Christmas time is all about family. The twinkling lights, the aromas, the food and of course the mulled wine. It’s all about that festive feeling between you and your loved ones. We’ve compiled a list of the 15 best festive things to do this festive season.
1. Holiday Bake Party
Are you a dab hand at baking cookies or an eggnog rookie? No matter your abilities, baking cakes and decorating cookies is a sure-fire way to keep the kids entertained this Christmas time. Why not invite some friends over and share some Christmas recipes this December?
We’ve got you covered with a wide range of baking appliances to make sure your party runs smoothly. Like our Retro Stand Mixer perfect for whipping up those eggs or cappuccino glasses just the right size for your Christmas Eggnog.
Why not spice things up and try a new mulled wine recipe, while the children build a gingerbread house? Whatever your baking fave, we’ve got everything ready for your festive bake party.
2. Lights, Camera, Action
Share the sparkling joy of the lights that illuminate our winter nights by attending a light switching ceremony. Or maybe try a family drive around the local neighbourhoods to find the best-dressed house this sparkly season.
Check your nearest city for bus tours of your local landmarks or take a trip to London to marvel at the capital’s illuminations on a Christmas Lights Bus Tour.
3. Let it Snow
It doesn’t always snow before Christmas, but that doesn’t have to stop all the fun. Have a go at skiing or snowboarding at one of the UK’s indoor snowdomes and dry slopes or check out RedBull’s list on the best places to go when it snows in the UK for natural ski experiences.
As ice rinks pop up around the country it’s time to bring out your skating skills and find an ice rink near you. Try something new in the various snow scenes you can find and it might surprise you, maybe sledding is a new talent to uncover.
4. Slumber Party
Snuggle up this year in matching pyjamas and get cosy by the fire with your friends and family. Hosting a seasonal slumber party is a great way to connect over Christmas time.
You can play games and create decorations with your little ones, or share a glass of a new slow cooker mulled wine recipe with the girls.
5. Theatre Magic
Winter wouldn’t be the same without a trip to the theatre. Pantomimes are a great way to get the kids up and dancing. Or maybe try a classic musical to get the old vocal cords going. What’s On Stage has a wide theatre selection to choose from.
Swan family favourites include The Nutcracker Ballet, A Christmas Carol, Cinderella and The Snowman. Whatever your pick, heading to the theatre at wintertime is a sure-fire way to get into the Christmas spirit.
6. Lend a Hand
Christmas time can be a hard time for many and there’s no better time to lend a hand. Head to your local soup kitchen to spread the love this Christmas. Warm the bellies and souls of those in need of it most.
Local centres may also collect for shoebox appeals, sending Christmas gifts to those going without this holiday season.
7. Go Carolling
Why not surprise your neighbours this year? Dust off those vocal cords and head to a community centre to find a group near you to spread some festive cheer. Or why not find a carol service near you, National Trust host a variety of Christmas choirs and concerts.
8. Sticky Fingers
Get stuck in and curate something magical. Find a local decoration making workshop. There are tons to find, from wreathmaking to table centrepieces.
Workshops are available for all ages to get their hands dirty, so why not roll up your sleeves and dive in?
9. Pick Your Own
There are hundreds of tree farms nationwide to find your family that special tree. Too big, too small? Whatever’s right for you, you’ll find the perfect one at your local tree farm.
Most Christmas tree farms offer food stalls and activities for all ages to enjoy and make it a full day out.
10. Winter Wonderland
If you’re looking to spark joy into the children this Christmas, why not head to the capital and experience the annual Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.
Six weeks of attractions and activities for all ages, from thrill-seeking rides to chilling ice bars and the famous Bavarian Village. There’s something for everyone. Gates open 19th November. Book online, its not to be missed.
11. Log Cabin Staycation
What says Christmas more than snuggling up next to a fire in the comfort of your own log cabin? Cabin stays are a great way to get the children out into the wild during the winter months.
And with Scotland bursting with natural ski experiences, why not head to the north this winter?
12. Midnight Mass
Whether it’s a family tradition or a new edition to your yuletide activities, attending a midnight mass at your local church is a great way to feel the community spirit at Christmas.
Hear the choir sing and organ hum those familiar songs as you share the moment with everyone.
13. Afternoon Tea
With Christmas around the corner, restaurants are raring to share their festive recipes. What better way to try some seasonal favourites than at a Christmas Afternoon Tea?
Clinking china, soft lights and smiles all around. There are packages to take a loved one to high tea with a sparkle.
14. Santa’s Grotto
The one thing you can’t miss this Christmas is introducing your little one to Father Christmas for their Christmas wishes.
If you’re in London, there’s a bunch of places to visit the festive enigma as he pops up around the city with the help of his elves.
15. Christmas Markets
Winter wouldn’t be the same without the sizzling hiss of bratwurst over coals, the bubbling mulled wine and the caramelized toasted marshmallows. The Christmas Markets is the place to be for flavours of the world and gifting ideas.
So get wrapped up in your big coat and pull out those mittens because it’s time to get visiting all these wild and wonderful ideas to keep you busy this winter.
So get wrapped up in your big coat and pull out those mittens because it’s time to get visiting all these wild and wonderful ideas to keep you busy this winter.
