Best Christmas activities to enjoy with your family in the East Midlands this December
Date published
15 November 2024
15 November 2024
The festive season is fast approaching, and there's no better way to celebrate Christmas than by spending quality time with your loved ones. If you're looking for family-friendly Christmas activities in the East Midlands this December, you're in for a treat! From magical winter markets to enchanting light displays and festive performances, Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and Lincoln are brimming with opportunities to create unforgettable memories. Here are some of the best Christmas activities you can enjoy with your family this holiday season.
Wollaton Hall & Deer Park, located just outside Nottingham, transforms into a winter wonderland each December. The stunning Elizabethan mansion becomes the backdrop for a range of festive activities, including an indoor festive themed ‘Santa’s Gingerbread Christmas Trail’, meet Santa, join in Santa’s workshops, explore their ‘Candy Cane’ outdoor trail plus much more. From Friday 30th November -Sunday 5th January. The trail is £2 per trail sheet and Santa’s Gingerbread Christmas starts from £12 per child. Find out more here.
Ice skating is a quintessential Christmas activity, and Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland provides the perfect setting for some frosty fun. Located in Old Market Square, this seasonal ice rink is suitable for all ages and skill levels. Skating under twinkling lights, with festive stalls selling hot chocolate and mulled wine nearby, is sure to get everyone into the Christmas spirit. After skating, take a stroll through the Christmas market, visit the Ice Bar and Sur La Piste & Altitude Ski Bars plus live entertainment From Wednesday 13th November. Entry to the market is free and ice skating starts from £12.50 per person. Find out more here.
Matlock Farm Park is a wonderful family-friendly destination for Christmas fun. This December, the park hosts a magical Christmas experience where children can meet Santa in his Grotto, take a ride on the Christmas tractor, and enjoy festive arts and crafts. The farm park is beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and Christmas trees, creating a cozy, festive atmosphere for the whole family. Santa arrives from Saturday 23rd December. The Santa’s Grotto Experience Santa visits are available on weekends throughout December from £14.95 per person. They also offer autism friendly Santa experiences. Find out more here.
Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, the grand stately home is dressed to the nines with lavish decorations, while the gardens are adorned with festive lights. This year’s theme promises to be an enchanting experience for families, with interactive displays, a magical Christmas trail for kids, and even an indoor ice rink. Don’t forget to stop by the Chatsworth gift shop, where you’ll find a host of unique, seasonal gifts. Chatsworth House is hosting a magical Christmas market throughout November. You can attend the market for free and the house visit starts from £32 per adult. Find out more here.
Belvoir Castle, located near Grantham, offers a spectacular Christmas experience that’s sure to captivate the whole family. The castle is beautifully decorated for the season, with festive tours, a Christmas market, and themed workshops. Wonder through the gardens and grounds, enjoying a variety of stunning light displays on their Christmas trail at The Adventure Playground. Trail starts from £3.50 and is running from the 23rd of November to the 1st of January. Children can visit Santa in his Grotto. Find out more here.
For a unique Christmas experience, head to the National Space Centre in Leicester, where they combine festive fun with some educational science fun. This December, the Space Centre is offering Polar Express Festive Screening on the 15th December from £10 and the Small Space Mrs Santa Special on the 22nd of December from £17.95. Find out more here.
Rufford Abbey Country Park in Nottinghamshire is home to a magical Christmas Forest experience that’s perfect for families. Stroll through the park and discover a hidden world of twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and festive displays. Experience the magic of Christmas at Rufford Abbey Country Park! From 16th November to 22nd December, join them for a season full of festive delights that the whole family can enjoy! From their elf trail, Santa’s grotto, mini market and arrival of Santa and special characters on the 16th and 17th November. Santa’s grotto is £9.95 per child. Find out more here.
Christmas at Belton, Lincolnshire has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, including a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way. Surround yourself with sparkle on a magical after-dark illuminated trail this winter. Christmas at Belton will run from 22 November – 1 January, with a number of trail times available. Prices from £16. Find out more here.
The East Midlands is home to some fantastic Christmas theatre productions that will delight both children and adults. Nottingham’s Theatre Royal and Derby’s Arena Theatre both host annual pantomimes, featuring all your favourite Christmas characters and plenty of audience participation. Whether you're in the mood for a classic tale like Peter Pan or a more contemporary panto, these productions offer a fun and entertaining way to get into the festive spirit. Book your tickets early, as Christmas pantomimes tend to sell out fast! Find out more here.
Join the Renaissance at Kelham Hall for a magical festive celebration at their very own Christmas at Kelham and get ready to immerse yourself in the joy and wonder of the holiday season. The perfect family experience with plenty to see and do, including delicious festive food and drink stalls, a walkaround LED Angel, live music, spot their special Reindeer visitors and a handle full of festive gift stalls! Immerse yourself in a festive atmosphere with dazzling decorations, and twinkling lights. Meet Santa himself and watch your little one's eyes light up as they receive a special gift, meet and greet with Anna & Elsa Princess plus much more. On Sunday 24th November 11am-4pm. Book tickets for £5 per person. Find out more here.
The East Midlands is packed with festive activities that will keep your family entertained and filled with holiday cheer throughout December. Whether you prefer the magic of a winter wonderland, the charm of Christmas markets, or the joy of a family pantomime, you’ll find something to suit every taste. So, grab your loved ones and start planning your Christmas adventure in the East Midlands, you’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime!
News
15 November 2024
