Create your ultimate holiday itinerary in Barking! Our planner guide has all the top events and activities. From those who call Barking home to those just passing through, this guide ensures festive memories.
This Christmas season, explore the enchanting Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, where dazzling lights and festive stalls create a magical atmosphere. Experience the lively Christmas Markets at Covent Garden, featuring unique crafts and seasonal delights that celebrate the spirit of the holidays. And the Ice Skating at Somerset House is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a picturesque setting for a classic winter pastime. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Barking
- Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park (London)
- Christmas Markets at Covent Garden (London)
- Christmas Light Displays at Kew Gardens (London)
- Ice Skating at Somerset House (London)
- Thames River Cruises (London)
- Christmas Special Bus Tours (London)
- Christmas Plays and Ballets at various theaters (London)
- Christmas Fayre at Clumber Park (Worksop)
- The Snowman Sculpture Trail at Clumber Park (Worksop)
- Music in the Chapel at Clumber Park (Worksop)
See these and even more events listed below!
Barking Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Light Displays at Kew Gardens
What to Expect:
Illuminated botanical garden with seasonal sounds and festive food.
Description:
Stroll through Kew Gardens at night and marvel at twinkling lights, dancing lakeside reflections, and jewel-like coloured trees. Discover glittering tunnels of light, mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, and larger-than-life illuminations. Enjoy festive delights from independent street food vendors and glimpse Father Christmas along the way.
Where: London | More Info: Christmas Light Displays at Kew Gardens
Barking Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Markets at Covent Garden
What to Expect:
Iconic Christmas tree and festive market stalls.
Description:
Covent Garden Christmas Markets feature iconic decorations, a 60ft Christmas tree, and traditional markets selling handmade gifts and seasonal food.
Where: London | More Info: Christmas Markets at Covent Garden
Christmas Fayre at Clumber Park
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas market with handmade goods and festive treats.
Description:
Clumber Park's Christmas Fayre offers a variety of stalls selling handmade treasures and festive delights, set amidst the park's historic buildings and beautiful surroundings.
Where: Worksop | More Info: Christmas Fayre at Clumber Park
Barking Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
What to Expect:
Largest open-air ice rink in the UK with over 100,000 lights.
Description:
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a six-week event featuring over 200 activities, including ice skating, carnival rides, and festive entertainment. Enjoy traditional German cuisine, mulled wine, and live music amidst the UK's largest open-air ice rink and stunning ice sculptures.
Where: London | More Info: Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
Christmas Plays and Ballets at various theaters
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Join Clara on a fantastical adventure through Edwardian London as she meets an enchanted Nutcracker doll and embarks on a journey filled with colour and wonder. Choreographed by English National Ballet’s Artistic Director, Aaron S. Watkin, and Olivier Award-winner Arielle Smith, this new interpretation of the classic festive ballet combines exquisite dancing with spectacular sets and costumes designed by Dick Bird. English National Ballet Philharmonic performs Tchaikovsky’s iconic score live.
Where: London | More Info: Christmas Plays and Ballets at various theaters
Music in the Chapel at Clumber Park
What to Expect:
Traditional and modern Christmas music performances in a historic chapel setting.
Description:
The Music in the Chapel at Clumber Park features a selection of Christmas music performed by the New Chamber Choir and other local artists, ranging from traditional sacred carols to jazz arrangements of modern classics.
Where: Worksop | More Info: Music in the Chapel at Clumber Park
Traditional Carol Service at Clumber Park
What to Expect:
Traditional carol service with live music and readings.
Description:
Join us for a traditional carol service at Clumber Park, featuring the Thoresby Colliery Band playing nine carols and nine readings from Genesis, celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Where: Worksop | More Info: Traditional Carol Service at Clumber Park
Barking Other Holiday Activities
Ice Skating at Somerset House
What to Expect:
Unrivalled skating experience with gourmet dining and live music.
Description:
Ice skating at Somerset House offers an unparalleled winter experience with skating lessons, chilled-out sessions, and trailblazing DJs. Enjoy gourmet dining at The Chalet and festive cheer at the Skate Lounge by Whispering Angel. The event also features exclusive evenings hosted by Virgin Atlantic Holidays and festive shopping at Shelter Boutique.
Where: London | More Info: Ice Skating at Somerset House
Christmas Special Bus Tours
What to Expect:
Paddington-themed afternoon tea with a guided animation of London landmarks.
Description:
Embark on a Paddington-themed afternoon tea bus tour through Central London, passing iconic landmarks like Big Ben and St. Paul's Cathedral. Enjoy a specially crafted menu featuring the best marmalade sandwiches, accompanied by Paddington and Mrs. Bird's narration.
Where: London | More Info: Christmas Special Bus Tours
Thames River Cruises
What to Expect:
Guided commentary in 10 languages and BSL.
Description:
Embark on a 40-minute circular sightseeing boat tour along the River Thames, witnessing iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Tower Bridge. Expert commentary in multiple languages and a British Sign Language guide enhance your experience.
Where: London | More Info: Thames River Cruises
The Snowman Sculpture Trail at Clumber Park
What to Expect:
Giant Snowman sculptures inspired by The Twelve Days of Christmas.
Description:
At Clumber Park, explore a trail of twelve giant Snowman sculptures inspired by the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. Each sculpture is decorated with designs that reflect themes of friendship, imagination, and adventure from the heart-warming picture book, The Snowman.
Where: Worksop | More Info: The Snowman Sculpture Trail at Clumber Park
Heritage & Horticulture Amble at Clumber Park
What to Expect:
Monthly themed walks through Clumber Park's historic grounds.
Description:
Explore Clumber Park's core visitor area on a guided walk, discovering snippets of the estate's ducal history and seasonal highlights. Each month features a different theme and route, no longer than 3km.
Where: Worksop | More Info: Heritage & Horticulture Amble at Clumber Park
Tinsel Trek at Clumber Park
What to Expect:
Volunteer-led winter walk through Clumber Park's scenic trails.
Description:
Embark on a 6-7 mile volunteer-led walk through Clumber Park's winter scenery, blowing away cobwebs and exploring the park's grand past.
Where: Worksop | More Info: Tinsel Trek at Clumber Park
Lantern Walk at Clumber Park
What to Expect:
Guided evening walk highlighting historical tales.
Description:
Take a guided walk around Clumber Park's Pleasure Grounds at dusk to hear tales about the lives of the Dukes of Newcastle and see the park in a different light.
Where: Worksop | More Info: Lantern Walk at Clumber Park
Elves Eatery at Clumber Park
What to Expect:
Hot and cold snack options in a festive setting.
Description:
The Elves Eatery at Clumber Park offers a variety of hot and cold snacks, including festive sandwiches, roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, speciality hot chocolates, and mulled wine. It is open every day through the school holidays.
Where: Worksop | More Info: Elves Eatery at Clumber Park
Santa Paws at Clumber Park
What to Expect:
Special treats for dogs during the holiday season.
Description:
Treat your four-legged friends to a visit from Santa Paws at Central Bark, where they can enjoy a special treat and some festive fun.
Where: Worksop | More Info: Santa Paws at Clumber Park
Festive Fun Day in Barking
What to Expect:
Free activities with nutritious meals for school-age children.
Description:
The Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme in Barking and Dagenham offers a variety of fun, enriching, and healthy activities for children aged 5-16. Each activity includes a nutritious hot meal, keeps children active, and provides opportunities for making friends and having fun. Free spaces are available for children eligible for benefit-related free school meals, with paid places also available.
Where: Barking | More Info: Festive Fun Day in Barking
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Ilford (2 miles)
- Becontree (2 miles)
- Thamesmead (3 miles)
- Canning Town (3 miles)
- Stratford (4 miles)
- Dagenham (4 miles)
- Leytonstone (4 miles)
- Bow (4 miles)
- Canary Wharf (5 miles)
- Welling (5 miles)
- Romford (5 miles)
- Blackheath (6 miles)
- Woodford Green (6 miles)
- Eltham (6 miles)
- Hornchurch (6 miles)
- Walthamstow (6 miles)
- Bexley (7 miles)
- Stamford Hill (7 miles)
- Catford (8 miles)
- Chingford (8 miles)
- Peckham (8 miles)
- Highbury (8 miles)
- Islington (8 miles)
- Tottenham (8 miles)
- Dartford (8 miles)
- Edmonton (9 miles)
- Holloway (9 miles)
- London (9 miles)
- Brixton (9 miles)
- Archway (10 miles)
- City of Westminster (10 miles)
- Wood Green (10 miles)
- Camden Town (10 miles)
- Beckenham (10 miles)
- Chalk Farm (10 miles)
- Swanley (10 miles)
- Muswell Hill (10 miles)
- Enfield Town (11 miles)
- Battersea (11 miles)
- Grays (11 miles)
- Brentwood (11 miles)
- Chelsea (11 miles)
- Streatham (12 miles)
- Kilburn (12 miles)
- Cheshunt (13 miles)
- Fulham (13 miles)
- Finchley (13 miles)
- Cricklewood (13 miles)
- Croydon (13 miles)
- Shepherds Bush (13 miles)
- Willesden (14 miles)
- Gravesend (14 miles)
- Putney (14 miles)
- Mitcham (14 miles)
- South Croydon (14 miles)
- Hadley Wood (14 miles)
- Barnet (15 miles)
- Wimbledon (15 miles)
- Barnes (15 miles)
- Chiswick (15 miles)
- Stanford-le-Hope (15 miles)
- Morden (15 miles)
- Wallington (16 miles)
- Acton (16 miles)
- Carshalton (16 miles)
- Potters Bar (16 miles)
- Billericay (16 miles)
- Purley (16 miles)
- Basildon (16 miles)
- Hoddesdon (16 miles)
- Wembley (16 miles)
- Brent (17 miles)
- Harlow (17 miles)
- New Malden (17 miles)
- Richmond (17 miles)
- Sutton (18 miles)
- Borehamwood (18 miles)
- Coulsdon (18 miles)
- Harrow (18 miles)
- Pitsea (18 miles)
- Sevenoaks (19 miles)
- Caterham (19 miles)
- Isleworth (19 miles)
- Greenford (19 miles)
- Surbiton (19 miles)
- Ewell (19 miles)
- Banstead (19 miles)
- Northolt (19 miles)
- Hertford (19 miles)
- Strood (20 miles)
- Southall (20 miles)
- Hounslow (20 miles)
- Wickford (20 miles)
- Heston (20 miles)
- South Benfleet (21 miles)
- Hatfield (21 miles)
- Epsom (21 miles)
- Rochester (21 miles)
- Hanworth (21 miles)
- Canvey Island (21 miles)
- Chelmsford (22 miles)
- Hayes (22 miles)
- Chatham (22 miles)
- Ruislip (22 miles)
- Feltham (22 miles)
- Watford (22 miles)
- Welwyn Garden City (22 miles)
- Gillingham (22 miles)
- Esher (22 miles)
- Rayleigh (23 miles)
- Redhill (23 miles)
- St Albans (23 miles)
- Sunbury-on-Thames (23 miles)
- Bishops Stortford (24 miles)
- Walton-on-Thames (24 miles)
- Reigate (24 miles)
- Leatherhead (24 miles)
- Ashford (24 miles)
- Uxbridge (24 miles)
- Tonbridge (25 miles)
- Maidstone (26 miles)
- Staines (26 miles)
- Horley (27 miles)
- Southend-on-Sea (27 miles)
- Harpenden (27 miles)
- Hemel Hempstead (27 miles)
- Gerrards Cross (28 miles)
- Chalfont Saint Peter (28 miles)
- Egham (28 miles)
- Stevenage (28 miles)
- East Grinstead (29 miles)
- Royal Tunbridge Wells (29 miles)
- Maldon (29 miles)
- Slough (29 miles)
- Windsor (30 miles)
- Witham (30 miles)
- Sittingbourne (31 miles)
- Braintree (31 miles)
- Crawley (31 miles)
- Woking (31 miles)
- Amersham (31 miles)
- Chesham (31 miles)
- Berkhamsted (32 miles)
- Luton (32 miles)
- Hitchin (33 miles)
- Crowborough (33 miles)
- Letchworth Garden City (34 miles)
- Maidenhead (35 miles)
- Guildford (35 miles)
- Dunstable (36 miles)
- High Wycombe (36 miles)
- Bracknell (37 miles)
- Horsham (37 miles)
- Haywards Heath (38 miles)
- Camberley (38 miles)
- Godalming (39 miles)
- Crowthorne (39 miles)
- Sandhurst (40 miles)
- Farnborough (40 miles)
- Wokingham (40 miles)
- Burgess Hill (41 miles)
- Haverhill (41 miles)
- Leighton Buzzard (41 miles)
- Yateley (41 miles)
- Aldershot (41 miles)
- Ampthill (42 miles)
- Whitstable (42 miles)
- Colchester (43 miles)
- Fleet (43 miles)
- Aylesbury (43 miles)
- Lower Earley (44 miles)
- Farnham (44 miles)
- Sudbury (45 miles)