Give the reindeer a rest, leave the sleigh behind and hop on board an Express train to discover magical Christmas days out across the North and Scotland for 2024. The cities are abuzz with fabulously festive things to do, from ice skating to Christmas markets, retail therapy and more. If you’re looking for something out of town, there’s everything from an ice circus to a step back in time to Christmas past.
So, whether you’re planning a day out with friends or a trip for the whole family, read on for a roundup of our favourite Christmas days out for 2024.
Where: 37 Otterspool Drive, Liverpool, Aigburth, L17 5AL
When: 23rd November – 24th December
Bring the magic of Christmas to life at Lapland Liverpool at the Otterspool Promenade. This immersive three-hour adventure transports you straight to the North Pole. You’ll be greeted by the Mayor of Lapland, bake festive treats for Santa with Mrs. Claus, help the elves in the workshop make toys, and of course, meet the man himself in Santa’s Grotto. All in all, this makes for the perfect Christmas day out with the family.
Where: Fenwick Newcastle, 39 Northumberland Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7AS
When: 9th November – 23rd December
If afternoon tea with Santa has been on your bucket list (and why wouldn’t it be!), this festive treat at The Terrace Restaurant in Fenwick will surely delight. You can expect a delicious spread of sandwiches, scones and sweet treats, all with a Christmas twist. To keep the kids entertained, there’ll be colouring activities, an adorable elf hat to wear and a chance for a photo op post-food. Children will also get an early Christmas gift to take home with them.
Where: Edinburgh city centre
When: Across November and December
Enjoy a fulfilling Christmas day out by hopping on the train to Edinburgh. If Christmas markets are your festive bag, Edinburgh is not to be missed. With enough souvenirs, gifts, homewares and plenty of delicious food and drink to keep you going, there’s so much to see and do. Add to that a Christmas tree maze, double carousel, Santa run and reindeer ride, even the sternest Scrooge will catch a little festive spirit…
Where: Beamish Museum, County Durham, DH9 0RG
When: 23rd November – 24th December
If you’ve ever wondered what Christmas was like in the olden days, Christmas at Beamish is your chance to find out! Across the festive period, this open-air museum transforms into a winter wonderland spanning historical periods from the Georgian times to the 1950s. Wander through the 1900s town adorned with traditional decorations, check out the whimsical Elf Wood, and discover the bustling 1950s stalls for a unique Christmas shopping experience. For an extra fee of £8, you can also visit Father Christmas in his enchanting grotto.
Where: Peel 7 Car Park, Trafford Centre, M17 8AA
When: 6th December – 5th January
What happens when world-class ice skaters and jaw-dropping circus performers meet? Snowstorm Firebird does! A dazzling performance that brings the enchanting tale of Irina and the mystical Firebirds to life, you’ll be spellbound from start to finish. This three-hour extravaganza is perfect for all ages, offering a vibrant celebration of light, unity and festive cheer. With tickets starting at just £11.99, it’s an affordable and unforgettable way to get into the holiday spirit.
Where: York city centre
When: Across November and December
Visit York this Christmas and you won’t just find a market, you’ll discover an entire Christmas Festival all over the city, including music concerts, pop-up events and top-notch festive shopping. Start at St Nicolas Fair (17th November to 23rd December) for a hot mulled wine or cup of chestnuts, or shop for handmade Christmas gifts. Shambles Market is also open every day and is another great place to visit in York, where you can pick up some good old Yorkshire produce for your Christmas table.
Where: Wensleydale Railway, Yorkshire or Waverley Station, Edinburgh, Scotland
When: Yorkshire: 16th November – 23rd December, Edinburgh: 29th November – 23rd December
All aboard for festive fun! For a Christmas adventure that captures the magic of the season, check out the Polar Express Ride in Yorkshire or Edinburgh. At Wensleydale Railway in Yorkshire, your journey begins at Leeming Bar Station, where you’ll meet characters from the beloved film, sip on hot chocolate served by singing chefs, and receive a special gift from Santa himself. In Edinburgh, the Polar Express departs from Waverley Station, offering a fully immersive, theatrical experience complete with festive music, dancing and storytelling. Whichever location you visit, you’ll get a truly magical experience.
Where: Liverpool city centre
When: Across November and December
Liverpool is a magical city all year round, but never more so than Christmas. The city is pulling out all the stops for your festive trip, like putting up a spectacular Christmas tree, building an ice rink at Pier Head, and hosting a fabulous festive market featuring mulled wine, tasty treats and a big wheel for views across the city. And that’s before you shop ‘til you drop at Liverpool ONE’s 160 shops.
Where: Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7LN
When: 30th November – 5th January
Whilst medical history and festive cheer may not seem the most obvious partnership, the Thackray Museum has proven that actually, they’re a perfect couple! This enchanting event transforms the museum into a winter wonderland, with intricate paper sculptures by renowned artist Andy Singleton. Inspired by the stories of NHS staff, the decorations bring to life the festive spirit and dedication of healthcare workers. Every weekend, the award-winning theatre company Wrongsemble, adds a touch of magic with pop-up performances across the museum.
Where: King’s Square, York, YO1 7LD
When: 30th November – 23rd December
Get your chocolate fix in before the big day with Santa’s Christmas Tour at York’s Chocolate Story. This unique experience takes you on a guided journey through York’s rich chocolate heritage. You’ll enjoy delicious samples along the way and learn about the city’s iconic sweet treats. The highlight? Meeting Santa in his chocolate workshop, where kids can create their own Christmas-themed chocolate lollies to take home. With interactive storytelling, hands-on chocolate making and a magical atmosphere, it’s a perfect festive day out for families.
Where: Lotherton, Aberford, Leeds
When: 23rd November – 5th January
Lotherton Hall is beautiful all year round, but at Christmas, it truly comes to life. Enter the Christmas Experience and you can wander through twinkling light displays, explore the Elf Village, and enjoy Mrs. Claus’ charming tales. Kids can meet Santa in his cosy cabin, complete with a special gift, while the whole family can marvel at the beautifully decorated Edwardian hall. Don’t miss the magical Woodland Walk, where fairy lights and hidden surprises await.
Where: York Designer Outlet, St Nicholas Ave, York, YO19 4TA
When: 15th November – 5th January
Home to the North of England’s biggest outdoor ice rink, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is a fun-filled day for the whole family. This year’s funfair promises to be bigger and better than ever before, so a skate on the rink is not to be missed. For those who prefer to celebrate Christmas in a more sedate manner, don’t worry – the rink-side alpine lodge is the perfect spot to cosy up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Where: Manchester city centre
When: Across November and December
The infamous Manchester Christmas Markets will be back once more, opening its wooden doors and warming up the Glühwein from 10 November to 20 December. But that’s not all the city has to offer. Head to the city on the 8th of December and you can watch the Manchester Christmas Parade, catch one of the many festive concerts at Bridgewater Hall, or take a Santa Cruise along the Manchester Ship Canal for a meet and greet with a twist. Whatever you decide, Manchester offers a wonderful Christmas day out for the whole family.
Which magical Christmas days out would you like to try? Share your thoughts, snaps and festive cheer with us over Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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