And just like that, December has made its delightful return! 🎄
With Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations lighting up the entire month, there are countless ways to join in the holiday merriment this December.
From candle-lit orchestras to fun-filled workshops and charming Christmas markets – December is full of events to keep you joyfully occupied throughout this festive season. Discover our top 17 things to do in the UK in December below.
1. Wreath Making Workshop at The Hawks Nest
1st & 8th December 2025
Get creative this December with a Christmas wreath-making experience perfect for DIY enthusiasts. Hosted at the beloved East London bar and restaurant, The Hawks Nest, learn the exciting floristry techniques that go into creating these Christmassy delights while enjoying complimentary mulled wine to get you into the festive spirit!
With all materials provided, you’re welcome to take your creation home to appreciate throughout the Christmas season. With wreath-making experts on hand to guide you through the process, your magical creation is sure to ‘sleigh’ the game.
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2. Cotswold Reindeer Herd
You might know the Cotswolds for its rolling hills, tranquil meadows and storybook villages. But guess what? It’s also home to a rather unexpected bunch – meet the Cotswold Reindeer Herd.
Tucked away in this secret reindeer paradise, the Cotswold Reindeer Herd team of reindeer enthusiasts passionately work to improve the well-being and welfare of these magnificent creatures. This tiny piece of the North Pole has lots on offer! Walk the magical Santa Trail, marvel at the array of Christmas trees and meet the wonderful herd of local reindeer.
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3. Ultimate Tennis Showdown London
5th – 7th December 2025
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If you’re looking for a high-energy sporting event to brighten up those chilly December days, make a note of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown Grand Final. Returning to London’s Copper Box Arena, this isn’t your average tennis tournament. Forget the traditions and quiet crowds – UTS is all about fast-paced action, with players mic’d up, epic tunes and an explosive atmosphere that feels more like a festival than a traditional tennis tournament.
The top players from this year’s UTS tour will battle it out in a format specifically designed for maximum drama. Matches are broken down into quick-fire quarters, one serve allowed per point and if things are tied up, it all comes down to ‘Sudden Death.’ Whether you’re a lifelong tennis fan curious about the sport’s innovative future or just someone looking for a fun, loud and unforgettable sports event this December, the UTS Grand Final is a slam dunk addition to your festive itinerary.
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4. The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House
22nd November 2025 – 5th January 2026
In the mood for an unforgettable ballet affair this festive season? Experience The Nutcracker with an enchanting theatrical ballet performance that the whole family will love. This acclaimed ballet is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit this December – book your tickets here today!
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5. Home Alone in Concert
6th – 13th December 2025
Relive an enchanting Christmas classic in London’s magnificent Royal Albert Hall. Immerse yourself in the enchanting live performance of Home Alone by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra! Combining cinema with an exquisite live orchestra, Home Alone in Concert is the perfect festive day out in London.
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6. Frankfurt Birmingham Christmas Market
1st November – 24th December 2025
Nothing quite says Christmas like an authentic German Christmas market! Famed for being the largest of its kind outside of Germany and Austria, the Frankfurt Birmingham Christmas Market is a favourite for locals and tourists alike. It’s like the North Pole relocated to Birmingham, and everyone’s invited to join the jolly fun!
From traditional Christmas gifts and inspiration to a humongous selection of festive German treats – this market has it all. After devouring endless pretzels, schnitzels and bratwursts, don’t forget to wash it all down with a pint of weissbier, Gluhwein, mulled wine or a scrumptious hot chocolate.
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7. Glide at Battersea Power Station
7th November 2025 – 4th January 2026
The sparkling Christmas activities have returned to Battersea Power Station! Whether you’re a pro on the ice or a wobbly newbie, the Glide at Battersea Power Station ice rink has become the coolest holiday tradition in the city. Located next to one of the capital’s most historic structures, lace up your skates and grab a festive selfie with this London ice rink’s jaw-dropping 30-foot Christmas tree.
After you’ve worked up an appetite from all that skating, head over to The Glass House bar café for a cosy hot chocolate. Glide is the place to be for a slice of winter magic in the heart of the city!
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8. Longleat Festival of Light
8th November – 11th January 2025
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For a truly magical family day out this December, you absolutely have to put the Longleat Festival of Light on your to-do list. Running from November to January, this spectacular event transforms the grounds of Longleat House and Safari Park in Wiltshire into an illuminated wonderland. Walk the 2.5km light trail surrounded by enormous, intricately designed lantern sculptures – it’s an experience that will bring out the inner child in everyone!
For 2025, the festival is embracing a brilliant theme: British Icons with Wallace & Gromit and friends! Not only will you journey through spectacular recreations of famous British landmarks like the 15-metre-tall Tower Bridge, Stonehenge and even the Welsh Dragon, but you’ll also be joined by your favourite Aardman characters. Beyond the incredible lanterns, you can also enjoy the enormous, singing Enchanted Christmas Tree Show and take a festive tour of Longleat House.
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9. Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland
14th November 2025 – 1st January 2026
No Christmas city break in London would be complete without a trip to the one and only Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. With a rollercoaster sleigh-load of theme park rides to keep your festive spirits soaring, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland has endless festive activities to explore this December.
Open late into the night from late November to early January, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is the ‘world’s best destination for festive fun’ and guarantees a joyful night out. From tasty food stalls to thrilling roller coaster rides, there’s truly something for everyone at this dazzling Christmas event. Don’t forget to check out our guide to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland here.
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10. Bath Christmas Market
27th November – 14th December 2025
The festive cheer has returned to this Roman city’s picturesque streets with the annual Bath Christmas Market! Prepare for the alluring smells of festive sweet treats, an endless array of handmade creations and gifts and the sparkling, lively atmosphere of Bath’s city centre.
If you’re looking for a cosy, city break date night, take a stroll through the delightful streets of Bath and make your way through the 160+ sparkling chalet stalls. Or, for a jolly evening out with your mates, swing by the food stalls and grab a tasty treat with your pint – all while grooving to some toe-tapping, festive tunes.
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11. Christmas at Waddesdon
22nd November 2025 – 4th January 2026
With local produce, takeaway delights and festive gift stalls to peruse, Waddesdon Christmas Market is one of the best ways to spend a winter evening this December. From mid-November until early January, Waddesdon Manor & Gardens is hosting its annual Christmas affair. Explore a plentiful supply of festive crafts and treat your senses to the tastes and smells of local food and drink from countless specially selected exhibitors.
As the evening draws in, wander the light trail and marvel at the festive feast of light and colour around the grounds of the house. Plus, you can even pre-book a ticket into Waddesdon Manor itself, giving you access around the house where there’ll be Christmas trees aplenty!
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12. Edinburgh Christmas Market
15th November 2025 – 4th January 2026
Scotland’s capital is renowned for its festive cheer throughout December, thanks to the return of the stunning Edinburgh Christmas Market! As one of the best Christmas markets in the UK, prepare for the alluring smells of festive goodies as well as handmade creations and gifts throughout Edinburgh.
Enjoy a lively night out with friends or family as you explore the array of food and drink stalls and grab yourself a warming cup of mulled cider or yummy hot chocolate. Or perhaps daytime festive shopping is more your thing? Uncover unique local treasures for your loved ones at Edinburgh Christmas Market’s trinket and gift stalls.
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13. The Snowman Tour at York Barbican
22nd December 2025
Get ready to experience the Christmas classic of all classics as you’ve never seen it before. The Snowman Tour is making its grand entrance at York Barbican this December. And this Christmas event is sure to warm your heart with festive nostalgia.
This enchanting showing of The Snowman inside the York Barbican wouldn’t be complete without its jaw-dropping live orchestra that’ll leave you with goosebumps of joy!
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14. Burning the Clocks in Brighton
21st December 2025
The Burning the Clocks festival is probably the most quirky and unusual December event on our list! Get ready for a heartwarming evening where reflection and community take centre stage, bringing families, friends and strangers together for a night of winter wonder.
In celebration of the year’s end, Burning the Clocks is an annual event set on the 21st December, totally unique to Brighton. Locals are inspired to reflect on the year by making and parading their own fascinating paper lanterns and then passing them onto the smouldering beach bonfire.
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15. Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works at Hallé St Peter’s, Manchester
14th December 2025
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Calling all movie superfans! This festive season, experience the exquisite tunes from some of cinema’s greatest flicks at Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works. Taking place at Hallé St Peter’s, this unique live music performance is the perfect way to relive your favourite moments from films like Dune, Inception, Dunkirk and many more!
With enchanting melodies alongside dreamy candlelight, this live orchestral performance is sure to be the perfect send-off to the festive season.
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16. Christmas at Kew
14th November 2025 – 4th January 2026
This Christmas, west London’s beautiful botanical haven, Kew Gardens, will be packed with stunning illuminations, thousands of glistening lights, lakeside reflections and even Father Christmas (if you’re lucky!). Christmas at Kew is one of the UK’s favourite winter trails and the perfect evening out for families, couples or besties!
With plenty of street vendors ready to fill your tummies with delicious festive treats, we recommend grabbing your tickets early! This beloved attraction has limited capacity!
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17. New Year’s Eve in St Ives
31st December 2025
Beginning as a humble beach celebration, New Year’s Eve in St Ives has evolved into a spectacular night of festivities. With a sensational firework display, plenty of spots to grab a late-night bite throughout the town and a street party that will get you ready to see out 2025 in style, St Ives is the ultimate NYE party destination.
And by the way, New Year’s Eve in St Ives takes fancy dress VERY seriously. So, grab your sparkliest sequins and silliest superhero costumes, because the more outrageous, the better!
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