12 Christmas events to get you in the festive spirit

The Christmas countdown has started, and these are the best days out, attractions, shows and events to help you make the most of it

When does Christmas start? Is it when the lights go up? When the shops start playing Mariah Carey? When you binge eat all the little chocolates inside the advent calendar? Christmas starts whenever you want it to, of course – and the weeks and months leading up to 25 December are sometimes better than the day itself, with Christmas movies, Christmas food, Christmas adverts and Christmas activities all an important part of the magic.

The best way of spreading Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, but the second-best way is to start getting out and about to some festive Christmas events – with plays, exhibitions, ice rinks, candlelit concerts, shows and live film scores all now booking up.

If you need a bit of inspiration to make this year’s countdown to Christmas memorable, here are our top 12 picks for 2025 (one for each of the 12 days of Christmas):

Elf The Musical

Catch everyone’s beloved accidental elf, Buddy, on his quest to find his birth father and the meaning of family in a stage production of the Christmas classic Elf. Perfect for festive cheer for the whole family, Elf The Musical is booking now for shows from 28 October 2025 through to 3 January 2026.

A Christmas Carol

For the Dickens purists, Jack Thorne’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol is back at the Old Vic, starring Paul Hilton as Ebenezer Scrooge. Thorne’s previous credits include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and the Emmy-winning Netflix production, Adolescence – so you are guaranteed a magical, high-quality production of this classic Christmas tale. Explore themes of love and redemption, grab a mulled wine and enjoy the wonder of A Christmas Carol this festive season, now booking from 18 November 2025 through to 10 January 2026.

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong

For the non-conformists, perhaps you’ve had enough of a “classic” Christmas tale, and you’re looking for something a little sillier. Look no further than Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, the perfect production mates, dates, or even the Grinch-iest of family members. From Mischief, the same company that brought you The Play That Goes Wrong and The Comedy About a Bank Robbery, enjoy the self-proclaimed “worst production in Christmas past, present, and yet to come” and enjoy this comedic take on festive cheer.

Wicked

The 10th longest-running show on the West End, Wicked tells the story of good and evil, female friendship, and self acceptance. The untold story of Oz’s Wicked Witch of the West as she comes of age at Shiz University, Wicked packs in storytelling, a dazzling score and breathtaking sets that defy gravity – what better way to spend Christmas than with Elphaba and Glinda in the wonderful world of Oz?

Disney on Ice presents Find Your Hero

Discover the hero inside of you this Christmas at Disney On Ice‘s new show, Find Your Hero, touring the UK from 29 October 2025 to 4 January 2026. Catch Olaf and Elsa, Moana and Maui, Mirabel and Bruno, and more in a city near you as the magic of your favourite Disney characters is brought to life in a glitzy winter wonderland.

Boots presents Glide at Battersea Power Station

For those who don’t just want to see the action on ice, but be part of the action on ice, Glide returns to Battersea Power Station this November. Unleash your inner Kristi Yamaguchi or grab a penguin skate aid and learn with the little ones – Glide caters to the whole family. Whether you’d like to book a private igloo to relax during your ice skating session, or enjoy a mulled wine and a mince pie while taking in the festivities, you can do it all at Glide. Plus, this year sees the opening of a one-of-a-kind riverside skate-trail, letting you sweep along a magical promenade alongside the main rink.

Phantom Peak

If winter wonderland is not really your speed and you’d prefer something a little more out there, why not take a trip to Phantom Peak this Christmas – ahem – “Wintermas“. Join Father Platmas, Jonas and the rest of JONACO as they uncover the hidden mysteries of Phantom Peak, building on previous lore and introducing new quests. The immersive open-world adventure may just be the best way to spend your Christmas period if you really want to treat the family to something completely new and unexpected.

My Neighbour Totoro

The festive period isn’t just about pantomimes or Christmas carols, but a time to spend with loved ones, a time for cosiness and togetherness. What’s cosier than a giant, friendly, furry wood spirit named Totoro? Based on the 1988 Studio Ghibli film, My Neighbour Totoro is an enchanting and endearing stage production that tells the story of young sisters Mei and Satsuki on their adventures with woodland spirits in rural Japan. The heartwarming story explores themes of friendship, sisterhood, family and connection – all of which we can all be thankful for in the cold winter months.

Good Housekeeping Live with Country Living Christmas Market

In partnership with L’Oréal Paris, Good Housekeeping Live is back this November for four days of great panels, celebrity guest speakers, taste-testing, gourmet food and drinks, and stalls of handcrafted goods primed to be your loved ones’ favourite Christmas gift. Enjoy the new champagne bar and festive food market, and conversations led by an array of special guests including Raymond Blanc, Clare Balding, Mary Portas, Alexander Armstrong and Dilly Carter.

Believe! The Polar Express Experience

A fully immersive event based on the hit film, Believe! The Polar Express Experience at Victoria Warehouse, Manchester, allows you to step onto the glittery carriages of the famous train, and journey across the North Pole. Visitors will be treated to images of the Caribou Forest, a Northern Lights display and snowy landscapes alongside beloved characters such as Hero and The Conductor. Plus, join a pyjama party, send a note to Santa and find out if you’ve been naughty or nice at the North Pole. (And maybe even meet and take a picture with Santa himself.) Now booking from 14 November 2025 to 31 December 2025.

Home Alone In Concert

Hunkering down to watch all your favourite Christmas classics this festive season? Upgrade your holiday movie experience with the live In Concert series. And this December, you can watch Home Alone in all its glory, with a live orchestra playing the movie’s score live to picture. See the 1990 cult classic at Sheffield City Hall on 9 December and Connexin Live, Hull, on 10 December.

Lastminute.com London Eye

Get a Santa’s eye view of the capital from one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks – the best way to see the London Christmas lights this year. From the top of the Eye you’ll be able to see Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace, but also the glow of Oxford Street, Covent Garden and Glide at Battersea Power Station. The wheel stays open for longer in the lead-up to Christmas, and the night-time decorations look fantastic.

For the latest on Christmas events near you this year, check out our Things To Do guide