Get ready for a magical Christmas
Looking for some fun ways to get into the festive spirit? Then look no further, as we've gathered our top things to do this Christmas.
Get into the festive spirit.
Its never too early to start planning some fun-filled activities to do this Christmas, whether thats watching a cheeky panto or getting some presents ticked off your Christmas shopping list, we've got you covered with some great locations all along our route.
Get booking now to save on your travel with Christmas travel tickets on sale now!
Click the categories below to discover our unmissable things to do this Christmas.
Christmas Markets and Shopping
Left it until the last minute to do all your Christmas shopping? Or just wanting to browse through the traditional stalls in a classic Christmas market? Either way, we have you covered with some of the best shopping destinations and markets along our route.
Festive Experiences
From ice skating in Winter Wonderland in Hyde park, to enjoying a wholesome evening of listening to Christmas carols, we've found some truly magical experiences to enjoy this festive period.
Christmas Lights
Theres nothing quite like wandering through tunnels of lights and seeing incredible illuminations on a cold winter night. Take a look at our top Christmas light events along the East Coast mainline.
Festive Family Fun
Whether you want to visit Father Christmas himself, or want to watch a classic Christmas tale on the stage, experience a childlike wonder with these events that are fun for all the family.
Group Christmas Events
Christmas isn't just for children. Take a look at our top picks for groups along our route. Create the perfect Christmas day out for you and your friends.
Theatre & Panto
Christmas is the best time of year to go watch a classic panto in the theatre. From retellings of a classic fairytale, to a rock and roll musical extravaganza, we've got you covered with the best shows along our route this winter.
Christmas Markets and Shopping
It wouldn't be Christmas without a traditional Christmas market. With festive treats, deliciously spiced mulled wine, and some of the UK's best craft goods, you'll find all you need to get into the Christmassy mood. So wrap up warm, grab your friends and family, and shop till you drop this winter.
Glasgow Christmas Market
Location: Glasgow
Dates: 1 Dec - 7 Jan
Price: Free
Kid friendly? Yes
Discover a winter wonderland set against the backdrop of the City Chambers at Glasgow's George Square Christmas markets. Expect festive foods, delicious drinks, exciting sellers, and Christmas-themed entertainment.
Shopping in Leeds
Location: Leeds
Dates: all year
Price: Free
Kid friendly? Yes
If you're looking for vintage finds, local food, or designer brands, look no further than Leeds. With the Corn Exchange and Trinity shopping centre all within walking distance from the train station, the perfect gift is just around the corner and makes treating yourself that little bit easier.
Leicester Square Christmas Markets
Location: London
Dates: TBC
Price: Free
Kid friendly? Yes
Located in the hear of London's West End, you'll find a marvellous array of hand-crafted goods, delicious street food, and, of course, mulled wine. Plus, head to the Spiegeltent tent to catch a show from La Clique, an award-winning performance filled with cabaret and circus skills.
Shopping in Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Dates: all year
Price: Free
Kid friendly? Yes
Edinburgh is the perfect place to find your Christmas presents, whether you're looking for the best luxury shops or a gift that is a little less ordinary you'll be sure to find it in Edinburgh. Stroll down Princes Street, just outside the train station and find the perfect gift this Christmas.
Shopping in York
Location: York
Dates: all year
Price: Free
Kid friendly? Yes
A historic city that offers truly modern retail experiences. You will be sure to find all of your Christmas gifts in York city centre. Take a walk down the famous Shambles, and find the perfect whimsical present, and grab a bite to eat from one of the many independant eateries to fuel you for your day.
Skipton Christmas Market
Location: Skipton
Dates: 3 & 10 Dec
Price: Free
Kid friendly? Yes
Get lost in the festive atmosphere of Skipton's Christmas markets. Discover dozens of local independent makers, bakers and crafters selling unique goods that make the perfect Christmas gifts. With only two dates to pick from, make sure you don't miss out on Skipton's Chrismas Market.
Festive Experiences
Get into the spirit of Christmas with an immersive festive experience. From ice skating, Christmas carols and more, make this Christmas unfogettable with a magical experience unlike any other. Great fun for all the family.
Christmas carols at the Royal Albert Hall
Location: London
Dates: 16, 17, 21, 22, 23 and 24 Dec
Price: from £21.00
Kid friendly? Yes
These concerts have become a festive favourite over the years, so join the Royal Albert Hall in an exeptional show that brings these wonderful Christmas carols to life.
Harrogate ice rink & Christmas attractions
Location: Harrogate
Dates: 1 Dec - 31 Dec
Prices: Free entry
Kid Friendly? Yes
Crescent Gardens in Harrogate will take on a festive feel this year with a carousel and other small rides for children, as well as an ice rink to coincide with the Christmas market for the first time.
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
Location: London
Dates: 17 Nov- 1 Jan
Price: Free for off-peak, from £7.50 for peak
Kid friendly? Yes
Located in London's Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is a must-see destination for the festive period. Offering a variety of festive attractions, magical entertainment, and delicious food, what better way to immerse yourself in the festive spirit this wintertime?
Lincoln Castle Illuminated
Location: Lincoln
Dates: 8 Dec - 23 Dec
Price: From £6 for children, £11 for adults
Kid friendly? Yes
Enjoy Lincoln Castle's grounds bejewlled with festive lights and illuminated Christmas features, take a trip down Candy Cane Lane and give your warmest seasons greetings to the resident castle dragons.
Ice Skating in Times Square
Location: Newcastle
Dates: 11 Nov - 7 Jan
Prices: Child from £11.50, Adults from £15.00
Kid friendly? Yes
No, you don't have to travel all the way to New York City to experience ice skating in Times Square. Newcastle's ever popular ice rink is set to return to the Life Science Centre this November. Why not hire out the rink with a group of friends for a wholesome day of wintery fun?
Newcastle Northern Lights
Location: Newcastle
Dates: 23 Nov - 1 Jan
Price: Children from £13.50, adults from £19.00
Kid friendly? Yes
Launching this year for the very first time is the Northern Lights Christmas Trail. A mixture of twinkling illuminations, immersive visuals, original audio, and dynamic choreography, this after-dark experience is the full festive package. Wander through stunning scenery before treating yourself to some festive treats in the Christmas Village.
Christmas Lights
Is there anything more magical than the twinkling lights at Christmas Eve? Explore spectacular illuminations, sparkling exhibitions, and an unbeatable festive atmosphere with a festive light display this Christmas season.
Christmas at the Botanics
Location: Edinburgh
Dates: select dates 16 Nov - 30 Dec
Price: From £13.50 for children, £19.00 for adults
Kid friendly? Yes
Witness Inverleith House come to life at Christmas at the Botanics. Situated in Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden, watch in wonder as plant themed projections light the way through this 18th century building. And once you've finished exploring the cosmic light trails, why not settle in front of the big log fire at the bar with a hot chocolate?
York Minster Tree Festival
Location: York
Dates: 2 Dec - 5 Jan
Price: Free
Kid friendly? Yes
Set amid the medieval backdrop of York Minster is the ever popular York Minster Christmas Tree Festival. Expect a stunning display of Christmas Trees decorated by local businesses, schools, and charities. Plus you get to vote for your favourite in the 'best dressed tree' competition!
Christmas at Kew
Location: London
Dates: 15 Nov - 7 Jan
Price: from £19.50 for adults
Kid friendly? Yes
The UK's most magical festive light trail returns to Kew Gardens this festive season, and this year, its bigger and better than ever. Discover brand new installations, including 3 metre high illuminated flowers, a new longer light tunnel and more. Plus you'll find plenty of seasonal treats to fuel your wonder.
Festive Family Fun
Experience the magic of Christmas with a childlike wonder once more. From meeting Father Christmas on a steam train, to watching a classic family favourite tale, discover activities for the whole family along the East Coast mainline.
Santa Steam Express
Location: London
Dates: 15, 18 and 21 Dec
Price: from £65
Kid friendly? Yes
Santa Claus is coming to town! Families can hop aboard the Santa Steam Express and meet the Santa and his helpers departing and returning to London Victoria station.
The Snowman Tour
Location: London
Dates: 9 - 10 Dec (and others UK wide)
Price: from £15
Kid friendly? Yes
The triumphant return of The Snowman is here for its 26th year! Follow the family-favourtie tale of a boy and his snowman friend at London's Peacock Theatre. With a spectacular blend of storytelling, live music, and spell-binding performances, this production is the perfect day out for all this Christmas.
Newcastle Winter Fairy Trail
Location: Gateshead
Dates: 25 Nov - 8 Jan
Prices: Free event (grounds admission applies)
Kid friendly? Yes
The gardeners at Gibside keep losing seeds and misplacing plant pots, but they’re sure it’s the work of mischievous fairies. Help them discover clues on a journey around the garden, study the activity map and explore secret nooks.
Group Christmas Events
Maybe you're a bit too old to visit Santa's grotto. That's fine, we've still got you covered. Explore the best group activities on offer this Christmas period. From discos to outdoor skating, there are plenty of mates days out to be had. Remember, if you're travelling in a group of 3-9 people you can save 20% on train tickets as well!
Disco Party Nights
Location: Glasgow
Dates: 2 - 22 Dec
Price: From £40
Kid friendly? No
Want a groovy way to get into the Christmas spirit? Well, pop on your best disco gear and get yourself down to Disco Party Nights. Expect a vibrant party atmosphere full of good food, drinks, and a soundtrack of festive floor fillers to help you get your groove on.
The Ski Lodge at The Montague on the Gardens
Location: London
Dates: From 3 Nov
Price: Packages available (group of 10 minimum)
Kid friendly? No
Experience all the fun of skiing without having to fly away this Christmas. The Montague Ski Lodge is London's original ski lodge, complete with pine trees, falling snow, ski racks and twinkling lights. Stay snug with hot drinks, spiced cider, and delicious alpine treats as you take in the winter wonderland around you.
Laugh Out Loud Comedy Christmas Club
Loction: York
Date: 15 Dec
Price: £46.95
Kid Friendly? No (over 16s only)
Get ready to laugh your stockings off with a night filled with hilarious laughter and festive cheer at the LOL Comedy Christmas Club at the York Barbican this December.
Theatre & Panto
Theres nothing quite like the magic of the big stage at Christmas time. From musical productions and fairytail reenactments, to traditional pantos, discover an unmissable stage experience this Christmas period.
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan
Location: Edinburgh
Dates: 25 Nov - 31 Dec
Price: from £20
Kid friendly? Yes
You can't go wrong with a bit of panto at Christmas. Join Peter Pan and set sail on a swashbuckling adventure to remember. Expect stunning special effects, incredible sets, extravagant costumes and a whole barrel of laughs - ideal for the whole family!
Robin Hood: The Rock 'n' Roll Panto
Location: Leeds
Dates: 24 Nov - 7 Jan
Price: from £22.50
Kid friendly? Yes
A classic tale with a Rock 'n' Roll twist! Robin Hood: The Rock 'n' Roll Panto mixes audience participation and corny gags with a jukebox of classic rock anthems, making it the perfect show for the whole family... Oh yes it is!
Cinderella: A Fairytale
Location: Newcastle
Dates: 2 Dec - 6 Jan
Price: from £10
Kid friendly? Yes (event advises over 5 years but all are welcome)
A retelling of the classic tale, Cinderella: A Fairytale is a whimsical, modern take on an already loved story. Full of joyful music, spectacular dancing, and side-splitting comedy, Cinderella: A Fairytale is a glorious adventure to embark on this festive period.
Go by train and relax!
Tips for travelling at Christmas 2023
We all know that Christmastime is one of the busiest times of year for train travel. Be sure to plan ahead with tickets on sale for the Christmas and New Years period now.