It’s once again the beginning of the best time of year. The festivities are in full force with Christmassy and winter-themed reminders left, right, and centre. There is always something enjoyable to do at Christmas time, no matter the budget.
With Christmas food shopping to do and family to buy for, make your Christmas time a little easier on the purse with our top 15 free activities to do with the family.
1. Visit Festive Storefronts
Oxford Street, London
If there’s something that is quintessentially Christmassy, it’s the decorative storefronts in Oxford Street. Every year millions are spent on the decoration of shop displays, so spend the day browsing and enjoying the sights of the retail capital.
2. Meet Santa at a Grotto
Transport Museum, Covent Garden
What better way to spend an evening than meeting the merry man himself? Entertain the little ones by hearing their Christmas wishes with a free trip to the Santa Claus in the Transport Museum.
3. Browse around a Christmas Market
Bristol City Centre, Bristol
Browse and enjoy hundreds of gift, food and refreshment stalls at the annual Bristol market. Notorious for handing out freebies to keep the whole family happy!
4. Go to a Christmas light switch on
Manchester Cathedral, Manchester
The illumination of a street brings crowds of people together at one of the UK’s most festive traditions. Visit the Manchester Cathedral switch on for one of the best winter events of the year.
5. Winterfest at Wembley Park
Wembley, London
The illumination of a street brings crowds of people together at one of the UK’s most festive traditions. Visit the Manchester Cathedral switch on for one of the best winter events of the year.
6. Go for a Winter walk
Tramway Trail, Cornwall
Take a stroll and catch a breath in this beautiful winter air to fill yourself with festivities. Tramway Trail, Cornwall this time of year is rumoured to be one of the best places for a Christmas themed walk with many sighs to behold.
7. Meet Santa’s Reindeer
Richmond Park, London
If your little ones want to see father Christmas early, then who better to meet than his trusty sleigh drivers? Take a walk through Richmond Park and catch a glimpse of their wild Reindeer.
8. Visit a Christmas Tree farm
Hull Christmas Trees, Kingston upon Hull
Let the smell of pine and sap fill your nostrils at one of the UK’s esteemed Christmas tree farms. Just have a gander, or pick up your own at Hull Christmas Trees.
9. Go to a local Museum’s Christmas event
Aston Hall, Birmingham
The shift of a museum grounds into a Christmas miracle is truly a reminder of the upcoming festive season. This year, Visit Aston Hall for a round of festive events and activities finished off with light refreshments.
10. Attend a Carolling Concert
St Paul’s Cathedral, London
Attend the annual Britten’s Ceremony of Carols this year in London for some angelic tunes. With free entry, there is also the promise of refreshments and gift stalls for this year’s event held at St Paul’s Cathedral.
11. Visit a Festive Garden Centre
Dobbies Garden Centre, Edinburgh
With thousands of Christmas decorations and fairy lights lining shopping centres and buildings alike, there are also plenty of beautiful displays at local garden centres. Providing affordable activities for the family, Dobbie’s Garden Centre in Edinburgh promises a magical night.
12. Attend a Christmas light show
Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire
If your neighbourhood is looking particularly sparse of lights this year, then where better to visit than one of the Christmas light shows across the UK. Historical buildings adorned in lights, across all corners of the UK to provide entertainment for all.
13. Attend a Christmas Gift Fair
Aylesbury Market Square, Buckinghamshire
If you’re wondering what Christmas decorations you need this year, then how about some homemade by your favourite local small businesses? This Christmas Gift Fair held in Aylesbury City Centre is guaranteed to have the whole family leaving with some amazing gifts.
Stay Nearby in Buckinghamshire
14. Visit Harrods
Harrods, Knightsbridge, London
As the top destination for Christmas shopping, this magical superstore is the perfect place for a festive day out, and free to enter. Spend your day browsing the festively decorated shelves for potential gifts for your little ones.
15. Enjoy the free samples at a Christmas Food Market
Cardiff Christmas Food Market, Cardiff
