Find your holiday cheer in Nelson with our ultimate guide. For Nelson regulars and holiday explorers, this guide is your companion for festive fun.
Popular events during the festive season include the enchanting Castle Howard Christmas, where visitors can revel in twinkling lights and splendid decorations that transform the stately home into a winter wonderland. Alternatively, Edinburgh’s Christmas offers a vibrant festive market with an array of handmade gifts, delicious treats, and exciting rides. And the magical Christmas at Kew, London, is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring spectacular light displays set against the backdrop of the stunning botanical gardens. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Nelson
- Christmas at Kew, London (London)
- Castle Howard Christmas (York)
- Edinburgh’s Christmas (Edinburgh)
- Hampton Court ice rink (London)
- Blenheim Palace Christmas (Woodstock)
- Cairngorm Reindeer Herd (Aviemore)
- Fenwick Christmas Window Reveal (Newcastle)
- Santa on the Roof at Fenwick Newcastle (Newcastle)
- Ice Skating at Life Science Centre (Newcastle)
- Christmas at Hobbledown (Hounslow)
See these and even more events listed below!
Nelson Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at Kew, London
What to Expect:
Illuminated botanical garden with festive food and drink options.
Description:
Christmas at Kew is a spectacular light trail through the Royal Botanic Gardens, featuring twinkling lights, seasonal sounds, and festive food vendors.
Where: London | More Info: Christmas at Kew, London
Blenheim Palace Christmas
What to Expect:
Illuminated light trail and themed State Rooms.
Description:
Blenheim Palace transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with an illuminated light trail, themed State Rooms, and a festive Christmas Market. The event features a swashbuckling adventure in Neverland, a magical glimpse of Father Christmas, and the opportunity to skate in the Palace's Great Court.
Where: Woodstock | More Info: Blenheim Palace Christmas
Winter Twi-Light Fest at Crealy Theme Park & Resort
What to Expect:
Rides and light displays under the stars.
Description:
Crealy Theme Park & Resort presents Winter Twi-Light Fest, featuring rides in the dark and winter light displays, including a magical light tunnel.
Where: Exeter | More Info: Winter Twi-Light Fest at Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Glow Wild at Wakehurst
What to Expect:
Interactive light trail with handcrafted lanterns and bespoke installations.
Description:
Explore Wakehurst's illuminated woodland trail featuring over 1,000 handcrafted lanterns and exclusive light installations by leading artists. Discover iconic Christmas tree, giant flying owl, and fiery hidden dragon amidst the thousand lanterns.
Where: Haywards Heath | More Info: Glow Wild at Wakehurst
Christmas in Chester
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with interactive animal puppets.
Description:
Explore vibrant lands at Chester Zoo featuring orangutans, elephants, and lions, with a glowing tunnel of lights, festive treats, and Father Christmas in his workshop.
Where: Chester | More Info: Christmas in Chester
Nelson Holiday Markets and Shopping
Edinburgh’s Christmas
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas Markets with local and international vendors.
Description:
Edinburgh’s Christmas transforms the city centre into a vibrant destination for festive family fun, featuring traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, live outdoor events, and delicious food and drink.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Edinburgh’s Christmas
Christmas Markets in Newcastle
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and seasonal treats in a bustling city center.
Description:
Newcastle Christmas Market offers a vibrant shopping experience with local traders, food stalls, and family-friendly activities, set in the heart of the city.
Where: Newcastle | More Info: Christmas Markets in Newcastle
Christmas Markets in Gateshead
What to Expect:
Extensive range of local goods and festive food options.
Description:
The Gateshead Stadium Indoor & Outdoor Christmas Market offers a comprehensive shopping experience with 200 stalls, featuring a variety of local goods, food, and drinks. Enjoy hog roast, log-fired pizza, hot drinks, cocktails, mulled wine, and cider, along with fairground rides and more.
Where: Gateshead | More Info: Christmas Markets in Gateshead
Nelson Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Castle Howard Christmas
What to Expect:
Immersive Alice-themed experience with themed tea parties and unique dining options.
Description:
Castle Howard Christmas features Alice's Christmas Wonderland, where visitors follow the White Rabbit through grand halls and regal rooms, enjoying whimsical decorations and special mementos. The event includes Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea, a Bettys pop-up shop, and various festive activities.
Where: York | More Info: Castle Howard Christmas
The Snowman Family Concert
What to Expect:
Family-friendly concert with signed performances and a chill-out space.
Description:
The Snowman Family Concert features a timeless tale of a boy and his magical snowman, shown on a big screen and accompanied by the Ulster Orchestra and young guest soloists. This event combines seasonal music and festive fun, making it a must-see for all the family. Signed performances offer a relaxed approach to noise and movement, with a chill-out space available and noise-cancelling headphones provided if needed.
Where: Belfast | More Info: The Snowman Family Concert
Storyhouse Christmas Events
What to Expect:
Interactive fairy-tale performance with pop music and audience participation.
Description:
Storyhouse presents a spectacular Christmas show based on the timeless fairy-tale of Sleeping Beauty, featuring pop favourites, audience interaction, and dazzling dances.
Where: Chester | More Info: Storyhouse Christmas Events
Festive Afternoon Tea at Palm Court, Chester
What to Expect:
Elegant afternoon tea with refined finger foods.
Description:
Indulge in a delightful afternoon tea at Palm Court, Chester, featuring an exquisite selection of teas and delectable finger foods.
Where: Chester | More Info: Festive Afternoon Tea at Palm Court, Chester
Nelson Other Holiday Activities
Hampton Court ice rink
What to Expect:
Historic ice skating experience with scenic palace views.
Description:
Skate through the historic grounds of Hampton Court Palace, enjoying the stunning backdrop of Henry VIII's home. The ice rink offers a variety of skate sessions, including quiet and sensory-friendly options, and features festive refreshments from the onsite café and bar. You can also extend your visit by exploring the palace and its gardens.
Where: London | More Info: Hampton Court ice rink
Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
What to Expect:
Unique opportunity to see tame and friendly reindeer in their natural habitat.
Description:
The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is Britain's only free-ranging reindeer herd, roaming the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland since 1952. With around 150 reindeer, the herd offers daily guided Hill Trips and visits to the reindeer paddocks at the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre in Glenmore.
Where: Aviemore | More Info: Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
Fenwick Christmas Window Reveal
What to Expect:
Iconic festive window display with a new theme each year.
Description:
Fenwick's iconic Christmas window display is a cherished Newcastle tradition, featuring a new theme each year. The 2024 reveal will take place on Sunday, 3rd November, with a live unveiling at 6:30 PM on Fenwick's social media channels. The window will be open for public viewing from Monday, 4th November.
Where: Newcastle | More Info: Fenwick Christmas Window Reveal
Santa on the Roof at Fenwick Newcastle
What to Expect:
Interactive rooftop experience with Santa and festive activities.
Description:
Meet Santa and his elves on Fenwick Newcastle's rooftop, where you can help with festive crafts, enjoy hot drinks, and take in panoramic views of the city.
Where: Newcastle | More Info: Santa on the Roof at Fenwick Newcastle
Ice Skating at Life Science Centre
What to Expect:
Real ice rink in Times Square for all ages.
Description:
Ice skating at Life Science Centre offers a real ice rink experience in Times Square, suitable for all ages and abilities. Sessions last approximately one hour, and skates are provided. Annual science centre members enjoy discounted rates.
Where: Newcastle | More Info: Ice Skating at Life Science Centre
Christmas at Hobbledown
What to Expect:
Interactive festive activities for all ages.
Description:
At Hobbledown Heath, transform into Santa's Secret Village with twinkling lights, festive treat trails, and special visits from Santa. Enjoy cookie decorating, a Teddy Bear Workshop, and a token for a free present from the Hobbledown Elves.
Where: Hounslow | More Info: Christmas at Hobbledown
Dobbies Edinburgh Santa Grotto
What to Expect:
Interactive train-themed journey with Santa.
Description:
At Dobbies Edinburgh Santa Grotto, children embark on a Little Seedlings train-themed journey, experiencing snowy scenes, spotting woodland characters, and finding hidden nutcrackers. They will meet Santa Claus, share their wishes, and receive a wrapped gift.
Where: Lasswade | More Info: Dobbies Edinburgh Santa Grotto
Chester Santa Dash
What to Expect:
Santa-themed charity run with iconic city landmarks.
Description:
Join thousands of Santas in Chester for a 3.3km run through iconic sights like Grosvenor Park, Amphitheatre, Eastgate Clock, Chester Cathedral, and Chester Town Hall. Each participant will receive a Santa Suit medal. This event supports two local charities, the Hospice of the Good Shepherd and the Countess Charity.
Where: Chester | More Info: Chester Santa Dash
The Ice Cream Farm’s Yuletide season
What to Expect:
Inclusive Santa experiences for SEN children.
Description:
The Ice Cream Farm transforms into a winter wonderland with Santa's Grotto, Elves' Workshop, and festive activities like reindeer food making and cookie baking. Enjoy a cozy winter lodge experience, choose gifts from the Elves Emporium, and indulge in two scoops of ice cream.
Where: Tattenhall | More Info: The Ice Cream Farm’s Yuletide season
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Colne (2 miles)
- Burnley (3 miles)
- Accrington (8 miles)
- Rawtenstall (10 miles)
- Rossendale (11 miles)
- Keighley (12 miles)
- Blackburn (13 miles)
- Darwen (14 miles)
- Bingley (15 miles)
- Rochdale (15 miles)
- Halifax (16 miles)
- Bury (17 miles)
- Heywood (17 miles)
- Shipley (18 miles)
- Bradford (18 miles)
- Royton (19 miles)
- Brighouse (19 miles)
- Radcliffe (19 miles)
- Middleton (20 miles)
- Bolton (20 miles)
- Whitefield (20 miles)
- Guiseley (20 miles)
- Oldham (21 miles)
- Yeadon (21 miles)
- Prestwich (21 miles)
- Preston (21 miles)
- Farnworth (21 miles)
- Chorley (21 miles)
- Huddersfield (21 miles)
- Cleckheaton (21 miles)
- Leyland (22 miles)
- Pudsey (22 miles)
- Failsworth (23 miles)
- Walkden (23 miles)
- Westhoughton (24 miles)
- Ashton-under-Lyne (24 miles)
- Salford (24 miles)
- Manchester (24 miles)
- Droylsden (25 miles)
- Atherton (25 miles)
- Tyldesley (25 miles)
- Eccles (25 miles)
- Stalybridge (25 miles)
- Batley (25 miles)
- Dewsbury (25 miles)
- Morley (25 miles)
- Hindley (26 miles)
- Denton (26 miles)
- Leigh (27 miles)
- Leeds (27 miles)
- Hyde (27 miles)
- Wigan (27 miles)
- Stretford (27 miles)
- Urmston (27 miles)
- Ossett (27 miles)
- Lancaster (28 miles)
- Sale (29 miles)
- Glossop (29 miles)
- Harrogate (29 miles)
- Fylde (29 miles)
- Stockport (29 miles)
- Golborne (29 miles)
- Lofthouse (30 miles)
- Ashton in Makerfield (30 miles)
- Wakefield (31 miles)
- Skelmersdale (31 miles)
- Newton-le-Willows (31 miles)
- Altrincham (31 miles)
- Morecambe (31 miles)
- Cheadle Hulme (32 miles)
- Bramhall (33 miles)
- Lytham St Annes (33 miles)
- Ormskirk (33 miles)
- Fleetwood (34 miles)
- Thornton-Cleveleys (34 miles)
- Warrington (34 miles)
- St Helens (34 miles)
- Blackpool (35 miles)
- Wilmslow (35 miles)
- Castleford (35 miles)
- Barnsley (35 miles)
- High Peak (35 miles)
- Great Sankey (35 miles)
- Southport (36 miles)
- Prescot (37 miles)
- Kirkby (37 miles)
- Maghull (37 miles)
- Pontefract (38 miles)
- Chapeltown (39 miles)
- Huyton (39 miles)
- Widnes (39 miles)
- Macclesfield (40 miles)
- Formby (40 miles)
- Runcorn (40 miles)
- Kendal (41 miles)
- Litherland (41 miles)
- Buxton (42 miles)
- Northwich (42 miles)
- Bootle (42 miles)
- Crosby (42 miles)
- Burngreave (43 miles)
- Liverpool (43 miles)
- Sheffield (43 miles)
- Rotherham (44 miles)