Have a very British Christmas!
It's sometimes difficult to plan your run up to Christmas. But there's lots going on all over the place, if you know where to look.
Here are some of the top Christmas festivities taking place around Britain this December. But first...
What is a Christmas Grotto?
At its heart, a Christmas Grotto is a chance for little ones to meet the man in red himself! Usually a specially decorated room, bedecked with decorations, lights and trees and supervised by elves, children can meet with Father Christmas, tell him what they’d like for Christmas and usually receive a gift. Afterwards, there’s often opportunities for other festive activities, such as gift shopping, admiring the lights and indulging in some delicious treats. It’s a magical day out for all the family, and sure to put anyone in the festive spirit!
The best Christmas grottos and festivals 2024
Brookside Garden Centre, Kent
The multi-award winning Christmas grotto is filled with fun for the whole family; Father Christmas waits to greet you in the Magical Forest, at the end of a winding pathway through lights and surprises. Once the little ones have met Santa you can explore the rest of Brookside garden centre, browse the gift shop, buy a tree or some last minute presents and decorations and then see the animals. It has come to be a really popular Christmas event.
Thursford
The Thursford Christmas Spectacular has long been a favourite with adults and Children alike. This huge live Christmas show takes place at the Thursford Collection museum in Norfolk and runs from early in November until late December. There are two three-hour performances per day and the show involves an exciting range of dance, performance, ballet, music, culture, seasonal favourites and stunning sets. Onsite is also Santa's Magical Journey which you will need a separate ticket for and leads children through a magical winter-land forest, past all sorts of different characters, to Santa's grotto where they'll receive a gift. There are some great shops at Thursford too, so why not do some Christmas shopping while here and then grab a bite to eat in the restaurant? If you haven't already got your ticket, they are selling fast! Buy them online here.
Cardiff Castle
For a Christmas do with lots of atmosphere maybe you're going along to Cardiff's Medieval castle to find Santa where he's set up his grotto beside the fire in the Black Tower? Children will be able to visit Father Christmas, receive a gift from him and get their photo taken. Cardiff Castle itself is a great setting for the visit; though first built in the Medieval period, parts of the castle were morphed into a Gothic revival structure during the Victorian period. You can now explore the history in the different rooms, see the castle apartments and the tunnels in the walls, admire the Norman keep and venture into the stunning grounds.
Stratford Upon Avon
Famous for being the birth place of Shakespeare, Stratford Upon Avon is already packed with literary links. Christmas is no different and as well as Santa's grotto, the town will be welcoming a post-Christmas Scrooge's grotto too! Visit Magic Alley and the Enchanted Manor for a realistic Father Christmas experience that wows children and adults of all ages. While here, why not visit the festive markets to really get into the spirit of things. There is a number of them taking place throughout the city - find more information here.
Dudley
For something a little different this Christmas, you could be enjoying a visit to Santa with a bit of a twist. The Dudley Canal Boat Trips are a famous adventure into the Dudley Canal tunnels and underground limestone mines in the West Midlands. This year take the boat trip into the Dudley caverns to visit Santa in his underground grotto. There will be gifts for the little ones, music and a pantomime. Trips last roughly an hour and are running from early December.
Yorkshire Winter Wonderland
Returning to the York Designer Outlet this year is the award-winning Winter Wonderland. There is all sorts going on including a funfair, an ice rink, lots of shops and of course Santa's grotto. The grotto is a magical place where children can visit the man himself in his little wooden chalet. Whether you have never skated before, or fancy yourself a bit of a pro, the ice rink, with its giant Christmas tree, is the largest outdoor ice rink in the north of England, and is a great place to let loose.There are many places to stop for food or drink and great shopping facilities too. All the festivities will be taking place right until January.
Stourbridge Christmas grotto
Stourbridge Christmas grotto and festival is a wonderful introduction to the festive season, with everything from a lights switch on to a chance to see Father Christmas himself. Children can get involved with free craft sessions or try out the funfair, while adults can browse the stalls and enjoy the street entertainment. There has also been a free pantomime in previous years, which both young and old are sure to enjoy. Find out more.
London Christmas beer festival
London Christmas Beer Festival takes place at Tobacco Dock in December, and is a refreshing alternative for those looking for a slightly more ‘adult’ festive event. With lots of delicious beers from wonderful breweries, all with a backdrop of festive cheer, this is a great event to enjoy with a group of friends.
Christmas grotto Liverpool
Liverpool comes alive at Christmastime and – perhaps unsurprisingly – has no shortage of places to enjoy some festive activities and perhaps meet the man in red. Farner Ted’s adventure farm is a wonderful way to get in the Christmas spirit – their ‘Farmer Christmas’ event combines meeting the animals with a winter wonderland and storytime experience. Meanwhile Knowsley Safari has a chance to meet Santa as part of their Christmas light event.
In Liverpool itself, the children can meet Santa at the John Lewis department store, Dobbies garden centre and at the Everyman theatre. Advance booking is needed for all of these, which can be done online.
Christmas grotto Manchester
Visitors to Manchester will also have plenty of chances to meet the man himself this holiday season. One of our favourites in the Christmas train at East Lancashire Railway, where santa visits each carriage as the train travels through the Irwell Valley. Or, for those who like the chance to meet some animal friends over the Christmas season, The Farm Tatton Park, Reddish Vale Farm and Lancaster Park and Animal Farm all have festive events running.
In Manchester city itself, why not enjoy breakfast with Santa at Selfridges? Or take to the water with Manchester River Cruises and enjoy a cruise down the river in this very special floating Grotto.
Christmas light festival
We couldn’t let a Christmas blog post go by without mentioning the many fantastic Christmas light festivals taking place across the UK. Taking advantage of the dark evenings and sparkling frost, these dazzling displays are a magical experience for the whole family. There are more and more of these events popping up every year, but here’s a few of our favourites;
Blenheim Palace
The famous Blenheim Palace is a must-visit when in Oxfordshire, and it’s annual lights trail is one of the highlight of the year. With the light reflecting in the lake and the gardens illuminated by everything from fairy lights to flickering flames, it really is a sight to behold. And with all kinds of festive details, including a glimpse of the man himself, it’s sure to get you in the mood for celebrating!
Christmas at Kew
Christmas at Kew is one of the most famous light trails in the UK, running from mid-November until the beginning of January. Wander through these famous gardens and be delighted by the dazzling colours, tunnels of lights and reflections on the water. As you walk, you’ll pass some amazing food vendors with their selection of winter treats, more then happy to keep you warm as you enjoy a winter nighttime stroll.
Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light
Thursford’s enchanted journey of light is a festive favourite every year. With everything from penguins and polar bears to a snowman family and elves workshop, there’s plenty to delight both young and old. Outside, the sparkling light displays are bound to capture your imagination. Completed by an outside bar, delicious selection of food and a funfair, this is a magical evening for the whole family.
RHS Glow
Last but not least, RHS Glow is an event put on at several RHS locations across the country, from Rosemoor in North Devon to Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire – find the full list here. These breathtaking light events allow you to see these lovely gardens in a whole new way, as the shadows and textures of the festive lights highlight the many trees, flowers and shrubs in a different way. Complete with a selection of hot drinks and food to keep you toasty, it’s an experience you’re bound to remember for years to come.
Enjoy the best Christmas festivities with Rural Retreats
Wherever you choose to visit Santa, stay closer to the action with one of our stunning self-catering properties, located in stunning corners of the British countryside. Take a look at the full collection here, or browse our collection of holiday cottages near Christmas markets.