Festive events for a fun-filled December

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

To help you get into the holiday spirit and make the most of the wintery weather, we’ve compiled a list of events happening across the UK this month.

Why not team up with some fellow Chevening Scholars and enjoy them together!

1. Christmas markets

Wherever you are in the UK, a Christmas market complete with festive food, rides, and attractions, won’t be far away! Here are some of the big ones:

• England: Birmingham’s Frankfurt Market, Manchester Christmas Markets, York Christmas Market, Stratford Upon Avon’s Traditional Victorian Christmas Market, Southbank Winter Festival, Christmas in Covent Garden, Kingston German-style Christmas Market
• Scotland: Edinburgh Christmas Market
• Northern Ireland: Belfast Christmas Market
• Wales: Cardiff Christmas Market

2. Wonderlands
‘A beautiful sight
We’re happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland…’

You too could be walking in a winter wonderland at one of the following!

• Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park in London
• Santa’s Winter Wonderland at the Snowdome in Staffordshire
• Swansea Waterfront Winterland in Wales
• Enchanted Winter Garden in Northern Ireland

3. Christmassy attractions

The UK has some great theme parks and attractions, but when they’re decked out with Christmas decorations, they become even more magical! Here are some examples:

• Hogwarts in the Snow: The Making of Harry Potter Studio
• Christmas at Cadbury World
• Christmas Bricktacular at Legoland Discovery Centre

4. Carol concerts

If you’re based in London, Royal Albert Hall and Westminster Abbey put on some amazing performances at this time of year. For more relaxed singalongs, you’ll find festive concerts staged all over the UK, including Carols by Candlelight in Bristol, Carols in the Courtyard in Kent, and the Christmas Carol Concert in Aberdeen.

5. Pantomimes

Going to see a pantomime in the lead up to Christmas is a popular tradition in the UK. Get ready for lots of feel-good fun and laughter with theatrical productions like:

• Peter Pan at the Bristol Hippodrome
• Cinderella at the Milton Keynes Theatre
• Jack and The Beanstalk at the Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent

6. Ice-skating

The cold season doesn’t have to mean sedentary time! You’ll find lots of pop-up ice skating rinks to get you moving, including:

• Royal Pavilion Ice Rink in Brighton
• Portsmouth on Ice
• Eden Project Ice Rink in Cornwall
• Bath on Ice
• The Queen’s House Ice Rink in Greenwich, London
• Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland

7. Glittered parks and light shows

Winter means shorter days and longer nights, but attending Christmas at Kew in London, Illuminated Arboretum in Staffordshire, Longleat’s Festival of Light in Wiltshire, or any other light show, is a sure way to brighten up your evening!

8. Festive crafts

Throughout December, you’re likely to spot lots of festive wreaths on people’s front doors. Why not show off your creative side and have a go at making one of your own? You’ll find a number of workshops across the UK that are supported by the National Trust. Your university might also offer some festive craft sessions for you to get involved in.

9. Hogmanay

Celebrate ‘Hogmanay’, the Scots word for the last day of the old year. Every year, there are a variety of events ranging from disco nights and street parties to torchlight processions and candlelit concerts. Learn more here.

10. New Year’s Eve Fireworks

As always, London will be putting on an extravagant firework display to see in the new year! Whether you watch it on TV or in person, or attend another firework display closer to you, why not link up with some fellow Cheveners to enjoy the festivities together!