Festive Fun: 39 of the best Christmas days out for 2021

Head to one of the greatest palaces on earth, Henry VIII's historic home and enjoy some festive, open-air ice skating at Hampton Court Palace this Christmas. This year’s rink is bigger than usual to allow extra space for everyone to skate safely with the gorgeous backdrop of the palace. Don’t miss the heated Ice Rink Cafe Bar for post-skate refreshments.  
When: 13 Nov 2021-9 Jan 2022
Where: Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court Way, Molesey, East Molesey, KT8 9AU

Visit Wakehurst for a spellbinding winter lantern trail for all ages this Christmas. There'll be glowing lanterns, mesmerising projections, immersive soundscapes, and glistening torches of fire. Plus the UK's tallest living Christmas tree, decorated with 1,800 lights!
When: 25 Nov 2021-2 Jan 2022
Where: Wakehurst Kew, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, Sussex, RH17 6TN

Skate in a World Heritage Site this yuletide, with a visit to the magical Queen’s House Ice Rink. Don’t miss the unbeatable views of the river Thames and Greenwich Royal Park as you slide around on the ice. Safety measures will be in place so you can skate with confidence at this larger-than-usual rink this winter.
When: 18 Nov 2021-9 Jan 2022
Where: The Queen's House, Romney Road, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NF

Christmas at Kew is back for a ninth year, transforming London's Kew Gardens into a magical winter wonderland. Don't miss Instagram's favourite Tunnel of Light, or the fiery sculptures in the scented Fire Garden. It's a treat for all the senses.
When: Selected dates 17 Nov 2021-9 Jan 2022
Where: Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE

Trip into Tunbridge Wells' Winter Wonderland this Christmas as SKATE Tunbridge returns with a gorgeous rink in Calverley Grounds. There's a dedicated parent and toddler rink, so you and your little ones can enjoy a more chilled-out ice skating session.
When: 17 Nov 2021-3 Jan 2022
Where: Calverley Grounds, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1BT

Follow an indoor Wonderland Trail of fairy-tale characters and light and sound shows; spot penguins and polar bears plus giant teddies on a magical journey; then enjoy a 4-acre Lantern Light Extravaganza with luminous sculptures, including jungle animals and a fantasy forest. 
When: Select dates from 19 Nov-23 Dec 2021
Where: Thursford Collection, Thursord, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 0AS

The Eden Project's glittering ice rink returns for Christmas 2021, from October, with fewer skaters on the ice to allow for social distancing, and everyone is encourage to pre-book online. Look out for the Family Fun Skate sessions, where kids aged 12 and under can borrow free skating aids. 
When: 23 Oct 2021-21 Feb 2022
Where: The Eden Project, Bodelva, Par, Cornwall, PL24 2SG

Choose between a fully-covered main ice rink, or a smaller open air ice track at Windsor on Ice in Windsor’s Alexandra Gardens. Check out Tiny Tuesdays, where at 10 and 11, there’ll be a calm, relaxed session for kids just starting out on the ice. Santa has been known to pop by during these sessions, so keep your eyes peeled!
When: 26 Nov 2021-2 Jan 2022
Where: Windsor on Ice, Alexandra Gardens, Windsor

Take a magical trip through the deer park and formal gardens at Dunham Massey this Christmas. For the fifth year running, the grounds will be transformed into a glittering festive wonderland with lights, baubles and stars, with a soundtrack of festive classics. Look out for Father Christmas along the way!
When: 19 Nov 2021-2 Jan 2022
Where: Dunham Massey Hall, Altrincham, Greater Manchester, WA14 4SJ

Whatever the weather, enjoy the seasonal festivities and skate at the beautiful, covered ice rink at Cathedral Gardens in Manchester this Christmas. You can prebook skate aids for smaller skaters, meaning the whole family can get on the ice and enjoy skating their cares away.
When: 22 Oct 2021-3 Jan 2022
Where: Skate Manchester, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 3BG 

See Chester Zoo in a whole new light this Christmas as The Lanterns transform the zoo into a spectacular wonderland. There'll be sparkle, snow, and some unexpected festive treats. The light show, now in its 10th successful year, is inspired by the zoo itself as well as by favourite festive family tales.
When: Selected dates from 12 Nov-23 Dec 2021
Where: Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Chester, CH2 1EU

The Illuminated Light Trail at Blenheim Palace will be bigger and better than ever this Christmas 2021. Head through glittering tunnels of light, spot dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. Wrap up warm and walk through breath-taking light displays with your family to enjoy the Palace’s gardens like never before. 
When: 19 Nov 2021-2 Jan 2022
Where: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP

Bound off on a Christmassy family trail around the Walled Garden and the Mile Walk at Attingham in Shropshire this yuletide. Look out for festive things to see and do inside the Mansion, and don't miss Father Christmas at Sunnycroft again this year. 
When: tbc Nov-Dec 2021
Where: Attingham Park, Atcham, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 4TP

Make all your kids' wishes come true at Drayton's Magical Christmas this year. There’ll be snow, decorations, a dazzling 30ft tree, cheeky elves and more than 25 child-friendly rides and attractions, including Thomas Land, AND a 15-acre zoo!  
When: 13 Nov-31 Dec 2021
Where: Drayton Manor, Drayton Manor Drive, Fazeley, Mile Oak, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78 3TW

Stroll along Heart Walk framed by glittering trees; see a Christmas light show reflected in the lake; and look out for the Crocus Lawn carpeted with glowing flowers. Have yourself a merry little Christmas and complete your walk under the stars with mulled wine or hot chocolate. Don’t forget to watch out for Santa Claus along the way.
When: 26 Nov 2021-2 Jan 2022
Where: Stourhead, Stourton, Warminster BA12 6QF

Board the Santa Express and travel through the Estate Woodland to a winter wonderland complete with a talking Gingerbread House with a resident fairy and elf; an adventure playground; and a grotto where you can meet Father Christmas himself. In addition, you can make your own reindeer food; write a letter to Father Christmas and post it at our North Pole Post Office and watch a Mother Christmas' interactive festive show.
When: select dates 23 Nov-24 Dec 2021
Where: Audley End Miniature Railway, Audley End Road, Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JB

Meet the big man himself for a special Afternoon Tea at Seven Stories in Newcastle this Christmas, followed by an cosy grotto visit or a magical Audience with Santa, complete with elf activities. Mrs Claus is also making an appearance for a special breakfast. Plus there are special Night Before Christmas-themed family activities will get you into the festive spirit.
When: 1-21 Dec 2021
Where: Seven Stories, 30 Lime Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ

Pick up a mulled wine or festive hot chocolate and explore the grounds of Belton House this Christmas 2020. There’ll be an instagram-friendly tunnel of lights, as well as giant baubles, glowing flowers, twinkling snowflakes, and beautifully lit trees. Don’t miss the spectacular water-side fire garden – it's scented!
When: 25 Nov 2021-2 Jan 2022
Where: Christmas at Belton, High Road Belton, Grantham NG32 2LW

Located in the heart of London in Hyde Park, immerse yourself in all things festive at Winter Wonderland this Christmas. There'll be ice skating, Zippos Christmas Circus, a fairground, SantaLand, Christmas markets, a real ice slide and more.
When: 19 Nov 2021-3 Jan 2022
Where: Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH

There’s lots to see and do at Waddesdon Manor this Christmas. The charming outdoor extravaganza includes a Christmas market, a winter light trail, a dancing light-and-music show on the Manor’s facade, and the LED baubles by the stables – the perfect place for a family photo opp. Look out for the display of lanterns and stars decorated by local schoolchildren on the theme of 'journeys'.
When: 13 Nov 2021-3 Jan 2022
Where: Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0JH

Enjoy a magical evening as the woodland and water of Windsor Great Park come alive with dazzling lights, dancing stars and breath-taking projections. Look out for a cathedral of light, fountains of flowers, and mythical creature holograms as you enjoy your light trail through the famous park. There'll be mouth-wateringly good food, mulled wine and hot chocolate too; don't miss the chance to toast marshmallows at one of the fire pits.
When: 18 Nov 2021-9 Jan 2022
Where: The Crown Estate Windsor Great Park, Surrey, SL4 2HT

Drive the iconic 3.2 mile Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit under darkness experiencing a dramatic light-and-laser show following Santa’s journey around the world. At the drop of the chequered flag, you'll find the Silverstone Wing where the festive fun continues: choose between the drinks and snacks, children's films, activities and more at the Lodge, or take to the ice at the illuminated ice rink.
When: 1 Dec 2021-3 Jan 2022
Where: Lap of Lights, Silverstone, Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, NN12 8TN

Totally Christmas in Walkden Town Centre is a new family-friendly Christmas attraction featuring a series of mini escape rooms tailor-made for primary school aged children. Visit, and you'll enjoy an hour of themed escape rooms; solve the puzzle and move on to the next room... This super fun day out includes a meet-and-greet with Santa and a special gift for every kid.
When: 27 Nov 2021-3 Jan 2022
Where: Totally Christmas, Walkden Town Centre, Bolton Road, Walkden, Worsley, Manchester M28 3ZH

See a different side of the London Wetland Centre with Illuminature, an immersive, after-dark light show. Explore a trail through owl, geese and otter habitats, walk past reed beds, lagoons and the grazing marsh and see larger-than-life illuminations of wetland wildlife. Along the way, you can play in the immersive tunnels, hop along responsive lily-pads, and create colourful shadow animals.
When: Until 9 Jan 22
Where: WWT London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth Walk, London SW13 9WT

Lightopia is an award-winning, spectacular lantern and light festival set to transform three venues across the UK into Christmas wonderlands this festive season. Explore interactive exhibits, immersive light installations, and the magical illuminated trail in South London, Manchester and Alton Towers this Christmas.
When & Where: 19 Nov 21-2 Jan 22, Crystal Palace Park, London; 19 Nov-3 Jan 22, Heaton Park, Manchester; 27 Nov-2 Jan 22, Alton Towers, Staffordshire

There's a wintery-themed Illuminated Light Trail, a 120ft Observation Wheel, an Indoor Ice Rink and bespoke personalised Santa Experiences at the new Winter Glow experience at Three Counties Showground in Worcestershire this Christmas. Don't miss your chance visit Santa's grotto on the Arctic Express land train, which will take you from the main gate to visit the big man himself. Meet Santa Claus in Father Christmas's cosy cabin, surrounded by his friendly elves; and don’t forget to taste one of Mrs Claus' freshly baked cookies as you leave.
When: 4 Dec 2021-2 Jan 2022
Where: Winter Glow, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW

Choose between a daytime or nighttime adventure at Totally Magical in Yorkshire this Christmas. Enjoy a festive 1km trail through the woods by Hazlewood Castle in Tadcaster near Leeds. Along the way, you'll find super-fun puzzles to complete, perfect for kids of any age. Complete the trail and you'll have the chance to meet the big man himself, plus there's a free gift for every child.
When: 27 Nov 21-3 Jan 22
Where: Totally Magical, Hazlewood Castle, Tadcaster Near Leeds, Yorkshire, LS24 9NJ

Follow the twinkling trail around the garden and discover the new RHS Garden Bridgewater as spectacular illuminations light up the night. Visit Bridgewater's best-loved locations including the Weston Walled Garden, Chinese Streamside Garden and Ellesmere Lake and be wowed by the sight of sparkling trees, shrubs and water features basking in the glow.
When: 17 Nov-30 Dec 21
Where: RHS Garden Bridgewater, Leigh Road, Worsley, Manchester, M28 2GU

This Christmas, enjoy a whimsical world of planets and stars on an enchanting new light trail at Hampton Court Palace. As dusk falls across the former royal home, an atmospheric, fantastical wonderland of clocks, moons, planets and sundials is waiting to be discovered. Along the way, you'll have the chance to indulge in seasonal food and drink, as you experience the palace gardens after-hours as you've never seen them before.
When: 8 Dec 21-3 Jan 22
Where: Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU

London's iconic Kenwood House in Hampstead Heath will become a magical wonderland with an incredible illuminated Christmas light trail for the first time in 2021. See the grounds of Kenwood come alive with Christmas magic and sparkle as you explore the new light trail before enjoying a full Christmas market, featuring festive refreshments and street food.
When: 26 Nov 21-9 Jan 22 
Where: Kenwood House, Hampstead Lane, Highgate, London, NW3 7JR

This winter, treat your little ones to a world of adventures on the Percy the Park Keeper's winter wander trail at National Trust properties throughout the UK. Join in the fun with Percy and his animal friends and give nature a helping hand. Pick up your Percy The Park Keeper pack (£2) and set off on a wonderful winter adventure. Trails are available atOsterley, Penrhyn Castle, Berrington Hall, Nymans, Cliveden and many more.
When: 4 Dec 21-30 Jan 22
Where: various National Trust venues

Head to Slieve Donard this Christmas and you can enjoy story-telling with Mrs Claus, a letter-writing workshop with the Elves, Christmas movies and of course, Santa’s Polar Express train adventure. Most importantly, Santa and his elves will be here, ready to welcome you into their busy workshop.
When: 11-21 Dec 2021
Where: Santa's Polar Express, Slieve Donard & Culloden Estate and Spa, Downs Road, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AH

Set deep within the woods of Beecraigs Country Park near Linlithgow, Beecraigs Festive Forest is back for a second stunning year. Enjoy the panoramic views over the Forth bridges, Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife, as well as enjoying one of the UK’s most powerful user shows, and enjoying a storytelling adventure in a grotto with a very special guest. Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a few surprises! Look out for magical characters, fun rides, a cheeky Grinch and more. 
When: 3-24 Dec 2021
Where: Beecraigs Country Park, Linlithgow, West Lothian, EH49 6PL

Enter a botanical world festooned with seasonal cheer accompanied by a soundtrack of festive classics as Christmas comes to the Botanic Garden in Edinburgh. Wander beneath trees drenched in Christmas colour, and look out for some hidden surprises too. Inverleith House will come to life with choreographed beams of light dancing across its historic facade in time to the music.
When: 25 Nov 21-2 Jan 22
Where: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arboretum Place, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ

Don’t miss the after-dark family adventure at Dalkeith Country Park this Christmas, and you can see Fort Douglas all lit under the stars. There’ll be a magical Sky Maze, an illuminated trail with pixie lanterns, and starbursts reflected in the river.
When: Selected dates from 4 Dec 2021-2 Jan 2022 
Where: Dalkeith Country Park, Via King's Gate, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH22 1ST

Look out for spectacular life-sized animal lanterns, stunning walkthrough light tunnels (cameras at the ready!) and plenty of festive surprises along the way at Five Sisters Zoo this Christmas.
When: 1-23 Dec 2021
Where: Five Sisters Zoo, Gavieside, West Calder, West Lothian, EH55 8PT

Grab a mince pie, hot chocolate or mulled wine, the Zipworld elves are waiting to show you and your family aboard the cable railway, where you’ll delve deep underground to the famous Victorian Llechwedd slate mine this Christmas. Head through the festive tunnels to Santa’s Grotto, where he and his team of Elves will be ready to greet you with a wrapped gift, your very own Welsh slate bauble to decorate at our craft station, and plenty of picture opportunities, of course. You can even give him your Christmas letter!
When: select dates from 3 to 24 Dec 2021
Where: Zip World Llechwedd, Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 3NB

Visit Margam Country Park this Christmas and enjoy a spectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue. As darkness descends, head out on an enchanting journey following a captivating mile-long light trail through the stunning, historic gardens of Margam Country Park and Castle. Don't miss the chance to toast marshmallows and enjoy a mulled wine at the end...
When: 19 Nov 21-2 Jan 22
Where: Margam Country Park, Port Talbot SA13 2TJ

Head to Swansea's Winter Wonderland this Christmas for a magical day out. Meet a family of polar bears relaxing in the snow, trees that speak, elves busy making toys, Santa’s sleigh being loaded ready for Christmas Eve; you can even sit in it and feel the magic. At the end of your adventure and possibly a snow shower or two, you will meet Father Christmas and his reindeer and maybe, if you are lucky enough to be on the 'good' list(!), get a present.
When: 20 Nov-24 Dec 21
Where: Swansea Winter Wonderland, Gower Fresh Christmas Trees, Poundffald Farm, Three Crosses, Swansea SA4 3PB