When my two were little, December was all about festive family adventures. I was always on the lookout for something that felt properly Christmassy.
We did it all — grottos, light trails, winter fairs. Some were magical. Others… not so much.
What I realised pretty quickly is that it helps to have a one-stop list of the best festive spots. Saves hours of scrolling and means you can just pick what works for your lot.
Fast forward to now, my kids are teenagers, but we still love a seasonal day out.
Christmas markets are always top of the list. There’s just something about twinkling lights, food stalls and that holiday buzz.
If you’re a fan too, you might like my round-up of the best Christmas markets in the UK.
Christmas is the perfect excuse to wrap up warm and have some quality family time.
Hot chocolate in mittened hands. That fizz of excitement in the air. You can’t beat it.
Whether you fancy skating under the stars, hopping on a magical train ride or wandering a Christmas market, there’s plenty going on.
Big cities, little towns – everywhere gets a sprinkling of festive sparkle this time of year.
So here are 13 of the best festive family adventures across the UK this Christmas.
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1. Festive Family Adventures in Lapland UK – Ascot, Berkshire
Lapland UK is the ultimate festive day out. Kids can bake with Mother Christmas, help the elves in the toy workshop, and meet Father Christmas himself. The detail is incredible — snow-dusted forests, twinkling lights and festive characters everywhere you turn.
Cost: From £59 per person
Opening: Mid-November – Christmas Eve 2024
Why go: For a truly festive experience packed with sparkle, magic, and festive family adventures your family will treasure.
2. Winter Wonderland – Hyde Park, London
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is big, bright, and full of energy. There are fairground rides, circus shows, ice skating, and plenty of food stalls. Santa Land is perfect for younger kids, and the ice sculptures are magical for all ages.
Cost: Entry free (book a time slot), attractions from £5
Opening: 22 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Why go: It’s a huge, bustling celebration of Christmas with something for everyone.
If you want more festive ideas in the city, check out my guide to 21 festive things to do in London this Christmas you’ll love
3. Polar Express Train Ride – Birmingham
This one’s a real highlight. Families climb aboard a steam train straight into the world of the Polar Express. Expect singing, hot chocolate, cookies and a visit from Father Christmas. Kids can wear pyjamas, which adds to the fun.
Cost: From £29 per person
Opening: Selected dates, late November – Christmas Eve 2024
Why go: Few things feel as magical as riding a train that brings a favourite Christmas film to life.
If you’re planning a festive day out in Birmingham, check out my guide to 23 festive things to do in Birmingham this Christmas for more ideas nearby.
4. Chester Zoo Lanterns
Chester Zoo transforms at Christmas. Animal-shaped lanterns, sparkling tunnels, and glittering displays light up the zoo. Families can explore illuminated trails and see animals in a whole new way.
Cost: From £15 child, £20 adult
Opening: 15 November – 31 December 2024 (selected evenings)
Why go: A unique mix of wildlife and festive fun that will make a trip extra special.
5. Festive Fun in Edinburgh
Edinburgh gets festive in style. The city centre fills with markets, rides, an ice rink, and street entertainment. With Edinburgh Castle in the background, it’s easy to feel immersed in the season.
Cost: Entry free, rides and rink from £5
Opening: 15 November 2024 – 4 January 2025
Why go: Twinkling lights, castle views and plenty of festive family adventures to enjoy together.
6. Glasgow Christmas Market & Ice Rink
George Square buzzes with festive cheer. The traditional market sells crafts, treats, and warming food. The outdoor ice rink is always a hit, and little ones will love the carousel.
Cost: Entry free, ice skating from £8
Opening: 24 November – 30 December 2024
Why go: A traditional market with charm, treats, and a sprinkling of festive sparkle.
7. Manchester Christmas Markets
Manchester’s markets are famous for a reason. Spread across the city, they have German-style chalets with gifts, food, and mulled drinks. Live entertainment adds to the festive buzz, and rides keep the kids happy.
Cost: Free entry, rides and food extra
Opening: 9 November – 22 December 2024
Why go: Lights, music, mulled wine, and festive family adventures around every corner.
8. Cardiff Christmas Festival
Cardiff goes all out. There’s theatre, live music, and a spiegeltent. Families can enjoy performances, browse stalls, and sample festive food. Nearby Winter Wonderland adds ice skating and rides.
Cost: Markets free, shows from £10, skating from £8
Opening: Late November 2024 – early January 2025
Why go: Markets, theatre, skating, and music — all together in one place.
9. Festive Family Adventures in Belfast
Set against Belfast City Hall, this market has a brilliant festive atmosphere. International food, crafts, and sweet treats abound. Kids can enjoy rides and a Santa grotto.
Cost: Free entry, rides from £3
Opening: 16 November – 22 December 2024
Why go: Cosy, cheerful, and full of festive food and treats.
10. Nottingham Winter Wonderland
This Nottingham city centre event is a Midlands favourite. There’s a large ice rink, festive rides and plenty of food. Parents can enjoy the alpine ski bar while kids zip around the rink.
Cost: Free entry, rink from £12.50
Opening: 7 November – 31 December 2024
Why go: Easy to get to, full of rides, stalls, and Christmas cheer.
11. Liverpool Christmas Market & Ice Festival
Liverpool’s market stretches along St George’s Plateau and William Brown Street. Food, gifts, and rides mix with ice slides at the Ice Festival on Pier Head.
Cost: Free entry, skating from £12
Opening: Mid-November – late December 2024
Why go: A mix of traditional market charm and modern festive family adventures.
12. Festive Fun in Leeds
Back for 2024, Leeds Christmas Market has wooden chalets, gifts, and festive food. Millennium Square also hosts an ice rink and rides for children.
Cost: Free entry, skating from £9
Opening: Late November – 22 December 2024
Why go: A classic market with a Yorkshire welcome and plenty to keep kids entertained.
13. Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Winchester’s market is set against the cathedral. Families can browse traditional stalls and enjoy the ice rink nearby. Perfect for a day trip from London or the South Coast.
Cost: Free entry, rink from £13
Opening: 15 November – 22 December 2024
Why go: Wooden chalets, ice skating, and a cathedral backdrop — beautiful and festive.
Tips for Planning Festive Family Adventures
Book early: Big events sell out fast.
Check transport: City centres are busy; trains can beat the parking stress.
Budget ahead: Markets, ice rinks, and attractions add up.
Wrap up warm: Many adventures are outdoors. Hats, gloves, thick socks are a must.
Make a day of it: Combine with local sights, a meal, or a bit of Christmas shopping.
For extra tips on planning your visit, packing smart and getting the most out of festive family adventures, see my Christmas market tips guide.
From London to Belfast, and Edinburgh to Cardiff, there’s no shortage of festive fun.
Some are free, some need tickets, but all bring the magic of Christmas to life.
If you’re dreaming beyond the UK, check out 17 of the best European Christmas markets for 2025 for more festive fun.
Whether it’s your child’s first time meeting Santa or skating under the stars, these moments will make Christmas feel extra special.
If the chilly Christmas vibes aren’t your thing and you’d rather swap mulled wine for mojitos, have a look at my guide to the best winter sun destinations in December.
