Family Christmas ideas
Warm yourselves with mulled wine at your local Christmas market and cheer on the switching on of the Christmas lights. Take the kids to some enchanting yuletide attractions and savour the sounds of carols as you shop. England is full of goodwill and merriment this time of year, so check out some great ideas for enjoying a family Christmas this year...
Magical Yuletide - York
Throughout December
Visitors to the medieval city of York this December can get into the Christmas spirit with a succession of markets offering gifts and food for the festive season. Goods from around Europe will be on offer at the Continental Market. Stalls from Germany, Holland, Belgium and France will present cheeses, sausages and wines for visitors to stock up their cupboards for Christmas. Other events in December include musical evenings, carol services and Christmas festivities.
Find out more about Yuletide York
Dickensian Christmas Festival - Grassington, Yorkshire
Throughout December
This pretty village, near Skipton in the Yorkshire Dales, transforms itself into a Dickensian wonderland, its streets and square filled with a bustling market thronged by strolling musicians, dancers and other entertainers in Victorian costume.
Find out more about Grassington's Dickensian Christmas Festival
Magical Christmas at Rare Breeds Centre - Ashford, Kent
December 13th & 14th and 18th, 23rd 2008
Christmas at the Rare Breeds Centre is a truly magical time for the children, the real Santa, the really real Reindeer to meet and pet, a star filled Wonderland, quality presents for the children, a one-man join-in pantomime plus all the fun of the farm.
Find out more about Christmas at the Rare Breeds Centre
A Victorian Festival of Christmas - Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth
28-30 November - 10am – 6pm - 2008
With its snow-covered street, seasonal carols, Father Christmas, Christmas shopping and cast of Victorian characters, this hugely popular event is a delightful trip to Christmas past for all the family. Wander through the European-style shopping village, Victorian Street, Georgian colonnades and discover superb quality gifts, fine crafts, festive food and drink at the biggest Christmas market on the South Coast.
More information about A Victorian Festival of Christmas
The Nutcracker - The Coliseum, London
17-29 December 2008
It's your last chance to see English National Ballet's vibrant and eccentric production of The Nutcracker. Designer Gerald Scarfe and choreographer Christopher Hampson's magical show is the perfect Christmas treat for all the family.
Book tickets for The Nutcracker
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park - London
22 November 2008 - 4 January 2009
Set between Hyde Park Corner and the Serpentine over five weeks this winter, Winter Wonderland is the perfect event for family, friends and colleagues to delight in the magical atmosphere of London this Christmas. Open from 10am to 10pm each day, the 24,000m² Winter Wonderland site will feature London’s largest outdoor ice rink, a toboggan slide, a traditional and authentic German Christmas Market with over twenty five separate wooden chalets, numerous cafes and bars, an incredible 50m giant observation wheel offering magnificent views of Hyde Park, a carousel, a helter-skelter, carol concerts and a selection of amusement rides to entertain all ages.
Discover Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
Christmas Spectacular at BeWILDerwood - Norwich
December 2008
Christmas for the Twiggles and Boggles of BeWILDerwood is a very special time. With a visit from Father Christmas and a snowy scene throughout the forest, our enchanted world takes on a whole new look and feel. Santa's Twiggle helpers are everywhere to make sure everyone is safe and sound and having fun.
Buy tickets for BeWILDerwood
'The Spirit of Christmas; past, present and future' at Blenheim Palace - Woodstock, Oxfordshire
15 November-14 December 2008
Marvel at the opulence of Blenheim as sparkling Christmas trees line the colonnades, elegant decorations adorn the Palace rooms and the Christmas table is laid with beautiful crystal and silverware, all inspired by Victorian elegance. A traditional nativity season is set in the Chapel and carol singers and brass bands fill the Palace with festive music on selected Saturdays and every Sunday during Christmas period.
Find out more about Christmas at Blenheim Palace
The Nutcracker - St Petersburg Ballet - Opera House Theatre, Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Monday 15 December 2008
St Petersburg Ballet Theatre has built a sensational reputation with audiences and critics both in the United Kingdom and internationally. The Company of almost one hundred artists including the superb thirty eight piece orchestra is renowned for its sumptuous set designs, opulent costumes, authentic choreography, and the brilliant technical skills of the soloists and corps de ballet.
Find out more about The Nutcracker at the Winter Gardens
Winter NewcastleGateshead Winter Festival 08 - NewcastleGateshead
4-31 December 2008
The annual NewcastleGateshead Winter Festival returns this year with events that are guaranteed to light up the dark nights of December - from evenings of 'after-dark' fairy tales, illuminated by atmospheric lights and artistic light projection shows to reveal unusual views of local buildings, to ice-skating and winter markets.
Find out more about NewcastleGateshead Winter Festival 08
Yuletide Celebrations at Bede's World - Jarrow, Tyne & Wear
27-28 December 2008
Enjoy a family afternoon out during the festive period, by joining us as we host a series of craft activities. In the spirit of Yuletide generosity, free admission to the museum and the farm.
Find out more about Yuletide Celebrations at Bede's World