Top 5 Things To Do in December
This December, we’ve got plenty of inspirational ideas for the festive season!
Find a fun-filled Christmas event near you, go on an immersive journey through Neverland at Kenwood, get the kids making crafts, and find a relaxing winter walk for the Twixmas period.
1. Find a Christmas event near you
Asking yourself 'what Christmas events are on near me'? We've got plenty of fun-filled events and activities across the country to help you get in the festive spirit!
Take the kids to meet Father Christmas, enjoy festive fun at our historic sites or maybe indulge in a Festive Afternoon Tea.
And for those who can hold a note, why not join in one of our carol concerts?
Find a Christmas event near you2. Step into Neverland at Kenwood
This Christmas, step into a story filled with imagination and spectacle.
Follow Tinkerbell on an unforgettable journey through Christmas lights at historic Kenwood to a place of magic, imagination and adventure. Leave the ordinary behind and follow the stars through an enchanting new outdoor light trail like no other.
Perfect for those seeking an immersive Christmas experience in London for the whole family. Second to the right, and straight on till morning!
Book tickets for Neverland at Kenwood3. Stay in and get crafty
If the weather's just too horrible to get outside, you can get into the seasonal spirit with our selection box of Christmas things to make and do.
Make your own Victorian Christmas crafts or help the kids to create crackers, advent calendar and Christmas cards.
You can also celebrate the winter solstice from the comfort of your own home on Sunday 21 December by following our livestream on YouTube or Facebook.
4. Make and paint your own Shaun
If Christmas crafts aren't your bag, maybe Shaun the Sheep is!
You can paint your own ceramic Shaun at Wrest Park and Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens on weekends throughout December.
If you want to go a step further, you can make your own model of Shaun with an expert model-maker from Aardman.
And of course you can still follow our trails to Find The Flock at Wrest and Belsay throughout the festive period.
5. Go for a Twixmas walk
Over-indulged at Christmas and feel the need to walk it off in the fresh air?
Plenty of our castles, abbeys, gardens and historic sites are open between Christmas and New Year and provide the perfect place to get out and about after the festive period.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful winter wander, a dose of history or a big family day out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Find somewhere to visit over TwixmasThe month in history
- On 25 December 1066 Duke William of Normandy marched into London and was crowned King of England. This was after his defeat of Harold II at the Battle of Hastings, which gained him the title of ‘William the Conqueror.’
- Charles Darwin embarked on his five-year-long expedition aboard the HMS Beagle on 27 December 1831. This journey and the discoveries made upon it would contribute to Darwin’s ground-breaking theory of evolution, much of which was written at Down House.
- Prince Albert died on 14 December 1861, at the age of 42. Queen Victoria entered a state of permanent deep mourning, famously only wearing black until her death 40 years later. Both Queen Victoria and Albert shared many happy memories at Osborne, their holiday home.
- Olympic athlete Harold Abrahams was born on 15 December 1899. His former home at 2 Hodford Road is now marked by a blue plaque. It was while living at this address that Abrahams won his famous gold medal at the 1924 Olympics.
More to explore
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Inspire Me
We’ve handpicked our favourite articles, guides and stories to inspire your next day out. Find out what's new in our historic gardens, flick through the latest travel guides and read about seasonal scenic walks.
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THE ENGLISH HERITAGE PODCAST
Every object has a story to tell - but how can one mystery item lead us on a journey through history, people and places? Amy Matthews explores tales from unexpected places.
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