The Best Christmas Events to Visit This Year!

Joyful family walking through a beautifully illuminated Christmas event at night with fairy lights glowing all around them

From magical light trails and Santa sleepovers to spectacular live shows and family days out, here are the best Christmas events UK families and couples can book right now for 2026. We’ll be adding more as they’re announced — bookmark this page and check back throughout the summer.

Some listings on this page are paid partnerships. Our editorial picks are chosen independently.

Best Christmas Light Trails UK 2026

From Blenheim Palace to Kew Gardens, the UK’s festive light trails are back for 2026 — and these are the ones genuinely worth the drive.

An image of a young boy sitting with hot chocolate on a christmas train ride

The Polar Express Ride

go for a ride

£22

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Family in Christmas pyjamas walking through a festively lit theme park resort at night

Alton Towers Santa Sleepover

Go for a sleepover

£22

Book Tickets

Collection of wizarding-world inspired Christmas gifts arranged beside a glowing Christmas tree - copilot image

This is an event

this is an event

£22

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Two Kilner jars of Christmas fig and pear chutney with fresh figs and orange on a rustic wooden surface - copilot

This is an event

£22

Book Tickets

Best Christmas Events In UK 2026

From Edinburgh to London, Britain does Christmas brilliantly — and these events are worth the journey.

Royal Mail Christmas stamp booklet and loose festive stamps featuring nativity, snowman, robin, and Christmas tree designs, surrounded by candle, holly, and gift box on a warm holiday background.

This is where you put in the title of the event

LEGO gift from Father Christmas, Elves’ Magic show, character disco, grotto visit and overnight stay at Legoland Windsor.

From £100 per family.

Book at www.fillthisin.com

This is where you put in the title of the event

LEGO gift from Father Christmas, Elves’ Magic show, character disco, grotto visit and overnight stay at Legoland Windsor.

From £100 per family.

Book at www.fillthisin.com

This is where you put in the title of the event

LEGO gift from Father Christmas, Elves’ Magic show, character disco, grotto visit and overnight stay at Legoland Windsor.

From £100 per family.

Book at www.fillthisin.com

This is where you put in the title of the event

LEGO gift from Father Christmas, Elves’ Magic show, character disco, grotto visit and overnight stay at Legoland Windsor.

From £100 per family.

Book at www.fillthisin.com

Best Christmas Pantomimes & Theatre Shows

From the moment the dame gets a custard pie in the face to the final singalong curtain call, Christmas pantomime is one of Britain’s most beloved festive traditions – and 2026’s lineup is shaping up to be one of the best in years. Whether you’re taking the kids for their first-ever panto experience or you’re a seasoned “he’s behind you” veteran, here are the best Christmas theatre shows and pantomimes worth booking this season.

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from £22

Book Tickets

This is an event

this is an event

from £22

Book Tickets

This is an event

this is an event

from £22

Book Tickets

This is an event

this is an event

from £22

Book Tickets

From light trails and Santa sleepovers to pantomimes and festive family days out, the best Christmas events have to offer are already filling up fast.

Bookmark this page; we’ll be adding new events and updating dates throughout the summer and autumn as announcements are made. And remember, the golden rule with every single experience on this page is the same: book early, because they all sell out.

👉 Already planning your Polar Express trip? See our complete Polar Express train ride UK 2026 guide for every location, date and booking tip.

👉 Looking for Christmas markets too? See our Best Christmas Markets UK guide for the finest festive markets across the country.