The holidays can be an expensive time of year, with presents to buy and Christmas dinners to cook. So, to help you make the most of your holiday budget, we’ve lined up 5 activities that the whole family can do for free this Christmas!
From meeting Santa to festive light shows, and even Christmas day activities, you wouldn’t believe some of these things were free! We’ve got you covered this festive season.
Meeting Santa at Selfridges, Birmingham
Where better to meet Santa Claus himself than at one of the most popular retail stores in the UK? Including Birmingham, there are locations all over the UK offering this free experience perfect for your little ones including Manchester and London. Held on selective days from the 25th of November to Christmas Eve, choose a day that suits you to bring your little ones along and get them into the festive spirit! Line up to meet Santa himself, let him know what they want for Christmas, and even meet his trusty sidekick elf! Whilst you’re there why not have a browse around the store and pick up some last-minute gifts!
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Eastbourne Bandstand Concert, East Sussex
The ever-popular Eastbourne Bandstand concert is returning for another year. Held along the coast of Eastbourne with stunning views of the town and coast, these traditional Christmas and New Year concerts provide brilliant entertainment, all for free! The concerts started back in 1935 when the bandstand was first built, and have been a Christmas tradition ever since! Perfect for the whole family, and packed with local food stands and cafes dotted around the pavilion area to complete your visit. Make sure to wrap up warm and be prepared for the crowds, this day of live entertainment and festivities is one not to be missed!
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Festival of Light, Newbury
Get in the festive mood this Christmas at this stunning light festival held in the Berkshire town of Newbury. Witness hundreds of twinkling lights and lanterns parading through the town on the 11th of December, starting at Northbrook Street and ending at the Marketplace, where plenty of entertainment and festivities await. With plenty of gift stalls, arts and crafts tables and refreshments available, you wouldn’t believe that this event doesn’t cost you a penny! If you’d like to be involved in the parade itself, why not snag one of the free tickets to the Lantern Making Workshop, where you will be taught the art of Lantern making and have the opportunity to walk yours down with the parade!
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Grace Church Christmas Carol, Stoke-on-Trent
If you love carol singing and find yourself wishing you could join in, then look no further than Grace Church’s Christmas Carol event! With performances from experienced carol singers as well as plenty of songs for you to join in on too, this annual event is guaranteed to leave you feeling the festive spirit! The church also offers plenty of arts and crafts activities to keep the little ones occupied, as well as refreshments and snacks available such as mulled wine and Christmas treats. Held this year on the 4th of December, the service makes for the perfect free day out with the family.
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Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival, London
Southbank’s ever-popular winter festival is back this year and bigger than ever. Held from the 3rd of November right up till the 8th of January, the festival holds lots of different free events alongside its stunning Christmas market. With a wide selection of events to choose from, including arts and crafts, art exhibitions, and cosy lounging areas, you wouldn’t believe that this popular festival won’t cost you a penny to enter! Once you’re done at one of the events, why not have a wander around the winter market stalls packed with gifts, trinkets and exclusive chalet lounging areas.
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