it cost?
Free to attend!
Date and time
26th November 2026 to Sunday 13th December 2026
How long does it take?
Allow 1–2 hours to explore the market, although you could easily make a full day of it by exploring Bath as well.
Best for:
Families, couples and anyone looking for a traditional Christmas market with festive shopping, food and beautiful historic surroundings.
Do you need to book?
No, the market is free to visit, although some museums in Bath may require advance booking.
A local company favourite! Enjoy an amble around the charming Georgian city of Bath, as you take in the sights and do a bit of Christmas shopping at the artisanal market. We recommend visiting the market after dark, to make of most of the Christmas lights.
Christmas at Kew – 2026
Location:
Kew Gardens, Richmond
How much does it cost?
Adults from £25.50, children from £18. Peak-date tickets are more expensive.
Date and time
Selected dates, 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
4.20pm to 10pm (last entry times vary by entry gate)
24 December: Event closes at 9pm
How long does it take?
Approximately 2 hours.
Best for:
Families looking for a spectacular Christmas light trail, as well as couples and groups of friends.
Do you need to book?
Yes, advance booking is recommended as tickets are timed and popular dates can sell out.
Fancy something a bit more botanical? Check out Christmas at Kew! With light displays that captivate the senses, the trail at Kew is nothing short of magical. The trail takes around two hours to complete, and with food stalls and a funfair along the way, it’s easy to see why Christmas at Kew is a must-visit year after year.
Lapland UK - 2026
Location:
Ascot and Manchester
How much does it cost?
From £60 per person
Date and time
Sat 7th November 2026 to 24th December 2026
How long does it take?
Allow approximately 4 hours for the full experience.
Best for:
Families with young children looking for an immersive Santa and Christmas experience.
Do you need to book?
Yes, advance booking is essential. Tickets for 2026 are highly sought after and availability is limited.
Immerse yourself and your “little folk” in the magic of Christmas with this enchanting real-life visit to Father Christmas’ own village. If you’re looking for the most believable and magical Christmas experience, look no further than Lapland UK. Every attention to detail is met, thanks to Hollywood and West-end standards of set design. Included in the ticket is a visit to the Elven Village, decorating gingerbread with Mother Christmas, building a toy in the toy factory, meeting Father Christmas, and more. It may be more on the expensive side, but with all these benefits and more, it’s guaranteed to make your child smile, which couldn’t be more worth it!
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| Christmas Experience | Location | Best for | Price from | Type |
| Christmas at Blenheim Palace | Oxfordshire | Light trails & families | Check online | Christmas lights |
| Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park | London | Older children & adults | £1 | Christmas fair |
| The Polar Express Train Ride | Across the UK | Younger children | £69 | Christmas train |
| Bath Christmas Market | Bath | Shopping & atmosphere | Free | Christmas market |
| Christmas at Kew | London | Families & lights | £25.50 | Light trail |
| Lapland UK | Ascot | Magical Santa experience | £60 | Santa experience |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best Christmas activities for making memories with family and friends?
Festive days out are a wonderful way to spend quality time together and create memories with your family and friends. From exploring a Christmas light trail, visiting a Christmas market, meeting Father Christmas or enjoying a festive train ride, shared experiences can make Christmas feel even more special. Our favourite experiences include Christmas at Blenheim Palacee and of course a visit to Bath Christmas market, it'd be rude not to!
What to do at a Christmas Market?
You can find plenty of festive treats at Christmas markets, from mulled wine and bratwurst to hog roast baguettes, as well as artisanal stalls selling unique gifts. They’re one of the easiest festive experiences to enjoy, as many are free to enter. If you’re looking for a busy festive day out with a bit of food, shopping and Christmas atmosphere, a Christmas market is a lovely way to get you in the mood for Christmas. If the crowds aren't quite your thing, you can always do your Christmas shopping from the comfort of home. Browse our collection of meaningful and personalised Christmas gifts and find something special for everyone on your list.
Can a Christmas gift help create a lasting memory?
Absolutely. While Christmas days out create memories through shared experiences, a thoughtful gift can become a lasting reminder of a special person, place or moment. Choosing a personalised present can make it even more meaningful and give the recipient something they can treasure long after Christmas 2026.
What are the best Christmas light trails in 2026?
If you're looking for a spectacular Christmas light trail, Christmas at Blenheim Palace and Christmas at Kew are two of our favourites. Both offer immersive evening experiences with beautiful lights, festive food and plenty of Christmas atmosphere.
Which Christmas experiences are best for young children?
For younger children, Lapland UK and The Polar Express offer particularly magical experiences. Christmas at Blenheim Palace is another great choice, especially this year with its Cinderella theme, while Christmas at Kew is ideal for families who enjoy exploring Christmas lights together.
Do I need to book Christmas days out in advance?
For many of the experiences in this guide, yes. Popular attractions such as Lapland UK, The Polar Express , Christmas at Kew and Christmas at Blenheim Palace can be busy, particularly at weekends and closer to Christmas. We recommend booking as early as possible so you don't miss out!
