/ 19 October 2026

The Best Christmas Experiences To Book This Year

From festive stays in the countryside to candlelit carol concerts and London's most sought-after seasonal traditions, Christmas is all the more special with something to look forward to. Whether you're planning a memorable family outing, a weekend away or an elegant evening with friends, these are the experiences worth booking ahead for Christmas 2026.

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THE LUXURY STAY

Four Seasons Hampshire

Whether you’re planning a quintessential family Christmas, a romantic break for two or a stylish start to the New Year, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is hard to beat. Set within 500 acres, this elegant Georgian estate takes on extra festive magic, with roaring fires, decorations and seasonal sparkle. The two-night Christmas package includes accommodation, Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day breakfast and lunch, and Boxing Day breakfast, alongside thoughtful touches such as a curated hamper, a traditional stocking and child-friendly activities, culminating in a grand arrival from Santa on Christmas morning. For New Year, highlights include a dinner voucher for 30th December, New Year’s Eve dinner, a spectacular midnight celebration outside the Manor House and a New Year’s Day lunch buffet. Between festivities, explore the grounds, try clay pigeon shooting or archery, or unwind in the spa. Younger guests can enjoy the kids’ club and family adventure pool, as well as pony grooming, horse riding, falconry, nature walks and carriage rides.

Dogmersfield Park, Chalky Lane, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 8TD; various dates

Visit FourSeasons.com

THE PANTO

Cinderella At The London Palladium

The London Palladium’s much-loved Christmas panto returns with a particularly exciting double act. Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders will reunite as the Ugly Sisters, bringing their famously sharp comic timing to the stage, while Julian Clary is also back with his trademark innuendo and double entendres. The familiar aspects will be there: extravagant costumes, plenty of audience participation and all the chaos of a traditional pantomime, with a stellar cast adding to the appeal.

Argyll Street, Soho, W1F 7TF; 5th December 2026-10th January 2027

Visit LWTheatres.co.uk

THE ICE RINK

Skate At Somerset House

Somerset House’s annual ice rink returns this winter, turning its 18th-century courtyard into a festive playground for all ages. Take the grandchildren skating beneath a 40ft Christmas tree, before warming up with hot chocolate and raclette at The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia. Younger children can build their confidence on the ice with skating lessons or Kids Skate Club sessions, while teenagers might prefer Skate Lates, where resident DJs, touring acts and K-pop sessions bring a livelier edge to the experience. With rinkside views from the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse and plenty of seasonal treats to enjoy between sessions, it’s a great way to spend time together and make a festive day of it.

Strand, WC2R 1LA; 11th November 2026-10th January 2027; tickets from £11

Visit SomersetHouse.org.uk

THE UK BREAK

Christmas At Chatsworth

For a change of pace this Christmas, escape to the Peak District, where Chatsworth House and its gardens will be transformed by The 12 Days of Christmas. Created with artists, designers and makers, the festive installations bring the familiar carol to life through music, projections and imaginative displays. After dark, a new light trail winds through the gardens, while the estate’s Christmas market offers more than 100 exhibitors selling seasonal food, drink and gifts. There are also wreath-making workshops, festive craft sessions and storytelling for children. Make a weekend of it with a stay at one of the estate’s country inns, the refurbished Cavendish Hotel or a private cottage. Selected Christmas packages include seasonal dining, from Christmas Eve dinner to Christmas Day lunch.

Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1PP; 7th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027; Christmas market until 13th December

Visit Chatsworth.org

THE MODERN BALLET

Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella

Matthew Bourne’s award-winning take on Cinderella returns to London this winter for its 30th anniversary, reimagining the familiar fairytale against the backdrop of the Second World War. Set during the Blitz, this is a darker, more dramatic love story, following Cinderella and an RAF pilot whose chance encounter leads to one magical night before the realities of war intervene. Expect atmospheric staging, striking choreography and a cinematic sense of storytelling, making this a compelling alternative to a traditional Christmas ballet. Tickets start from £19

Sadler’s Wells, 62 Rosebery Avenue, Islington, EC1R 4TN; 1st December 2026-17th January 2027

Visit LondonTheatreDirect.com

FOR GOING ALL OUT

Christmas At Claridge's

Christmas at Claridge’s is a Mayfair tradition and its famous Christmas tree is a festive landmark in its own right. Each year, the hotel invites a leading designer or fashion house to reimagine the tree, with past collaborations including Louis Vuitton, Sir Paul Smith and Burberry – but who is in charge of this year’s tree is still under wraps. However, for those looking to make a proper occasion of the season, the hotel’s three-night Christmas stay includes a champagne welcome, festive treats and a Christmas lunch, alongside a visit from Father Christmas, Christmas morning carols and a horse-drawn carriage ride through Mayfair, complete with hot chocolate and marshmallows. Children can also enjoy festive activities with Sharky & George, while selected suites come with their own Christmas tree.

Brook St, Mayfair, W1K 4HR

Visit Maybourne.com

THE SING-ALONG CONCERT

Christmas At The Royal Albert Hall

From carol concerts to orchestral performances and Christmas film screenings, the Royal Albert Hall has a full programme of festive events this winter. Highlights include Sir John Rutter’s Christmas Celebration (tickets start from £24) bringing together the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and The Bach Choir for seasonal classics and singalong carols, alongside screenings of Home Alone accompanied by a live orchestra.

Kensington Gore, South Kensington, SW7 2AP; various dates in December; Sir John Rutter’s Christmas Celebration, 4th December

Visit RoyalAlbertHall.com

THE DICKENSIAN CLASSIC

A Christmas Carol At The Old Vic

A Christmas classic worth returning to, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol comes back to The Old Vic for another festive season. Jack Thorne’s adaptation, directed by Matthew Warchus, brings Scrooge’s journey from miserly isolation to redemption to life with music, mince pies and plenty of theatrical magic. This year, Hamilton star Giles Terera takes on the role of Scrooge, adding another reason to book tickets.

103 The Cut, Waterloo, SE1 8NB; 10th November 2026 to 9th January 2027; suitable for ages 8+

Visit LondonTheatreDirect.com

Tristram Kenton/The Royal Ballet

THE TRADITIONAL EVENT

The Nutcracker At The Royal Ballet

Few Christmas traditions are as enduring as The Nutcracker and The Royal Ballet’s much-loved production is a classic for a reason. Set to Tchaikovsky’s instantly recognisable score, Peter Wright’s staging follows Clara on a magical adventure from a Christmas Eve party into a fantastical world of toy soldiers, where she also meets the Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Julia Trevelyan Oman’s period designs bring warmth and grandeur to the production, plus this season also marks the centenary of choreographer Peter Wright. Tickets start from £10.

Bow Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD; 3rd December 2026 to 13th January 2027

Visit RBO.org.uk

THE COUNTRY ESCAPE

Christmas At Bolton Abbey

Bolton Abbey offers plenty of reasons to head to the Yorkshire Dales this winter. The 30,000-acre estate’s festive programme includes a 12 Days of Christmas trail through Strid Wood, with clues inspired by the traditional carol, alongside wreath-making workshops using foliage gathered on the estate. The Father Christmas Village also returns, while winter markets across the first two weekends of December bring together local makers selling gifts and seasonal treats. Make a weekend of it with a stay at The Devonshire Arms, where festive dining, afternoon tea and Christmas packages are on offer, or book one of the estate’s characterful cottages. Sleeping six to eight, some come with hot tubs and views across the surrounding landscape.

Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6EX; 28th November 2026-3rd January 2027; winter markets on the first two weekends of December

Visit BoltonAbbeyEscapes.co.uk

THE FESTIVE LIGHT TRAIL

Christmas At Kew

One of London's most anticipated festive traditions, Christmas at Kew returns for 2026 with a new illuminated trail through the gardens. Expect larger-than-life light installations, colourful tunnels and immersive soundscapes, with Father Christmas making a special appearance. Along the way, stop at the traditional fairground or pick up festive street food, toasted marshmallows, mulled wine and hot chocolate. New for this year, there will also be two adults-only evenings on 3rd and 9th December, offering a chance to experience the trail without little ones in tow.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AE; 13th November 2026-3rd January 2027

Visit Kew.org

THE GOOD CAUSE

Child Bereavement UK’s Christmas Carol Concert

For a festive evening that also supports an important cause, Child Bereavement UK’s annual carol concert returns to Knightsbridge this December. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the evening will feature readings from Dame Mary Berry, Nick Knowles, Trinny Woodall and Patricia Hodge, alongside festive performances from Eden-Rose, The Red Hot Strings and Wycombe Abbey School Choir. Taking place in the atmospheric surroundings of St Paul’s Church, the concert offers a chance to enjoy seasonal music and readings while raising funds for a charity supporting children, young people and families affected by the death of a loved one. Tickets cost £40 per adult, £15 per child and include a wine and mince pie reception after the concert.

32a Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 8SH; 2nd December, 6.30pm-8pm

Visit ChildBereavementUK.org

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